Forty years ago on September 20, 1977
during the 5th season of Happy Days in the episode Hollywood: Part 3,
Fonzie jumped a shark during a water skiing competition. The episode did extremely
well but many years later during a discussion of television shows on the
decline, some college students at the University of Michigan, including John
Hein, brought up this specific episode as the one where Happy Days was no
longer original and fresh.
The term “jump the shark” was born as a description of when
something popular begins to no longer be popular. Typically, the expression is used
for television or movie sequels but can be used in describing almost anything
in pop culture, among other things collecting too.
I know today is not a
normal question day but what sets would you say jumped the shark? This isn’t
limited to modern sets but any set/series/product ever made.
I know there are more,
but the only one coming to mind is 2011 Topps Triple Threads when they created
manufactured relics for John Henry, Leif Ericson and Pecos Bill. Not only did
that bring attention to Topps rehashing Triple Threads designs over and over
but unleashed manufactured relics as a “hit” in products.
One that comes to mind is Black Diamond. I liked the concept at first - one diamond for an average player, two diamonds for a an above average player, three diamonds for a star or rookie, four diamonds for a superstar or future star rookie. But the cards all looked the same year after year, the price point was a bit much for something with few hits, and building the set was tougher (and much less rewarding) than completing flagship Upper Deck. I think they got the message and finally dissolved the brand. But it was around a lot longer than it should have been IMo.
ReplyDeleteTopps sticker autographs. When I first returned to the hobby, I actually enjoyed those shiny silver signatures that say Topps Certified Autograph Issue. I can't stand them anymore.
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