Season 34 - Pollyanna (2004-2005)
Pollyanna isn't really used as a noun anymore. In fact when my dad recently used it I had totally forgotten that it used to be an insult against the eternally and blindly optimistic. Language fascinates me how words are always falling in and out of favor or use. When I hear a word used a certain way that I haven't in a while it can actually transport me in time and place to when I last heard it. Ironically I knew the definition of the word before I ever learned where it came from. The first time I actually took interest in the book was when NBC made a highly touted adaptation, Polly, starring two of the actors from The Cosby Show, Keshia Knight Pulliam and Phylicia Rashad, directed by Debbie Allen. I would have been eleven when it aired and never missed The Cosby Show and they targeted the hell out of that audience to turn into the musical, yes, it was apparently a musical, extravaganza. See, the fact that I didn't remember it was a musical shows how much I have blocked of this adaptation. All I actually remember is her falling out of the tree and losing the use of her legs. I wish I could forget watching this adaptation just as easily. Only time will tell. This transplants the story from New England to England and is just as winsome as you'd expect. In other words I wanted to see Pollyanna drown in the pond near the house. I'm a cynic, I can't take optimism like this. But then again it's better than what is to come... But that's jumping ahead of my tale. I watched this series for one reason and one reason only, Tom Ellis. I was severely missing my Luci and this was early enough in his career that I hadn't seen it and wanted to watch him in something pre-Miranda. It was also nice that Kate Ashfield was in it. The fact that the two of them hookup was just an added bonus. If this show had been about them I would have liked it far more. Even if I will reluctantly agree that Pollyanna is a pretty good matchmaker. Anyway, so Pollyanna, the character and the story, is basically all about finding the silver lining. Your life isn't as bad as it could be so suck it up. Hence the eternal and blind optimism. She's a darling and a ray of sunshine, until she's not. She's hit by a car and paralyzed. Which, yes, bit of a setback, but she was able to justify and accept the deaths of her parents and all other manner of horrible things, she'll once again look on the bright side of life. But oh no she doesn't. This takes a dark turn wherein she turns into the whiniest little bitch I have ever seen. She's just horrible. She treats everyone like shit. People who she brought out of the darkest deepest despair she's now telling them that what she is going through is so much worse than anything they have ever experienced that they will never be able to relate and they should just let her wallow. And really, they should have. She's a hypocrite. Pollyanna and her double standards shouldn't have just been hit by a car but backed over. I just couldn't with this kid. And honestly, I don't think her family could either. They ship her off for some radical therapy that does get her mobile but they carry on with their lives and are shocked when she shows up for her Aunt's wedding. I mean, if you really wanted her there you'd have invited her right? She was unwanted to start with and after her downward spiral, I definitely don't want her anywhere near me. Perky freakin' hypocrite.
The Wintringham Mystery by Anthony Berkeley
Aunt Dimity and the Duke by Nancy Atherton
