BONGS & JOINTS ON NETWORK TV?

High on Blair

When's the last time you've seen someone smoke a joint in a family-friendly scripted series on network TV during prime time?

Have you ever seen teenagers with bongs on NBC?

I can't think of a single instance except one memorable episode of The Facts of Life from 1980. (See video excerpt above.)

Am I wrong to conclude that this episode could never air today -- even with its clear anti-drug message?

Perhaps it's no coincidence that the FCC's push to regulate decency standards didn't begin until after 1980 when Reagan was elected.

It's hard to process how some rules have relaxed, while others have tightened over the last quarter century.

(It's also hard to process that I've witnessed over a quarter century of television history.)

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Side note #1:

When's the last time you've seen Helen Hunt peddle ganja on television?

Answer: The last time you watched the above Facts of Life episode.

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Side note #2:

When's the last time you've seen a scripted comedy series on network prime time tackle the subject of pedophilia by airing an episode about a friendly child molester who drugs kids with booze and pills, shows pornographic cartoons, and takes pictures of them bare-chested?

For me, the only show I know that went there is Diff'rent Strokes, which is the show that later spawned Facts of Life.

This was creepy when I watched it over 25 years ago. And it's even creepier now.

While it's great the show brought the issue of child abuse into our homes, I still have nightmares about what happened to Dudley. Plus, I am still very hesitant to enter bike shops.

Again, would any family-friendly show do something similar today?

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Side note #3:

Could there be anything from Diff'rent Strokes that is creepier than the pedophilia episode mentioned above?

Answer: Yes. The opening credits from the show. If you change the music.

(Thanks to Hank for the f'ed up clip above!)

--Junichi

TOTAL RECALL 2: THE WRATH OF CCPOA

Part One?

The California Correctional Peace Officers Association wants to create a sequel and recall Governor Schwarzenegger.

Given the unconscionable salary cuts and the Governator's sinking approval ratings in Kully-for-nee-uh, now is probably the union's best chance to organize a coup d’état.

I do not support this recall effort, however.

Oh, I'm no fan of Schwarzenegger. I vehemently disagree with many of his positions -- e.g., he supports the Three Strikes law, endorses public school prayer, wants to slash workers' comp. Plus, his more moderate positions on environmental issues, gay rights, and reproductive freedom seem rooted in political expediency, as opposed to personal principle.

But I maintain that recalls and impeachment proceedings should be reserved for those truly reprehensible leaders whose actions are criminal, unconstitutional, or in major breach of the public trust. Leaders like George W. Bush, for example.

Also, CCPOA -- the group leading the recall effort -- is the union instrumental in expanding our state's exploding prison industrial complex and pushing bills that increase prison sentences for victimless crimes. I have no desire to lend that group support.

But perhaps my greatest reason to oppose any recall effort is that I do not have the stamina to withstand another major referendum that will inevitably include gubernatorial candidates Gary Coleman and Mary Carey.

I don't know if I can stomach another round of inane political questions so soon after this election cycle.

Is Gary Coleman black enough? Why isn't Mary Carey wearing a flag pin on her pasties? Does he have the right temperament, given that he has punched a woman? Is the media sexist if it discusses her sinking cleavage line? Whatchu talkin' bout, Arnold? Does being the star of Udder Insanity qualify as executive experience?

God forbid this duo become the next Barack vs. Hillary.

--Junichi