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09/25/2008

Video: Something Old (Christine), Something New (Adventures), Something Borrowed (These Clips) & something Blue (Eh, we've got nothing)

by Jeremy Hooper

Some shows that have yet to fully break through in the ratings would launch their new season with a safe, boring episode. "The New Adventures of Old Christine," however, took a positive stand for same-sex marriage (and, by extension, the defeat of Prop 8) by joining two of their leads in a same-sex union:


We don't wanna be a spoiler; but it's safe to say that this story arc will continue for at least a few more episodes. And while the clips don't fully show it, the ladies fully acknowledged in the episode the juxtaposition between their silly sitcom wedding and the real bonds for which gays and lesbians have been fighting for years (with Christine and Barb mentioning, with only slight jest, that their failed marriages are what have made truly a mockery of the custom). Also, the show aired, without apology, several same-sex kisses, as well as a sweet scene about how easy it is to talk to your kids about gay unions (with the "but I'm only marrying for immigration purposes" part being the truly difficult portion of the conversation). So all in all, it was a really great statement about how quickly California and its residents have adapted to the non-controversy that is marriage equality. And it was on network, primetime T.V. during the "family hour."

Brava, CBS.

**UPDATE: It should be noted that some gay activists could not disagree with us more about this. Many people are extremely upset with some of the jokes (Barb being the "guy"), the inaccuracies (Barb would not really have the same immigration protections if married to Christine), and other points. We, however, take a much softer approach and stand by our outlooks.

For one, we actually watch the show and understand that Christine saying stupid things is a major part of the comedy. A big joke of the show is that she she self-identifies as a proud liberal, but often says really stupid shit that belies her sensibility. We also understand that it is a sitcom, with 22 minutes to make comedic points. TV is shorthand, and sometimes every stupid joke cannot be followed by a teachable moment. The audience is sometimes asked to "get" the character and, based on the other characters' reactions, understand that the character's short-sightedness is just that.

And in terms of the inaccuracies involving immigration parity? Well, we gave the show the benefit of the doubt. Since this seems to be a season-long story line, we hope and assume that the ladies will soon realize that they were wrong about Barb's newfound ability to stay in the country. We'll have to wait and see on that.

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Your thoughts

And most shockingly I haven't heard anything about a boycott of CBS or the episode being preempted in Alabama or Mississippi.

Posted by: Ron | Sep 25, 2008 10:44:41 AM

Honestly, Ron, I think the show is just really under the radar. Once they catch wind, you can bet the AFA and others will have something to say.

Posted by: G-A-Y | Sep 25, 2008 10:55:59 AM

What ticked me off about it is that it ignores the fact that DOMA will NOT allow them to use their California marriage to get over the immigration hurdle. Homeland Security is barred by DOMA from recognizing same-sex unions in immigration matters. Perhaps in a later episode, they'll find this out and bring to light the unfairness of it.

Posted by: Chris | Sep 25, 2008 2:12:48 PM

From what I understand, Chris, the storyline's going to go on for at least a portion of the season. So perhaps it will be brought up when Barb tries to prove her marriage.

As for it being addresses last night? Well I think it's unlikely that either character would have been aware of this point at all, so I think the non-acknowledgment is truthful.

Posted by: G-A-Y | Sep 25, 2008 2:21:09 PM

It was also, as usual, a funny episode. Julia and Wanda are the best female comedy team since "Kate & Allie"(who also once pretended to be a gay couple) and I find Hamish Linklater, who plays Christine's screwy brother Matthew, adorable.

Posted by: Bill S | Sep 25, 2008 4:40:11 PM

I refuse to watch. The premise is stupid and Barb's lawyer would have immediately clued her in that same-sex marriage don't count for ANYTHING on federal level regarding immigation.

Posted by: dYPSHIT | Oct 3, 2008 7:59:10 PM

That's one school of thought, "dYPSHIT." I addressed that in the update n the post.

Posted by: G-A-Y | Oct 3, 2008 8:17:36 PM

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