Freestyle/Flashback Friday: Remembering Eight Simple Rules

Happy Friday, Everybody!

Uh-oh… did I say Friday? Well, y’all know what that means—it’s time for Freestyle Friday. This time, however, I’m gonna change it to Flashback Friday.

This past Tuesday, I dedicated a blog post to the memory of one of the greatest actors of all time, John Ritter. I had already know about his work as Jack Tripper from Three’s Company, and his excellent voice work as Clifford, the Big Red Dog; however, it was his role as Paul Hennessy on the very first season of Eight Simple Rules that truly won me over.

I clearly remember one of the earlier episodes (obviously from Season One) in which the Paul Hennessy character had to drop some deep knowledge. Here was the scene: Mr. Hennessy’s eldest daughter Bridgette (played by Kaley Cuoco) was going out on a date, and the gentleman honked the horn to let her know that he had arrived. Well, Mr. Hennessy wouldn’t let Bridgette so much as go to the door, much less leave; instead he let the boy sweat it out. Eventually, the boy got out of his car and rang the doorbell, to which Mr. Hennessy opened the door and said to the boy: “The next time you drive up to my house and honk your horn, you had better be delivering a pizza or a package because you’re sure as hell not picking up anything here!”

I remember laughing so hard at that statement, but my own dad didn’t help matters when he added his two cents. My dad was all like: “Damn right! Who the hell he think he is, honkin’ horns? Go ‘head on, Paul—teach that boy!”

John Ritter made me believe that he was Paul Hennessy—the look, the style, and even the mannerisms. After the success of the first season, I was definitely looking forward to seeing the Paul Hennessy character drop some more knowledge in the second season, but alas, that was not to be. Granted, ABC Television played the first three episodes of Season Two in which Mr. Ritter was a part, but afterwards the show took a huge turn and focused on the family trying to cope with the loss of their lovable patriarch. The surviving cast members did a damn good job in having life imitate art, and try as they might, they just couldn’t do it without Mr. Ritter and his unique gift. I give them an A+ for continuing the show, but even I knew that it was suffering without the patriarch. Nevertheless, I want to give a shout-out to Katey Sagal, Kaley Cuoco, Amy Davidson, Martin Spanjers, David Spade, and James Garner for a job well done.

Okay, y’all—since the weekend is officially upon us, I had best get going. Besides, it’s been a while since I’ve kicked it with my homies Ruby Red and Neo Theo. We’ve been talking about wither a road trip to Memphis or another movie night in the Emma Elzy lobby. Incidentally, both Ruby and Theo have been talking about my summer home movie, and they want to see it one mo’ ginn. To be honest, I had forgotten all about that home movie up until Theo brought it up… okay, I guess we can watch it again!

Until next time, y’all take care—Smooches!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

In Loving Memory of John Ritter

Hi, Everyone!

Notwithstanding the fact that I join our nation in a moment of commemoration on the horrible events of 9/11, today’s blog post is dedicated to the memory of one of the greatest actors of all time—Jonathan Southworth Ritter.

Thanks to nostalgic television shows, I know about the legendary role that Mr. Ritter played as Jack Tripper on Three’s Company. I also knew him as the voice of Clifford, the Big Red Dog. However, I grew to love him as Paul Hennessy from ABC’s Eight Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter. I watched the latter show religiously, marveling over how Mr. Hennessy was so strict yet so loving to his two daughters and one son.

And then on September 11, 2003, I received the shocking news that John Ritter had passed away at the age of 54 years old.

Although I was nine years old at the time, I remember very vividly how my heart broke into pieces upon learning of Mr. Ritter’s sudden passing. I went to school the very next day, crying my little eyes out. I really didn’t know how to explain to my Fourth Grade teacher that I was saddened upon the loss of Mr. Ritter. Let’s face it: While I didn’t know him personally, I felt like I knew him. Truth be told, y’all, losing Mr. Ritter was like losing a family member or a very close friend. I tell you what, though: Only after talking to my Gramma Jewel later on that day did I feel a little better. Gramma Jewel explained to me that my feelings were normal, and that I just showed that I had a big heart. She also said: “Tasha, if it’s any consolation to ya, I’m sure that John Ritter is smilin’ down on you, so grateful to have such a loyal fan like you.”

Gramma Jewel was right—I did feel a little better, but I knew that it would not be the same when I watched Eight Simple Rules.

Here it is, ten years later, and I’m still missing the entertaining antics of John Ritter. Thankfully, we’ve got YouTube and the Three’s Company DVD sets, but yet and still, it’s not the same. I wish I had had a chance to meet him before he left us so soon, but as Gramma Jewel always says: “That’s just the way it goes, and so it goes.” Nevertheless, I am grateful that I took time out to dedicate a blog post to one of the greatest actors of all time… and while I’m thinking about it, Mr. D reminds me so much of John Ritter—the look, the style, the happy-go-lucky attitude, and the corny sense of humor. I guess in a way, I have my own version of Mr. Ritter, in the form of Mr. D!

As I close this blog, I just want to say: THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, MR. RITTER—I LOVE YOU!!!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Three's Company Reunion at Rust!

Hi, Everyone!

 

So, yesterday evening, Ruby and I went to visit Theo at Davage Smith Hall, and we decided to sit in the lobby and watch television, especially seeing as how the lobby was vacant. Lo and behold—it was an episode of Three’s Company. All things considered, it was a really good episode. I honestly don’t remember the double entendres or the ridiculously funny puns as a child, but I sure noticed them this go-round.

Anyway, after the show ended, the three of us decided to head over to KFC and chill out. We discussed at length—and maybe even ad nauseum—the whole premise of Three’s Company. Theo boldly admitted that he didn’t have a problem sharing an apartment with two women, to which Ruby and I just looked at him and scoffed. Ruby then brought up an excellent point: A huge problem would arise in that the guy would probably favor one woman over the other, which would cause some serious dissention.

Finally, I brought up an interesting point of my own: In a roundabout way, the three of us pay homage to Three’s Company anyway. I mean, think about it—Theo automatically makes a great Jack Tripper… and by the way, all three of us emphatically agreed to that statement. As for me, I make one helluva Janet Wood on account of I’m simple, sweet, and straight to the point. However, Ruby made it perfectly clear—and these were her exact words: “I’ll be damned before y’all make me play the role of Chrissy Snow. Matter of fact, I make a better Mrs. Roper than I do Chrissy!” We all laughed, and then Ruby decided that she would be Terri Alden, to which Theo said, “So, you’re just gonna come on the show all late and sh**!”

It was a real fun discussion in which we agree that Three’s Company was “a cool show with such a simple storyline, and of course we decided to take a group picture when we returned to the campus. Y’all already know that Jack—I mean, Theo was in pure heavenly bliss after having been surrounded by such gorgeous beauties! Hahahaha! But seriously, it’s nice to know that Ruby and I made Theo’s day, all things considered.

Well, anyway, let me go ahead and close this blog, but before I do, let me just say one last thing:

Down at our rendezvous, Three’s Company, too!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha