Heidi McCrary's Blog, page 3

HOMELAND – Best ending EVER

“Seriously, you have to watch this show,” my friend assured me. “You’re going to love it.” And immediately, two years later, my husband and I sat down to watch the first episode. It didn’t take long before we were hooked and devoured all eight seasons.

If you enjoyed “The Americans,” you owe it to yourself to check out “Homeland,” a fast paced, heart-pounding story-twisting spy thriller starring Claire Danes, Mandy Patinkin, and a constant churning cast of good guys and bad guys who flip sides without notice.

But make no mistake, this is Danes’ show, and as we get to know her character, Carrie Mathison, a top-notch CIA agent battling bipolar disorder, we’re taken on a rollercoaster ride as she takes us across the world and in and out of death-defying adventures.

Oh, and may I say, best ending EVER! Especially for a show that causes you to say, “This can’t end well.” And for those of you who have watched “The Americans,” actor, Costa Ronin (AKA Oleg) once again proves to be a worthy charismatic opponent. Catch all eight seasons of “Homeland” on Hulu. Yeah, I know… another streaming service. Make Hulu a 3-month buy and enjoy your winter binge. Fair warning – you will experience an eclectic whirlwind of feelings after the binge.

Heidi McCrary is a writer and author of the novel, Chasing North Star – available at Kazoo Books, This is a Bookstore, and online wherever books are sold. Follow Heidi at heidimccrary.net and facebook.com/HeidiMcCraryAuthor

REVIEW – THE MOTHER-IN-LAW

It appears I have a “type” when it comes to fiction, so when my sister handed me a book she had just finished, with her recommendation that included the words, “…dysfunctional family,” I knew I had to read it. The Mother-in-Law by bestselling author, Sally Hepworth, examines the dynamics of daughter / mother-in-law by providing viewpoints from the two main characters. The dual narrative allows us to see just how perspective is everything, and how the same story traveled down different paths can lead to entirely different outcomes. Part mystery, part character-study, The Mother-in-Law is captivating, biting, and oh, so relatable. Give it a read and perhaps it’ll have you looking at your own mother-in-law differently. Or maybe not…

Heidi McCrary is a writer and author of the novel, Chasing North Star – available at Kazoo Books, This is a Bookstore, and online wherever books are sold. Follow Heidi at heidimccrary.net and facebook.com/HeidiMcCraryAuthor

8 Things to do in the Zoo this Fall

(For little or no money)

We’ve all seen those Best of lists—The 10 funniest comedies of the nineties, the friendliest town in every state, quirkiest museums in Michigan, even best dysfunctional-family books to read with wine (Full discloser – I wrote that last one). It’s what the social media world calls Clickbait, and yes, we can’t help but click. Sometimes these online articles pull us into a rabbit hole of ads, but occasionally we actually discover new places to visit or cause us to shake our heads, saying things like, “How could they not mention Tahquamenon Falls as a best state park?!” The simple fact is that many of us feel a sense of camaraderie when a Best of article reflects our own opinion.

But seriously, why should Saugatuck get all the credit for being the best (fill in the blank) town on so many favorites lists? Best artsy town, yep. Best beach town, natch. Best small town, kinda vague but sure. But why should our beach towns have all the fun? One has only to travel a little inland to discover what we in the Zoo already know is the best kept secret on any Best list. That little city whose name would fit in naturally in any Doctor Seuss Book—Kalamazoo.

Of course, I could list off the obvious places everyone should visit at least once, like the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, where visitors are greeted at the front entrance by a magnificent Chihuly and can browse the KIA gift shop for beautiful affordable artwork and gifts. Or the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, which pays homage to the Checker taxicab company known as Checker Motors. Under the ownership of Morris Markin, Checker became the first cab company to hire black drivers and the first taxicab company that instructed drivers pick up people of all races. Some speculate this is why the cabs have the black and white checker stripes. And of course, Kalamazoo is also home to the Air Zoo where one can check out the world’s fastest air-breathing aircraft, the SR-71B Blackbird.   

