A PBS show about TV shows? I’m a little dismayed that I did not receive a handwritten note informing me of its existence. Well, because of this oversight, I’m jumping in at episode three, “The Misfit”. (Side note: I’ve jumped in on the iPhone thing as well. First app downloaded? iBooks. But the PBS app was soon after. And damned if that sweet little app doesn’t have ep 1 & 2 of America In Primetime. Now I have something to do while out in nature.) This hour covered quite a lot of shows. Basically, because “The Misfits” is a catchall for any offbeat character. Clips ranged from Gomer Pyle to Twin Peaks. Are you an innocent, goofy army private with a golden voice or a backwards talking dream dwarf? Because you would most likely be featured here.
There were some interesting theories regarding the outcast. Jason Alexander said that, “comedy by nature is derisive” and when the misfit doesn’t crumble, everyone loves it. “Misfits speak truth almost by accident,” was James L. Brooks’ take. My favorite comment was Jeffrey Tambor in regards to relating to the narcissistic misfit, “Twitter and Facebook is not about communication…’I just ate a grape’.”
What else did I learn from America In Primetime, “The Misfits”? Rainn Wilson declared that it’s the “Age of the Nerd”. Finally. John Astin is still with us! I really want to watch all the Arrested Developments and Freaks & Geeks again. And Alec Baldwin actually said, “Most people are inconceivably insecure.” Which is true but Alec, are you counting yourself in the “most”? I don’t believe you.
