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How television changed for the worst after ''All in the Family ended

posted 8 years ago by lonnieanixt
153 replies | jump to latest

Its hard to believe how different art and popular culture was in the 1970s compared to today. We have seen both Television and movies regress.
this is explained very nicely in: TV a book
" For a long time after its run ended, broadcast TV was inhospitable to shows like All in the family. this was due to TV's splintering from a handful of channels into hundreds. But an equal or larger part of the blame can be laid at the feet of broadcast networks executives and their marketers, who figured out sometimes in the '80s that they could make more ad money by junking the "big tent" model and appealing to white college graduates with loads of dis[posable income-a description that rules out anyone who looks or sounds like a character from 'All in the family' in the '80s and '90s, networks gentrified prime time , banishing demographically déclassé minority characters to "netlets' like UPN and the WR, and all but banning straightforwardly political topics while retaining harsh language and cutting remarks , except for certain corners of cable, you didn't hear people talking about race, class, religion, or politics, unless their talk was treated as the centerpiece of a special episode or treated as jocular and sarcastic and " just kidding"

yes, back in the 70s a spade was called a spade ( sorry for the pun) and important issues were open for discussion, now we live in a fools paradise, and everybody is susceptible to be tricked or ripped off without anyone commenting on it, because the characters on the most popular shows live in a USA where everybody is a good guy and would never scam you, now i ask you which America do you see everyday, the one the people on 'Modern Family" or the "Big Bang" experience, or the one Archie Bunker lived through. We have a new age where everything about America is glorified, and yet at the same time the patriotism has been expunged. We see a superficial love of America.
All in the Family shined a mirror on the America we were all experiencing, it opened up conversation and examined important issues, the news and current events of the day. Intelligent, well acted comedy/drama.

now what do we have?

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

I enjoy Modern Family immensely. But, if course it's the AITF world we see every day.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Matt Roberts. You were great.

[–] darkridedan 8 years ago

I wouldn't say it ended with All in the Family. The needle just swung back to center in the 80's when people were tired of everything and everybody being torn apart. We started seeing wealthy folks on primetime soaps and successful doctors, lawyers, athletes and business people as parents on sitcoms.

Things became stale when every comic had their own sitcom. But I believe a standout from the rest was Everybody Loves Raymond, which has many plot lines that parallel All in the Family. It definitely showed that everybody had a perspective, no matter how right or wrong. But it too was a larger-than-life hilarious show where lessons were learned, even if the characters regressed vs progressing like the main leads on AitF.
I think one of the worse things to happen to TV is the demographic programming. The kids have their own channels, blacks and Hispanics have their own channels, and the majority of networks program to bafoons with bad taste.
Yes, the majority of top programs are binge-watched programs that overtake people's lives. I can't speak for these shows as they have no appeal to me. How "zombie eat brains" can attract so many people is beyond my comprehension. People just don't want to watch traditional comedies. The ratings for The Goldbergs and the like are pitiful. People would rather watch night time soaps about zombies, making drugs, Atlantic City and such. Zombies eat brains.

[–] lonnieanixt 8 years ago

It's escapism. Pure and simple. In many ways its denial, the refusal to address real problems. We have a great country but these are not great times. There is too much greed and too little empathy. television executives are snivelers, the shows they prefer have little controversy and even less realism or intelligence, television characters inhabit a world where nobody ever worries about anything of any significance, they don't worry about getting old, or losing their jobs, or paying the rent. Everything is just swell. Television is in the business of lying to us, while misdirecting us, and the populace is probably more ill informed right now that at any time in our history.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

The Goldberg's are in like their 3rd or 4th season, though. The Middle and Last Man Standing are still on! Their ratings aren't great either.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Matt Roberts. You were great.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

You can tell when a modern show is superior. It doesn't do great in the ratings department. The public has horrible taste these days.

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

True, Fletcher, and what show, Real?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Matt Roberts. You were great.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

I think he's referring to the Goldbergs. Never saw it myself.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Me neither. It's based in my home town of Philadelphia, I think. So, that is a plus.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Matt Roberts. You were great.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

I'm sure there are some worthwhile shows out there, but the hours I work don't leave room for prime-time viewing.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

I don't watch much tv, either Fletch. Wrestling on Mondays, and everything else on demand.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Matt Roberts. You were great.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

I miss my DVR box.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

I'm sure you do.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Matt Roberts. You were great.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

My fault. I should've bought a DVD recorder.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Do it now.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Matt Roberts. You were great.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

I can only have so many "nice things" in the slummy and vulnerable place I'm living in right now.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Ask for it for Christmas.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Matt Roberts. You were great.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

Along with a vault safe to store it in?

