I love all art forms. Many would argue TV is not one of them. I disagree. And certain sitcom writers may too as evidenced by the close of American Housewife …
Katie: “Do you wanna just watch TV instead?”
Greg: “That’s a really good idea. TV is just better entertainment”.
Katie: “It really is!”
I expected the season finale of This Is Us to be that for me last night but it wasn’t. What a let down! … and this from one of the show’s biggest fans. I guess topping Memphis and What Now? proved too difficult.
I knew we wouldn’t find out how Jack died … too soon and an accident going to Rebecca’s show too predictable. While I appreciated seeing more of Jack’s and Rebecca’s pasts and finding out how they met, I missed the multiple story lines going at once. Even Jack’s speech at the end didn’t give me the knockdown ugly cry punch of the two prior episodes.
Then today I’m catching up on what I recorded. While watching the Real O’Neal’s, the tears finally came. Partially because I am overly emotional and needed a good cry. But also in laughter there was truth. And truth can be moving.
Clive proposes to Eileen. He equates his time with the family to joining the circus. He’s funny. It’s relatable. Many families have a circus theme. Shannon is the ring master, Pat the lion, Jimmy the clown, Jody tickets and promotions and Eileen the acrobat.
Clive: “Kenny is of course the bearded lady.”
Kenny: “That’s offensive but honestly I’m just glad I’m not tickets and promotions”
Eileen’s response hit close to home.
“For so long I’ve been worried about doing the right thing and what other people think. I’ve lived by those rules and look where it’s gotten me. I’m on a new adventure now and while it’s not one I’ve chosen, I want to see where it takes me.”
Relatable right? To a myriad of issues. My new adventure is the empty nest. What’s yours? I hope you have an adventure you’re living because YOU deserve the best.
What really got to me though was Jimmy’s college essay. Paraphrased here:
A lot can happen to a family in a year. They can get divorced but grow closer. They can find what makes them happy even if it’s weird. They can find joy in completely unexpected moments. And they can stand up for what they believe in even if it’s scary.
Wow! Pass the tissues.
As always, more to come.
J-Dub's Grin and Bear It 