David Jason made one of his few guest appearances on an episode of the BBC’s “The One Show” a couple of years ago. He was asked the usual kinds of questions about the programme he was currently appearing in and then the interviewer asked him “what kind of television do you enjoy?” his reply surprised me “I don’t watch television as a rule” he said “to be honest, it is all just so depressing” he went on to criticise the programme makers for making everything so dark and miserable these days “they don’t seem to understand” he explained “their job is to entertain the nation, and for most of the time, I don’t feel entertained at all, so I don’t watch anymore”
Having heard his comments, I have got to say that I wholeheartedly agree, I think that it is sad that almost every episode of almost every soap opera commences with a warning that some of the scenes and storylines might upset viewers and there is the offer of a help line if you need to speak to anybody.
Today, as we are experiencing these weeks of isolation because of lockdown, I find it quite incredible that we are treated to an advert, warning about the dangers of mental health due to everything we are going through, and the remedy appears to be anything from eating fast food to taking exercise.
Within seconds of experiencing this we are then confronted by an episode of one of the soaps, where we meet people swindling one another, shouting, and bawling at each other, committing blatant adultery, stealing, and even killing. Maybe David Jason is right, the very people who should be helping to jolly the nation on during these difficult times, fuel the situation, rather than improving it. Of course, we are in control and we can choose what we want to watch, I have found myself walking along the coastal paths of the West Country, climbing mountains in Cumbria, watching farmers out in the fields rounding up sheep, even clinging to sheer rock faces and feeling queasy, while I sit in my armchair and would never consider doing anything like that in real life.
I find myself thanking God for the rich diversity of our country, as I visit the places I love and miss as I sit in Ipswich, currently not permitted to go very far. I rejoice as I sail down the Danube or see the amazing Amalfi coastline in Italy, as I see people creating new lives for themselves out in nature, living humble lives, free from all the trappings of what is considered “essential” by most. I even enjoy laughing at sit coms that are too ridiculous to be true and appreciate the gift of catch-up telly when I can watch episodes of One Foot in the Grave, Keeping up Appearances and The Good life.
During this period of lockdown, I have discovered more than ever before, the true value of laughter and entertainment, I need cheering up