In the first success of his second term -- also known as the New Dark Ages -- President Bush has at long last actually achieved something: he's helped save the situation comedy and he's done it without even trying.
Now, when I say "situation comedy," I'm not talking here about the Bush administration's foreign policy -- which is perhaps more accurately described as "stand up tragedy." Rather, with their own epic comedy of errors, George and company have finally created a cultural need for laughter so widespread and so profound that the once written-off TV genre is now poised to stage the sort of major and sustained comeback that the Bush administration itself no longer has the time, inclination or ability to make itself.
Put simply, America sure could use some guffaws and giggles right about now, couldn't it, everybody?
To date, Hollywood's response to our troubled times has been to create a Bushel of well-intentioned feature films that have -- in a variety of deeply felt ways -- reacted against the devastation of the war in Iraq. Based on the box office record of this recent Hollywood surge, research indicates there are currently three or four people dozen left in America who remain seriously interested in politically charged entertainment about how we blew the war in Iraq, And half of them are too broke or and/or busy listening to NPR to get to the multiplex. Want to try and send a message? Use Western Union, or better yet, the Huffington Post.
On the other hand, as a good, God-fearing, TV-watching people, we Americans sure could use what the sitcom has traditionally offered us -- that appealing, life-affirming built in promise of a weekly laugh or too. Last week, I was there in Carnegie Hall working when CBS introduced a hilarious looking new situation comedy called Worst Week about a sweet guy with excellent intentions but the worst luck in the world. I watched and listened as a usually tough Upfront crowd erupted in overwhelming laughter and actual applause following the preview of this new fall series. Please be clear, I am in no way comparing the lead character of Worst Week with the man who's been leading the free world during these challenging times. To be clear, the guy in Worst Week is extremely loveable and endlessly appealing -- Dick Cheney, not so much.
- more -
