I've been meaning to write this blog for a few weeks now, and I'm glad I didn't get around to it until today, because I finally got a chance to see the 3rd episode, and it was the best by far.
I imagine 99% of you already know about this new show, The New Normal. If you don't, it's an NBC show centered around a gay couple and their surrogate. Supported by the surro's daughter, the surro's bigoted grandmother and the sassy African American assistant of one of the Intended Fathers.
The good: just the fact that this show exists is awesome. We've got to start somewhere. I love that they don't shy away from affection between the IFs, and that the surro, despite looking like a stereotypical airhead, is intelligent and well-spoken. There are some great lines.
The "bad": with the exception of the stereotypical sassy black assistant ("This is why my people spank!") who seemed to be completely absent from the third episode, the show is practically lily white. This issue clearly isn't unique to this show, but for a show that is showcasing diversity in other areas, I had hoped for better. I also don't appreciate the over-the-topness of the grandmother. There's addressing bigotry in a realistic, helpful manner (Episode 3!) and then there's playing racism/heterosexism for a laugh, which is what I feel like they do 95% of the time with the grandmother. I guess I'm a prude because I don't find prejudice funny. ;-) Also, I guess I was a little annoyed by how flippant the IFs were portrayed regarding the whole process; deciding to have a baby because they make good accessories; choosing an egg donor because she looks like Gwyneth Paltrow... :-P
Episode 3: I am very glad I decided to continue giving the show a chance, because I thought this was the best episode yet. It dealt with real life-type bigotry in a heartfelt and humorous manner, as well as touched on the fears all parents face with pregnancy.
I hope the show continues to move in the same direction, and they mellow Nana out quite a bit. I can't imagine anyone willingly spending time with someone that awful, and my grandma still calls black people "colored." :-\ Regardless, I'll probably still watch it because there's nothing else that comes close on TV.
In other news, nothing of note except half of my test results came back and I have to do a quick course of antibiotics (boo!). Oh, and we're going to LA in 36 hours! Woot! :-D
Ack! I haven't been able to watch episode 3 yet and now you've got me excited!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Tiffany hi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting something about this show which I haven't seen yet since I'm in France. I will try and watch it on the net though. How interesting that NBC airs such a show! I think from a general point of view that there is no reason NBC gets less stereotypical for this show than for any other. Isn't that part of the success of most of the shows? on another note: have you had a chance to fill the questionnaires I sent you? I am really hoping you will...you are such a perfect surro for my research ;).
Take care and good luck with the rest
Ellen