November 21, 2024
Since the presidential election, I’ve been burrowed. Partly depression, of course. Disappointment…nausea…gut punch. Helplessness, really…hopelessness. I’m in my 70’s and another presidential election is in no way guaranteed. I’ve detached socially somewhat. Limited social media. Daily routine…realigned. No more CNN or MSNBC. I force myself to listen to one, and only one, NPR five minute news podcast per day. I can’t allow myself to fall into ignorance, but there is not much in the news that doesn’t make me physically ill. I’m trying to avoid anything and everything that might suggest a twinge of politics. So even reading is a hazard. In spite of my zeal for podcasts, I’ve deleted two-thirds of my feed. Only those that are tech, film or tv oriented have survived the cut. Gone are favorites like The Daily, This American Life and Pod Save America. I used to listen to the WFAN morning sports show. But even Boomer and Gio seem tainted…so click.
I know….head-in-sand is no solution. But my energy is zapped.
Instead, I’ve been watching a lot of Turner Classic Movies…great old films reflecting better times. But my highest satisfaction (a surprise, even to me)…. a deep dive into Ally McBeal. You might not remember Ally. She was a late 90’s creation of the TV writer/producer David E Kelly. The title character is a recent law school graduate launching her career in Boston. Essentially, it is a workplace comedy, which also addresses many serious issues. I identified with this show at its origin because both my daughters were in college at the time. I thought it reflected the hopes, dreams and challenges of young people approaching adult life. I related it to my own kids. I think the show also prompted me to reflect on the youthful steps and missteps of my own life. Over the years, I’ve rewatched the show many times. Of course, it’s dated in ways, but I still find the episodes hopeful. I think that’s what I need at the moment.
Season two, episode 10 Making Spirits Bright, is a Christmas episode. The festive backdrop contrasts the stark loneliness encountered by so many during the holidays. But to begin, there is hope. Law partner John Cage is confident he can secure a mistletoe kiss. Ally’s friend Renee holds the possibility of a happy life with her former lover Matt….even though he’s married with a pregnant wife. Ally, herself, continues to carry an eternal flame for Billy.
But perhaps the most challenging hope, comes in the firm’s seeking to save the job of client, Sheldon Maxwell. He has been dismissed because he told co-workers that he saw a unicorn. The company believes him to be crazy and potentially harmful to its customers. Maxwell and Ally share a mutual understanding as fellow unicorn seers.
Maxwell’s boss testifies that “seeing a unicorn” is a symptom of dementia.
Billy, in his summation, suggests that perhaps the vision of the unicorn may have indeed been an illusion, triggered by the commonality of loneliness during the holidays. “But….so what? Since the unicorn is a symbol of hope,” Billy wonders who amongst them should dictate where hope should be found.
Judge Whipper Cone agrees with Billy. Maxwell is reinstated.
But for Renee, Ally and even John Cage, the closing montage is a reminder that hope may need a little more time to materialize.
For me too.
Ally McBeal…all these years later… still a positive beacon.
billbenbarker 