TV Archives - So About What I Said

Thursday, October 15, 2020

The West Wing Cast Are the Political Superheroes We Need

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of The West Wing!! OK, some might even say that I’m a bit, ummm, obsessed. Everyone knows it. Even some cast members know it.

My point: I have ZERO shame about my love of this most iconic of political dramas!! I mean, this show has it all: Political intrigue, political sparring, the duo known as Ed and Larry. The show presents us with a world in which politics is at its very best — a Washingtonian Utopia, if you will. A time when politics really was for the people and the president (that would be President Bartlet) actually had the interests of the American people at heart and wanted to make this country a better, more just, more inclusive place.

Obviously, our reality in 2020 doesn’t match that fictional paradise — if it did, I wouldn’t be raging and angry all the time!! No, our reality is the exact opposite of the world we see on the show, which is why the seven-season drama has experienced a resurgence in popularity during these dark Trump years!! The show may have ended some 14 years ago, but people are craving an escape from reality and the literal reality show president, so they’re returning to the familiar, calming tune of The West Wing’s opening theme song — don’t pretend like you haven’t caught yourself humming it at least once!!

And for some of us, we’re not so much returning to the show as we are discovering it for the first time!! Yes, the dangers of the Trump administration has driven me to seek comfort from this fictional senior staff because, well, I just need to see something that isn’t corrupt, self-serving and morally bankrupt, you know?

We started watching the show over the holidays last year and breezes through episode after episode pretty quickly!! Each walk-and-talk soothed my weary soul. Each Josh and Donna banter session melted my heart. And each rousing speech from President Bartlet filled me with a hope and optimism that I thought was long gone! Naturally, we were in mourning when we finished, but…

Lucky for us (and America), the Bartlet administration is back on the small screen with a new West Wing special that premieres on HBO Max today. The cast is reuniting to partner with Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote to get people to the polls this year!

I once tweeted that this cast was going to save 2020 and it looks like I’m right. Bigly right. To see the cast of such an iconic political drama reunite during such a pivotal election year is powerful and speaks to the show’s continued influence. Because the values emphasized on the show — like the importance of public service, voting and leaving this country just a bit better for future generations — are timeless values. They’re as real and vital today as they were in 1999. And they’ll be just as vital in another 20 years too.

The show represents so much that is lacking in Washington right now and it’s soothing to get lost in a world of politics that’s actually for the people. Honestly, I sometimes wonder if we’ll ever get to a Bartlet-like White House ever again (I miss you so much, President Obama!), but in the end, the show gives me hope. Hope that we can turn things around on November 3rd. Hope that we can change our reality for the better. Hope that, as my mom just said, we can save our democracy.

Indeed, in the wise words of President Bartlet himself: “We will do what is hard. We will achieve what is great. This is a time for American heroes and we reach for the stars.”

And we also reach for our BALLOTS to make our voices heard and vote out hate. Our democracy and President Bartlet is counting on us. Let’s not let either of them down, OK…???

P.S. No West Wing post would be complete without a shout-out to LemonLyman, my absolute favorite Twitter account to satisfy all my fangirl cravings!! Check it out, friends!!

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

My Interview on ABC 7 News: “Blogger Delivers Pointed Response…”

Oooh, friends!!! Do you know what I’m most terrified of doing?? It has absolutely nothing to do with my writing, but then again…it is directly related to my writing. How’s that for a riddle?? I’m talking about INTERVIEWS. Specifically, my interview with…ABC 7 News!!!

Not the kind of interviews I do when I’m the one writing the story, mind you — although, I was downright terrified when I interviewed Bradley Whitford earlier this year! I mean, I was practically hyperventilating, but that’s to be expected I suppose, right??? We are talking about THE WEST WING here, so…

But back to my ABC interview! One of the things that no one tells writers about is just how nervous you’ll be during interviews when you’re the one answering the questions. It’s honestly terrifying! My head spins. My palms sweat buckets. My mouth even gets dry. And all the while, I can’t stop asking the same questions to myself: Am I saying the right thing?? Do I sound like I know what I’m talking about?

I guess I did OK with the ABC 7 News because it was even on the local Chicago show called Localish. It was great chatting about my viral tweet and living with a disability.

You can watch the interview here, but here’s my favorite quote…

“I think my disability has given me a lot of strength, and I don’t think that is something that you necessarily think of when you think of disabled because all society thinks that disabled is something bad and it’s, like, shameful… but I am very proud to be disabled and I think it’s made me a stronger person.”

What a fun time!! So maybe I didn’t really have to worry that much, huh?? I do tend to overreact sometimes! And, of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t give my mom a special shout-out! She served as my amazing stylist and picked out the most poppin’ outfit. Don’t you just love it, friends?!?!? xoxo

Thursday, July 2, 2020

The Baby-Sitters Club: 5 Things I’d Love to See In the Netflix Reboot

Say hello to your friends! The Baby-Sitters Club is back and they’re coming to a screen near you!

