Two of our family’s all-time favorite TV series are ending in the next week. Before the two eldest left for college we watched them together. While we tune in separately now, texts fly fast between us after each episode.
When Kathy and I were newlyweds, we turned on the television one Sunday evening and caught the premiere of “Twin Peaks” on ABC. We were immediately drawn to the quirky David Lynch drama, which became one of the highest rated shows of 1990. It gained a cult following before going up in flames in season two – leaving a wake of disappointed fans.
When I traveled for sports television, college football and basketball games were on Saturdays. After going to dinner with our announcers the night before, I would call home. On September 10, 1993, I flipped on the TV in some long forgotten hotel room, dialed Kathy a few minutes later and realized we were both watching a new show on Fox. Thus we created a tradition of spending Friday nights together – even when apart – as fanatics of “The X Files.”
Our last favorite show to bow out was “Monk,” a dramatic comedy starring Tony Shalhoub as the obsessive-compulsive detective. Like many series that overstay their welcome, the penultimate season was disappointing. However, the writers pulled things together and the ending was perfect.
So it is with mixed emotions that we count the hours until the finales tonight of “Psych” and “How I Met Your Mother” Monday. Sean and Gus delivered many laughs the past eight years, as we searched for hidden pineapples – and sang along with one of TV’s best theme songs. While we would never condone his antics, Neal Patrick Harris’ “Barney Stinson” will be listed among the Greatest TV Characters whenever they take a poll the next 50 years. We’ll miss Ted, Marshall, Lily and Robin… and the nine-season unveiling of the Girl with the Yellow Umbrella.
Thanks for the memories everyone. You were good friends.
