My Complaint Letter to CBS

[Janice]

Speaks for itself. I'm sure I'll get some stupid form letter reply, but hey, it's worth a shot.
------------------------------------------------

I'm writing to let you know that tonight my husband and I watched the final episode of your new drama, The Good Wife. We were enjoying the show all season. It was great to see Julianna Margulies back on tv, and we're huge fans of Chris Noth (aka Mr. Big) from Sex And The City. I also love courtroom dramas. I noticed little politcal jabs, aimed at conservatives, peppered throughout the show, and the Obama posters hanging in their daughter's room. Still, I know that's par for the course. I didn't have an issue with the posters, but it was shown in the first episode, clearly laying the groundwork and indicating to viewers where this family stood politcally.

Tonight however, you folks took the gloves off. Early on in the episode, a meeting with lawyers was taking place. While discussing jury selection, someone mentioned that a potential jurist was a Republican. A lawyer replied that it's not fair that they get the "bad" juror. No other information was given on the person, only that they were ......oooooohhhhhnnnooooo, a REPUBLICAN!! The show closed with Chris Noth's character, a politician involved in a sex scandal, saying to his wife, (Julianna Margulies), that, "This is an attack by sex. Remember we used to talk about how they did this to Clinton?"

Back in the day, when Michael Jordan was playing ball, and his Air Jordan sneakers going strong, a Democratic politician asked Jordan to campaign for him. Jordan declined, saying, "Republicans buy sneakers too." He was smart enough to know that you don't alienate half your fan base. Michael Jordan worked on Obama's campaign, but he was out of sports then.

Too bad, as we're loyal viewers, and often watch entire series from start to finish, i.e., The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Ally McBeal, The Practice, The West Wing, etc, etc.

So, enjoy the Republican bashing! We're not going to sit and take it. It's very short-sighted and narrow-minded thinking to put politics ahead of your viewers. Our money is as good as any Democrat's money. Republicans enjoy watching television too, and should be able to do so without being insulted. After eight years of Bush bashing, I thought we'd finally get a break. Even with your guy in power, the bashing continues. Sore winners.

After the Dan Rather debacle, I should have realized that CBS is nothing but a DNC mouthpiece. The only time cBS will ever be on in this home is when it's absolutely necessary, for watching sports. See ya!

[Schmoopie]

That's a great letter, Janice! Nicely put. I can't believe CBS would alienate a political party like that. I don't remember there ever being a specific party mentioned on West Wing, although I didn't watch that show much.

[ABlairican Pie]

CBS = Conservative-Bashing Slimeballs.

Wow, I think after Obama is long gone and they get some other Democrat shill
in office, they will never stop with the Bush-bashing. ohno: Ooh, this dark period
in American history, Bush, blah blah, only because we say so........ :rolleyes:

[MickeyMac]

Janet you should send that letter not to just CBS, but to NBC, ABC, CNN, and the holy grail of liberalism The New York Times, oh and to Rolling Stone magazine as well.

[BeavisandButthead]

That show will probably end up being cancelled by the end of the season anyway... we can only hope.

[catlover79]

Janet you should send that letter not to just CBS, but to NBC, ABC, CNN, and the holy grail of liberalism The New York Times, oh and to Rolling Stone magazine as well.
AMEN TO THAT!! You go, Janice. :clap

[Tweety]

Great letter, Janice!!

I haven't watched "The New Adventures of Old Christine" (also on CBS) yet this season, we've got other Wednesday evening commitments, and I just haven't bothered recording it. But I saw some clips of a recent episode, and they're pushing Obama's health care "plan" on that show. I loved the show for the first couple of years that it was on, but now I don't care if I miss it any more.

Liberals are indeed the biggest bunch of whiners ever...even when they win.

[bandito]

Awsome letter, Janice. Keep us informed, if by chance they respond.

[MickeyMac]

This is one of the many reasons why I mostly watch pre 1970's TV. Besides the fact the shows were way way better, but none of this political overtones.

[MrCleveland]

Hollywood is owned by Liberals and they make the Conservatives the Bad Guys.

I hate that! The Liberals are just as bad as the Conservatives. Now no one sees Ronald Reagan as a good guy.

Thank You F.A.G.!

[Tweety]

Janice, was this in the form of an email or an actual letter via snail mail?

