music, books, love and kindness

The most recent episode of "The Big Bang Theory" was the funniest one so far this season. Snappy lines ("Is this a comic book store or a rave at the third little pig's house?") and a resurgence in unique character strengths (especially those of Amy and Sheldon) gave this the boost it's been missing the past few weeks.

Underneath it all, though, was something that got to me personally. When Raj revealed that he had told his new girlfriend about his one-time "hook up" with Penny, some of the gang started talking about the meaning of past relationships. Jokes about Penny's "long list" and Amy's non-existent one deflected from an issue that can be quite plaguing to some.

Too many relationships in a partner's past might make one squeamish, not enough or (gasp!) none can scare people off. There shouldn't be a magic number, but apparently there is. In a world where there is something called "the third date rule," though, being judged by someone for being "too" inexperienced (or wanting to wait for love) doesn't surprise me. That doesn't mean it's any less sad.

Also related to tv and love is Showtime's upcoming "The Affair." I am only thinking about watching because I adore Joshua Jackson from his time on "Fringe." Talk about squeamish...I have never been able to read any novels or watch anything to do with adultery without getting extremely upset over it, even though I've never been married and it's not an issue that's ever affected me directly.

Perhaps, it's because I have never been affected by it that I can afford to be so prissy about it. Ideally, I like to think that no one sets out to have an affair just to have one, that they are so willing to throw away their marriage without serious heartache. But I'm not that naïve and know if I saw the statistics on cheating spouses I'd probably rethink everything I believe about love.

I know it's also easy to say with the self-righteous conviction of Dana Carvey's Church Lady that you would never have one, but I truly don't think I would. I have spent way too many years wanting to find someone special (admittedly building it up way too much in my head), imagining how wonderful it could be, to throw love away. Again, though, that whole muck of "inexperience" throws itself in and I wonder if it's even okay to write about something I know so little of...

Showtime's "The Affair" airs Sunday, October 12th.

http://variety.com/2014/tv/reviews/tv-review-the-affair-1201322477/