I realize that TV shows are written to the level of the lowest common denominator, and that they are written to be sensational so that they sell. This is not a documentary on ethical adoption, it is a Prime time drama. But just once I wish that there could be a positive open adoption story put out there for people to see.

Right? She’s smart. I like her. And she’s right. Television shows, even supposedly non-fiction ones (that all have story boards and “scripts”, mind you), are written for that schmuck who won’t get off the couch and do anything about his world. He just sits there. Watching the pretty screen flash things at him.

Do I think open adoption will ever be accurately and/or positively portrayed on a television show? Heck no, I don’t. Why? An open adoption in which parents are respectful of one another and we find things actually working is straight up boring. Do you really want to watch a television show that boring? As an example, I’ll just use our family.

Scene #1: I sit at the computer, laughing. Zoom in on instant message screen. D and I discuss America’s Next Top Model, the weather and workout shoes. This goes on for two hours as we’re both reading blogs, working and doing laundry at the same time. Fade to black.

Scene #2: I cuss at the printer because a photo I’m printing for the Munchkin’s monthly package jams. Eventually I get everything right, seal the envelope and go to the Post Office. I get a coffee on the way home. Fade to black.

Scene #3: My oldest son prays for his sister before he goes to bed. Fade to black.

I mean, sure, it’s heartwarming in a way. But not really interesting, right? Sigh. Instead, we need murderers! And drugs! And baby stealing! And drama drama drama!

It’s frustrating. I know we’re boring. But we’re real. Doesn’t anyone care?

First off, I was just old enough to watch 90210 upon first airing and just young enough not to understand a few things here and there. I was old enough, however, to know that when Brenda threw away the pregnancy test in the house trash that she was a complete moron. While I might have liked the show more if I had been older (because Dawson’s Creek, when it came out, was my super show!), I always liked it. In college, I watched reruns in the mornings. Good times.

And so, I was initially excited when I heard that a years-later spin-off was coming to the fall lineup. They’ve announced stars and what not, including Jennie Garth who remains a favorite of mine. Though, really, I didn’t like Kelly Taylor too much on the show but Garth redeemed herself in my eyes when she did the show What I Like About You with Amanda Bynes. I like cheesy shows. Sue me.

ANYWAY, what does this have to do with adoption? This announcement post.

The show will center on the Mills family when they move to Beverly Hills because of the drunken exploits of grandmother Tabitha Mills (Jessica Walter), a has-been Hollywood starlet. Lori Loughlin will play her daughter-in-law Celia, while granddaughter Annie (Shenae Grimes) and adopted grandson Dixon (Tristan Wilds) maneuver the hallways of West Beverly High.

And? If you think they’re not going to address any adoption issues or that they’re going to play it off as neither a big deal or “hide” the adoption, the answer is wrong. Why? Tristan Wilds is the only African American actor in the main cast! *headdesk* (Though, oooh, as I’m reading his info, he was in The Secret Life of Bees which is currently in post-production. Did anyone know they were turning that into a movie? Ooh.)

I can hope (right?) that they will handle the topics of transracial adoption with a sense of dignity. I can hope that they will really strive to show this in the real light instead of overly happy-cheesy or overly doom-and-gloom. But a part of me is sitting here thinking, “What episode will they wait for until they bring in the crazed birth mother storyline?” Or? Will they surprise us all and go the open adoption route? That seems doubtful being based in LA, no?

Anyway, just passing the word on so that others may watch or avoid as they deem fit!

ETA: Just found on CWTV’s website that the character of Dixon was adopted after the family “took him in” as a foster child. So much for open adoption but that leaves the door wide open for even more storyline ick.

We’re totally addicted to One Tree Hill. And have been for awhile. There, I said it. Last night’s episode delivered a few funny lines. I thought my readers would appreciate this one.

The only thing people use the internet for is complaining and p0rn.

My Husband looked at me, smirked and I threatened to throw a pillow about him and follow it up with a complaint about him on teh intrawebz!

