More on the Roseanne Controversy

So, the reboot of "Roseanne" has been renewed by ABC for a second season of 13 episodes.   As an advocate of the multi-camera sitcom, I applaud this move.  While I wasn't an ardent fan of the sitcom the first time around, I have to admit that I enjoyed the new iteration.   I laughed out loud multiple times each episode.   That doesn't happen often.

Indeed, one of the best new episodes was one where Roseanne and family dealt with their fears over the new neighbors that happened to be Muslims.   This hit home particularly because, after 9/11, I was rooming with my writing partner and we had real concerns about the activities of the Iranian family upstairs. We came pretty darn close to calling the FBI on them as they seemed to be moving furniture around during the overnight hours every single day.  All of our trepidations were the same that Roseanne displayed in the one episode.   We got to laugh at it all and that was the glory of a plot like this.   It truly had something to say.

But, back to the renewal of "Roseanne."  At the ABC upfronts, some bozo suit from the corporate rafters discussed that, in its second season, the scripts would be less political and more focused on the family's personal problems. Okay, I see this happening.   In the season finale, it was revealed that Roseanne was addicted to opioid medications.   The second season story arc is clearly set.

But I want to return to the network statement that they want to make the show less political.   Hmmm.

Much has been made of the fact that the Roseanne character was pro-Trump.  In real life, Roseanne Barr herself made no bones about the fact that she was pro-Trump.  Is this why the network wants to make the show less political in the future?

Hmmm again.

How come you never hear anybody saying SNL is too political?   Or Stephen Colbert's talkfest is too political?   Or that that scum bucket Jimmy Kimmel's show is too political?

Um, no, you don't hear that.

Indeed, the promos for the reboot of "Murphy Brown" are designed to show that the plotlines will be liberal in nature.   That, despite the real story arc will be about Murphy doing battle with her son Avery who works for a Fox News-like network.   You don't even see that character in the promos even though the role has been cast and the guy playing him certainly qualifies as eye candy for the ladies in the audience.

Yep, that kind of political humor is welcome.   But, if it leans toward the right, it's not encouraged.

Frankly, there was more of a genuine message in the comedy of the "Roseanne" Muslim episode than there's been in five years of the dreadfully unfunny SNL.  

Regardless of how much political humor there is or isn't, I will be watching the second season of "Roseanne."   And longing for the day where political humor from both sides of the aisle will be a regular staple in the sitcom world.

I mean, if you follow the pattern of today's programming, "All in the Family" would be featuring only the Meathead and not Archie Bunker.

Dinner last night:  Leftover chicken.