Poignant ’80s Pop Choices

Published November 18, 2019 · Updated July 6, 2022

Hey guys!

I am loving Watchmen and really enjoying your coverage of the series. Thank you for giving Watchmen the Shat on TV treatment!

There is so much to unpack in Episode 5 “Little Fear of Lightening” but I felt compelled to write in about the music from the episode.

Howard Jones’ Things Can Only Get Better is well placed during the opening sequence. The song is a challenge to push past fear and live in the present, with lyrics like:

“Treating today as though it was the last, the final show.”

“It may take a little time a lonely path, an uphill climb. Success or failure will not alter it.”

“And do you feel scared, I do
But I won’t stop and falter.”

The pop song that dominated this episode is one that’s synonymous with the ’80s, Careless Whisper by George Michael. Much like The Leftovers used Take on Me, Careless Whisper appears here in both the original recording, as an instrumental leitmotif, and in cover versions.

George Michael’s Careless Whisper with that sultry sax solo is an easy fit for Wade’s seduction in the house of mirrors. But with every subsequent use, the song is broken down and reimagined to drive home the themes of the episode.

The lyrics lament the breaking of trust and the aftermath of betrayal. This song is all about having crossed a line and nothing ever being the same again. Here’s a sampling of the lyrics:

“Time can never mend”

“There’s no comfort in the truth
Pain is all you’ll find”

Looking forward to this week’s Shat on TV deep dive!

Your friend,

Carmelita in California

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