But there’s so much more to do in the Zoo …

If you think you’ve done it all, here’s a list to prove you haven’t even scratched the surface. Or at least provide you with the argument that yet another list has failed to mention one of your favorite, “Things to do in the Zoo…”

Attend the monthly Art Hop – While we’d like to think we invented Art Hop, it’s likely we didn’t, but we sure have perfected a perfectly good reason for visiting the downtown area. Kalamazoo is rich in the world of arts, and wine, shopping and great local art just go hand-in-hand. Taking place on the first Friday of every month, Art Hop invites shoppers and art lovers to experience downtown in fun fashion. Do yourself a favor and visit the participating merchants that are located off of the main busy streets. It’ll be a win-win for the both of you.

Speaking of Downtown …

Did you know that you can now stroll the downtown area with a drink in your hand? What started out as a solution to the challenges of the Covid pandemic has evolved into a standard rule and one more reason why Downtown Kalamazoo is the place to go for dining, shopping and hanging with friends. Beverages must be purchased from one of the designated Downtown establishments and must remain within a defined area. Finally, you don’t have to go to Vegas to stroll the shopping district with a drink in your hand!

Since we’re on the topic of drinking …

It’s no secret that West Michigan boasts a great assortment of wineries that will placate the palate of the sophisticated wine enthusiast and the casual admirer alike. But once again, don’t be afraid to step off the well-traveled path and experience a winery tucked away on winery trail less traveled. Have you been to B 52 Winery in Paw Paw, featuring photos and stories of the female aviators of WWII? If not, we suggest, you start there.     

But you’ll need to work off those wine calories …

Fun fact – Pickleball acquired its name from Joan Pritchard, wife of co-founder Joel Pritchard, and is a reference to the group of non-starters in the “pickle boat” of crew races. There’s an internet story circulating around that claims the sport is named after the family dog, but the lucky dog was actually named after the quirky sport. Anyway, there’s still time to purchase your paddles and balls to join in on the party that is catching fire, and curiously exploding with mature adults. This is an interesting phenomenon since the sport is not exactly for those with a weak heart. But if you’re looking to burn off some serious calories while laughing at the shot you just made, this is your game. You should have no problem finding a court near you, but here’s a list to get you started … https://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/blog/post/10-ways-to-experience-pickleball-in-greater-kalamazoo/

And if pickleball ain’t your thing …

How about a walk or bike ride down the Kal-Haven Trail or any one of the many trails in the area. Repurposing what was once a railroad bed, this unique linear state park welcomes many walkers and bicyclists, leading them from Kalamazoo to South Haven. Visitors will pass through a delightful collection of small towns and villages dotting the trail. As you pass through Alamo, take note of that barn located on the northeast corner of 6th St. and Hart Dr. Back in the late 1800’s that barn functioned as the Alamo Valley Creamery and was the largest employer in Alamo.       

And if you really enjoy learning about history on your walks…

Put on your sneakers and take in one of the Kalamazoo Historic Walks sponsored by Discover Kalamazoo, Gazelle Sports and the Zhang Legacy Connections Center. These 90-minute walks take participants through areas of Kalamazoo rich in history. Learn more at  https://gazellesports.com/pages/kalamazoo-historic-walks.

Or maybe you just want to sit back and take in a little music…

There’s no shortage of music available in the Kalamazoo area. Whether it’s local and regional bands playing at familiar bars like Old Dog Tavern and Bells or bars that maybe you haven’t taken a look at, like Lucky Girl in Paw Paw or Liquid Note in Otsego. Many of these spots offer outdoor dining while taking in the music.

And because it’s that time of year …

Take in a football game—any game. Kalamazoo is the home of Western Michigan University Bronco Football, and you don’t have to be a former student to appreciate and enjoy great football. But there are so many other teams to root for from the stands. When was the last time you attended a football game at your old stomping grounds at the high school you graduated from … never?! Come on, grab your husband, kids and old friends and make it an evening of hotdogs and touchdowns.       

