It is not a perfect benchmark by which to judge a show, but I do think it worthwhile to make a first scene comparison between what I consider good shows and bad. Anyway, it was the first Sunday of new shows on PBS and whilst we, me and mom, eagerly watched both The Forsytes and the Count of Monte Cristo I noticed the stark contrast immediately.

I’d like to make a first scene comparison between the two shows and hopefully explain why I think one effectively grabbed me and the other left me cold and bored.

First Scene Comparison Stage 1: The Forsytes

The Forsytes came before the Count of Monte Cristo so I’ll go ahead and examine that opening scene first. The Forsytes opens with a wedding scene. We see perfectly coiffed and beautiful people milling around the beautiful venue, all smiling happily. A voice over then begins to explain the scene.

First the camera focus on their hairdo, that is to say the leading man. We are told this is Jolyon, who has just returned from a supposedly decadent tour of Europe to help run the family’s investment company. He is considered a bit too free-spirited for the job, or at least that’s what the voice tells us.

The camera then focuses on the bride. The voice explains she is a widow with a ten-year-old daughter. Change of camera focus to the girl. Then back to the bride; she is from an important family and this is an arranged marriage to further the prospects of both families the voice claims.

The camera then moves to another man who we are told is Soames, the brother of Jolyon and jealous of the responsibilities given to said brother. Conflict between the two is brewing says the voice.

Finally, the camera settles on an elderly woman, the source of the voice, and she tell us she is the matriarch of the Forsyte clan and gives us a few tidbits about her character.

First Scene Comparison Stage 2: The Count of Monte Cristo

A ragged man approaches a dilapidated coastal church on a blustery day. He opens the door allowing the light to explode into the darkness. He closes the door plunging the church into darkness again. He walks to the confessional booth and kneels. On the other side is a haggard looking priest.

Forgive me father, for I have sinned, says the man.

When was your last confession, asks the priest.

Fifteen years ago, replies the man.

The man tells the priest he believes he has forsaken God because he wants vengeance on the people who stole fifteen years from his life, who stole the only woman he ever loved.

Which One Sounds Good to You?

If I’ve done anything close to a decent job of making the first scene comparison, I hope I don’t have to tell you which one worked and which one did not.

The problem is quite clear and illustrates one of the fundamental rules of writing; show, don’t tell.

In the Forsytes we are told everything. Yes, we see the principles but we don’t see any evidence of their character, their position, their motivations, their drive. We are just told it is so and expected to believe it.

Ok, my brain says. I guess the voice is telling the truth but it’s given me so much information I can’t even remember who is who. Is that the bad brother or the good brother? I’m bored already, looking at my phone.

In the Count of Monte Cristo we are given far less information but all of it is shown to us. We know people did something terrible to this man fifteen years ago. We know he is bent on revenge. We are drawn immediately into the story. What happened fifteen years ago? Who is he? Who did this terrible thing to him? Will he get his vengeance? I want to know, I must know! Tell me, I’m not moving, I’m watching with full attention.

Conclusion

If you saw both of the episodes, did you have a similar experience to me?

Tom Liberman