I TiVo an episode of just about everything so that I can see if I want to commit. I am going to have a hard time watching Breaking Bonaduce, but I’m going to do it, just the same.
Having done years of therapy and being from an alcoholic family, there’s a lot to relate to, for me. There’s also a lot to learn.
I was fascinated by Danny’s exit from his job at Star 98.7, knowing he’d first gone back to rehab, then learning he’d come back to his morning show only to leave it forever.
In tonight’s episode, I got to see him reveal, on the air, that he had cheated on Gretchen. While his bouts with ALL things were always radio fodder, it was chilling to watch his face when the bottom fell out, as Gretchen called him to confront him for putting *this* specific piece of information out there. And of course, her phonecall was aired.
I’m not sure how I feel about that much pain being put out there for others to see, but I’m also not sure that it’s not a good thing. I feel conflicted for enjoying the show — and then I realize I don’t actually *enjoy* it. I respect the feet-held-to-the-fire-ness of it. It’s the kind of accountability I would expect from… me, really. It’s brave and it’s difficult to imagine. I guess it’s also difficult to watch. But I’m going to continue to do so.
I will enjoy My Fair Brady after. It’s the only way to get the Breaking out of my emotional landscape.
Comments
The show takes on a whole new meaning if you listened to the current Star 98.7 crew comment on Danny and the cheating incident. He planned all of it for the cameras. It was real, but still done for the sake of drama. You just never know how sincere he is…….he wants to be on TV at any cost. Kind of sad, imo.
Posted by: kb at September 13, 2005 11:47 AM
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He’s not doing his recovery right either, sounds like. You’re only supposed to make amends if it doesn’t hurt the person you need to make amends to. The twelve steps don’t specifically say don’t make a spectacle of breaking someone’s heart, but it is implied. It’s good he was honest, but honesty can be wielded like a cannon. Thanks for sharing your viewing–I don’t think I could stomach it just now, but I enjoy learning from it vicariously.
Posted by: Courtney at September 13, 2005 11:56 AM
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KB — That’s really disturbing. I hadn’t heard their commentary, so I’m sad to imagine this is all about the TV-ness of it all. That’s truly wrong and unfair to those in the wake of it. Those poor kids.
Courtney — You’re totally right about cannon-like honesty. Great perspective. I was especially interested in what you might think about this. I’ll post again after the next episode. Based on the “what to expect” previews, it’s going to be tough to watch, nearly constantly.
Not sure that’s what TV is for… but is it part of what TV has become? This would be a very cool time to be a part of a media criticism class at the J-School!
Posted by: Bon at September 14, 2005 12:39 AM
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Re: episode two — HATE HATE HATE HATE Danny. What a dick!
Posted by: Bon at September 19, 2005 02:48 PM