The Great American Catharsis…
I don’t know about you, but I needed an emotional break from “This is Us,” which has ripped my guts out this season. Back in the day (I really hate that term, but it is what it is), my weekly cathartic weeping came from “Little House on the Prairie” and “The Waltons.” Yes, you heard me, “The Waltons!” That episode where Grandma Walton came back to Walton’s Mountain after her stroke (Ellen Corby, who had a stroke in real life!) the week that Will Geer (Grampa Walton) died – I tell you, Little Paul and I wept alligator tears, while Paula, my girlfriend, looked at us like we had three heads. But I digress. “This is Us” had taken on that role and has never failed to leave me in a puddle of sobbing.
So, I decided to go sit-com hopping to lighten the mood. I’ll miss “The Middle,” “Mom” and “Big Bang Theory” can do no wrong and the reboot of “Will & Grace” makes me a ridiculously happy gay girl. Then came “Roseanne” and all the drama with it.
I’ve been reading many comments, tweets and long diatribes on how Roseanne has become a tool of the Trump White House, she’s a traitor to all that she stood for when the show first aired and on and on, ad nauseam. Bad Feminist author Roxane Gay, in an op-ed piece in The New York Times, stated that, “In many ways, the first two episodes of the ‘Roseanne’ reboot are excellent. It is difficult to admit, but nearly everything about the production is competent.” While she praised the show itself, she added that, “I could not set aside what I know of Roseanne Barr and how toxic and dangerous her current public persona is,” thus being unable to separate the character of Roseanne Conner from that of the actor, Roseanne Barr.
Therein, lies the problem. Do I like Vanessa Redgrave’s political peccadilloes? Not particularly, but I still maintain that she’s one of the most magnificent actresses to grace any stage. Did I like John Wayne? That’s a big no, but I loved his films. Do I agree with Tim Allen’s Trump leanings? HELL NO, but I loved, loved, loved “Last Man Standing.” Curiously, with the success of the “Roseanne” reboot, it looks like Allen’s show will be resurrected, as well.
Like the separation of church and state, most people have trouble differentiating between Barr and Conner. While both are pro-Trump, the show takes on other issues rather well, such as Darlene’s gender non-conforming son and DJ’s daughter, who is Black, as is his wife, currently serving her country overseas. Jackie and Roseanne continue to be at odds as I am with some of my friends who support Trump. Hell, one of my dearest friends ran his campaign in Florida and the south and my best friend from college is a raging Republican. Do we argue? Yup, but that’s why G-d invented chocolate ice cream and vanilla ice cream.
That being said, I will continue to watch “Roseanne,” as it takes on the conflicts that face us all, white trash, middle income, dirt poor and well, everyone who isn’t filthy rich. This is what this country is facing right now and Roseann Barr, for better or worse, is getting people talking. Isn’t that what it’s all about?
Last but not least…
“General Hospital” turns 55 and I’m gearing up for the celebration. From Jessie Brewer and Steve Hardy to Epiphany Johnson and Hamilton Finn; from Helena Cassadine and Cesar Faison to Ava Jerome and Valentin Cassadine; from Luke and Laura to Liz and Franco; from Anna Devane and Robert Scorpio to Sam Morgan and Damian Spinelli; “GH” keeps rolling along. Happy 55th and here’s to another 55. Live long and prosper.
Until next time…
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