Once upon a time director/actor Kevin Smith seemed like one of those angry, furry trolls that lived in a basement somewhere and figured he could do anything and everything, related to film and TV, better than anyone else. It was an image given to him after it was established that he was in fact knowledgeable about a great many things when it came to his chosen profession and could in fact back up the attitude he had moving forward. But that being said it was a bit of a rough journey for Smith since he still had to prove himself and has had to do so continually throughout the years. But at this point it would seem that he’s proved everything he needs to and his legacy is pretty well secured. In the case of The Goldbergs he’s even shown that he could direct 3 episodes of the beloved show and do just fine. So why doesn’t he strive to do more of them?
There is one reason that sticks out like a sore thumb and it has to do with the fact that Goldberg’s cast is a well-defined and very smooth-running unit that doesn’t require a whole lot of directing since they seem to know just what to do and how to do it. Kevin Smith seems to have been brought on largely because his work inspired the creator of the show and it was thought perhaps that he would be a value asset to have around. When it was discovered that he really didn’t have to do anything though it became kind of a wasted opportunity for those that wanted to learn something from him, and for Kevin, who was excited about getting the chance to direct a very respected show. Well, perhaps not wasted, but at the very least it didn’t seem that they needed him there, and so it would seem his capacity was relegated to more of a glorified consultant than anything.
Those that have have followed Smith’s career throughout the years know that he’s a valued asset to have on a project and those that have followed The Goldberg’s know that it’s a favored show for a reason, so putting Smith on the project might have seemed like it would be slam dunk of such proportions that it was a no-brainer to attempt. But given that both director and cast seemed to have been respectful but in agreement that Smith’s services were barely needed it almost feels as though he might be better off just going about his business as usual and allowing this show to run as it’s been doing for so long. There’s nothing wrong with the fact that he’s directed three episodes or that some people would love to see him direct more, but at some point it might feel more like micro-managing than actual directing since the cast members know very well what’s expected of them and how to produce the kind of performance that people are expecting. Smith is the kind of guy that seems as though he likes to be hands on and doesn’t exactly like having nothing to do most times, so perhaps this wouldn’t be the best fit.
Also, it’s not as though Smith is in any way idle at this point. There is still the idea that Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back will be seeing a sequel come to fruition eventually and he’s been busy with one project or another it would seem throughout the years. The Goldberg’s might have been a good attempt to see whether the show could benefit from his expertise and vision but as it would seem from what’s been said it’s not a horrible fit, but it’s not as needed as some would think. Sometime the whole idea of placing an awesome and talented individual in charge of an awesome show is great in theory but doesn’t really work out as well in reality. The idea was sound since Smith is in some circles considered a very astute and knowledgeable man that can make a project even better when he’s called upon to do so. But even his talents have a limit and at times even he can’t find a whole lot to improve upon since the projects he’s been on in the past have sometimes ran just fine without him being there.
It’s fair to say that he could take The Goldberg’s in a new and very interesting direction, but it would be a project that might need to be handled with care since it’s been seen in the past more than once that when a show’s cast is messed with, or if the overall feel of it is altered in too big of a way, the audience will react in a negative or very confused manner, and rightfully so. One person’s vision after all isn’t always going to work for everyone.
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