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Reviews
The Facts of Life (1979)
I wish they'd show this in reruns, or at least put out a "FOL" DVD box set...
This is truly one of the best shows ever on TV. It's one of the few shows where women are depicted as human beings rather than sex-crazed Barbie dolls. They used to show reruns of this, but now all they show are reruns of "Friends", "Seinfeld", "Frasier", "Home Improvement", "Roseanne", "Will & Grace", "Sex & the City" and "Two and a Half Men"!! Even on Lifetime, they have "The Nanny" and "Golden Girls", two very good programs, then instead of filling the 10:00-10:30 timeslot with "FOL", they decide to air back-to-back episodes of that stupid "Frasier" crap! Now, this would have been a great station for "FOL" to air, but NOOOOO...instead, they choose to air some stupid program that revolves around an arrogant womanizing jerk and his equally arrogant and annoying little brother! And they're even rerunning "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy". Maybe these stupid stations are blind to the fact that there are people out there who want to see reruns of good classic TV shows like "Facts of Life", instead of all the smut that's polluting the airwaves for the past two decades! At least "FOL" dealt with sex in a tasteful, yet serious, manner, forcing us to see what the consequences are. Now, you can't turn on a single TV show without it being all about sex, sex, sex!! They treat sex like it's a friggin recreational sport! Then there's the DVD situation! Why is it they dedicate all the time and effort to put out box sets of "Frasier", "Friends", "Seinfeld" and all the other crap that's already being reran ad-nauseum, and yet "FOL" only goes up to season 3, while "Diff'rent Strokes" only has two seasons out so far??? I guess sex and smut really do sell to the masses! Anyway, "Facts of Life" is a show that women can watch together, and mothers can even watch with their daughters, to let them see that women are good for so many things, besides being walking Barbie dolls who only think about sex.
Wild Hogs (2007)
Very anti-women...
Somewhat funny movie with some site gags and funny jokes...however, I hate to say it, but this is a very sexist movie. Firstly, it is a heavily male-dominated cast. Seondly, the few women in the movie (mostly wives or girlfriends) are depicted in less-than-favorable charicitures. Like, Tim Allen's wife, played by Jill Hennessy, is wishy-washy and allows her man to walk all over her and she bows to his every whim. I know I sure as heck wouldn't allow any man of mine to go out on a weeklong bike trip with his buddies. And Martin Lawrence's wife, the more aggressive one, is painted as being a bossy, controlling shrew. Marisa Tomei, who plays William H. Macy's love interest, is the typical pretty shrieking violet who has sex with him within days of knowing him. And, finally, John Travolta's wife is supposedly this gorgeous skinny much younger model/trophy wife who we never even see in the movie except for a few pictures. A few things to point out here. Firstly, the people who made this movie obviously hate women. This is what I gathered from watching this film. Secondly, I guess a bunch of macho male filmmakers decided "Enough with the chick-flicks already!! Time to do a guy movie!!" The problem with that is just about every film coming out in recent years has been a "guy movie"!! We are living in post-feminist times where women are stepping out into the world and we are trying to be seen and heard in a male-dominated society. Maybe if this movie came out after women's lib finally prevailed and women were equally paid and taken seriously, then this film would have been a bigger success. However, this is not a good movie in these times of female empowerment.
My Fair Brady (2005)
Cute for a little while...now it's just creepy...
