A Dan Savage fantasy.
Really.
I watched both episodes of The Real O'Neals, because they were sandwiched between Modern Family - the only sit-com in that line-up about 'family life' I actually think is funny - albeit unrealistic, and because I wanted to see how bad it was. It sure wasn't real, but who likes reality TV anyway? Trump supporters maybe? Seriously, Downton Abbey wasn't on last night so I thought I'd watch the O'Neals just to see how bad it could get and that way I'd have something else from pop culture to criticize.
Who writes crap like the Real O'Neals? According to Matt Archbold, Dan Savage is the shows co-creator and it's loosely based on his life experience? That explains the gay-coming-out parody. Why is everything so gay on Disney television? Talk about cliche.
There was nothing real about the family depicted, nothing funny. In each segment they managed to trash the Church, priests, Catholic parishioners, Catholic parents, Catholic devotions, Catholic teaching on sex... the list goes on and on. One piece I read described the mom as really religious - big eye roll. She's really screwed up.
As I watched it, attempting to imagine myself as a gay kid in grade school,* I thought maybe - just maybe - the only positive thought I might be able to take away from the show would be, "someone's got my back" or "someone's on my side". Meaning, that I'd feel free to follow my sexual curiosities and inclinations because it was on a prime-time, family-time television show. That's the point of these propaganda 'family' sitcoms anyway - right? Like "Blackish", Asianish, and coming soon, Islamabombish.
The American Dream for dumbed-down, numb-nuts.
It's offensive and it's intended to be.
*I didn't even know what the word meant in grade school or even junior high.
How could anyone think a show dreamed up by the repugnant Dan Savage could be anything except dumb and offensive. It won't last a whole season.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea until reading Archbold's piece. Talentless and repugnant. I think the show was piloted once before but not released due to complaints - I might be wrong. I knew it was in the making though, for a long time it seems.
DeleteWhy is Disney so intent on trashing families, the very demographic that built its empire in the first place?
ReplyDeleteI think they have been busy change agents for decades.
DeleteGlad I no longer watch American tv like I used to. I will recommend one series made in the British Isles though, "Dickensian." It is a 20 episode series involving the lives of various famous Dickens characters whose lives intertwine in this entertaining series.
ReplyDeleteCheck it out if you can! I enjoyed it very much.
I don't have cable.
DeleteNor do I. I watched it online. ;)
DeleteI didn't think it was as bad as you did. It DOES think that's its funnier, smarter and edgier then it really is but there was some funny moments..though you kept getting pulled out of it as those moments and set ups were so stupid. If the show wanted to do it right it need to look at Martha Plimpton's last show, "Raising Hope," which managed to be smart, funny, warm and utterly utterly tasteless at time.
ReplyDeleteI think the Catholic thing could have been tossed aside and the focus should have been more in keeping with a family that tries to be "Suburban Perfect," but is not. There are a lot of those out there and there and they always are screwy under the surface. The Catholic angle could have been good if they got the Catholic right....(how does a gay kid grow up like that and the parents deal with it) but on one hand the Mom is pushing him into the sack with his girl friend. What does the cop dad think of it...(who I thought was kinda hot but we were supposed to see him as a schlub typical Dan Savage, if your not a 22 year old stripper you aint gay hot...) never mentioned.
I can't believe you don't like "Blackish" Watch the episode where the family finally goes to church (first its a friends boring white church, then its a black church which goes on all day..)
Why do we even need this show? Make Phil's kid on Modern Family gay and let them deal with it..the kid actor is turning into a queen before our eyes so....
I thought the dad was too good for the show.
DeleteComing of age stories are great - this was way over-played, over-acted.
Modern Family plays so much better - even though it wouldn't get the Catholic Parents Online seal approval either. My least favorite characters are the gay dads and they only get a pass because of Lily's deadpan humor. Although they better bring Clare back - I don't like her CEO persona. I think Luke is just going through a voice change and won't be gay. He'll be like Phil when he grows up. ;)
Not having cable there are only two 'stations' that are truly safe, that is, not Constantly culturally indoctrinating: The Weather Channel: a lot of the time, PBS, but....one must be wary....
ReplyDeleteThen there Is EWTN, but...it Is awfully nice, all of the time. Despite our being told that it has gone bad: it's not like the Closer, SVU, etc., is it ? I am for a Catholic voice that has more verve.
Remember 'Laugh In', or the shows with acts, music etc etc: at the nursing home there were constant re-runs of Lawrence Welk etc. Also very indoctrinating. I can't rent movies. it's sad: I have to read. ugh. I listen to what my cat tells me.
The Closer. Old, old SVU.
Your cat knows all. LOL!
DeleteI actually watched Mic'd Up with Michael Voris tonight - he was very good - he had Fr. Regis Scanlon on - who is a great priest.
People are.just tired of gay
ReplyDelete