Did I leave anything out? Of course, I did. This list can be so much larger but let’s call it a good start.

Heidi McCrary is a contributing writer. Her novel, Chasing North Star is available at Kazoo Books, This is a Bookstore, and online wherever books are sold. Follow Heidi at heidimccrary.net and facebook.com/HeidiMcCraryAuthor

The “Golden” Prize at the County Fair

As a child growing up in Alamo, harvest season signaled families throughout the area to pile into station wagons for the annual trek to the Allegan County Fair, where food, rides and attractions attacked our senses in delightful chaotic fashion. Over the course of the evening, our family would inevitably end up at The Mouse Game, a popular arcade game featuring a live mouse that would be dropped onto a horizontal spinning wheel outfitted with a multitude of numbered holes. As the (I’m sure, terrified) mouse ducked into hole #12, the winning player would then choose from a colorful collection of cheap stuffed animals hanging overhead. 

But these mice weren’t the only animals put to work for our amusement. Across the way was another game, this one featuring live goldfish packaged in plastic baggies and given away as “prizes,” likely to be flushed down the toilet by parents two days later after finding Timmy’s prize sitting at the bottom of the bowl serving as a makeshift aquarium. 

The Mouse Game has long passed, so as I sat on a bench this past weekend at the county fair with my niece, I was surprised to see a young boy walk by, clutching that familiar glowing orange baggie.

While the world today is recognizing the fact that animals don’t belong in traveling shows, it appears that we have overlooked the antiquated act of giving away live goldfish as prizes. It’s time for “Win a Goldfish” to join The Mouse Game as a childhood memory of yesteryear. 

By Heidi McCrary, author of “Chasing North Star,” available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

Saying Goodbye to the Pearson Family

“This is Us” comes to an end, and why I’ll miss Rebecca most

They have been weekly guests in my home for the last seven years—before COVID was a word, and before Apple TV, Paramount, and YouTube TV were viewing options. Sometimes the visits were heartwarming and fun, but more often, our family gatherings around the kitchen table over Thanksgiving dinners were filled with stress and drama. Together, we’ve weathered untimely deaths, addictions, divorces, and illnesses. Simply put, we’ve been there for each other. Or rather, I’ve been there for them. Truth is, they have never acknowledged my loyalty because the Pearson family is too busy worrying about the Pearson family. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Which is why I’m still here for them, tissue box beside me, preparing to say goodbye to the gang on the NBC hit drama, This is Us after seven rollercoaster years. Are they the most narcissistic woe-is-me group of whiners inhabiting the airwaves today? Perhaps, but, like family, we love them anyway.

I’m loyal to my TV friends. It’s the only explanation I have for suffering through the excruciating final season of How I met Your Mother. It’s why I continued hanging with the ladies on Mom after Anna Faris left the show. And it’s why I stuck with Mad Men long after Don Draper and the gang left the cool martini era of the 60’s. And it’s why I’ll be right alongside those Pearson kids as they stand together around Rebecca’s bed to say their goodbyes to their mother.

Speaking of Rebecca…

After seven years of analyzing each Pearson family member under the microscope, I have concluded that I’m going to miss Rebecca most. Caught between dreams of being a singer, duties to her family, and looking for love again after losing the love of her life, this flawed character is believable and real as she tries to make the best of difficult situations while also constantly reminding her children that they are her everything. The fact that 50+ women everywhere can relate to actress Mandy Moore (AKA Rebecca), currently in her late 30’s, is testament to her acting skills as she regularly portrays Rebecca in her later years. Her acting is believable—whether she is portraying Young Rebecca navigating through courtship, or Mature Rebecca finding her way again post-Jack.  

