Some would argue that we are currently in the midst of one of the greatest times in television history. Shows like “Lost”, “Breaking Bad”, “The Wire” and “Mad Men” are of a quality that few shows from other eras can compete with. However, these shows can also elicit fairly emotional responses due to their subject matter, and also require you to pay close attention. Sometimes that’s not always what I’m looking for in a TV show, sometimes I just want to escape thinking about anything and zone out. For that there are guilty pleasure shows and sadly one of my favorites came to an end last night.
When “Greek” premiered on ABC Family in 2007 I had recently graduated college and was working towards my TV doctor medical degree. I was not involved in the Greek system so I didn’t think much of the idea of the show. I only watched the premiere because my coworkers did. Four years later, I will admit it got a little dusty in my room when I was saying goodbye to the students of Cyprus Rhodes University
Guilty pleasure shows are not meant to be taken seriously and they’re even supposed to make you feel a tiny bit embarrassed when you admit you watch them. They do offer something that’s always nice to be able to count on though; a happy ending. “Greek” was not the best show ever. At some point it wasn’t even all that good. But I sought comfort in knowing I’d always at least semi-enjoy the hour I spent each week at CRU and I don’t regret a second of watching it.
With the show now over I’d just like to go over a few lasting thoughts I have from the series run.
The Weather – CRU was located in Ohio Ohio
Calvin – For all the attention Kurt gets on “Glee” I always thought Calvin was a more positive homosexual character on TV. Most gay TV characters tend to unfortunately fall into stereotypes. Kurt dresses and speaks flamboyantly, likes decorating and is a fan of musical theater. Calvin was a star athlete in high school, pledged a fraternity and dated a guy from the rival fraternity and drew no attention to the way he talked. (I almost wrote “spoke like a normal person” but I don’t need letters to be written to CW calling for my resignation) I think both characters are good for the gay community to relate to, but Calvin represents someone who had been rarely seen before and should have garnered more notice. I’d also like to credit the writers for never having Calvin depledge Omega Chi and pledge KT, despite making it seem like this would happen every season.
Self Awareness – Usually I can’t stand any type of break in the Fourth Wall. I’m a traditionalist in that respect. However, I did enjoy the little pieces of “Greek” that poked fun at itself, its actors and its characters. It was nice to see the show never take itself too seriously as I think I’d be a little freaked out if the writers all thought their work on ABC Family was in line with the works of Charles Dickens. My favorite example would be Cappie saying he thought he saw their ex-fraternity brother on “Scrubs” as Dave Franco (James’ younger brother) joined that show after appearing in several episodes of “Greek”.
Dale – He became one of my favorites from the very first episode and stayed that way throughout. Dale was also the character who grew the most over the series. He went from being fiercely religious and anti-frat in Season 1 to pledging Omega Chi in the final season. Clark Duke also has the distinction of being the cast member to have the most success off the show as he was one of the stars of “Hot Tub Time Machine” and “Sex Drive
The Flashback Episode – What can I say? The second season wasn’t great and the show was on the verge of leaving the Doctor’s rotation. But then came this gem. I should add I had maintained since the show started there would be a flashback episode and my prophecy’s vindication might play a small hand in my love for this episode. Despite my bias I firmly believe this was the greatest episode the show ever did and included the best moments of the Cappie/Casey/Evan triangle that ended up dominating the series.
Rebecca Logan – Just like Dorothy says to the Scarecrow, I’m going to miss you most of all. You saucy, little minx.
I won’t tell anyone reading this they must go out and buy all the DVDs to catch up. I just hope they have a similar guilty pleasure show they enjoy as much as I liked “Greek”. If you’d like a suggestion, the TV Doctor’s Nurse watches “Pretty Little Liars”. I, however, am not a fan and who is the one with the TV degree here? After four years I’m now faced with a TV schedule absent of a guilty pleasure show. I’m going to miss those guaranteed happy endings at CRU.
