Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Ron Powers argues that TV is perhaps the unifying and inevitable subject of our time--and presents these essays on the topic. Previously published in GQ, they include discussions of some of the TV phenomena of the 80s--Entertainment Tonight, MTV, LA Law-- and also report on shows of the new decade such as The Simpsons and the recent blockbuster event from PBS, The Civil War. Throughout, Powers' theme is clear: America has reached a stage where the distinction between TV and the real world has nearly vanished. 10,000print.