Netflix is bringing a reboot of everyone’s favorite group of babysitters to the streaming service Friday – a group that first found a rabid fan base in Ann M. Martin‘s book series of the same name. The series, which debuted in 1986 with Kristy’s Great Idea, follows seven best friends as they experience the ups and downs of running their own babysitting business.

This isn’t the first time the babysitters jumped from the books to the screen. Fans first got to know the babysitters outside of the books in the ‘90s thanks to a 13-episode TV show as well as a feature film a few years later.

Indeed, the enduring legacy of The Baby-Sitters Club is more than just a paperback series for young readers. It’s a world all its own that has built a cult following over more than 100 books. Dedicated fans have come to know the characters and backstory practically by heart. There’s Kristy, whose bossy leadership skills helped The Baby-Sitters Club become the go-to sitting service in fictional Stoneybrook, Connecticut. Through their nonstop adventures, readers saw themselves in the characters. Some were artistic like Claudia. Some were shy and reserved like Mary Anne, while others were more outgoing like cool, California-bred Dawn. And still others loved all things fashion like Stacey, books like Mallory or ballet like Jessi.

Growing up, I was a carbon copy of Mary Anne. I remember the colorful books with the iconic block lettering on the cover. The series meant a chance to bond with my mom every night, as I’d huddle under the covers and listen in wonder as she read each book aloud. It also meant a chance to bond with my father as he’d spend time with me at the library, helping me reach the Baby-Sitters Club books and listen as I carefully debated the merits of each one as I tried to decide which one to check out next.

These books weren’t just something fun to read to pass the time. They were fun, yes, but they also showed me a world I could immerse myself in. For the first time, I felt like I was part of something – a cool group of amazing, diverse young women who were making a difference, whose lives I felt invested in and who I aspired to be like. The characters may have been fiction, but it all felt very real to me.

That’s exactly what made the series so beautiful and relatable: No one in the group was the same, and there was a character for every personality type. The girls were diverse, unique and true individuals, and they each brought something essential to the club and helped make it successful. They were all allowed to be different and those differences were celebrated; there wasn’t any pressure to conform and each book — and TV episode and movie — was a true celebration of being who you are and the joys of having a group of friends who accepted you and loved you unconditionally.

Maybe that’s why the series has never felt old or dated. There’s a certain timeless quality that has always made it feel fresh, as if you could plop these characters in any time period and it would still be relevant. The books were such a defining part of my childhood and the lessons they teach — lessons in friendship, life and even entrepreneurship — are just as relevant in 2020. Not to mention, a series aimed at young women is needed now more than ever — young readers need these sorts of role models in their life.

SPOILER ALERT: Scroll down to see a throwback photo of me in the hospital with a BSC book in my hand. Naturally, I’m smiling!

After all, these are the characters my generation fell in love with and I’m so excited that a whole new generation will meet thanks to the reboot!

The upcoming 10-episode reboot is being billed as a live-action that will see the friends, presumably, as the same middle schoolers they were in the books, but in modern day. It’ll be interesting to see how the babysitters’ lives are different in the age of social media and iPhones. Will they take their business online? Will they have an app? Will fashionista Stacey have an Instagram following or blog?

Obviously, I’ve given this extensive thought (haven’t you??), so here are five things I’d like to see in the reboot…

The babysitters are also activists: Our world is imploding right now, but it’s the young people who are leading the charge for change. I think Kristy and friends would be right there with protesters and activists — maybe even organizing a fundraiser or livestream to raise awareness!
The show tackles modern issues: This one looks like it’s going to happen, seeing as how both Mary Anne and Dawn are played by actresses of color and Dawn’s father is gay. Also, look for a transgender storyline, which is incredibly important in 2020. One more hope I have? That they take on the patriarchy!
They club goes digital: I’d love to see the club optimize for the web — I’m thinking an app, website, maybe online scheduling so busy parents can book babysitters 24/7 instead of just during the club meeting. Although, those club meetings were legendary! Who can forget Dues Day??
Stacey has an Instagram, complete with #OOTD: That stands for Outfit of the Day for those not in the know. And we all know that Stacey is the resident fashionista of the group, so I can see her having a huge following and doing tones of cool street-style shoots!!
Claudia has an Etsy shop: Remember how Claudia is the artistic one? In the ’90s TV series, there was an entire episode all about the cool jewelry she made, so I can see her as a mini mogul with her very own online store. Wouldn’t that be cool??

The possibilities are endless, as is the potential to tackle even more issues real-life teens are facing today, like bullying and mental health. Because at its core, the series is a reflection of its readers. It’s a snapshot of who they are and where they’re going.

