Memory Bank

Yesterday afternoon they had back-to-back Bonanza and Gunsmoke running on one of the stations.  Bonanza played on Sunday nights at 8:00 p.m. back in the day and usually we were having our baths when it started and then we were tucked into bed.  But we usually got to see the first part of the program when the boys and Pa rode up the field to the famous theme song.  Bonanza got a bit boring for me after a while because the beautiful girl that Adam, or Joe, or Hoss or even Ben was involved with always died.  Years later when Jessica Fletcher got on the bus my dad commented that if he saw her get on the bus he would get off because you knew a murder was going to happen!  But the success of these shows must indicate that people like things to be predictable and steady.

            I watched the episode yesterday, it was about Samuel Clemens writing for the newspaper in Silver City.  Interestingly enough I had just watched an episode of Rifleman the previous day which also had a story about Mark Twain. Both episodes ran in 1959 and it shows that things simply don’t change in Hollywood.  When one studio produces a comic book movie, at least 2 others will also come up with one.  With all the imaginations in the world you’d think there would be more originality in fantasyland.

            But I also noticed how the Cartwrights were quick on the draw which surprised me because I remember Ben as a peacable man.  I suppose the episodes from the 1960’s mellowed down because the 60’s heralded an era of peace and brotherly love.  I’ve noticed the programs of today seem to be having a very republican flavour to them.  Last week Harry’s Law made me want to turn off Kathy Bates forever as it had such a rant on about bleeding heart liberals that I was seriously shocked.  And last night The Good Wife was leaning heavily towards capital punishment and I thought “shame on you Alicia, you are supposed to be about justice and balance; not bring emotion into the equation”.  That’s the law.

            Back at the advent of television the producers didn’t realize the power of media to the extent that they do today.  So it behoves us to be aware as we tune in to our programs that manipulation is always there to pounce on us.  Know what your own values are so that you won’t take up that six iron when your neighbour’s dog barks in the middle of the night.  After all, we are civilized.  Right?