Parkinson's Disease Support Group
Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement, and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinsons are due to excessive muscle contraction, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the...
Did anyone else watch the 2 episodes of Michael J. Fox's new TV show last night?
If so - what did you think?
I heard interviews of PD patients on the local news station (an NBC station that airs the show). Of course - they thought it was a funny way to play off PD issues. But, I have waffled on just what I feel about the show. First of all it's supposed to be a comedy, so the humor aspect makes sense. BUT, I have worked hard to educate my family, former co-workers, and friends as PD issues affect my life (at those times I am hit by an issue & they are around). I don't want PD to become a defining, negative part of me. But, I want to educate others about PD. I want others to understand that just because someone they know with PD is not tremoring or jerking does not mean they are dealing with their own individual PD symptoms.
My hope would be this show becomes an opportunity to educate & portray PD accurately to the public - while still getting the laughs. After all - MJF has done his time with PD.
If so - what did you think?
I heard interviews of PD patients on the local news station (an NBC station that airs the show). Of course - they thought it was a funny way to play off PD issues. But, I have waffled on just what I feel about the show. First of all it's supposed to be a comedy, so the humor aspect makes sense. BUT, I have worked hard to educate my family, former co-workers, and friends as PD issues affect my life (at those times I am hit by an issue & they are around). I don't want PD to become a defining, negative part of me. But, I want to educate others about PD. I want others to understand that just because someone they know with PD is not tremoring or jerking does not mean they are dealing with their own individual PD symptoms.
My hope would be this show becomes an opportunity to educate & portray PD accurately to the public - while still getting the laughs. After all - MJF has done his time with PD.
I wonder why they brought his real life wife into the script? I know she is an actress but I found it kind of weird. I wonder if she'll be a permanent cast.
I also didn't find it particularly funny and was disappointed. Maybe I'm just getting too old and remember the days when Sitcoms were funny....... Hopefully the next episodes are better...
Anyways, I liked how they did the Parkinson's aspect, and I liked the comedy part of it. It's pretty much how we handle it in our house - we joke a lot about it. I liked how they just went on living their lives, but still having to deal with the issues. I didn't mind the sexual snippits between the husband and wife - as that is definitely a part of our lives - and it was nice to see that it was a part that continued in their lives. However, some of the other sexual references and innuendos were a bit much too me and seemed to be quite pointless, like the condom balloons. The story line seemed to be rushed and did not much contain much substance.
The 2nd show about the pretty neighbor - while I understand the point being made - was just stupid and not realistic at all. The neighbor came across as a woman who would have sex with any male - attractive or not, sick or healthy, dead or alive. All the characters seemed shallow and fake and did not pull me in on any emotional level. I think they need to get some better writers. I enjoyed watching Michael - I really like him and always have. But overall, I was disappointed in the series, in the script, and hope it gets better! I will continue to watch it for awhile to see what happens with it.
Anyways - that's my critique! I am curious to hear others take on it!
Brer T
The woman that played the neighbor was Tracy POLLAN, Michael's real wife. They have 4 children, 2 of them twin girls. Look up her name. on the internet .
She also played on the series Family Ties when Mike was a teenager and that's how they met.
The part where each character was talking to the camera, describing their dad, etc. wasn't necessary if it was written better.. You shouldn't need to have that aspect in a show, at least that's my opinion.
What do other's think?
I did not get the impression he was protrade as "uneffected by the PD" in his role of returning to work, I had to laugh at him when he ran up the stairs, and his assistant, said what are you doing??? Walking he said! To us it was funny as my hubby can run better than walk.
I also saw in one of his interviews, that he had to time the taping when his meds were working.
I have not seen it yet, but my son just told me teh Rolling Stone Mag has a great articale anbout MJF and his new roll and his dealing with the pd while doing it.
We will give it a few more episodes to be fair.
That is too bad you don't get TV reception. You must get internet so it's hard to imagine you don't get TV. I hear that some people are starting to watch TV on the internet. Would that be possible for you.....maybe you could look into it?
I was also excited about the TV show for Michael and hopefully PD get more press because of it.
. He is also on the cover of Good Housekeeping, OCTOBER ISSUE. The article is called HOW I STAY POSITVIE.........Buy or borrow and copy (maybe the library has them if you don't want to buy one)
Brer T