I don't know what it is with these Brady kids. First, Barry Williams publicly brags about having sexy with his TV sister, Maureen McCormick, then about dating his TV mom, Florence Hederson. Then, Susan (Cindy) Olsen does music for a bunch of porno movies. Then Mike (Bobby) Lookinland gets in trouble for drunk driving. Finally, Maureen (Marcia) McCormick and Eve (Jan) Plum might have had a little same-sex fling on the side. Now, Christopher (Peter) Knight is pursued by a beautiful young model in her early-20s during his stint on "The Surreal Life", which at first was fun to watch, and now they are married and in a very volatile and hostile relationship. The last episode, where she posed for a bunch of nude photographs with another naked girl for a scrapbook to give to Christopher for his birthday, was not a good move on her part. And he dealt with it in a very mature fashion, just picking up and leaving to clear his head. I think he was always bowing to her every need and now he's finally taking a stand. And I hate to say it, but I think she abuses him, verbally. The way she was torturing him for an engagement ring and the way she reams him for every little thing. Also she talks openly about having flings with other women and it is obvious she still sleeps around on him with women and men, which is not something any self-respecting human being should do when already married to someone. If this were a man talking down to his wife like that, and going out every night partying and having sex with other people, everyone would be rallying behind the wife to leave him. Why should this be any different. What started out as a cute little crush on another reality show blossomed into a huge disaster. Adrianne, as beautiful as she is, is like another Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan, clearly in need of some therapy because she cries like a baby over so many silly things. I feel sorry for her, but Chris needs to rid himself of her, because he is a good man who cannot afford to be humiliated like this.
The Facts of Life: Starstruck (1982)
Gripping episode...
Many have slammed this episode, but I think it's one of the most gripping "FOL" episodes ever aired. Again, it deals with something that so many teenage girls experience; celebrity obsession. Tootie is bonkers over Jermaine Jackson, so much so that she neglects her responsibilities (schoolwork, helping her friends). Finally, she is presented with a golden opportunity when she gets a call from one of his people inviting her as a "special guest" to attend his big concert. At this point, Tootie has lost all perspective and backs out of taking part in a fundraiser that Jo has put together.
**SPOILER ALERT** Tootie is convinced that she is going to finally get to meet her idol, and she makes plans to have Mrs. Garrett take her to the show. But, Mrs. Garrett reminds Tootie that she has a prior commitment to her friends. But, Tootie refuses to back out, and she begs and pleads with Mrs. Garrett to take her to see Jermaine. After Mrs. Garrett repeatedly refuses, Tootie breaks down, in while throwing a massive tantrum, she tells Mrs. Garrett that she was going to that concert even if she has to take a bus, or hitchhike. Finally, Mrs. Garrett gives in to Tootie's plea, and while holding a despondent Tootie in her arms, finally caves in and agrees to take Tootie to see Jermaine...much to the chagrin of the other girls. Mrs. Garrett informs the older girls that what she witnessed with Tootie was something that she herself experienced during the '50s and '60s, with Frank Sinatra and The Beatles. In a poignant speech, Garrett tells the girls that what she saw with Tootie was scaringly similar to what she saw in the faces of thousands of girls during Beatlemania, and she just doesn't know what else to do. So, after the concert, Tootie pushes her way into Jermaine Jackson's dressing room, but is violently held back by one of his security people, while another security person rips a box out of her hands, which is actually a birthday present she has been working on for some time. Jermaine orders his guards to let Tootie go, and he introduces himself to her. While it is clear that Jermaine has more important things to do, he does take some time out to talk with Tootie. But, reality bites. Tootie is convinced that Jermaine was expecting her, but he tells her that his manager is the one who makes all the calls to the fans. Then after she asks him about his dog, after seeing a picture of him with a dog, he tells her "I'm allergic to dogs". Now at a total loss for words and disillusioned, Tootie is left alone, while Jermaine is called away on business. She then overhears his manager making the same phonecall he made to her, and soonafter she sees one of the security people walking out with her present, all mangled and wetted down, being that the security people thought she had a bomb. In tears, Tootie slowly makes her way out of the room and into the arms of a frantically worried Mrs. Garrett, who asks her what it was like to meet Jermaine. Tootie, in tears, tells Mrs. Garrett that it was okay...realizing that he is just a real person.
Very touching and poignant episode that every girl should watch.
The Facts of Life: Taking a Chance on Love: Part 2 (1984)
Part 2 of this episode bothers me...