[Janice]

Janice, was this in the form of an email or an actual letter via snail mail?
I had to actually register at the CBS website to get to this (below). I know it will go to the abyss, so I'm going to send it snail mail as well. On tonight's To-Do-List, is to find the best place to send it. Any advice on that is appreciated. I know how to format the letter, as I was in Corporate for years. I'm open to suggestions or changes to the content of the letter, from anyone, as well. I should perhaps copy it to a few people at FOX. I probably should take the sarcasm out towards the end of the letter. Maybe makes me look as bad as them?

http://www.cbs.com/info/user_services/fb_global_form.php

[TJL]

Nice letter Janice. Oh those TV writers and producers are soooo clever with their witty jabs.

I guess it was only natural now that Bush/Chaney/Palin are out of the spotlight, the next target is everyone who votes Republican. Because we're so evil.

Republicans are people too, despite what you may see on TV or hear on the radio.

What goes around, comes around my friends. But unfortunatly, our revolution will not be televised.

At least not on CBS.

;)

[catlover79]

Awsome letter, Janice. Keep us informed, if by chance they respond.
Like they would, but on the off chance, I echo your sentiment!!

[Darren J.]

Completely agree Janice. I am an Independent and always lean towards third party candidates, but Republicans have been bashed non-stop for the last 3-4 years and the Democrats apparently can do no wrong. I'm not a fan of either group, but those representing the left in this country seem to be immune from criticism.

[catlover79]

Completely agree Janice. I am an Independent and always lean towards third party candidates, but Republicans have been bashed non-stop for the last 3-4 years and the Democrats apparently can do no wrong. I'm not a fan of either group, but those representing the left in this country seem to be immune from criticism.
I completely agree. I hate partisanship with a passion. :mad:

[Stuck In The '70's]

Great letter Janice. I've been watching The Good Wife and saw that episode. I wasn't surprised. I'm used to seeing Conservatives and Republicans bashed in entertainment programs. If it gets too bad on shows that I watch then I'll drop them. I don't like being lectured at. They probably won't even respond to you knowing CBS. I miss the days when TV Shows just entertained you.

[ABlairican Pie]

I think you might want to try the Hollywood Reporter for an address to the show. But CBS is a good place to start. :cool:

[Robert King]

Dear Janice,

I wish you'd give the show a second chance. I'm the writer and creator of the show, and a lot of what we're going for is skewering the holy cows of both sides of the political spectrum.

Yes, Alicia says the juror is not as good for the liberal defense team because he's a Republican. But the show also shows that the supposedly liberal defendants bribed the jurors. It also shows that the judging of jurors from outside is a bit ridiculous. The jury consultant in the same episode judges people based on race and class. And the whole point of the episode is how everybody is wrong. The supposedly bad people turn out to be the good people. And the supposedly good people turn out to be the bad people. Thus the twist at the end.

Also the reference to Clinton is intended satirically. The political husband is being whiney about his fate at the end. Alicia, his wife, calls him on it, making fun of him comparing Clinton and his own fate to that of Jesus and being crucified.

The other thing I think might get overlooked is that Peter Florrick, the political husband, is a democrat. And in fact the episode touches upon possible payoffs by a real estate figure called Kozko (a satire of course of Rezko). These are all references to, and satires of, left wing scandals.

You'll see in other episodes-- the second one actually-- we satirize liberal judges and liberal causes, and lawyers who think they can pressure judges into bending their verdicts to their causes.

Anyway, I think you should give us another chance. We're just starting out, but we're really intending to offend both sides of the political spectrum. And I think we'll get better at it.

Warmest,

Robert

[Janice]

^ What a pleasant surprise, Robert. Some of your points are well taken, while I stand my ground on the casual nature in which the word "bad" was attatched to "Republican". Nobody batted an eyelash. It was like saying that ice is cold. I don't know why that analogy came to mind, but it did.

The Clinton reference was stated as something the husband and wife were in agreement on in the 90s. "Remember we used to say that about Clinton?". There were other references that are escaping this rusty brain of mine at the moment, but my radar's been out since the show began, with me telling my husband that this show's on thin ice. It is an otherwise terrific show, which is why it bothered me so much. Christine Baranski steals every scene she's in, and as previously stated, Chris Noth and Julianna Margulies are fantastic.

