"We also have issue oriented storylines which are an examination of an issue, be it ethical or social"
About this Quote
“Issue oriented storylines” is industry-speak that tries to launder a commercial imperative into a civic virtue. David E. Kelley isn’t just describing a narrative choice; he’s defending a production philosophy that made his brand: prestige TV that sells itself as socially awake while still delivering the dopamine of plot. The phrase “we also have” is doing quiet PR work, positioning didactic arcs as an added service rather than the main engine, as if to reassure viewers (and network notes) that the show won’t turn into a lecture.
The subtext is a tightrope walk between art, advocacy, and audience retention. “Examination” sounds neutral, almost scientific, a word that promises balance and seriousness without committing to a side. It frames the writer’s room as a courtroom: evidence presented, arguments weighed, verdict deferred. That rhetorical posture matters because it protects the show from accusations of propaganda while still letting it cash in on relevance. “Ethical or social” widens the net to include hot-button controversies and evergreen dilemmas, giving the series a renewable supply of timely plots that double as cultural commentary.
Contextually, Kelley’s career sits at the crossroads of procedural entertainment and public debate: legal and medical dramas that translate messy societal conflict into weekly, digestible cases. The intent is clear: turn the news cycle into narrative fuel, and use character stakes to make policy feel personal. It’s not just storytelling about issues; it’s storytelling designed to make issues watchable.
The subtext is a tightrope walk between art, advocacy, and audience retention. “Examination” sounds neutral, almost scientific, a word that promises balance and seriousness without committing to a side. It frames the writer’s room as a courtroom: evidence presented, arguments weighed, verdict deferred. That rhetorical posture matters because it protects the show from accusations of propaganda while still letting it cash in on relevance. “Ethical or social” widens the net to include hot-button controversies and evergreen dilemmas, giving the series a renewable supply of timely plots that double as cultural commentary.
Contextually, Kelley’s career sits at the crossroads of procedural entertainment and public debate: legal and medical dramas that translate messy societal conflict into weekly, digestible cases. The intent is clear: turn the news cycle into narrative fuel, and use character stakes to make policy feel personal. It’s not just storytelling about issues; it’s storytelling designed to make issues watchable.
Quote Details
| Topic | Ethics & Morality |
|---|
More Quotes by David
Add to List