...mainly because it has gone from Jo and her professor being in love to him just basically dumping his kid on her. Okay, it was realistic to show that this professor has a young son, but it should have made him realize that he cannot afford to take his relationship with Jo further, and that he did not want her to sacrifice her youth to play "mother" to his son. But, instead, he decides to make young Jo a virtual stepmother. Therefore, she is expected to forgo her duties and her friends just to chaperon this young bowl-haired tyke. She is even forced to step out of attending a lecture at school so she could attend parent's night at the brat's school (and this kid is a brat) then she gets a call from Sam saying he can't make it because of some meeting he can't get out of, so Jo has to stay behind and watch after the kid. Then, a day later, as Jo is about to have fun with her friends, Sam drops by and tells her that his son and his friends need someone to play cars with them, and almost makes her skip out on her plans once again. Then, at the end of the episode, he asks her to marry him, then she says she can't. He seems understanding, even though throughout the episode he's basically dumping his kid on her. So, this was the only "FOL" episode that bothers me to this day. Starting out as a great episode that is very realistic, then it becomes unrealistic. And, I'm sorry, I cannot stand that kid!
The Facts of Life: Dieting (1980)
Maybe some of today's young stars should sit and watch this episode...
Another first-season episode that deals with heavy subject matter. In this case, eating disorders and body image. True, it isn't as sappy and emotional as all the TV movies that have come out about eating disorders, but it is pretty thought provoking. Especially when we see from one of the earlier episodes the girl, Sue Ann, struggling with her body image. Then, we see how pressure makes someone take drastic measures. And we also see, even though she is starving herself to get a date with a hot guy, the episode doesn't outright blame the guy for her disorder. In fact, it is mainly because of Blair's constant teasing and the sudden rash of hard dieting by the girls and Mrs. Garrett. Most movies and shows dealing with eating disorders in women often blame men. But, while this episode was mostly lighthearted, it also makes you think. And some people have criticized this episode for making it seem as if she only had the eating disorder for a few days, then after a talk with Mrs. Garrett, she's all cured then we never hear about it again...but who knows, maybe Sue Ann has been seeing a counselor for the rest of the season. Anyway, this is a great episode of "Facts of Life" that every young woman - and even some Hollywood starlets - should sit down and watch.
The Facts of Life: Magnificent Obsession (1983)
Blair and Jo's first true "bonding" episode...
First off, I love this episode for tackling something most of us go through, being in an abusive relationship. Blair is madly in love with her new boyfriend, Chad, whom to her is a prince among men, even though he treats her badly; criticising her wardrobe, telling her to cut all her hair off, talking down to her in front of others and cheating on her. But while Blair appears to be blinded by what she feels is "true love", her friends are all concerned that this "studly charmer" is mentally abusing her. Suddenly, her self-esteem is out the window, and she becomes paralized at the meer thought of losing him. This is something all of us do at one point or another - women AND men - we fall hard for someone whom we think is the greatest human being on the planet, only to finally realize he/she ain't all that great. So, this was a great episode that deals with abusive relationships...and, while he never laid a hand on her or forced her to go to bed with him, this was indeed a very abusive relationship. The other thing I loved about this episode was how Blair and Jo, after years of trading insults and being downright hostile towards one another - this was the first episode where we saw them actually being friends. From Jo telling Blair to get rid of this guy, to the two of them talking on the couch, to the two of them falling asleep on the couch. Of course, Jo and Blair would still have their tiffs, but rather than just being catty females, they were now becoming close friends.
**SPOILER ALERT** And I loved at the end when the two of them are laughing hysterically when Chad calls, and then after laughing, Blair takes the phone...and hangs up.
The Facts of Life: Taking a Chance on Love: Part 1 (1984)
The first part of this episode was great...
