Network Editing - Uncut vs. Cut

Cartoons have been edited by censors for years, but only recently have people made a fuss over it. Since the beginning of tv history live action and cartoons have been edited in broadcast or reruns to make room for more commercial time or because BS&P (the censors), wouldn't let something pass. Fans weren't happy with this but they didn't complain and this was before tv shows could be bought unedited on DVD and video.

Now you can't go anywhere without someone complaining about how a cartoon is edited to shreds. I'm no big fan of editing but as I've thought it over and listened to both sides I've come to the conclusion that editing is fine in most cases. Why?

1. Let's take Rurouni Kenshin - a show that people have been complaining about since it began airing on Cartoon Network. Some bloody scenes, curse words and general questionable edits were cut. I've seen what they edited. I have to admit that the editing for Kenshin, isn't as good as for Trigun or Cowboy Beebop, since some edits were a little choppy. But I absolutely agree that CN should have edited this show and for the most part 80% of the editing is handled well. Many times a show is cut for commercials but mainly people scream because Cartoon Network has reedited content to make a show unwatchable. I think chopping a show randomly for commercial time is far worse than what CN does.

Cartoons that are on at a certain time slot need to be edited for content. As part of the Toonami block don't - in your wildest dreams - expect the show to air uncut. It won't happen. Maybe if it aired on the adult swim block the critics who pan the editing might be happier. But my theory is if you can by the DVD uncut quit complaining. Toonami is for kids.

2. The target audience. Keep in mind the target audience for Kenshin and other action cartoon shows. Kids 6-13. Adults may look at cartoons but that's the target they're reaching for. As such they have a rating to maintain to get the show past censors. In other words they are going to edit it. Shows that air after midnight on the adult swim block are aimed at teens and adults and the editing is a mixed bag. It may be nothing or it may be minor changes. Again keeping the audience in mind, late night shows have a lot more flexibility to get things on unedited but even then don't hold your breath. Which brings me to my next point:

3. You can buy it on video. Now we see how much you really like this show. Do you really want to see it commercial free and uncut? Now you can. You can buy many of the shows unedited, on video and DVD. If you need to see blood flowing like water, myriad decapitations and curse words, sexual situations, it's all there for you my (hopefully) adult friends. So why are people complaining when they can see it unedited? True they have to plunk down cash but as in life there is a price to be paid somewhere.

So when it comes to editing remember this: It's better to have the show air with edits than not at all. If it's being shown on a network, odds are good that it will be released on DVD and video for more people to enjoy.