Meaning: The quote "No, the seventies was a totally different sensibility and that allowed us to break new ground as a cop show." by Paul Glaser, reflects on the unique cultural and creative environment of the 1970s and its impact on the evolution of television. This quote is attributed to Paul Glaser, who is best known for his role as Detective David Michael Starsky on the popular 1970s television series "Starsky & Hutch." The show, which aired from 1975 to 1979, was a groundbreaking cop drama that departed from the conventional formula of the genre and embraced a more gritty, realistic portrayal of crime-fighting and police work.

During the 1970s, there was a significant shift in the cultural and social landscape in the United States. The era was marked by social and political upheaval, including the aftermath of the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the rise of countercultural movements. These seismic shifts in society had a profound impact on the entertainment industry, leading to a renaissance of creativity and innovation in film and television.

The quote acknowledges the "totally different sensibility" of the 1970s, suggesting that this unique cultural backdrop provided the ideal environment for pushing the boundaries of traditional television storytelling. In the context of "Starsky & Hutch," this sensibility allowed the creators and writers of the show to deviate from the standard portrayal of law enforcement and crime-solving on television.

The show was known for its gritty, urban setting, complex characters, and realistic portrayals of crime and its consequences. Unlike many of its predecessors, "Starsky & Hutch" did not shy away from depicting the darker aspects of police work, including the moral dilemmas faced by its protagonists and the harsh realities of urban crime. This departure from the sanitized and formulaic cop shows of previous decades was made possible by the shifting sensibilities and cultural attitudes of the 1970s.

In addition to its thematic innovations, "Starsky & Hutch" also broke new ground in terms of its visual style and storytelling techniques. The show utilized dynamic camera work, fast-paced editing, and a pulsating soundtrack to create a sense of urgency and excitement, setting it apart from the more staid and traditional police procedurals of the past.

Furthermore, the quote by Paul Glaser highlights the fact that the 1970s provided an opportunity for creative professionals to challenge the status quo and explore new narrative territory. The era was characterized by a spirit of experimentation and risk-taking in popular culture, and "Starsky & Hutch" exemplified this spirit by daring to present a fresh and unvarnished take on the police procedural genre.

In conclusion, Paul Glaser's quote about the seventies being a "totally different sensibility" that allowed for breaking new ground as a cop show encapsulates the transformative impact of the cultural and creative milieu of the era on television programming. "Starsky & Hutch" stands as a testament to the power of the 1970s sensibility to inspire innovative storytelling and redefine the conventions of the cop show genre.