Beech Tree News Network

Television shows throughout history have had episodes dealing with heavy subject matters.  When something serious is about to happen on a show, there’s almost always dreary violin, cello or acoustic guitar music. I remember a very special episode of Growing Pains where Carol’s boyfriend wrecked and later died as a result of driving drunk. 
I remember when actor Nick Colasanto unexpectedly passed away.  They explained his lengthy illness and absence from the show as visiting family.  Then came the call to the bar saying that he’d passed away.  Full House was usually a cheery show.  Occasionally they’d deal with serious subject matters.  I distinctly remember the ‘70’s Jonathan Edwards song “Sunshine being played when the family takes DJ outside for a fun day b/c, as I recall, she was dealing with depression.
Last week, one of my favorite cable comedies took an unexpected serious twist.  The show is You’re The Worst on FXX.  If you’re not familiar, the show centers around four friends living in the city.  If it sounds like an edgy version of Friends, I guess you could call it that.  At the end of the previous episode, Jimmy started noticing Gretchen leaving late at night.  He got worried so he followed her one night. When he saw her parked on a hill crying, she said she was fine and to go home.  He left but knew things weren’t fine.
Last week’s episode was the crescendo.  She finally told Jimmy she’s been clinically depressed all her life.  Anyone who deals with depression/anxiety knows that it can come and go at a moment’s notice.  The show handled this issue well.  It was surprising to me to see a comedy tackle such a serious issue.  It not only shows the range of the actors.  It also, and more importantly, sheds light on a very serious subject. 
If you’re not watching You’re The Worst, and you’re not easily offended by language, etc, you might want to tune into FXX (channel 259 DTV) Wednesday nights at 9:30.  I appreciate when my favorite shows take a detour from the usual silliness to tackle a serious subject.  Not many shows do it.  I think it’s because not many writers, producers are brave enough to tackle a serious subject for fear of backlash.  Luckily, You’re The Worst has no such qualms.  And it appears they’re gaining respect because of it.