A few thoughts on the importance of being Sherwood.
Culture snobs who turn up their nose at the thought of television likely were not moved last week by the passing of Sherwood Schwartz.
They were probably loath to admit that somewhere, in the dark recesses of middlebrow memory, they know partial lyrics to his shows’ theme songs.
The creator of “Gilligan’s Island” and “The Brady Bunch” died at age 94 last week after a lifetime of critical barbs and public scorn balanced by fan adoration and great financial rewards from decades of the shows’ syndication.
Bad reviews were eclipsed in recent years by college-level courses in the deconstruction of the 1970s sitcom.
Schwartz knew that television was the most powerful medium of his time. He knew that profound ideas could be transmitted in lighthearted fashion on the tube, affecting millions of people’s lives.
“The Brady Bunch” treated the previously taboo subject of blended families. “Gilligan” celebrated human universals in spite of class and education differences; it was essentially a microcosm of diverse people, forming an ad hoc family or support group in order to survive. (Legend has it the word “microcosm” rankled CBS chief William Paley, until Schwartz explained it was a funny microcosm.)
His philosophy in making television, Schwartz said, was illustrating unlike human beings getting along.
Schwartz began his career as a radio writer for Bob Hope and moved to TV on “I Married Joan” and “The Red Skelton Hour.” Among his hundreds of other credits are “My Favorite Martian” and “Harper Valley.”
It’s easy to be a snob about TV. At least 90 percent of what’s on is junk. But the other 10 percent includes creative brilliance. And even the shows that at first seem silly often pack an intelligent punch. Schwartz was one of the hardworking, thoughtful people who brought a larger purpose to the small screen.
“Breaking Bad” Season 4.
When “Breaking Bad” began four years ago, centered on a nondescript Albuquerque high-school chemistry teacher diagnosed with lung cancer, the fact that the tragic hero was played by a familiar sitcom star was only the first surprise.
The idea that this tragic hero would morph into a villain, episode by episode with no apology and no reservations, was perhaps the bigger surprise.
Bryan Cranston’s evolving performance as Walter White has since eclipsed his comedy achievement (in “Malcolm in the Middle”) and, three Emmy Awards later, set the standard for dramatic actors on television.
The series has continued to surprise. It will do so again when it debuts at 8 p.m. Sunday on AMC for a fourth 13-episode season.
What might anyone be capable of in extreme circumstances? It’s addictive but recommended: Start from the beginning and marathon through the 33 episodes so far.
Starz hooks Moby Dick.
Starz’s Encore channel will premiere a new, scripted version of the Herman Melville classic “Moby Dick,” running three hours on Aug. 1 and 2, starring William Hurt, Gillian Anderson and Ethan Hawke.
The Englewood-based company is moving away from the old-movie formula, getting into originals. Additionally, a Spanish-language channel also joins the Starz constellation Aug. 1.
Due this fall on Encore are “The Take,” a four-part miniseries starring Tom Hardy and based on Martina Cole’s best-selling crime thriller, and a feature-length documentary, “Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis,” with a long list of the comic’s former co-stars. Should be a hit in France.
“Friday Night Lights” DVD.
The release date for “Friday Night Lights,” the complete series, is Oct. 4. The series, on NBC and then on DirecTV, eluded a wider audience. Maybe more folks will find this gem on DVD.
Joanne Ostrow: 303-954-1830 or jostrow@denverpost.com
