JayB Posted November 10, 2007 Posted November 10, 2007 "It's been eight years since a new episode of "Almost Live" came out. Up-down-up-down monorail, drunken driving council candidates, the Sonics owner's feet of Clay and civic paralysis -- all became vital local issues. But they also represent something more. They are missed opportunities, unwritten bits. Here was the target-rich environment where "Almost Live" made its mark for 15 years. Even so, Keister isn't so sure that the issues today -- as good as they remain -- could prop up the show once famous for its parodies of local politics, neighborhood stereotypes, Seattle quirkiness and anything regarding Renton or Kent. The city has lost its oddball manner and its regional distinction, he said, in ways that have muted much of "Live's" local flavor. Former "Live" cast member Nancy Guppy agreed. "I don't know if it could exist now," she said. Everything is becoming more homogeneous, with condos stacked on Subways, luxury markets, Pottery Barns. Said Guppy: "I'm not sure who cares about the local thing -- the Seattle thing." Or as Keister put it: "Ballard was old Scandinavians. Fremont was hippies. Capitol Hill was gay. Kent was where whites of modest means moved to escape Seattle school busing. Bellevue was the same for the rich. "Today, you can make a joke about Ballard but it's a bunch of wealthy people who work in the information industry. You make a joke about Wallingford and it's a bunch of wealthy people who work in the information industry. Fremont? That would be a bunch of wealthy people who work in the information industry. "And Belltown is a bunch of wealthy people who live in luxury condos ... who work in the information industry." Quote
OlympicMtnBoy Posted November 10, 2007 Posted November 10, 2007 This makes me wanna cry. So sad but true. I loved that show, even when I was like 8 and didn't get half of it. OMB (in his last holdout of an apartment building in Fremont, surrounded by new townhouses, condos, and construction sites) Quote
JayB Posted November 10, 2007 Author Posted November 10, 2007 Nothing can match the genius of "Sluggy..." Quote
JayB Posted November 10, 2007 Author Posted November 10, 2007 "High Five'n White Guys" and "The Lame List," also get high marks. Quote
olyclimber Posted November 10, 2007 Posted November 10, 2007 this one reminds me of people arguing on cc.com ZSjlKmLYBP0 "Covington Intellectuals" Quote
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