If doing a political balancing act is your aim, it's tilted to the Left now, in my opinion. You've certainly got your work cut out for you. We'll stick with it to see how it unfolds. Geez, with service like this, how could we not? You even saved me a stamp. :)

Thank you so much for writing. I appreciate your time.

Best,

Janice


ps. are Peter and Alicia going to stay together or get divorced?
:joke: hey, can't blame a gal for trying.

[Robert King]

Dear Janice,

And what a pleasant reply. I always shy away from dipping my toe into political forums because conversations can get ugly quickly, so let me just start my saying...

...Your point is well-taken. I think the line you speak of-- "the Republican alternate juror is bad for us"-- was meant to be more a reflection of the easy cliches spouted by the Jury Consultant-- it's in answer to Diane's question "what does the Jury Consultant say?"-- but I think because the answer comes from Alicia's mouth, the star of the show, it's probably given more moral weight than was originally intended.

I think I'd still defend the Clinton reference because, yes, as much as they would speak of the whole Clinton/Starr contretemps in that manner back in the nineties, its use in the current scene is clearly intended as unflattering to the speaker.

But, having said that-- and a writer always has to defend their writing-- I'll just finish by saying: thank you for the fair criticism. And please know it's well-taken. And we'll be more aware of it in the future.

Thanks again.

Warmest,

Robert

PS-- Um, these characters are constantly surprising us, so I can honestly say "I have no idea," but of course I'd probably say that even if I did know.

[APPLEI]

This is one of the many reasons why I mostly watch pre 1970's TV. Besides the fact the shows were way way better, but none of this political overtones.
Ever seen All in the family?
my republican and democrat loved that show

[Stuck In The '70's]

Ever seen All in the family?
my republican and democrat loved that show
Both All In the Family and Family Ties were exceptions to the rule. They really didn't take sides in the political landscape. Not too many shows could pull that off.

[MickeyMac]

Ever seen All in the family?
my republican and democrat loved that show



That was a satire, and as enjoyalbe as it was, the viewers knew you couldnt take that seriously.

[Janice]

I think All In The Family was for a Valentine for liberals. Archie was made to look like a racist buffoon, while Mike was usually the one making sense. Norman Lear is one of the biggests libs on the planet.

[Pus$y Galore]

From a Canuck who has no say really either way, I'm impressed by both Janice's points (hey - she's my "sis") and Robert's responses. I did plan on watching this new show, but hadn't got around to it yet (hey, I'm even recording my favorite shows at the moment) but just by this whole discussion I'd really like to get caught up on it. Hopefully at some point, the network will rerun the first few to grab more viewers. :)

[Stuck In The '70's]

From a Canuck who has no say really either way, I'm impressed by both Janice's points (hey - she's my "sis") and Robert's responses. I did plan on watching this new show, but hadn't got around to it yet (hey, I'm even recording my favorite shows at the moment) but just by this whole discussion I'd really like to get caught up on it. Hopefully at some point, the network will rerun the first few to grab more viewers. :)
It is a good show Cathie. I plan on watching it tonight.

[MrCleveland]

Completely agree Janice. I am an Independent and always lean towards third party candidates, but Republicans have been bashed non-stop for the last 3-4 years and the Democrats apparently can do no wrong. I'm not a fan of either group, but those representing the left in this country seem to be immune from criticism.

This is true.

Next to God, Bush is the one that gets the most blame.

[JT]

I think All In The Family was for a Valentine for liberals. Archie was made to look like a racist buffoon, while Mike was usually the one making sense. Norman Lear is one of the biggests libs on the planet.
Archie was a bigoted buffoon...

[Janice]

Archie was a bigoted buffoon...
Right, they created his character as a racist buffoon. Carroll O'Connor played the role of Archie Bunker brilliantly.

[Schmoopie]

Wow, that was impressive, Janice! You got a reply right on this board! What service!!!

[ABlairican Pie]

Archie Bunker wasn't racist all the time, as I recall. He was actually on good terms with folks like Lionel on later episodes, and there was one in later seasons where his friends made it look like he had gotten some young black woman into bed with him while he slept, as a joke, and when he woke up, he didn't freak out with racist diatribes, etc., but cautioned her about the dangers of loose living--unaware of his friends' prank. It seemed that there was a character arc in the show where he went from being a racist blowhard buffoon to having more of a respect for people different from him.

