The Best Show On TV Today

I was writing this a few days ago but hadn't finished it yet to post, and sadly, Bea Arthur died yesterday. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatrice_Arthur

Will finish it today, but honestly? A little sad about the whole thing.

From Friday:
The best show on TV today? Any guesses?

The Golden Girls. Hands down. It's not syndicated enough in my opinion, and it's offered 2-4 hours a day on different networks around here.

How old do you think the characters (not the actresses) were on The GG? When you're nine, which I was when the show originally aired in 1985, anyone older than about 26 was really old. Which could explain why I always thought the characters were in their mid-70s. Didn't you? But I was watching the other day, and it turns out they were meant to be in their 50s!

There are a lot of surprises about that. First, my mom's around that age -- plus or minus. Well, plus -- and dang, she looks good! Way younger than any of them. Second, what was with the blue-rinse, poodle-perm set hair? Third, how is it the image of a fifty year old could change so drastically in a matter of a few years?

Watching as an adult, I'm more clued in on the jokes, and there lies another surprise: how'd they get away with that content two decades ago? Suppose that's what makes it still relevant in 2009.

I also wonder where that kind of talent is today. What comediennes of my generation will have careers spanning 7 decades, winning Tonys, Emmys, and stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? All singing, all dancing real talents? TV, movies, Broadway. Seriously, name one. I do love the old-timey movies for that reason. Pure talent. Give me a Betty White any day over...god, I can't even think of anyone current. OK, I'll give you Tina Fey.

From Today:
I was watching today, as most days, and I realized just how relatable Bea's character was, especially to me. In this episode, she was meant to remarry Stan, so Sophia -- in an attempt to change her mind -- brings home their shoe-repair guy. Sophia says something about the guy knowing Dorothy's shoe size and is willing to date her anyway. Reminded me of my mom when I was learning how to scuba dive in Australia. Told me to point my feet toward the shark should I be attacked as I could stand to lose a few inches in that region. Moms. Love-hate relationships, eh?

So here are a few classic Dorothy lines as stolen from imdb.com:
-- "You'll have to excuse my mother. She suffered a slight stroke a few years ago which rendered her totally annoying."
-- "Good night, Rose. Go to sleep, honey. Pray for brains."
-- "I got the feeling I was the man's first date that wasn't inflatable."
-- "Remind me when I feel better to kick the crap out of her."

Alas.