Perhaps my friend Rosemary captured the magic best, “I think at its core, the BSC books tell the story of a group of young women who are navigating a time that can be really hard. It tells the story of strong female friendships, being responsible, dealing with conflicts, and finding your place in the world.”

And that is something worth celebrating!

P.S. If you’re as pumped as I am, check out the awesome trailer!! It will certainly get you in the mood to binge-watch The Baby-Sitters Club reboot this weekend!

P.P.S. How cool is it that they recreated the cover of the first book on the series poster?!?!?

Monday, April 13, 2020

My Essay on CNN Opinion: “The Bachelorette Is Growing Up”

Here’s something I never thought I’d say (err, type): I’m the same age as the next Bachelorette. The same age. We’re both 38. And I’m not speaking in hyperbole when I say that this is groundbreaking.

Looking for some fun distraction reading?? Here’s my latest piece for CNN — my 24th for them!! I wrote about the next Bachelorette Clare Crawley and how seeing a 38-year-old woman on the show is going to be a game-changer!!

A woman in her 30s looking for love is a first for the franchise and Crawley thinks her age will definitely be an asset in her search. Asset, indeed. After 16 seasons of women in their 20s, we’re finally seeing some diversity on The Bachelorette, and it’s such a win for us older Millennials, who enjoy the show, but are in a much different place than we were more than a decade ago. We live in a culture that prioritizes youth and vitality above all else, so when we constantly see young, young, young in everything from TVs to movies to even commercials, we get the message loud and clear: Getting older is the ultimate sin. It means the end.

Here’s an excerpt of the piece, in which I celebrate the wonderful awesomeness of us “cougars”!! We’re a mighty, mighty force, I tell you…

The reality is that women over 30 exist in this world, and they’re living and thriving. So why shouldn’t reality television reflect that? Perhaps Crawley signals a much-needed change for the franchise — one that will be a better reflection of how women date and marry in 2020.
Repeatedly seeing women primarily in their 20s just reinforces all those negative stereotypes about “older” women; society often says that women over 30 are “over the hill” or “past their prime,” or even worse — that those who are older and looking for love are somehow pathetic or desperate. And let’s not forget that little word “cougar,” made famous by Mrs. Robinson in 1967’s “The Graduate.” Spoiler alert: Anne Bancroft, who played Robinson, was only 35.

But how does most of our society view “older” men? Very differently. We use positive terms like “distinguished,” and a man with gray hair is often called a “silver fox.” Men, it seems, gain respect as they age — while women lose respect.

You can read the full piece here and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to email me anytime at mellow1422@aol.com and let’s chat! And of course, feel free to share my essay on Facebook, Twitter or even your local refrigerator. If you share on Twitter, be sure to tag me @melissablake so I see your tweet and we can connect! I can’t wait to hear from you! Love you all… xoxo

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

My Essay on DAME: “The Self-Care of Escapist TV” (Or, My Ode to Political Dramas)

Hello, my wonderful friends!! I’m back and guess what??? My ode to political dramas is OUT in the world!!!

Oh, wait, maybe I should back up just a bit, especially if you don’t follow me on social media. If you DO follow me, then you’ve probably seen me go on and on for months about this essay idea I had; it was one of those ideas that was just tugging at me, begging to be written. Honestly, this is the piece I’m most proud of and it was such an honor to pay tribute to my newest favorite TV genre, including my newfound love (read: obsession) of The West Wing!

I can’t believe I got to write about binge-watching fictional political TV shows to escape the Trump era! This piece was a long time coming…got the idea months ago and it found the perfect home on DAME.

In fact, it all still feels incredibly surreal. And even more surreal? I got to interview Bradley Whitford and Pat Cunnane — two titans in the political dramas arena — and it was such an honor!

Here’s an excerpt of the piece, and I just hope I’ve made the Bartlet administration proud…

It may be a fictional behind-the-scenes peek into the life of the president and his senior staff, but for 44 minutes every night, it’s exactly what I need. And on the worst days, when reality kicks into high gear, it’s the only 44 minutes where I’m not angry about politics.
The West Wing and shows like it are my respite, offering me a vision of reality that isn’t corrupt and dangerous, even if it’s only on the small screen.
And now, the worse things get with our real-life current administration and with primary season in full swing, the more I cling to the Bartlet administration on The West Wing.
And in the end, maybe watching these shows serves a dual purpose – one not just about escapism, but also about rejuvenation. Because I’m going to continue watching as a way to regather my strength, and then, when I’m ready to rejoin the fight, I’ll ask, in the wise words of President Bartlet himself, “What’s next?”

I also wanted to take a moment to highlight the importance of DAME, which is at the forefront of feminism, politics and culture. If you’d like to support the work of journalists, I invite you to become a member. As a small publication, DAME has been impacted by the economic fallout of COVID-19, but we need the voices of women journalists more than ever right now. Just 5,000 people giving $4.99 per month will help DAME continue to be that voice. Click here for more info.