- Jun 12, 2014
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Founding Member
With some time on my hands during the pandemic, I have to admit to watching a little more TV than usual. With no sports other than replays and my old fashioned DVD collection well-watched, I find my utmost enjoyment coming from a couple of classics...Andy Griffith and Gunsmoke. Both serials can be found on multiple channels daily and I find myself checking the guide each morning to help me plan my day around some favorite episodes (no, I don't binge watch either show, there's still plenty to do remotely for work and physically keeping two houses up). But these shows are my therapy.
I've thought often about what it is about these shows that are so appealing. Obviously, there's usually a lesson about right vs. wrong that is resolved, one with humor, one with justice. Both portray life and times that were simpler (though Gunsmoke's era was far more dangerous). With a bit of irony, we've all sort have been thrust backward in time it seems. Even though there's some associated discomfort, I find it somewhat reassuring that living like we are, simpler, maybe with some uncertainty, can be done successfully and happily.
A couple of favorite episodes have been aired recently. It may be a bit of a stretch, but "Opie and the Bully" registers with the current political climate. I guess you could read it from both sides, but the lesson was that threats of harm can paralyze us if we let them and ultimately we must decide whether to stand up for ourselves and what we believe or roll over and take whatever threat that is forced upon us.
Sheriff Taylor and Marshal Dillon, though fictional characters, stand for what is good and right, and just that in my opinion is the fabric of what has held our country together. I find myself subconsciously referring to some of the lessons imparted when dealing with kids nowadays at school and in sports (with some adults, too). My kids laugh that they grew up in both Mayberry and Dodge City. The Marshal always reminds me that there's no right way to do wrong and the Sheriff always injects a little humor to salve some of the tense interpersonal situations. Each reminds us that we have to learn to endure some dumbasses on a daily basis and keep our cool (Barney and Festus).
As long as these shows are on, I've got something to both calm and inspire. Any favorite episodes stick with you? Any other shows that you enjoy likewise? I hope everybody is making it ok during this strange time.
I've thought often about what it is about these shows that are so appealing. Obviously, there's usually a lesson about right vs. wrong that is resolved, one with humor, one with justice. Both portray life and times that were simpler (though Gunsmoke's era was far more dangerous). With a bit of irony, we've all sort have been thrust backward in time it seems. Even though there's some associated discomfort, I find it somewhat reassuring that living like we are, simpler, maybe with some uncertainty, can be done successfully and happily.
A couple of favorite episodes have been aired recently. It may be a bit of a stretch, but "Opie and the Bully" registers with the current political climate. I guess you could read it from both sides, but the lesson was that threats of harm can paralyze us if we let them and ultimately we must decide whether to stand up for ourselves and what we believe or roll over and take whatever threat that is forced upon us.
Sheriff Taylor and Marshal Dillon, though fictional characters, stand for what is good and right, and just that in my opinion is the fabric of what has held our country together. I find myself subconsciously referring to some of the lessons imparted when dealing with kids nowadays at school and in sports (with some adults, too). My kids laugh that they grew up in both Mayberry and Dodge City. The Marshal always reminds me that there's no right way to do wrong and the Sheriff always injects a little humor to salve some of the tense interpersonal situations. Each reminds us that we have to learn to endure some dumbasses on a daily basis and keep our cool (Barney and Festus).
As long as these shows are on, I've got something to both calm and inspire. Any favorite episodes stick with you? Any other shows that you enjoy likewise? I hope everybody is making it ok during this strange time.
Peggy for sure!
