Quote:
And no, I don't think the movie is too violent for prime-time network TV.

I guess it depends on your definition of prime-time. I personally think that an 8pm start is too early for SPR on a public network. When I first saw SPR it had a profound effect on me - the first 5 minutes alone are horrific enough to disrupt one's thoughts for weeks. I'd hate for anyone under the age of 12 to see those scenes and I don't think that the average parent is keeping track of when SPR is going to be showing on a public network. I doubt that they'd expect something quite so gruesome to be on that early. It's not like some movies where violence occurs well into the film (e.g. Dead Calm) thus giving parents time to recognise it and switch the channel - with SPR it's basically "Look - a calm pleasant scene with an old dude <cut scene> BAM! Body parts flying, blood pouring down a beach etc" right at the beginning.

It's very easy for non-parents to say "Change the channel", but in reality parenthood brings a whole load of competing responsibilities. Sometimes you're juggling so many chores that you just cannot sit and watch television - you trust that at 8pm on public networks your children will find shows that aren't a complete bloodfest.

That being said, I agree with everything else you said and a 9pm start would be less of an issue (incidentally, what time did it start?)
I also think that SPR should be compulsory viewing for any gung-ho macho teen aspiring to a military career.
_________________________
Mk2a 60GB Blue. Serial 030102962 sig.mp3: File Format not Valid.