Real Families

[jaime_weinman]

Since this was the episode chosen for discussion...

"Real Families" was definitely ahead of its time. Not the format (the idea of doing a sitcom episode as a mock-documentary started with M*A*S*H's "The Interview"), but the idea of a sitcom making fun of -- and even attacking -- television itself. The whole episode is a half-hour essay on how television distorts and manipulates and how nothing is "real" on television. And it even takes aim at sitcoms in that scene where the Tarlek family sits like zombies watching a sitcom (which sounds like the kind of insult-heavy sitcom that WKRP is not). Add in Lucille's memorable speech about Little House on the Prairie, and you've got a very media-savvy episode at a time when TV characters still didn't usually watch TV.

Anyone notice that Herb sort of took over the show in season 3? There are so many episodes that are either about Herb ("Real Families," "Frog Story," "The Painting," "Out To Lunch") or have major Herb subplots ("Hotel Oceanview," "A Mile In My Shoes"). You can see why, of course -- the jerk is always the most fascinating character to write for. Similary Louie kind of took over Taxi at the same time.

Also: As a Canadian, I am kind of foolishly proud that this episode was written by WKRP's token Canadian producer, Peter Torokvei (a former law student in Toronto).

[APPLEI]

i remember a funny story about REAL FAMILIES.
peter marshalls mother who had never seen wkrp in cincinnati thought that "real families" really was a new tv show.
the night after the show aired peter marshalls mother called him and said something to this effect "i love you,but i don't
care for that new tv show your hosting"
that how well made that episode was!

i know this is off topic.
but i would buy all 90 episodes of wkrp in cincinnati on dvd with the replaced music as long as they were uncut.
maybe ten episodes at the most were ruined by the music changes.

i look forword to discussing a different episode every week!

[karma]

Ahh Real Families, how I love this episode. I love how it's so totally relevant now, in this age of 'reality TV.'

When I first saw it I think I was about 10 years old, and of course I didn't get it. I didn't get the jokes. But now, I can actually appreciate the humour. The part where they're going to church but they end up at the synagogue... good god that's priceless. The acting by Edie McClurg is fantastic, and nearly makes the show.

[dlemond]

I watched "Real Families" again tonight and again I can't help but feel that WKRP is one of the best sitcoms of all time.

Things I noted:

The prelude of things to come:
The shameless way the Real Families show informed us that they exposed a previous family for their secrets, intruding into off limits areas, playing it off like it was their business and duty.

Herb at his wits end:
How we are even able to feel bad for Herb, regardless of his shortcomings- even he does not deserve the interrogation he gets. An awesome performance by Frank Bonner, absolutely his finest.

At KRP:
The cameras enter the lobby to the music of Steely Dan's "Peg,"
while Jennifer is in the camera's eye, the lyrics go, "and when you smile for the camera, I know they're gonna love it."

Johnny being Johnny:
At first commenting about Herbs lingere fetishes to embarass him, later to tool on the media, saying Herb was a descendant of Nietzsche sent to America to prove through polyester that there is no God. They could not catch on.

Herb standing his ground (sort of):
Kicking the cameras out of his house and telling them his mind, giving his son back his doll (after he says the Herb affirmation - hard worker, loyal husband ).

And ultimately we see the Tarlek family on the stage of Real Families - all is forgiven for Herb with a free trip to California.

Status quo, but not without an obvious commentary, criticism, and prelude to today.

[catlover79]

Yes, it certainly was ahead of its time. I for one can't stand reality TV, but I digress.