...because I loved how Jo's relationship with Sam Hall, her college professor, was dealt with. At first, it's bliss, then they are brought back to reality. There are consequences of falling for a teacher, such as ridicule from other students and it is techniacally against school rules. But, at first in the episode, we see Sam being almost fatherly to Jo, then the two gradually begin to fall in love. Later on, they both realize that their actions could cost them their reputations. Jo, always a strong and independent woman, stands her ground and wants to keep her relationship with Sam going strong. But, Sam becomes a father figure again and thinks it's too risky to still see one another. However, the second part of this otherwise fantastic episode is a bit bothersome.
The Facts of Life: Rough Housing (1979)
One of the first TV shows that adressed sexuality...
I applaud "Facts of Life" for not shying away from covering heavy subject matter, such as sex, drugs, abortion, breast cancer, prejudice, mental illness and other issues that have only been flirted with on previous television shows. And, one of the few programs where the "Very Special Episode" didn't center on pedophilia (although there was the one episode where Tootie is lured into child pornography, but that was very taboo on TV back then, so it still warrants praise). But I give this show high marks for tackling risky subject matter right from the get-go, as seen in this episode. I for one do not see why there'd be so much controversy aimed at this "Facts of Life" episode, being that since then, there have been programs with violence and sex. I felt that the very first "FOL" episode tackling possibly lesbianism was very commendable, especially since this is a show aimed at girls and young women. And many young girls go through that stage in there life where they don't know who they are, or who they're supposed to be, and, yes, that question regarding their true sexuality is often brought to mind, especially when we are often forced to comform to the roles of modern femininity. I mean not to trivialize young men who also feel the pressure of having to comform to traditional male stereotypes and who often get plastered for liking certain "female-oriented" things, but there have been plenty of TV shows and movies that have dealt with that...so, why can't a TV show deal with a young woman facing these issues?! And I personally feel they dealt with the subject matter very tastefully on "Facts of Life", especially this episode. They never once came out and said "lesbian", or "gay", but yet the viewer clearly knew what was being addressed. The first season of "Facts of Life" often gets panned and was ridiculed by TV critics, but I thought they did some great episodes in those days. Tackling other issues such as eating disorders and low self-esteem, as well as peer pressure, drugs and sex. I loved all 9 seasons of this show, and think it is one of the few shows that has truly evolved with time along with the characters, and one of the few all-female shows that has done so. I miss this show, being that today, we are either stuck with "Desperate Housewives"-type shows where the female characters are all at each other's throats, or shows where there is only one lone female character in a mostly male enssemble cast. But, not to get away from this episode, but it has broken new ground in television, as "Facts of Life" has always done so brilliantly.
The Facts of Life: The First Time (1988)
Why couldn't she have lost it to George Clooney?!?!?!
Not a terrible episode. I finally got to see it on youtube, after years of waiting to see this controversial infamous "Facts of Life" episode. I cannot believe all the years I have watched and loved this show, and up until now I never saw this one episode. I have heard about it and read about it, but now is the first time - no pun intended - I've ever watched the full episode. Well, it wasn't as sappy as I was expecting it to be. One of the better episodes from this particular season. Many accuse this of being the "Jump the Shark" episode of "Facts of Life". What bothered me is that I always thought for some strange reason that the guy who Natalie sleeps with for the first time was the George Clooney character. I always sensed some sexual tension especially between George and Natalie for some reason. The guy playing Snake wasn't terrible, but I remember him from "Fast Times at Rigemont High" where he played the sleezy Damone, who impregnaned Jennifer Jason Leigh's character, then ditches her. So, even though the character of Snake is a little nicer than Damone, just the thought of the same actor who stole Jennifer's virginity in "Fast Times" and in the process knocked her up, being the guy who takes Natalie Green's virginity was a little disturning. Nonetheless, the episode does offer a happy ending, and some nice little life lessons thrown in, without being preachy. I was expecting a high-in-drama episode after the build-up, kind of similar to the episode in one of the earlier seasons where Tuttie becomes overly obsessed with Jermaine Jackson to the point of having a meltdown over not being allowed to go to his concert. But, this was a pretty decent episode about sexuality and the pros and cons, as Jo points out while eating a bowl of Grape Nuts.