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

A safe to keep the DVR?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Matt Roberts. You were great.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

I live in a rooming house.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

What's that mean?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Matt Roberts. You were great.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

I can't leave any valuables in there. My TV and my blu-Ray player are what I'm risking right now. I own another of each in storage, but I wouldn't want to risk a third thing.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

You're not with your brother anymore?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Matt Roberts. You were great.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

He's pretty fragile health-wise and came down with partial pneumonia and a never-ending sinus infection from having to keep putting the AC on for me (it was a hotter than usual summer), and I think that made him a little disgruntled. Friction ensued, so I have my own place (of sorts).

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Well, whatever works.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Matt Roberts. You were great.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

If I lose my overtime for any length of time, I'm screwed.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

You really depend on that, huh?

Movie Theater: Young Frankenstein 10/10. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

Try paying rent working at a gas mart with just 40 hours.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

I don't like working 40 hours. Lol.

Movie Theater: Young Frankenstein 10/10. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

Nobody does, but unless you have a salary job, you've gotta do it.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

I guess.

Movie Theater: Young Frankenstein 10/10. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

Unless you're lucky enough to leach off of someone. But that's usually a female thing.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Or a Fletcher thing. Lol.

Movie Theater: Young Frankenstein 10/10. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

I never leached for the sake of leaching. It was a low-paying job thing.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Yeah, that mak4s all the difference.

Movie Theater: Young Frankenstein 10/10. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

Unless you're formally asked to leave, why submit yourself to living in a "rat-infested ghetto" (in the words of Mrs. Stonehurst when Edith was on the jury)?

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

I guess so.

Movie Theater: Young Frankenstein 10/10. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

People have asked me in the past "Why don't you move in with a family that's renting out a room?", and I'd respond with "That's the living arrangement I have now, so what's the point of moving?".

[–] cih8504 8 years ago

I guess. I would rather just sit at home all day in my underwear and let my parents support me, fletch. Nothing wrong with that, I think.

Movie Theater: Young Frankenstein 10/10. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Someone else's family. Not your own. Lol.

Movie Theater: Young Frankenstein 10/10. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

You might as well stay where you are if those are the choices.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Fonzie lived above the Cunningham garage. He wasn't a relation, was he?

Movie Theater: Young Frankenstein 10/10. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

No, but he was renting his own apartment before that.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

I wouldn't remember.

Movie Theater: Young Frankenstein 10/10. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

That whole premise was to expand the character.
His grandmother just moved to Milwaukee and was staying with him. He tried to find a place for her and wound up keeping her at his place while he moved into the new place.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

How do you remember all these things?

Movie Theater: Young Frankenstein 10/10. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

It was easy to remember that. It was the first episode of season three. The first two seasons had been filmed without an audience, resulting in a lot of location footage, which made it more realistic. His character, as well as Ralph's, became more cartoonish (it actually made Ralph funnier).
I've always preferred the first two seasons.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

It ran for like 11 seasons, didn't it?

Movie Theater: Young Frankenstein 10/10. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time.

[–] lonnieanixt 8 years ago

The modern template has resulted in the lowest ratings of all time for most sitcoms, while we all know that All in the Family in its primes was drawing 30 million to every episode. The cringing cowardly Network executives have put a stake in the heart of a whole medium, But the thing to remember here, Network executive do not equal the American people who probably have more brains and compassion in their little toes than the average Network exec. There is a reason why sitcoms like the Goldbergs get the ratings they get, the American people are not interested in shows that have offer nothing but 30 minutes of distraction.
If All in the Family began again, if some how they found the brilliant actors, writers and directors who guided the first 7 years of AITF, the show would be just as popular, while addressing real life problems. people are tired of being lied to and distracted. And believe thats the thing they are worried about.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

So you like the Goldberg's, or? I've never seen it. I can't believe Last Man Standing is still on.

Movie Theater: Young Frankenstein 10/10. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time.

[–] maxtshea 8 years ago

Everybody on TV has to be rich nowadays. Even when they show a "middle class" neighborhood, it looks like Greenwich or Short Hills.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

No All in the Family or Good Times anymore.

Movie Theater: Young Frankenstein 10/10. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time.

[–] lonnieanixt 8 years ago

No All in the Family or Good Times anymore.

