October 14, 2013

There's Nothing Wrong With Your Television Set....

A few years ago a movie came out that extolled the virtues of old time television shows.  In "Pleasantville", the main character found himself living in a black and white world where innocence was a part of life.  His artless manner was derived from his passion for the simpler things in life. 

But alas this naïve young man soon wizened to the world and all of its realities. And as he, and those around him did, they became colorized. 

I have long been a fan of old time television myself.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to return to a time when life was just a bit less complicated?  When a laugh track bolstered your confidence just a little bit when you were beginning to feel overwhelmed?

Come to think about it, I’m pretty sure I’d like living in a town like Mayberry, where crime on monotone streets was minimal and friendliness maximum.

Or living in a mansion in Beverly Hills and somehow retaining your independent streak among the upper crusted echelon of society.

When I was a youngster one of the favorite shows in our house every week was “Lassie”, the story of an uncannily intelligent dog who managed every week to perform some sort of heroic or loving act for her family.  

I will admit that the poignant stories usually brought me to tears.

In fact, just the opening music and credits most often opened my water works many times. (I suppose you could say I was an overly emotional girl).  

It was because Lassie often endured life threatening escapades in her daily life that I found my young self crying.  And yet Lassie always prevailed.  If I’d just have realized that at the beginning then there would have been no reason for tears.

But I, as well as many others, can also be reduced to snivels by a well meaning television commercial, too. I guess those ad people know just what they’re doing when they can tug at the heart strings and produce that reaction.

These days I still love the old television shows and never tire of watching them. Perhaps it’s because I yearn for the world of innocence and simplicity that they portray.  Or appreciate the good values that they convey.

Or maybe it’s just that I think I look good in black and white.