New Viewer to Family Affair - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TSMIV · 02-29-2020, 12:45 AM

I just started watching this show this week on Prime. I've never seen any of it before and I'm surprised by how much I like it. Based on it's reputation, I thought it would be too sappy for me. It is syrupy, but it's also really likeable. There's not much to the plots, but the episodes are relaxing to watch. I've always liked Brian Keith, Buffy and Jody are super cute, and Sebastian Cabot is Bagheera (I had a black cat named Bagheera) so he's awesome! Plus, the show just oozes mid-century glamour. One thing bugs me: what is with the way the characters pronounce Terre Haute? Uncle Bill and the kids pronounce it Terra Hut. In the real world, it's Terra Hoat (rhymes with coat).

Hazel Anyday · 02-29-2020, 01:12 PM

I hadn't seen Family Affair since the '70s (I used to watch it when it was new when I was a kid) but about a year ago I started watching the series again from the DVD set. I'm now up to season 3. In some ways the series is better than I remembered it. In other ways, particularly the way Bill makes some decisions regarding the kids, it's mind boggling. Some of the times it seems Bill has no sense in how to act and do the right thing for kids. And the kids many times will just take things that are all wrong just for granted like it's true without even asking anyone about it. So sometimes watching this show I say WHAT? or What the? (as Oliver from Green Acres would say), and most often I'm asking WHY would they do that?? DUMMY! It's kind of kooky, but the show is still one of the most enjoyable of the classic sitcoms I watch each week.

Bachu · 08-30-2020, 05:38 PM

I impulse bought the complete series boxset which arrived yesterday and today I watched the first two episodes. It felt a bit like a Disney film. It was a tad sugery but also very enjoyable. The scene where Jodi wakes up in the den and calls out to his mother was quite sad and the scene where he offers to sleep with his Uncle who was scared was very touching.

biffbronson · 08-30-2020, 08:05 PM

To me it's a little unsatisfying overall in that both Bill and French both come close to marriage at times, but nothing comes of it. Cissy also reaches a marriageable age late in the series and Greg is a potential bridegroom, but no wedding. By contrast, on the sister show My Three Sons, the following all marry: Mike, Rob, Steve, Chip, and Fergus.

I find a little more humor overall in the first couple of seasons of Family Affair, but there are certainly funny scenes later on too.

02-29-2020, 12:45 AM	#1
TSMIV Member Forum Regular Join Date: Dec 29, 2018 Location: Arkansas Posts: 695	New Viewer to Family Affair I just started watching this show this week on Prime. I've never seen any of it before and I'm surprised by how much I like it. Based on it's reputation, I thought it would be too sappy for me. It is syrupy, but it's also really likeable. There's not much to the plots, but the episodes are relaxing to watch. I've always liked Brian Keith, Buffy and Jody are super cute, and Sebastian Cabot is Bagheera (I had a black cat named Bagheera) so he's awesome! Plus, the show just oozes mid-century glamour. One thing bugs me: what is with the way the characters pronounce Terre Haute? Uncle Bill and the kids pronounce it Terra Hut. In the real world, it's Terra Hoat (rhymes with coat).

02-29-2020, 01:12 PM	#2
Hazel Anyday Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 12, 2002 Posts: 2,131	Reflections over the Pond at Terry Hot I hadn't seen Family Affair since the '70s (I used to watch it when it was new when I was a kid) but about a year ago I started watching the series again from the DVD set. I'm now up to season 3. In some ways the series is better than I remembered it. In other ways, particularly the way Bill makes some decisions regarding the kids, it's mind boggling. Some of the times it seems Bill has no sense in how to act and do the right thing for kids. And the kids many times will just take things that are all wrong just for granted like it's true without even asking anyone about it. So sometimes watching this show I say WHAT? or What the? (as Oliver from Green Acres would say), and most often I'm asking WHY would they do that?? DUMMY! It's kind of kooky, but the show is still one of the most enjoyable of the classic sitcoms I watch each week.
	__________________ Haaazeelll!!

08-30-2020, 05:38 PM	#3
Bachu Member Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 10, 2005 Posts: 809	I impulse bought the complete series boxset which arrived yesterday and today I watched the first two episodes. It felt a bit like a Disney film. It was a tad sugery but also very enjoyable. The scene where Jodi wakes up in the den and calls out to his mother was quite sad and the scene where he offers to sleep with his Uncle who was scared was very touching.

08-30-2020, 08:05 PM	#4
biffbronson Sentimental Fool Forum Star Join Date: Aug 22, 2009 Location: Near Notre Dame Posts: 10,273	To me it's a little unsatisfying overall in that both Bill and French both come close to marriage at times, but nothing comes of it. Cissy also reaches a marriageable age late in the series and Greg is a potential bridegroom, but no wedding. By contrast, on the sister show My Three Sons, the following all marry: Mike, Rob, Steve, Chip, and Fergus. I find a little more humor overall in the first couple of seasons of Family Affair, but there are certainly funny scenes later on too.