When i look back on all these decades of watching TV, certain shows stand out in my memory, and they are all these Shows i can watch over again an again and they never dull, what these shows have in common is a sense of reality. Shows like AITF, Good Times, What Happening. They were real and they dealt with universal topics, the kind of things you experience in your own life, there was also a passion and energy to this show fed by the realism that the actors could channel into. Archie yelling at Mike, James yelling at JJ, Raj's mom threatening him with a belt, these parent figures were just like the parent figures from my own life, and they were yelling and threatening you , because they were trying to teach you, because life is no joke, life is tough and dangerous and you better wise up quick. The kids in the television shows of today never get yelled at, and heaven forbid if a father or mother threaten a kid with the strap. Everything is phony because kids can get out of hand and do stupid things that have ramifications and consequences, but these are Tv kids, actors playing a role, they are not real kids, and they live in fantasy lands the type of which would make the 'Brady Bunch" snicker. and the actors playing their parents have no chemistry with them. When Raj's mom or James threaten their children with a strap, there is love behind this mixed in with the frustration of raising these kids and the kids know they can be annoying and trying to get under their parent's skin, so they are really giving as good as they get, which is what kids do in real life.it's the emotion that make these scenes dramatic and memorable and also touching. And on the contrary, fake kids who are spoiled and never yelled at are quickly forgotten.

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

Today's television is simply emulating the ridiculous facade today's society is hiding behind.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

We grew up with parents that would beat us, and argue, and whatever else. That's why we can relate to these older shows.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

And show outrage the way misbehaving brats are coddled these days.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Boy, is that true.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

Every level of current social acceptance is parhetic.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Parhetic? Ohhh. Pathetic, I guess you mean.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

This tiny keypad is parthetic.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

I believe it. Mine too.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

I have a computer I've never used, but I wouldn't dare bring it into my current living establishment. I don't have enough outlets anyway. My setup is almost a fire hazard as it is.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Gonna set your place on fire. Lol.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

That's one way to end the lease, I'd hope.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

The place a real dump?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

No. It's just old. The one I checked out in my former town back in April (prior to moving in with my brother), that was a dump.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Ohhh. Oh well.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

In fact, my brother knows someone that moved into the room I was shown, and it turns out that the dude's currently overrun with bed bugs.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Did you leave them there?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

If I had that power, I would've left them at the home of the real estate lady for what she wanted to charge me for that dump.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Haha. Getting geared up for Christmas?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

My main concern is that hopefully the weekend third shift guy at work wants the holidays off so I can have some much-needed overtime.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

Overtime? You mean, you want to work Christmas?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

Sh!t, yah. Christmas Eve would be holiday pay plus overtime and Christmas would be overtime. Same with New Years weekend.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

What the hell? Are you a Grinch or something? Don't like Christmastime? Spending it with your family and such?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

I had to work Thanksgiving, but still went to my parents' place to eat. Same with Christmas.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

I guess at your age you don't get very many gifts, and such. I'd sooner quit a job than work on Christmas.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

In my situation I don't get paid holidays unless I work them.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

So? Family is more important than money.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

I'll be with the family Christmas Day. I don't start work til eleven PM. My parents aren't young. My father heads for his bed shortly after dinner.

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

11pm Christmas Eve to 7 o'clock Christmas morning?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

If I work that Saturday. I'll get seven hours holiday pay plus eight hours overtime just for that one shift. If I work that Sunday, I'll get one hour of holiday pay plus eight hours overtime (for that shift).

[–] cjh8504 8 years ago

It's Christmastime, dude. Enjoy your family.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 8 years ago

My working won't interfere with that. It'll supplement my shaky finances, if I end up working. I'm hoping.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Whatever floats your boat, man. I don't like working Christmas Eve or the day after even.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

Christmas being on a Sunday this year might give people Monday off, if they have a job with benefits. New Years also.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

I'd want Monday off. Give me time to enjoy my gifts.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

Days off cripple my bank account.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

That's true, but do you want to be stuck in a dingy gas Mart all the time? I know I wouldn't.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

Absolutely not, but I can't find another job.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

What type of job would you like?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

I haven't been picky (except no sales or customer service). I just can't get hired.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Seems like that's being picky. Everything is customer service related. Wawa, or 7-11, if you don't have Wawa's up there. Kmart, Wal-mart, Burger King. What isn't customer service related?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

None of those would be an improvement over what I have now. And what the f¥ck is Wawa?

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

It's the 7-11 of the tri-state area. They have all your essentials on every other corner in town. Milk, cigs, hoagies, butter, sodas, whatever.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

Sounds like Tedeschi's around here. Although they seem to be taken over by seven elevens.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Yup. Like a mini-Mart type thing.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

"Li'l Peach" and "White Hen Pantry" were the originals in our area. An occasional Seven Eleven. Now there seems to be nothing but Seven Elevens and gas marts.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Lucky you. You wouldn't have a job if it weren't for the latter.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

It's a two-edged sword.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

How so? You'd rather be working than not, right?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

Working sucks, especially dealing with (being bothered by) the public. And it sucks not working, money-wise.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

You're totally right.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

We have no choice but to get down on all fours like Ned Beatty in "The Deliverance".