[JT]

Archie Bunker wasn't racist all the time, as I recall. He was actually on good terms with folks like Lionel on later episodes, and there was one in later seasons where his friends made it look like he had gotten some young black woman into bed with him while he slept, as a joke, and when he woke up, he didn't freak out with racist diatribes, etc., but cautioned her about the dangers of loose living--unaware of his friends' prank. It seemed that there was a character arc in the show where he went from being a racist blowhard buffoon to having more of a respect for people different from him.
Yeah, that's what I meant. They slowly gave him some heart over the run of the series, and it was a work of genius to let that happen slowly and without fanfare. I think it accurately reflected the process of many people in real life, of all the different races. When you have certain beliefs and ideals engrained in you, it takes a while for you to change them, but it happens.

[Janice]

Archie may have evolved in terms of his racial thinking. Still, I never felt that AITF was equal to conservatives and liberals. I think it was a skewering of conservatives, from start to finish. Here's your typical conservative: racist, blue collar, redneck who can't string two intelligent sentences together. Then again, Mike lived under his parent's (in-law) roof, lol.

[ABlairican Pie]

Archie may have evolved in terms of his racial thinking. Still, I never felt that AITF was equal to conservatives and liberals. I think it was a skewering of conservatives, from start to finish. Here's your typical conservative: racist, blue collar, redneck who can't string two intelligent sentences together. Then again, Mike lived under his parent's (in-law) roof, lol.

Very true. :nod:

[Janice]

I tried to stick with the show, and they were doing well until they fell victim to Sarah Palin Derangement Syndrome. It started a few shows ago with one of the lead characters, who owns the law firm, making cracks about Palin. On last week's show, she's having a first dinner date with an evil Republican and Palin fan. She told him that she couldn't go any further with him because he likes Sarah Palin, and "She's the Devil Incarnate".

I guess the writers "balance" would be when her date made a one line joke that he found Hillary's book on eBay for 50 cents. The book's about seven years old and probably IS on eBay for 50 cents. The Palin thing has been a running thing with the two people. On the day of the date, she sees Sarah Palin on tv, and gets a look of disgust on her face. These libs just can't help themselves. This isn't even a show about politics, yet they've chosen to slam this woman. We don't watch dramas to listen to anyone being smeared. Simply disgusting. I can only imagine what's next.

Sarah Palin is a wonderful women, a mother of five, one with Down's Syndrome. She has a great marriage to her high school sweetheart, was successful as a Governor. She commands $100,000 per speaking engagement. Her book sold 300,000 copies on the day it went on sale. Yeah, she's a real loser, a real devil incarnate. My husband and I never missed you an episode, and we'll never see another episode. I believed it when I was told that this show would play with a fair hand. Typical. I should have known. Goodbye!

[catlover79]

Janice - you should read this article. The author is endorsing Sarah Palin for President in 2012 - and the author is none other than former L&O actor Michael Moriarty!

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/mmoriarty/2010/02/24/president-sarah-palin/

[James]

Hey,

I wrote CBS after learning from their bias recently from the Media Research Center (www.mrc.org (http://www.mrc.org) on the Web). I also went so far as to contact the sponsors of the show. (You can do that from the Parents Television Council's website. Unfortunately that part of the site is down currently.)

[Janice]

Janice - you should read this article. The author is endorsing Sarah Palin for President in 2012 - and the author is none other than former L&O actor Michael Moriarty!

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/mmoriarty/2010/02/24/president-sarah-palin/
Nice article Monika. Very rare to hear that kind of sentiment in Hollywood. I think hell has just frozen over, lol.

[Janice]

Hey,

I wrote CBS after learning from their bias recently from the Media Research Center (www.mrc.org (http://www.mrc.org) on the Web). I also went so far as to contact the sponsors of the show. (You can do that from the Parents Television Council's website. Unfortunately that part of the site is down currently.)
That's great. I love the MRC. Brent Bozell is a cool guy. He used to be a commentator on FOX, but I haven't seen him recently.

[Janice]

Great letter, Janice!!

I haven't watched "The New Adventures of Old Christine" (also on CBS) yet this season, we've got other Wednesday evening commitments, and I just haven't bothered recording it. But I saw some clips of a recent episode, and they're pushing Obama's health care "plan" on that show. I loved the show for the first couple of years that it was on, but now I don't care if I miss it any more.