If you want proof of just how relatable Rebecca is to the everyday woman, let’s look at a recent episode where Young Mother Rebecca goes out to dinner with Jack to celebrate their anniversary. She proceeds to get quite drunk, and when the two of them are forced to rush home to save the babysitter, they later sit down with the kids to discuss what happened. After Rebecca and Jack learn from the boys that the babysitter was “mean” to their sister, Rebecca asks, “What do you mean, mean?” She then pauses, pondering what she just said, and repeats, more to herself, “Mean, mean,” causing her to laugh at her own joke—a joke no one else finds humorous. This small moment is priceless, making me love her even more.  

I measure the likability of TV and literary characters I come across on my viewing and reading adventures based on the type of conversation the two of us might have over a drink. I not only can envision Rebecca and me laughing over drinks, but I can also see myself telling the bartender, “We’ll have another.” While I will miss the entire Pearson family, I will miss Rebecca most. Maybe down the road, we’ll catch up on Netflix.

Feeding Your Writing Addiction

And how to extend your book’s 15-minute shelf life

If you’re currently clutching a half-written manuscript or in possession of the first seven pages of what you’ve deemed the next best-seller, you might have caught yourself daydreaming of that day when your polished novel is presented to the world. And the world rejoices. You kick off your publicity tour with a stop at the Today Show Studio 1A, where Hoda and Jenna can’t get enough of you as you humbly admit that your incredible talent and lovable personality have allowed you to break through the sobering fact that debut novels are rarely commercially successful. While these daydreams are fun, statistics show that debut novels rarely catch fire. Still… can you beat the odds?

The answer is… maybe.  

While a miniscule proportion of talented and well-positioned writers are able to secure a literary agent who eventually leads them to the bliss of publication with one of the traditional publishing giants, the remaining wishful authors often travel down a different path with much heavier traffic. Some may go down the road of self-publication while a growing number of writers are securing publication with the ever-popular hybrid publisher. Working with a hybrid publisher carries the benefit of validation, in that your work is vetted before the company agrees to publish your book. The expenses and sales are then shared between author and publisher. The upside of this collaboration is the book being available online wherever books are sold (Amazon, Barns & Nobel, etc.) and in your local bookstore, just as with books published in the traditional manner. The downside? Lots and lots of money out of your pocket. Let me say it again…

Lots and lots of money.     

The initial investment for the printing of your book is just the start of a well-oiled machine that cranks out invoice after invoice until you’re convinced that you’re never going to make back the money you’ve put into supporting your ridiculous addiction. And you’re probably right. As the publisher of one hybrid publishing company puts it, the path to success for writers is an ongoing process. In other words, the probability of Kim Kardashian being our next President is more likely than you, recouping your money from your first published book.

But that’s not why writers write.

There are several actions you can take to keep your book on the minds of readers and go beyond your allotted 15 minutes of fame before the window shuts on the selling opportunity of your book. Working on these five things will keep your book relevant, and your name top-of-mind with readers…

