We are gathered here today, to pay our final respects to the Title Sequence. Once an important part of the viewing experience, it has been relegated to just a quick flash of a name.

When television was first born, it wasn't long before the title sequence was created. Its purpose, to give the viewer a basic understanding of the program, to entice them to stay and watch, and to give credit to those involved in the creation of the program. While some title sequences were Spartan, others became instant classics.

I still have fond memories of the title sequence to The Honeymooners, featuring Jackie Gleason as the man on the moon. I remember the haunting visuals and music from the first time I watched Doctor Who. Nothing epitomises the 80s like the titles from The A-Team and Knight Rider. As a teen, nothing captures the imagination like the intro to Star Trek: The Next Generation or Deep Space Nine. But none of these even begin to capture the feeling emoted by the five different title sequences of Babylon 5, each one capturing the feeling and setting of the season it represented. 

Over the years the title sequence has grown and evolved. Like how Battlestar Galactica used the title sequence to catch viewers up on the situation and like Space:1999, to give them a taste of what was to come in the next hour.

There is even an Emmy category for best theme music for a program.

Title sequences for programs like Doctor Who have evolved, but still convey the same mystery that began in 1963. However, like the universe, whatever expands will eventually contract.

I blame the death of the title sequence on JJ Abrams. Not to knock his work in the slightest, but it began with Lost. So, the first episode of Lost has a cold open, Jack Shepard's eye. It goes on to display the chaos of the plane crash, then the screen goes to black and the title comes on along with the twisted THX sound...and that's it. 

Okay, I can understand this, especially for the pilot. I mean, why pay for a theme, and a montage, when you don't even know if you will survive the first two hours. Fair enough.

So I watch the second episode, and it's the same thing. Continuing to watch, I finally come to terms with the fact that there will not be a title sequence, and with that show, I can accept it. Lost would be totally dulled if some pop song accompanied the credits, and I doubt a composer would be able to effectively create a theme for the show. But this began the downward spiral. 

Soon more shows opt to not have a title sequence, or even remove it in place of the dreaded title card. The first one that springs to mind is Stargate Atlantis. The programme began with one of the best title sequences of recent history, along with an Emmy Award winning theme. 

For four seasons the title sequence was updated and was equally stunning. Until season 5, and the decision to cut the beloved sequence, and insert the damned title card.

Now other shows are doing the same: V, Stargate: Universe, FlashForward, and others have abandoned the time honoured tradition, all to be able to squeeze in one or two more 30 second commercials. Because it's not like they are extending the episodes for the one minute it takes for a title sequence...hate to break it to you. And, quite frankly, how much additional content can they fit into that space? I'm guessing not much. 

The phenomenon of the title sequence die-off has transcended media as well. That damn JJ Abrams did it again with Star Trek, and it won't be long before title sequences everywhere go the way of the Dodo. 

Pretty soon movie title sequences will be like the long gone overture that was played before movies, replaced with more trailers and snack food commercials. I would have very much liked to have been put in the mood for the film, like they did with Star Trek: The Motion Picture. A few minutes to sit and reflect on what you are about to see, set the mood, the ambiance, if you will.  Now it's sell sell sell...then EXPLOSIONS! 

Perhaps I am too old school, but I miss the title sequence. Then again, I also have an HD DVD player in the basement, and an Atari that still gets used once in a while. I must have a hard time letting go, but it seems like the all mighty dollar, and JJ Abrams are behind it all.

Title sequences used to get me excited for what I was about to watch, It almost set the mood, and in this day and age, it almost feels like we're always trying to rush things, get more in, and do it all way too fast.

But perhaps I just need to let go, and pull out some classic Honeymooners VHS tapes to reminisce.

So here lies the title sequence. It was a good concept.  It told us what to expect in the next hour, got us excited, and entertained. It is survived by its parents, NBC, CBS, ABC and the BBC, its children the Cold Open and Title Card. It was born 1939 and died somewhere in the early 21st century, and it will be missed, at least by some.

As a side note, I really do love JJ Abrams work. I've seen every episode of Lost and was there opening day for Cloverfield and Star Trek, but I needed a target for my rant, and Mr. Abrams was caught in the crosshairs. 

But JJ, if you want to call me and discuss title sequences, my phone is open to you 24/7...