Liberals are indeed the biggest bunch of whiners ever...even when they win.
I've been watching Christine in reruns, and I've been seeing that too. Wanda Sykes is always spouting off.

[catlover79]

Nice article Monika. Very rare to hear that kind of sentiment in Hollywood. I think hell has just frozen over, lol.
No problem - you should listen to this phone interview he gave to FOX news:

http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/3953556/law--order-too-liberal

[OH Nuts!]

I think All In The Family was for a Valentine for liberals. Archie was made to look like a racist buffoon, while Mike was usually the one making sense. Norman Lear is one of the biggests libs on the planet.


AITF was defintiely tilted to the left BUT Mike never came off to me as the super duper smart guy he was supposed to be. I'll say this for the Archie character - he evolved while Michael didn't. And imo, Mike was so full of sh**, he talked the talk but didn't walk the walk (he freaks at having a female doctor and when Gloria makes the first move sxlly). And as for his smug criticism and condescending attitude, he can dish it out but can't take it. Witness "The Game" ep (have to look up episode #) where everyone gets into this "tell the truth" kind of game but when everyone ends up criticzing Michael he eventually tosses over the bd. (real mature guy!)

The show Maude was another left leaning show. But there was a Dr. in, Arthur Harmon, who stood his ground with steamroller Maudie - ever see that show - what did you think of Dr. Harmon?

[OH Nuts!]

I tried to stick with the show, and they were doing well until they fell victim to Sarah Palin Derangement Syndrome. It started a few shows ago with one of the lead characters, who owns the law firm, making cracks about Palin. On last week's show, she's having a first dinner date with an evil Republican and Palin fan. She told him that she couldn't go any further with him because he likes Sarah Palin, and "She's the Devil Incarnate".

I guess the writers "balance" would be when her date made a one line joke that he found Hillary's book on eBay for 50 cents. The book's about seven years old and probably IS on eBay for 50 cents. The Palin thing has been a running thing with the two people. On the day of the date, she sees Sarah Palin on tv, and gets a look of disgust on her face. These libs just can't help themselves. This isn't even a show about politics, yet they've chosen to slam this woman. We don't watch dramas to listen to anyone being smeared. Simply disgusting. I can only imagine what's next.

Sarah Palin is a wonderful women, a mother of five, one with Down's Syndrome. She has a great marriage to her high school sweetheart, was successful as a Governor. She commands $100,000 per speaking engagement. Her book sold 300,000 copies on the day it went on sale. Yeah, she's a real loser, a real devil incarnate. My husband and I never missed you an episode, and we'll never see another episode. I believed it when I was told that this show would play with a fair hand. Typical. I should have known. Goodbye!


I'm sorry you experienced this. (Really the only TV shows I watch I do from DVDs-nothing current.) I agree that referring to Sarah Palin as the devil incarnate is over the top (way over). I may not agree with her politics but she's upfront, sincere and I can readily see her plusses.

[RWCTV]

The show will probably win an emmy and be hailed and praised by the elites, but that's it. The self-appointed "elites" never have the wisdom or the patience to acknowledge that their opinions are worthless to us who have to work hard to make a living. They are way too out of touch, and are also in the minority. What the show needs is viewers because viewers pay for the airtime by buying the products that are advertised in their commercial slots.

But look at Katie Couric. She is the lowest rated news anchor in the business, yet she still continues to make millions and millions of dollars, and very few watch her show. How does that happen?

I don't know about you Janice, but I think they're going to try to stick to their propaganda till the bitter end. After all, since they do not value our opinions, and think our ideals are repulsive, they will always think of themselves as the more enlightened, more educated, more globally oriented then all of us. And yet, in their delusional thinking, they will not or cannot relate to us and our concerns. What's good to us is hated by them. What we value, they detest. But no matter how many people tune into CBS for this propaganda, or get hooked into it, there are more people going in the opposite direction due to being screwed over by the very people they love so much. Experience trumps idealism, and I think that's where the disconnect is most transparent.

[dakert]

Sarah Palin is icky!! She cant even talk to her daughter about s e x or else she is too busy?? lo and behold you have another teenager getting knocked up :crazy:

[RWCTV]

Sarah Palin is icky!! She cant even talk to her daughter about s e x or else she is too busy?? lo and behold you have another teenager getting knocked up :crazy:

Perhaps the public school system beat Palin to the punch. Maybe that's why her daughter got "knocked up."