ONWARD: SEVENTIES SITCOMS INTO THE EIGHTIES PLUS THE BEGINNINGS OF RETRO

[TMC]

http://boomerbust-scooter63.blogspot...-eighties.html

RUNNING OUT OF TIME.

Following are synopses of the remaining burnouts of the seventies sitcoms as they leeched into the eighties. Surprisingly, many maintained high ratings until mid-decade. In alphabetical order:

Diff’rent Strokes (NBC/ABC). Much like “Benson” this series became known more as an eighties sitcom, lasting until 1986. There were two housekeepers replacing Mrs. Garrett (see “Facts of Life” below). Drummond’s Aunt Sophia (Dodie Goodman) would try to find him a wife and he ended up marrying a woman played by Dixie Carter. When NBC gave up on the show and ABC picked it up for a final tired season, Carter gladly left for “Designing Women” and was replaced by Mary Ann Mobley (who ironically played a date of Drummond’s in the first season). Poor Dana Plato started having substance abuse problems by the sixth season and her appearances were limited after the producers decided not to incorporate her pregnancy into a storyline. Plato eventually committed suicide after a life of drugs and pornography. Todd Bridges as Willis had a post-show life of cocaine abuse and attempted murder but redeemed himself in the nineties. The recently departed Coleman, whose Arnold character had a number of young friends for misadventures--with Willis becoming less relevant--had a life that parodied his own sad celebrity.

So it is interesting that “Diff’rent Strokes” ushered in the “very special episode” concept. Whereas, Lear would deal with controversial topics in the seventies within his character’s lives-- attempting valiantly to keep the humor intact-- this new trend tended to over dramatise the situation and eventually break the third wall in sermonizing sap-fests that actually became a staple trait of family sitcoms for a decade or so. There were episodes dealing with bulimia and epilepsy. In one episode Arnold and Kimberly get kidnapped by a man who has an intention of raping her, with Conrad Bain, stepping out of character, giving information regarding teen runaways. Nancy Reagan topped this when she co-opted one episode to promote her “Just Say No” anti-drug agenda. And the most damning of all was the two part episode where Gordon Jump plays a pedophile who is thwarted in his attempts to molest Arnold and his friend. And it didn’t stop there--



Just Say What?

Facts of Life (NBC). The head brass at NBC couldn’t figure out how this “Diff’rent Strokes” spin-off could outlast it’s parent show by two years into (gulp) 1988. The format changed in the fall of 1980 and the basic cast remained the same. With all of the girl characters ensembled in the initial series tryout blending together into a wasp-ish mass, it was
decided to pare the show down to Blair, Tootie, and Natalie. Nancy McKeon was added as Jo, the streetwise one--replacing three or four entitled debutantes. That provided plenty of comic contrast to the spoiled Blair. I won’t bother to enumerate the “very special episodes” but the whole series was practically a very long very special episode. The girls eventually graduate and, in true sitcom form, they run a sweet shop together with Mrs. Garrett . When that burns down, they run a curio shop. Charlotte Rae leaves the show and in an effort to keep the decently rated sitcom afloat, Cloris Leachman is brought in as the girl’s new moral leader.

Some trivia: It turns out that budding stand-up Natalie lost her virginity first because Lisa Whelchel (Blair) refused to appear in the episode due to her strong religious beliefs. Geri Jewell, an actual stand-up comedian with cerebral palsy played a semi-regular part as Blair’s cousin….the first regular character portrayed with the condition on the sitcom. Jami Gertz was Boots St. Clare (not that significant, but it’s a great name) and George Clooney was a regular for a year. Even Crispin Glover showed up.

[RetroGuy2000]

Originally Posted by TMC

Facts of Life (NBC).

Nancy McKeon was added as Jo, the streetwise one--replacing three or four entitled debutantes.

That's a really weird take on the Lost Girls: Sue Ann and Nancy are both on scholarships; jock Cindy cannot be described as a debutante. Molly's father was a dentist.

['80sSitcoms]

Originally Posted by RetroGuy2000

That's a really weird take on the Lost Girls: Sue Ann and Nancy are both on scholarships; jock Cindy cannot be described as a debutante.

Neither can Kansas City, Kansas farm girl Sue Ann.

Originally Posted by RetroGuy2000

Molly's father was a dentist.

Orthodontist. He just dressed like a dentist.

[RetroGuy2000]

Originally Posted by '80sSitcoms

Neither can Kansas City, Kansas farm girl Sue Ann.

Indeed.

From the backdoor pilot, we're told that Nancy can't afford Eastland. And clearly, Sue Ann wouldn't be taking her tractor to the debutante ball.

Orthodontist. He just dressed like a dentist.

[Mace Dolex]

Funny fact I read about Geri Jewell is that her character on Facts Of Life was quietly phased out so as not to confuse TV viewers into thinking episodes featuring Cousin Geri were "very special episodes".