Why Millennials Can’t Stop Crying About ‘Arthur’ Ending

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This week:

Among the things that make me cry every day — check it out news in five minutesand you choose to go—I didn’t expect that one person would be the parking lot.

Namely an animated beach. The aardvark animation.

And you know what? He deserves every little bit of that emotion. Chain PBS Arthur aired its last episode this week, after 25 years. It was a bittersweet victory: a beautiful farewell to an influential and progressive drama, but a jarring reminder of how quickly time flies and how times change. change — and how complicated that change can be.

Over the years, we are no longer human but walking, talking, emotional sources explode. With trauma, with fear, with sadness, anger and fear — the powerful cocktail of “being alive in 2022” — comes something equally powerful: nostalgia. Perhaps that is why there is such a sudden and profound emotion when it comes to development in children’s programming.

What should have gone unnoticed after a news cycle has exploded into seismic cultural events, occasions to reminisce about how our hearts and minds are shaped by cartoons and cartoons. Children’s programs seemed innocuous at the time, but now we can consider them fundamental to who we have become. While the world is bombarding us with a constant stream of reasons to ask things like, “Is this really us?” courage and care with which this series attests and encourages that fragile man.

When Steve originally from Blue clues return to mark an anniversary last year, directly referring to the hardships that come with growing up we have had to go through since we last saw him on TV, there was a cry collective laughs among millennials on social media (and, honestly, IRL too.) There’s something similar going on with social media. Arthur now it’s over. You don’t know something, or someone, means to you until it’s time to say goodbye.

The finale took 20 years or so for us to catch up on what Arthur and his gang do as adults — adults (shudders) the same age we are now.

It’s comforting to know that all is well. That they seem to have achieved their dreams, but to a moderate, realistic level. It was nice to see that they were comfortable enough to really be themselves. (Draw your own conclusions about the identity of Francine based on how her adult version is stylized.)

Like all news stories these days, you can’t separate title from emotion and context. Arthur, like so many groundbreaking children’s shows, is a series that never shies away from the real problems and progressive realities of the world. (Admittedly, this isn’t the only time we’ve cried because Arthur. News of Same-sex wedding of Mr. Ratburnand the show’s bravery in broadcasting it, despite objections from conservative family groups, misled us.)

As I write this, Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill through. News quickly spread this week about the adoption of a measure in Texas requiring parents of transgender children to reported for child abuse.

I’m not sure I can even summarize in words how painful this is, how obnoxious it is and how dangerous this can be for LGBTQ+ teens and their families. their. Every time I try, it just doesn’t sound right – not serious enough, not specific enough, not irrefutable. I started to get too emotional and lost the will to try again. Confused, Confused “Is this really us?” again apply.

But that’s why, I think, we are so overwhelmed when we think about these kids’ performances in our past. We have been fortunate to be guided by entertainment that grows with us, our emotional needs, and a changing culture that needs their influence to help move it forward. I can only hope for more Arthurfor these kids, especially now, will need it.

The children’s show is by far one of the most provocative and in the face of backlash, courage is there in entertainment. (My good friend pointed me towards a background of backlash against Thomas tank engine because the locomotives are obviously “fEeLiNg” too much…)

The slightest comfort is guaranteed that, at least, similar programs with similar tasks will continue. your move, Rescue dogs.

Well, I see we’re doing this again.

This week’s amazing casting announcement should have ended is the light bar for a social media storm of outrage, burnout and, frankly, disgust.

Tom Holland will star in a new movie Apple TV + series called Crowded room. Great. I can’t think of a lovelier big star than the Netherlands right now. Emmy Rossum is joining him in a lead role. Well, buddy. There are few actresses who are so talented and deserve a bigger recommendation than the longtime underrated actresses Shameless star, who should have at least one Emmy and many nominations under her.

Then the kicker: Rossum is playing Holland’s mother, despite being just over 10 years old.

You might think we’d now dismantle, cease production, and bury in the center of the earth this ridiculous mold: Actors were bad leaders until they staggered across the sky. film studios; women in their thirties, then they reach an advanced age, as Amy Schumer so brilliantly put it, “their last day” and become depraved mothers — often to actors who are their age-appropriate peers. (My favorite example: Sally Field played the love interest of Tom Hanks in the movie Punchline. Six years later, she was his mother in Forrest Gump.)

Look, I haven’t seen the script for this show. There may be flashbacks where it makes sense for a young actress to play the mother to a younger version of Holland’s character. Sure. Or maybe I’m being generous and this is completely absurd.

Either way, I’m still thrilled about the Hollywood star’s transport planned: Portrait of Harry Styles’ great-grandfather in a heart-wrenching family movie about the great-grandfather doing business with Harry Styles.

I don’t care about everything but Adele doesn’t care about Meme

I don’t usually feel bad for celebrities. An invasion of privacy must be terrible in ways I can’t even imagine. The degree to which you cannot do normal things must be destabilizing. But you are also very rich, so… [shrug emoji].

In any case, I both have a deep sympathy for Adele and I also laughed my ass off while filming her. try to ignore an obnoxious camera Her face at the NBA All-Star Game has become a meme. Subtitles run on “I ignore my responsibilities” and “I pretend not to see my enemy in the room.”

For me, it could also be “I see warning signs that this newsletter is getting too long,” and then still type another 500 words. Sorry.

And speaking of news, you’re an idiot if you don’t Subscribe to Source Materials, a new newsletter led by my friend The Daily Beast and my colleague Lachlan Cartwright and our tenacious communications department. It’s a sweet, playful twist on drama, intrigue, and total bullshit fabricated by the biggest power players in politics, the media, and our little vacation home. including dumb dumb actors: entertainment. Sign up here! (Do it!)

Horny for Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al

There’s a very artistic preview of Daniel Radcliffe in costume as “Weird Al” Yankovic, the most interesting being “huh?” casting decision as long as I can remember. Anyway, he’s wearing a Hawaiian shirt. I’m excited and I’m confused. I need some time with this one.

Better things: This is a magical gem of a show that turns ordinary life into Big Emotions. It’s the last season! (Monday on FX)

Top Chefs: After nearly 474 seasons, this is still the best reality TV competition today. If you disagree, you can pack your damn knives and go. (Thursday on Bravo)

Vikings: Valhalla: Right! (Friday on Netflix)

Chappelle’s home team: [Sigh] Remember when he was “cancelled?” Lololol (Monday on Netflix)

New Year’s Eve Killing: [Sigh] Remember this is, like, best when? (CN on BBC America)

The problem with Jon Stewart: [Sigh] Remember when this will save us all? (Thursday on Apple TV+)