Thank You, Dixie Carter

I’ve always been shy. It’s sometimes hard for me to speak up for myself or get angry with people who deserve it, because I avoid conflict like it’s my job. So I love seeing women–real or fictional–who aren’t afraid to speak up or get angry. These kick-ass ladies become my role models. They inspire me to stop being shy and to stand up for myself. And without a doubt, one of these women I aspire to be is Julia Sugarbaker.

I loved watching Designing Women reruns back when they were on Lifetime, and my favorite episodes were the ones where Julia got to yell at someone and be awesome while doing so. She stood up for herself, for her sister, for her friends. She was their champion, the one who never backed down or let anyone treat them without the respect they deserved. She was a wonderful comedic character, but she was also one of my role models. And no one could have played her like Dixie Carter.

So thank you, Dixie Carter, for giving such life and spirit to one of my favorite fictional ladies. You’ll be missed. Rest in peace.

–YoSaffBridge

Thanksgiving Nostalgia: As God as my witness, I thought Turkeys could fly

An oldie but a goodie.  Classic thanksgiving moment, brought to you by your friends at WKRP in Cincinnati.

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True story.

So I have classes on Monday nights.  (or at least, I did.  what up, last week of school?)  This means, unfortunately, missing How I Met Your Mother (a show I am, obviously obsessed with) and watching it the next day online.

Not last night.  I got home from my class and had an email from YoSaffBridge that said, among other things

watch it AS SOON AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE

So I did.  And within the first minute, I knew this was going to be a good one.  Why?  Because…

OPIOW: Agnes Moorehead

Let’s talk about how awesome Endora is.

I’ve loved Bewitched since I was six, but let’s be honest–Darrin is the worst husband ever. He’s intimidated by his wife’s power and wants her to suppress it. Yeah, Sam says it’s her choice, too, but seriously, she uses her powers so often, it’s clear that they’re a part of her she can never fully renounce. She’s a witch, dammit, and Darrin just can’t deal with that. He even tries to make his daughter give up her witchy powers despite the fact that they’re a part of her, too. I’ve never been okay with Darrin’s insistence that Samantha live as mortals do. NEVER.

So thank goodness for Endora. She pretty much voices my frustrations for me, and she gets to insult and curse Darwood on my behalf. Also, she’s a badass. Agnes Moorehead has always been my favorite part of the show, and thanks to her, I can get through the episodes without wanting to reach through the TV and strangle Darrin. After all, she does it for me!

–YoSaffBridge

NPH clip of the week: Sitcom style

Did anyone know that NPH did another sitcom before HIMYM?  It’s true!  It was called “Stark Raving Mad” and it was on for about 10 seconds.  NPH plays a fussy Felix Unger-esque editor for Tony Shalhoub’s character.

And here’s a clip from it!

Thursday nights: sitcom heaven

Thursday nights have really had some great sitcoms over the last 30 years.  The Cosby Show, Taxi, Cheers, Wings, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, Scrubs…

And now, tonight, two of my very favorite sitcoms, and two of the best shows on television, 30 rock and the Office.  Oh, shows, how I’ve missed you.

Welcome to John Adams High…

If you are a child of the 90s, there’s a pretty good chance you know what I mean when I say “Plays-with-squirrels.”  If you don’t understand that, you probably at least know the Feeny call or the very specific intonation of “*gasp* Topanga.“

LAUGH, damn it!

I’m going to do something bold here.  I’m going to defend the indefensible.

I’m going to say something good about laugh tracks.

I know.  I’m going to have to turn in my “television fan” card, and be forced into a cave of humorless darkness, with nothing but hours of According to Jim reruns to occupy my time, the incessant over-the-top laughs cues SCREAMING AT ME TO LAUGH.

I’ll take my chances, though.

In defense of the sitcom

Oh, sitcoms.  A popular punching bag of so-called sophisticated television viewers, the sitcom has been an important staple of television for most of its history.  There is a tendency to dismiss sitcoms as a) stupid b) unimportant and c) unfunny.  Some sitcoms are like that.  A lot aren’t.  Some of the greatest television– past and present– comes in sitcom form, so calm down and stop being a snob.

This week, in honor of good news on the Arrested Development movie front, as well as the return (finally!) of How I Met Your Mother, we’re going to have Sitcom Week here at TIRB.  Come back each day as we talk about our favorites, past and present, share some fun moments, and defend our love of sitcoms.