Don’t blow it all, on the launch of your book – It’s easy to think that you need to come out of the gate screaming, but it’s important to think of your book’s shelf-life in terms of a marathon instead of a sprint. While we all want a successful book launch, there’s a benefit to spacing out your appearances at area libraries and events. By focusing on just a few appearances during the launch period, you allow for the public to warm up to your book, and for you to grow as an author. In fact, by letting a year go by, you will have the luxury of hindsight, allowing the appearances you schedule down the road to bring you real customers, not just the same familiar batch of friends and family.            Understand the difference between publicity and marketing – Knowing what I do now, I would have saved the thousands of dollars spent on publicity that garnered little impact throughout the country. Instead, think about investing in a conservative yet consistent campaign in your niche market on social media. Whether it’s a geographic area (I chose to market myself as a local author, advertising only in the state I live in.), or a particular segment, like travel enthusiasts on the east coast. You may not become a world best-seller (Or you might!), but you can dominate a niche category or geographic area.         Become an expert – By that, I mean, figure out what your schtick is. Librarians and event coordinators are looking for someone who brings something to the table other than, “I wrote a book, and it’s a great story.” While the book I wrote is a novel, it borrows heavily on my childhood with my sisters. By bringing my sisters along for appearances, we have found that we are quite entertaining. It’s quirky and different, and readers love getting to meet the characters in person.  Keep investing in YOU  – Speaking at libraries and other events isn’t just about having books on-hand. It’s also about presenting yourself in the most professional manner and highlighting your attributes. Go a step beyond the basics of bookmarks and signage. Having a mini media-wall not only promotes your presence at events, but it also serves as a wonderful backdrop for fans to take a selfie with their new favorite author. Don’t forget to encourage people to post the photos on social media with your chosen hashtag (#NameOfYourBook).       Above all, keep writing – It’s all about keeping you and your book relevant beyond your allotted 15 minutes. Every article, post, and blog circles back to growing you as an author. Whether you’re penning articles on a favorite topic for online magazines, blogging about current affairs or your journey to publication, or starting your next writing project, the key to successful writing is to keep writing.   

Writing is an addiction that must be fed for it to grow. To ensure your longevity as an author, it’s also helpful to put your earnings from book sales into an account earmarked for marketing your current book and for publishing your next. While you may not make back your initial investment, by feeding your writing addiction, you will not only grow sales, but you will also grow yourself as an author – and the likelihood that your next book will be even more successful is a given. Because there will be a next book!  

Heidi McCrary is a writer and author of Chasing North Star. Keep up with her at https://heidimccrary.net/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HeidiMcCraryAuthor

Did you shield your child on that fateful day in September?

This past week, a school in Tennessee removed the graphic novel MAUS from its library due to inappropriate curse words and a depiction of a naked character. Keep in mind that this book uses illustrated mice and cats to tell the story of THE HOLOCAUST. That’s right, the parents in this school district are less concerned about the murder of 6 million Jewish people than the possibility that little Timmy might learn a new swear word that I’m sure he’s never heard before in the car.

Whether it’s MAUS or TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, another book that has seen its share of censorship, it’s nothing new that parents are so afraid that their children might feel some discomfort while learning about a world beyond their gaggle of friends on social media.    

Reading can and should challenge us. It’s OK to occasionally feel uncomfortable with a story that stretches our belief or an opinion we don’t share or understand. It’s called LEARNING. Fortunately, because of the news coverage on the book banning, MAUS is now reaching more readers than the author ever dreamed of.

MAUS reminds us that we can’t forget to teach our children of the horrific ramifications of racism and hate. On September 11, 2001, my children witnessed on news reports what I told them would be a defining moment in their lives. That evening, as a family, we watched the tragedy unfold in real-time on TV. While some parents shielded their young children from the horrors of that day, I believe my boys needed to see what humans are capable of doing to one another.

A documentary aired soon after on CBS, produced by filmmakers who just happened to be following firefighters on that fateful day. CBS made the right decision to air the special without editing out the gruesome scenes and the natural cursing by the firefighters. My husband and I could have decided that this special was too violent for young children and would make our kids uncomfortable. But isn’t that the point?    

Thank you, Tennessee parent, for opening our eyes to the importance of MAUS and all those other books that make our children think.

Heidi McCrary is a writer and Author. Her novel, CHASING NORTH STAR is available at Kazoo Books, This is a Bookstore, and online wherever books are sold. Follow Heidi at heidimccrary.net and facebook.com/HeidiMcCraryAuthor

Should we Save the Mall?

As we passed the boarded-up entrance that once led a multitude of happy shoppers into one of the three department stores anchoring the mall back in the 80’s, my sister and I chatted as we walked the halls with a dozen or so other mall walkers taking advantage of the warmth on this winter morning. We reminisced about this well-worn shopping center that forty years ago, held the distinction of being the first two-level indoor mall built in Michigan outside of Metro Detroit. Today, this same mall has very little to shout about, where two anchor-store locations are currently empty and too many storefronts sit dark.