That said, I’m tired of Lindsey but I can’t bring myself to read the spoiler blogs. Why? Because, what if Lucas doesn’t call off the wedding? What if he DOES marry her? Doesn’t he know that he’s supposed to marry PEYTON! ZOMG! Yeah. I told you. I get all teen-angst-emo about the show. I feel very much the same way as I did when I was trying to see if Ross and Rachel would get together in the end. Then again, that time frame was emotionally skewed since the Friends writers were busy writing crappy stereotypes about the birth mother that gave birth to Chandler and Monica’s twins. Oh, adoption. Why must you be in all of my shows? (That said, yes, adoption has marred OTH from very early on as Peyton had a “mom” and a “birth mom.” And an absentee dad. In fact, everyone has/had absentee parents. That’s what teen shows are about! WEE!)

Of course, I initially wanted Dawson and JD to be together but then switched it to JD and Pacey. (Though I just wrote Dawson and Pacey and that made me laugh out loud.) So, technically I’m winning in my wishes for people to be together. But I don’t want to wait until the show ends for Peyton and Lucas to be together. I need immediate gratification. NOW! NOW!

How’s this post for a departure from my normal angst since people have been complaining to be about being to complain-y? Ah, but, dontcha see? That’s what the internet is for. Ah yes.

Anyway. Get back to your complaining. Because there ain’t no p0rn here! *smirk*

(I think the line goes along well with the light-bulb moment presented in Judy’s recent post, no?)

!!GRAMMY SPOILER!!

The Dixie Chicks won “Song of the Year” for Not Ready to Make Nice. If you don’t know anything about the Grammies or music in general, it’s one of the top two prestigious awards in, basically, American music. The award goes to the composers of the song. Since the Chicks themselves wrote the song, they get the award.

The song wasn’t written about MY plight. But it still feels liking freaking validation: if you keep using your voice, you WILL be heard.

Congrats to the Dixie Chicks. Thank you for inspiring and encouraging the rest of us to continue speaking, even if what we have to say isn’t widely popular or well-liked. You give us hope. You give us courage.

And no, I’m still not ready to make nice.

(Edited to Add: HOLY MOLY! They also won Country Album of the Year, Record of the Year for Not Ready to Make Nice (which refers to the single/song itself) and ALBUM OF THE YEAR. Wow! So happy!)

!!GRAMMY SPOILER!!

The Dixie Chicks won “Song of the Year” for Not Ready to Make Nice. If you don’t know anything about the Grammies or music in general, it’s one of the top two prestigious awards in, basically, American music. The award goes to the composers of the song. Since the Chicks themselves wrote the song, they get the award.

The song wasn’t written about MY plight. But it still feels liking freaking validation: if you keep using your voice, you WILL be heard.

Congrats to the Dixie Chicks. Thank you for inspiring and encouraging the rest of us to continue speaking, even if what we have to say isn’t widely popular or well-liked. You give us hope. You give us courage.

And no, I’m still not ready to make nice.

(Edited to Add: HOLY MOLY! They also won Country Album of the Year, Record of the Year for Not Ready to Make Nice (which refers to the single/song itself) and ALBUM OF THE YEAR. Wow! So happy!)

LOLZ! (For those not familiar with the wording or the use of z’s, I suppose you just have to know what I’m referencing. LOL. Intraweb humor iz teh best.)

BTW – Anyone know with whom Montel’s four children (ages 11-22) live (two separate marriages)? I’d be interested to know.

Before you watch it, you need to read the background story and how Claud feels about this interview. It will help you understand some of the things that went on. Do note that Claud’s part is small.

I’m going to DVR the episode (though we have no plans to be out of the house on Monday… but if you have a toddler at home, you may understand how television watching is a luxury) and hope to write about it at some point on Monday/Tuesday.

I’m already FREAKING annoyed by the writeup (Adoption Scams) and this quote:

However, after spending $15,000 the birth mother “decided” to keep the baby and they never heard from her again. A year later, they found out the birth mother had scammed many couples hoping to adopt her “baby” which never existed.

THEN STOP CALLING HER A BIRTH MOTHER, FOR PETE’S SAKE. She was never a birth mother. She was a scammer. Calling her a birth mother is a) not true because she never signed the TPR, b) was never even pregnant! She was a woman out to get money. By referring to her as a birth mother, you are continuing to uphold the negative stereotype that birth parents are cold, heartless, scamming people who don’t care about their children; just money, money, money.

I’m so tired of it. I’m so tired of being the bad-guy in adoption.