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Never saw it, but Ned is excellent is everything I have seen him in.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

Lol. I've actually never seen it either, but have certainly heard about it. "Squeal like a pig!".

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

I've heard that reference, but didn't know what it was from.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

My movie viewing is pretty slim, new or old.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

I'm painfully aware, sad sack.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

I hate watching movies on commercial stations, and I have no movie channels, so I don't think it's going to improve anytime soon.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Don't you have dvds, or interest in getting them, of movies you'd like to watch?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

I have many, but they're all in storage. I was lucky my AITF set was within arm's length the last time I was on a search and recovery mission.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Why? You have all the time in the world to go through your own crap, don't you?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

Its too much work. The whole thing is a domino effect. Tiny room with everything crammed and stacked. You can't step inside without removing piles of crap. Half the sh!t is inside cardboard boxes or milk crates, both of which are in stacks behind stacks.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Sound a little lazy.

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

It's just depressing whenever I slide the door up.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

That your whole life is in a 12 by 10 box?

RIP Gene Wilder. One of the funniest people of all time. RIP Robert Vaughn

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

Lol. 12x10? More like 5x8, which makes searching for things irritating. My other one is like 6x10, but I'm trying to vacate that one, but I have to unload a washer and dryer on someone first, then there's the matter of disposing of a crappy refrigerator that's in there also.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Sell them, and make some serious coinage.

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

My father advised me to unload the good stuff for $80.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

All of it for 80? What is everything that he wants to sell for 80?

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

The washer and dryer. They're like thirteen years old. The fridge needs to be junked.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

To large appliances for 80?! Nah. 80 each maybe.

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

It's kind of a fire sale. That storage unit is too expensive.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

I see. Still.

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

It was chaotic the day we emptied out the house. We rented a truck from U- Haul and decided to use one of theor storage units since it was convenient. The price was astronomical, but had to be done.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Why so quickly? Getting evicted?

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

The bank gave us a deadline and we waited until the second to the last day to get the stuff out, which was only the washer, dryer, fridge, my stuff, and some crap leftover (ACs and stuff). We started as soon as I came home from work in the morning and it took all day. I was moving into my brother's place and had to get some sleep to go to work that night. It sucked. And still sucks, as I have to pay rent now.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Why'd you wait until the last minute?

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

I wasn't running the show. My father was in charge. Most of the stuff in the house were things I was using every day. So he decided to rent a truck for one day to keep costs down.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Tell him "I'm in charge now, old man!" and push him aside.

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

It was his house. I was just going with the flow.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Probably high at the time. Lol.

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

No way. My brain can't handle that crap no more.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Apparently not. Your English is the worst. "No more." Anymore, sir.

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

Better than my Spanish, believe me.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

I took French in High school.

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

I only took English. That was enough.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

You didn't take a language?

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

I wasn't required, so I didn't. I did the least possible. I was told I didn't have to take math every year in high school, so I skipped it in tenth grade. I only did homework if I had spare time in school, I rarely did it at home. I got passing grades from what I did do, and I was good on tests. There weren't too many people - that didn't quit - who hated school as much as I did.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Terrible. I wasn't a huge fan, but I'd never quit.

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

I wouldn't have, my parents wouldn't have let me anyway. Both my younger brothers did though.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Quit school? What's happened to them?

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

One died in a car accident at the age of 19, and the other - who I was recently living with - has a state job - I guess he must've gotten his GED.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Sorry to hear about your one brother, though. Miss him?

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

He fell asleep at the wheel driving a girl home from a party.
It was pretty bad.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

That sucks. She dead too?

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

No, she was just knocked out for a while.
Fortunately for me I came home from a bar a couple of hours earlier when we were all woken up with the news, so I was pretty brain dead at the time, but the rest of my family went through hell.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Didn't you once you sobered up?

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

Well of course, but it had time to sink in. Lessened the shock effect. No matter how you slice it it's a horrible thing. I know it was even worse for my poor parents.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Sure. Probably still think about him around Christmastime, Thanksgiving, his birthday and such.

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!

[–] Fletcherj119 7 years ago

It's tough. If I start thinking about him, I can still hear my parents' reactions to the phone call that they heard the news on in the middle of the night.

[–] cjh8504 7 years ago

Rough.

RIP Gene Wilder. RIP Robert Vaughn. RIP Carrie Fisher. RIP William Christopher. 2016 is the worst!