This essay examines the problems of representation in the imagery of television, and how the video work of television deconstructionists in the 1970's addressed these issues. In contrast, the video works of 'scratchers' and other more contemporary forms of deconstructing the televised image are examined and their efficacy questioned. This essay is a revised version of an essay that appeared in the Channel 5 catalogue published by the Institute of Contemporary Arts and London Video Arts, London, 1985.