Sometimes you really have to shake your head at the criticisms people throw at television programs. Probably one of the most pervasive – and imbecilic – criticisms of a television program ever produced was the common refrain that THE BRADY BUNCH painted an overly idyllic vision of the family and ignored the serious problems that were existing in the world during a time of great upheaval. In other words, because the Fall of Saigon and Watergate were not used as plot devices in the show it is undeserved of its praise. Also, I guess it was undeserved of its mega successful worldwide run in circulation either. Does it ever cross these pinheaded critics' minds that the vast majority of the program's audience was little kids who enjoyed the program because it connected with them on a number of levels? Should the program changed its focus to the drama (and nihilism) of a DEGRASSI JR HIGH? (That's not to knock DEGRASSI, but it would be a real stretch to say that DEGRASSI was an upbeat program) To throw such boneheaded criticism against THE BRADY BUNCH is to simply ignore the fact that the audience dictates success. The program was not a con or an attempt to pull the wool over anyone's eyes. Nor was social commentary devoid on TV screens in the early 1970's. THE BRAD BUNCH avoided going the route of social commentary because it was designed to provide morality lessons to children within the confines of the occasional kitchzy plot. The formula worked and the program was a hit. And, quite honestly, it succeeded far greater than most "serious" family programs which either lasted very briefly on network or succeeded on the network only to die a miserable death when released onto syndication. As great as THE COURTSHIP OF EDDIE'S FATHER was it is hardly remembered or played these days.