Wednesday, October 23, 2013

How do you mentally detox?


How many of you agree with this?


A couple of months ago, I discovered that one of the TV channels I receive was running old reruns of "The Waltons".  For those of you who don't know, "The Waltons" was an American TV series that ran from 1972 to 1981; the show revolved around a large family living during the depression era and dealt with the usual problems of raising children, making ends meet and family values.  

I remember liking the TV series in the 70's.  It wasn't so sacrine-sweet that it presented a false picture of familial perfection.  What I really liked was that in spite of the faults and foibles of the family, there was an undercurrent of deep love and acceptance.  There was a working through of problems; and no one had to say the F word to make a point.

These days, I find myself looking forward to sitting on the couch after dinner to watch those long-forgotten reruns.  I not only unwind from the hussle and bussle of my very busy day, but it seems to set me right again -- to put me back in touch with the things I value most:  family, love, acceptance and the little things in life being the important things.  It doesn't matter that I don't have a new car or that the living room carpet is badly worn or that my winter coat is not this year's style.  I have a home and a wonderful family and a great God and a few good friends.  I have it all!  



TV reality is an oxymoron, isn't it!  For most of us, it's not our reality.  We don't live like The Kardashians; we don't have it in us to compete in The Amazing Race or Survivor; and we aren't shaped correctly for America's Next Top Model.  Why the heck do they consider it reality TV?  But millions of people watch it for its entertainment value and it takes us out of our own sometimes stressful reality.  So, I'm not knocking it.



All I'm saying is that when I look at what's offered on television today -- the good and the bad -- there's a dearth of wholesome, full of love, build-us-up programs.  Why, I don't know if there are any if we take out the few family-centred comedies on TV.   



So, I for one say YES!  We need more Mayberry on TV.   
And if I have to find it in reruns, so be it. 






13 comments:

Jack Tyler said...

Could not agree more! Crapality TV came about, and stays with us, because it costs nothing to produce. There are no writers, no sets, and as far as production costs, all you need are a shopping mall, a dozen trailer park denizens, and $1000 for them to compete for, and you have a TV show. I run more toward adventure than comedy, but I, too, get my fix from reruns and DVD collections of shows that were made back when the producers recognized quality as a production value.
Thought-provoking post, Sandy. It should be interesting to see if the comments take off!

Anonymous said...

oh I agree but now Ron Howard is a huge popular writer now.

My hubby like the oldies. Carol
Burrnet with Tim Conway. Was a hoot.

The golden girls.

Red Skelton.

e have bought the re runs of comedy on dvds collections as Jack has.



TARYTERRE said...

ReRuns are great.

Cheri said...

I haven't seen Thw Waltons in year, it was a great relaxing show that we'd watch as a family. Some of the old comedys I find to be a bit too corny. Of course any of the Lucy episodes I still love. The shows I enjoy now thouugh are ROD...my #1 favourite. Also Castle and The Mentalist.
Cherifrommission

bright star said...

Yes I love The Waltons ,ok it is a bit perfect but the characters were so well drawn and you just loved them and wanted to go and live in the house any "Goodnight Jim Bob!!!!!

Pamela Gordon said...

I totally agree with you Sandy. TV is not what it used to be and our family morals are going down the tubes because of all the junk we see. Sadly, we don't have a satellite dish or cable to watch the old wholesome reruns. Country cable with 3 channels is it for us. Great topic!

Linda H said...

Yes we sure could use more Waltons, Little House on the Prarie, I Love Lucy and Carol Burnett. Most of what is on TV today is not worth watching. I'm with you on this one, for sure!

highheeledlife said...

So with you on this one! I watch very little TV and when I do it's hard to find something worth watching. Great post! xo C. (HHL)

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I loved The Walton's, Little House on the Prairie, and all those shows of the 70's, 80's and even into the 90's that had families that showed respect for each other. Today they are about trashing each other, ridiculous, scripted "reality" series and programs that delve into all sorts of horrible murders and serial killers. And we wonder why our country is so violent and there is so little respect shown for others and the surroundings. What people see, they tend to mimic.

Great post!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

There is little that I watch on the TV any more . They really do need to change their programming. I'm with you we need more shows like the Walton's. I've watched a few of their reruns lately too. I heard a comment yesterday that said until people get back to being families again, more and more problems are going to happen. Too many children don't have that love and support families bring.

renae said...

Ya, I do that too or else just read blogs. I find TV a waste of time at times.

My kids when growing up called black and white tv shows "newspaper" shows. I thought that was a hilarious connection. LOL

WendyMcLeodMacKnight said...

Oh I am glad you found my blog as now I have found yours! I love the Waltons and I could not agree more with this post! Well said!

Jen Kershner said...

I couldn't agree with you more! Sometimes I feel like an old prude but I'm really not. Most of my favorite movies are rated pg and I love to watch old tv shows that weren't always trying to shock us. I have no tolerance for reality tv. I spend more and more time watching the Hallmark Channel.

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