Careless whispers and talking cars

The year is 2011, so I ask myself why the familiar melody of "Careless Whispers" is being played from my 9 year old sons bedroom. Surely he hasn't discovered a Wham album from my youth and decided that they beat One Direction (OK, he's only 9, there's time yet!!)?

Reassuringly, no that isn't the case. He's actually watching his much loved Knight Rider box set for the hundredth or so time.

Hubby brought it for him in a moment of nostalgia, and I have to admit I doubted that it would be a success. But then thinking about it, the talking car, the fast action car chases, they are two ingredients that were bound to be a hit. Nine year old son doesn't seem to notice the dated clothing and even the soundtrack.

In fact, he pretty much loves any of the old classics we have brought for him: Dangermouse, Bucky O Hare, all four Superman films.  We tried ET too young I think but that one will have to come out soon.

I'm also thinking Back to the Future - I know he will love it, but I can't wait to watch it again myself.

Introducing your kids to retro classics can have its downside though. On the same trip as the Knight Rider purchase I made the mistake of buying Button Moon for my daughter. It was a firm favourite when I was tiny. The first viewing prompted that warm lovely emotion that you attach to something from a happy childhood.  The second viewing was good too. Unfortunately though it was too much of a success, and the nostalgia gave way to pure utter annoyance.

We got our moneys worth though - we had about 2 years worth of viewing out of that DVD until we accidentally (!) mislaid it. Mary Poppins is the latest craze and I'm wondering how long it will be before we have to mislay another DVD ;).

Minipops and sleeping lions

No blog about 80's TV would be complete without a cursery nod to that Friday night classic Top of the Pops.

From the teenagers hanging all over the TV presenters, trying to get their ten seconds of fame, to the lip synching, overdressed acts we called pop stars, it was a staple part of any teenagers TV viewing.

Having older sisters, I got to watch it too, and my absolute enduring memory was Tight Fit in 1982 singing to The Lion Sleeps Tonight. What self respecting six year old wouldn't love watching Tarzan and Jane lip synch and sway their hips on live TV?

And better than that, you got to watch it replicated on Mini Pops - but this time by a group of overdressed, over confident kids. If you can't remember Mini Pops - it was a Saturday night TV programme where kids were dressed like adults (make-up, hairspray, the lot) and performed to the latest pop hits.

I seem to remember some controversy now (probably due to the fact that they were kids dressed like adults) but that went straight over my head. It totally appealed to my six-year-old-wish-I-was-a-popstar mind.

If you are still struggling to remember, let me remind you with the clip below:

Shoulder pads and oil barons

Ok, so this blog has so far been obsessed with kids 80's TV, but the latest news that Dallas is to make a comeback has prompted a gear change in the direction of TV for adults (I would say adult TV but it gives the wrong connotations :) ).

So the infamous JR Ewing, scheming, power crazy oil baron is back. I'm happy to read that all the original actors are back, and he will be joined by Sue Ellen as his alcoholic wife (or is it ex-Wife?), and of course his brother Bobby.
I'm a little confused as to where the series left off - I was pretty sure JR was shot and killed, but obviously unless JR is returning as a ghost, that can't be the case. Any Dallas fans out there please feel free to enlighten me.

The most memorable plotline ever has to be the return of Bobby Ewing. After over 12 months of being out of the series (and the viewing figures dropping) the producers convinced the actor to return to the series. How would the scriptwriters get him back in the series? Bobby simply turns up in the shower and we find out Pam was dreaming all along! Simples!

The plot twist completely invalidated the whole previous 18 months plotline by having it all appear as a lengthy dream sequence. What a head fryer (reminds me of the last episode of Lost!).

With that in mind I can't wait to see what plot line we will open with, just hope we don't have to wait too long. But for those too impatient to wait, why not remind yourself of the glories of the most famous texan oil barons below:

Fantasy is way much more fun..........

One of the best things about being a kid is that fuzziness that merges reality and fantasy together a bit.

Like my daughter, aged 7, who is still not quite certain whether its possible to fly (if you try really really hard!!), and who, after watching Matilda suspects the washing on the line is moving because she blinked her eyes at it.

I love seeing how the mundane reality of wind blowing clothes on a washing line turns into a magical adventure with a little sprinkling of imagination.

I actually remember trying to jump into a picture I had drawn after watching the amazing Mary Poppins, and even though it didn't quite happen, I was convinced I was just doing it wrong. Impossible wasn't really part of my vocabulary back then.

In fact, the sillier stuff was always the best for me. Why Don't You, Blue Peter, Newsround - yes they were educational, and I should probably have been watching them.

But a bold warrier fighting evil force (go She-Ra), a rat with a big attitude, a bat with wings like shields of steel, a spotty teddy bear from space - now that's what I'm talking about.

Perhaps that explains why I'm as happy watching an episode of Peppa Pig with my daughter as I am watching Panaroma. Sometimes a little silliness goes a long way........................