TV Dads - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

buddy love · 10-26-2002, 11:55 AM

So where does Ward Cleaver rank with you as a tv dad? being the LITB board I would assume pretty high. But why? does he remind any of you of your own dad? I think he was a terrfic tv dad who led by example. Believed in discipline and manners, was a good provider for his family--and even helped the mrs with the dishes on occassion. The only thing I would say he lacked somewhat was warmth. He wasn't as approachable as Robert Young's Jim Anderson or Fred MacMurray's Steve Douglas. Though I think he had a lot in common in this regard with Robert Reed's Mike Brady. But overall he deserves to be one of TV's all time great Dads.

frani · 10-26-2002, 04:48 PM

I think Ward is totally the Best Dad ever. As a grown up, I think Alex Stone is a lot cuter than I remember and as a kid I used to think Jim Anderson was great, but now JA seems a little sappy to me. Mike Brady is okay, but not as rich as WC. MB is a kind of Ward Cleaver wannabe. I like Ward because he is really complex for a sitcom character. We learn a lot about his background. He has a moody side. He gets cross at times just cause he had a hard day. He and June have a teasing kind of rapport. He feels superior to Fred Rutherford, yet needs Fred's approval. And of course, he is so patient with his sons and so very wise. I think he is great. I only wish I knew a real dad like him.

10-26-2002, 11:55 AM	#1
buddy love Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 19, 2002 Posts: 189	TV Dads So where does Ward Cleaver rank with you as a tv dad? being the LITB board I would assume pretty high. But why? does he remind any of you of your own dad? I think he was a terrfic tv dad who led by example. Believed in discipline and manners, was a good provider for his family--and even helped the mrs with the dishes on occassion. The only thing I would say he lacked somewhat was warmth. He wasn't as approachable as Robert Young's Jim Anderson or Fred MacMurray's Steve Douglas. Though I think he had a lot in common in this regard with Robert Reed's Mike Brady. But overall he deserves to be one of TV's all time great Dads.

10-26-2002, 04:48 PM	#2
frani Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jul 09, 2002 Location: New York City Posts: 445	I think Ward is totally the Best Dad ever. As a grown up, I think Alex Stone is a lot cuter than I remember and as a kid I used to think Jim Anderson was great, but now JA seems a little sappy to me. Mike Brady is okay, but not as rich as WC. MB is a kind of Ward Cleaver wannabe. I like Ward because he is really complex for a sitcom character. We learn a lot about his background. He has a moody side. He gets cross at times just cause he had a hard day. He and June have a teasing kind of rapport. He feels superior to Fred Rutherford, yet needs Fred's approval. And of course, he is so patient with his sons and so very wise. I think he is great. I only wish I knew a real dad like him.