T.V.

Since my early childhood, I have been addicted to sitcoms. Whether it is "Laverne and Shirley" or "Friends", I can't resist watching them. Nick at Nite or TV Land have become a nightly staple in my household. My husband on the other hand is a movie watcher. He loves being sucked into another situation or drama, trying to figure out the crime or taking over the world. I can't seem to sit still that long anymore. I have always said that I like to have my problems begin and end in 30 minutes, hence why I am attached to sitcoms. Then there are the sitcom families that I have grown attached to, acting as if they were part of my own family. "The Ricardo's, The Seaver's, The Brady's, The Walton's, The Ingalls", and last but not least The Huxtable's. I have for warned everyone that is close to me, that when Bill Cosby passes away (God Forbid), that will be a day of mourning for me. I absolutely love that man, and his character on the Cosby show. Whenever I am not feeling well or just down in the dumps I break out my Cosby Show DVD Seasons. I know it sounds strange, but somehow they comfort me. Some folks need cigarettes others need drugs, I on the other hand need The Cosby Show.

Then there are the sitcoms that were about strong women figures, making it on their own. "Murphy Brown, Kate & Allie, Designing Women", just to name a few. I know you are probably thinking that this girl watches too much T.V. Well, I will be honest; I do. I will be the first to admit it, but as stated before, where else can you have and solve a problem in less than 30 minutes, and maybe have a few laughs along the way? Would you rather that I be committing crimes or causing problems? I think I will stick to watching my extended, make believe families, the funny situations they get themselves in, and how they all love each other by the end of the show.

Over the years we have watched sitcoms and television change so much. From Lucy and Desi and how Lucy was "expecting" a baby. They were not actually allowed to use the word pregnant, so the entire time they had to use the word "expecting". Now days, folks are pregnant, have the baby live on television, have abortions, and even procreate during the show. You literally get to see when the child begins and ends. I much prefer the simplicity of the "Andy Griffith Show" or "The Dick Van Dyke Show".

Let's not even talk about reality T.V. What a waste of time. Not only is the majority of it scripted, it's downright filthy. How can it be reality T.V. if they have scripts? Everything is based on sex, switching boyfriends, girlfriends and spouses; lies and deceit. I just don't have any interest in any of that. The sad thing is that some people really believe that life is really like the reality T.V. shows. I see so many people go out, get drunk, sleep around, use drugs, dance all night, and act a fool; and think that is appropriate.

I am more forgiving for an early 20 year old doing these things, but watching 30, 40, and 50 year olds behave this way is insane. Now don't get me wrong. I don't think at the older ages that you are to be sitting at home in your rocker and knitting either, but please grow up and act your age. Which acting your age to me means, being responsible and being an example.

Bottom line is T.V. is just a form of entertainment. It should not be taken so seriously, and it definitely shouldn't be imitated. So excuse me, but "Who's the Boss" reruns are about to come on. Got to have my "Tony and Angela" fix.