Both shows covered the same themes, with similar objectives, through use of the same basic format the medical drama. The result was decisive. ER , NBC s frenetically paced ensemble piece immediately shot to the top of the ratings, while Chicago Hope , with its slower, more ponderous style, sank like a stone. Eventually, Chicago Hope was able to resolve its problems, but only by refitting the show in the mold of its more successful sister show. If you can t beat em, move to Monday nights and copy em.
Preachers ought to pay attention.
This experiement in public discourse offers useful insights into the mind of the listener as we attempt to communicate the Word in the context of postmodernity. If listening styles have changed, preachers need to know about it. The most obvious difference, I observed, may also be the most significant. While it could be argued that ER featured superior actors, or more interesting story-lines, those factors were likely less significant than the radical diveregence in discursive method. While Chicago Hope appeared familiar, ER found a whole different way to tell its stories.