The writing was funny but also sharp, witty and clever. Even though it was a sitcom, the show wasn't afraid of tackling and addressing social and controversial issues such as child molestation, racism, bulimia, class division and sex for example. But the star of the show was Coleman as Arnold and his famous catchphrase 'whatcha talking'about Willis?'. Mrs Edna Garrett played by Charlotte Rae was funny, charming and witty and a great addition to the cast. The performances given by the main leads in Diff'rent Strokes was great, particularly Conrad's as the strict but fair, Mr Drummond. I feel guilty getting laughs knowing that they went home and cried or faced abuse.ĭiff'rent Strokes was and still is regarded by many as not just one of the most successful sitcoms in TV history but one of the very few, which succeeded due to the multi-racial cast of Conrad Bain as Philip/Mr Drummond, Dana Plato as Kimberley, Todd Bridges as Willis, and the lovable scamp, Gary Coleman as Arnold Jackson. I only wished that the off-screen drama was cut down for their sakes. I only wish Todd and Gary best for their future. Dana Plato who is gone to a better place never did get to experience the life of Kimberly Drummond except when she was on the set. How little did we know the truth? Gary Coleman never escaped the image of the chubby cute kid on Different Strokes. Of course, there was the guest appearances of First Lady Nancy Reagan preaching against drugs. I like them both in the role as the second Mrs. I never approved of them dissing Dixie Carter for Mary Ann Mobley. Edna Garrett played by the wonderful Charlotte Rae who got her own show without all the drama of Different Strokes. Of course, he was supposed to only be acting but I think he became a paternal figure to those youngsters. Conrad Bain was great as the father figure of the show. It's sad to watch the show, I wish I didn't know Dana Plato's problems because now I see how much she wanted her life to be like Kimberly Drummond. Watching the true Hollywood story on E! about the cast of Different Strokes was heartbreaking, after all, two of the three cast members had substance abuse problems and the star, Gary Coleman, had problems with his parents that he sued them.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |