“Jumping the shark” is a colloquialism used by TV critics and fans to denote that point in a TV show or movie series’ history where the plot veers off into absurd story lines or out-of-the-ordinary characterisations, particularly for a show with falling ratings apparently becoming more desperate to draw viewers in.
In the process of undergoing these changes, the TV or movie series loses its original appeal. Shows that have “jumped the shark” are typically deemed to have passed their peak. (wiki)
The above saying had been bandied about over the last few weeks about a certain team we follow who wear red. The story line of the season had gone absurd. (Losing to Connacht and Ulster) Viewing figures were threatening to fall. (If you were to believe the fans leaving the Ulster game with 20 minutes to go, they were never coming back). Some even claimed that Munster had lost it’s original appeal. What is the best way to dispel all these non sensical thought processes? A comeback special.
Who ever writes Munster’s scripts is a genius at suspense. Heading over to the Ospreys last week, another loss would have had some people looking for character changes. Instead we got drama of the highest level in the first part of this two part comeback. A young out half makes a name for himself. (Doyle) A young buck earns his stripes. (O’Leary) The captain returned to steady the ship (O Connell) and the old wise man in the corner answered his critics in the way he only knows how. (Mc Gahan).
So what of part two? Well that airs this Friday night at Thomond Park. It is a sell out live show with Sale Sharks playing the supporting role. The noise of the theatre has been muted in recent times, but the appreciation for the performers has returned.
Away from the all glistening lights and TV references, Munster have to take on Sale on Friday night in a must win game. When faced with must win games in January against English opposition, Munster are the masters. The 2006 version of this fixture will forever be etched in the Munster fabric. A young Barry Murphy side stepping a flying Jason Robinson, or that famous hit on Chabal. It might not be as easy to repeat this time. In that fixture Sale came over to consolidate. This time, they have to win too. Injuries are hampering Munster’s preparation. Tipoki is gone. O Gara should start, but might not last. Horan and Earls should be recovered from their illness.
The intensity and passion of the 2006 game needs to be matched. More so I’m afraid on the terraces and in the stands than ever before. In a time of recession, a Sale can always lift the heart. At the moment, we are in a passion recession. No longer can we go to Thomond and expect to be entertained. We have got to go to Thomond to support.
We are all guilty of it. We have all gotten greedy on the red army bandwagon. We are being asked everyday to tighten our belts. On Friday we need to loosen our vocal chords. Munster need us and we need Munster.
The game itself could hinge around the 10, 12, 13 channels. Munster are missing probably the best defender in their squad. Tipoki will be missing, but we won in Sale without him too. As for the 10 battle. The longer O Gara stays on the longer Munster can boss the game. If Earls is named in the centre we are in business. The boy wonder is a massive defender and he will have more than enough to stop the flying the Kiwi Mc Allister. Munster to win, with passion and noise the key. Get out those flags and drink that honey.