If you haven’t been to the mall in a while, you’re in good company. The Crossroads now houses a disproportionate amount of non-retail businesses meant for filling spaces waiting for the next Ann Taylor and GAP. A driving school, a massage business, and creatively placed vending machines currently take up spaces once occupied by popular apparel stores. Ironically (Or perhaps, not), Spenser’s still stands after 40+ years. The question begs, do they still sell blacklight posters?

In its heyday, The Crossroads boasted four department stores (Remember Marshall Field’s?), two floors jammed with upscale clothing stores and gift shops, and a food court offering everything from New York style pizza to monster cookies. That same food court now offers one single dining option while still providing enough seating to accommodate busloads of shoppers. Except there are no busses. If you happen to work at the mall and craving lunch, I hope you like Chinese.

We all know that the premise of the demise of the indoor shopping mall isn’t exaggerated, and perhaps it is a natural progression in the shopping experience. And one that might come full-circle, taking us back to the Downtown Shopping District. It wasn’t that long ago when Kalamazoo presented shoppers with the first outdoor pedestrian shopping mall in the United States. Downtown Kalamazoo still provides us with an eclectic array of shopping and dining experiences, locally owned and important to our economy.

Yet, it’s still sad to see our city’s only indoor mall on life support. I was encouraged the other day, when my sister and I changed up our morning routine and walked instead during the afternoon. Even with the limited mall hours due to the Pandemic, it was refreshing to see a healthy amount of young people hanging out and doing their civic duty of keeping our economy alive. It tells me that there is a market for ample retail. Hopefully, someone is listening.

As we continued walking, we noticed yet another store displaying minimal products. Talking to the owner, we learned that she is sad to be closing her shop and is bitter towards a company she perceives as being interested only in maximizing profits, with no regard to their tenants. Previously owned by Brookfield Properties Retail Group, the mall was just recently purchased by Kohan Retail Investment Group. Kohan is known for buying troubled shopping malls, and their Wikipedia page shows an excessive amount of controversial legal issues. Only time will tell whether the new owners will provide the city of Portage once again with a thriving indoor shopping mall.

In a state where temperatures often dip to freezing during the winter months, and where I have fond memories of my children visiting with Santa while I held their coats and sippy cups, I am hopeful that the next generation will be free to roam the halls of Crossroads. In the meantime, thanks for the memories.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crossroads_(Portage,_Michigan)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalamazoo_Mall

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohan_Retail_Investment_Group

https://www.kohanretail.com/locations

Telling YOUR story. Step one…

“Who here is a writer?” I asked the brave souls attending a local writing workshop. To no surprise, no one raised their hand. Cue the crickets. “Are any of you writing anything at the moment?” I continued from the front of the room. “I don’t care if it’s one page and you believe you may have written complete garbage.” With that refined explanation, several hands timidly raised up into the air. “OK then,” I replied, smiling. “YOU four brave folks are writers.” Which brings me to the first secret step to becoming a writer…    

Step #1 – Say aloud, “I am a writer.” It’s important to have confidence in everything we do, and writers can be particularly introverted and shy about calling attention to their talents. Writing is an intimidating endeavor, and you must step out of your comfort zone to give yourself permission to splash your thoughts and words onto the printed page for all to see, which can feel like the equivalent to running naked down the street. I applaud anyone daring enough to dive in, whether you’re sharing your writing with the world or keeping it to yourself or a select few, the adventure can be daunting and equally rewarding. It all begins with you. Say it with me… “I am a writer.”       

“I felt so bad for you. But it also felt so familiar, like I was reading about my own childhood,” one kind reader shared with me after she finished reading my novel for her book club assignment. While my book is a novel, it borrows heavily from my childhood growing up in a small farming community north of Kalamazoo. “I also had a mentally unstable mother,” she continued, “And our childhood was so messed up.”

