This was another one of those 'filler' shows you commonly see on TV. Something like those pointless VH1 shows that have countdowns of film's biggest smartass or naughtiest music video. Things that have absolutely no substance, no entertaining value, and really no point. Hence, the reason why they put it on television (a lot!).
What could've been a decent television special, at least in this case, turned out to be another pointless piece of garbage filler, and one quite insulting to some memorable television actresses who made appearances on the show. Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams from Laverne and Shirley hosted. Some members of the cast from the Mary Tyler Moore Show (those who played Mary's sidekicks, obviously), of 227, of Maude, of the Golden Girls, of Who's the Boss, and of the Nanny appeared live to comment about television sidekicks, and in some sort of after-thought moment, pay tribute to television's greatest female sidekick--Vivian Vance, who played Ethel on 'I Love Lucy.'
All of the commentary was wasted, and they only provided meaningless, extremely brief scenes from a handful of shows (not even enough to call it a good repertoire of 'sidekicks'). What is even more insulting, is that the guests were entirely wasted, and asked a handful of stupid questions. They were brought on the show to fill up about three minutes of interviews each. And considering how successful those shows were during their time, you'd think more respect would be given to these stars. Hell, they could've just ran a clip show if such 'filler' was so necessary, rather than dragging these people on this stage and asking them stupid questions.
They could've even have turned it into a mini-documentary of sorts, or at least commented on the history or importance or culture of female sidekicks in popular American television, but you don't even get that. It was so simplistic, and utterly insulting. What a slap in the face for all who appeared on the show, and especially, Vivian Vance, to whom they claimed to pay tribute. TV really has turned into cheap crap.
What could've been a decent television special, at least in this case, turned out to be another pointless piece of garbage filler, and one quite insulting to some memorable television actresses who made appearances on the show. Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams from Laverne and Shirley hosted. Some members of the cast from the Mary Tyler Moore Show (those who played Mary's sidekicks, obviously), of 227, of Maude, of the Golden Girls, of Who's the Boss, and of the Nanny appeared live to comment about television sidekicks, and in some sort of after-thought moment, pay tribute to television's greatest female sidekick--Vivian Vance, who played Ethel on 'I Love Lucy.'
All of the commentary was wasted, and they only provided meaningless, extremely brief scenes from a handful of shows (not even enough to call it a good repertoire of 'sidekicks'). What is even more insulting, is that the guests were entirely wasted, and asked a handful of stupid questions. They were brought on the show to fill up about three minutes of interviews each. And considering how successful those shows were during their time, you'd think more respect would be given to these stars. Hell, they could've just ran a clip show if such 'filler' was so necessary, rather than dragging these people on this stage and asking them stupid questions.
They could've even have turned it into a mini-documentary of sorts, or at least commented on the history or importance or culture of female sidekicks in popular American television, but you don't even get that. It was so simplistic, and utterly insulting. What a slap in the face for all who appeared on the show, and especially, Vivian Vance, to whom they claimed to pay tribute. TV really has turned into cheap crap.