Typically I’m not a fan of TV shows – however, lately I have been following a few shows on the main networks. Granted, I am usually a few seasons behind everyone else as I like to watch the shows on DVD versus trying to keep up with them week by week (with some exceptions – like Castle which we watch online).
The cool thing that I have noticed is that the networks are finally presenting healthily families on their shows. Take Castle for the example: while the show is about a murder and mystery, Richard Castle is shown as a great father to his daughter – watching out for her and being willing to talk to her about anything without getting upset. Shoot, I would expect that most fathers would love to have the relationship he has with Alexis.
Then there is Numb3ers – Don and Charlie Eppes are depicted has two brothers, who despite past problems, have a great working relationship and a healthily respect for each other. The dad is even shown in a good light – this is especially noteworthy when you realize that the original pilot had the father constantly griping at Charlie, who lives with him (or should I say, that the dad lives with Charlie as Charlie owns the house…never mind the fact that the house that he owns is the same one he grew up in….).
Ugly Betty, Hannah Montana, Chuck…. They all have healthily family relationship that – while sometimes strained – help the characters navigate through live.
It is a good change – one that I like and I hope will stay.
I love Castle. It’s more of an old fashioned murder mystery than the typical TV procedural. And Numbers, any show with an adorable geeky academic is automatically in my good graces.
Yep, except none of the ones mentioned are a nuclear family (except Numb3rs in which the mother died).
You probably haven’t seen the episode in which Charlie bought the house. There was a really good reason as to why he did it.
@ Leslie – I disagree, I think they all are nuclear families – in that they are all parent/children. Granted, they are mostly one parent households in which the mother has died (Numb3rs, Ugly Betty, Hannah Montana), left (Castle), or, as in Chuck, both parents died and it is just the sibling.
On the other hand, if you consider a “nuclear family” to be one with both parents alive – then you are correct as none of the shows that I have seen have both parents alive, still married and involved with their children lives.
oh and I do know why Charlie bought the house: his dad was selling it so that he would have to move. (we must finished season 1). =)
Um – Chuck – no both parents didn’t die. In fact the father is very much alive and I don’t remember them ever saying the mother is dead.
Yes, that’s what I mean – There are few shows out there that show a fully functioning family – actually I can’t think of any, but I’m sure there is at least one – mother/father and child(ren) – they tend to go with a single parent so that they can still have romantic subplots and because, sadly, its how a lot of people’s lives are.
hmm… I must be WAY behind on Chuck ’cause I thought they where dead. =/ sigh
Yes, you are. You will be VERY happy when Chuck’s dad shows up.