As I listened to this delightful group of women sharing their own entertaining adventures of their youth, it became clear to me that I am not alone. In fact, I am convinced that everyone has a story to tell, whether it’s a rollercoaster childhood, finding redemption in an unusual place, or a simple connection between two strangers meeting on a vacation. Keep in mind that your writing is just that…yours. And it is your prerogative on who your readers are. Maybe your focus is writing about your own life or your parents’ lives as an ancestral gift to your child and grandchildren, or you can broaden your scope and write for the pleasure of all of us to read. The secret to step #2 is simple…

Step #2 – Just start writing. A writing friend of mine once put it this way… “I don’t care if your intent is to write historical fiction, and in the second chapter, you have aliens landing on earth. The worst thing you can do at the beginning of the writing process is to question what you’re putting down on paper. First rough drafts are just that, rough drafts. There will be plenty of time for edits and revisions. On that note, don’t ever show anyone your first draft. While you may think you just wrote the next “To Kill a Mockingbird,” trust me…you didn’t. After you’re a few drafts in, you may share your words with someone, but brace yourself for the feedback!      

Writing is an artform, and like artwork hanging in a gallery, it is subjective. If you do decide to share your writing with the world, understand that while there will be those who embrace your creativity, there will be others who will not understand or appreciate your craft. And that’s OK.    

Step #3 – It doesn’t have to be perfect. That’s right. Just as life has its peaks and valleys, so will your writing process. There will be days when your writing will be on fire, and other days, not so much. One edit of mine included removing the back half of a finished manuscript and starting over.

At the end of the day, the secret to writing is no secret at all. The biggest obstacle is you. So, say it with me, “I am a writer.”

Heidi McCrary is a writer and a regular contributor to Moxie Magazine. Her novel, Chasing North Star is available at Kazoo Books, This is a Bookstore, and online wherever books are sold. Follow Heidi at heidimccrary.net and facebook.com/HeidiMcCraryAuthor

CAN WE GO “HOME” AGAIN?

THE WALTONS: HOMECOMING – a 60 Second Movie Review

WARNING: REVIEW CONTAINS PISS ANT SPOILER

When the CW announced recently that the beloved TV series, The Waltons would be receiving a reboot on their network, old people throughout the world rejoiced, and every young person went, “Huh?”

Never mind that. So, after trumpeting the news of this Christmas miracle, I feel obligated to providing my thoughts on the movie special that aired on December 28 on the CW Network – a holiday special featuring a family forced to deal with everyday life in the era following the 1929 stock-market crash and the hard times that followed.

SECOND WARNING…

Never watch a movie reboot with two sisters who remember every detail of the original adaptation and can’t get past the fact that every adaptation comes with new edits and dialogue. I understand their passion for tradition, but we are not the CW Network’s desired demographic. While I am sad that Mary Ellen no longer calls Elizabeth a piss ant (seriously, this is the best line in the original, and the mother’s reaction is priceless), I can only hope that this reboot brings a new crop of quotes to today’s younger generation. As a viewer who visited with the original Walton kids weekly, I have to say I was charmed by the new cast, with familiar faces filling the iconic roles (Hang on while I Google John Boy in Waltons Reboot. Oh yeah, 17-year-old Kevin from This is Us).

My only criticism is the needless Hallmark touch added to a show that attempts to depict life in an era that was darker and dirtier than what is shown in this sterilized version. But I am thankful and appreciate to be revisiting with this family on Walton’s Mountain. I cannot fathom this wholesome TV series surviving on a network full of shows overflowing with angst and superheroes, but something tells me that’s what they said the first time around.     

Heidi McCrary is a writer and a regular contributor to Moxie Magazine. Her novel, Chasing North Star is available wherever books are sold. Follow Heidi at heidimccrary.net and facebook.com/HeidiMcCraryAuthor