I am a big fan of the show "Ugly Betty." It regularly makes me laugh, and sometimes makes me cry, and it always entertains.
Lately, though, my love affair with the show has been fading. You see, there was a pregnancy story line. The main character's sister, Hilda, accidentally got knocked up.
Uggh. Not just a pregnancy story line, but an oops to boot.
I stuck with it though, and watched last night's episode. Hilda was going to have an ultrasound, and the whole family was going along, so they could get a glimpse of the new addition. At this point in the show, I turned to Hubby, and, in my wallowing-in-self-pity voice, said "I'm sorry. You'll never get to experience that." Turns out, I was wrong.
Because at the doctor's office, they couldn't find a heartbeat. And boy oh boy, do we know what that is like.
Afterwards, Hilda's boyfriend reassured her that they would still be a family, baby or no. It's like they stole a page from my life story.
It was sort of surreal, to see something so close to me on a television show. However, it seems a little like they might gloss over the emotional aspects of miscarriage, the long lasting repercussions that shatter your soul and your sense of self, the grief that grabs you and won't let go. I don't know, because the miscarriage was revealed towards the end of the show, but it's just a feeling.
I'll stick with it though, just to see. And I'll probably have a few laughs along the way.
Oh I hate those TV storylines. And next week everything is fine and dandy. I have yet to see someone tackle this seriously.
ReplyDeleteThe worst part is now we will be watching something, and I see DH waiting for me to flinch or cry or something.
Thanks for your latest comment, I am sincerely hoping this year brings us the happiest dream of all.
xo
Andie
Hey wifey,
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling ya on this one. I hate the 'oops' storylines the most of all. You're right they might gloss the m/c over a bit, however let's wait and see. I'm way behind on UB over here in AU, I hope to catch up on DVD! You're in my thoughts. Happy ICLW!!!
It might be too much to hope that they'll actually tackle something that heavy on a comedy, but who knows? When I watched Marley and Me, I was NOT prepared for Jennifer Aniston finding out that her baby didn't have a heartbeat either. I saw that movie soon after my last miscarriage, so it hit me harder than I think it would have if I had gotten a little distance from it. In a way, I'm glad that more media is (are?) confronting the subject of miscarriage. Maybe in 20 years or so, it won't feel so much like a dirty little secret to be ashamed of.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you have ever seen the animated movie 'Up?' - you would think that would be all cute and funny but 10 mins into it I was tearing up. It's a quick scene but you'll catch the jist of it. Did not expect that at all! Agree with LuckyOnce on Marley and Me - balled my eyes out first b/c of Jennifer's m/c and then for Marley. Oy.
ReplyDeleteI watch Ugly Betty too, and my heart sunk when that scene began. I could feel it coming, "no heartbeat". It brings back so many memories. I had the same feeling as you, that they will just gloss over the emotions of a loss, but I guess the show is more of a comedy than a drama. They touch on tough subjects ie: cancer, alcoholism, death but never truly go deep enough. I understand, but still hope that Hilda will at least be sad for one episode.
ReplyDeleteThose are the kinds of things that have been getting me lately too. Stuff that pops up in storylines or on reality shows, it just feels like a kick in the gut!
ReplyDeleteICLW
Rach
www.thegalwho.wordpress.com
I never watched that show, but know about it. I tear up at anything IF, baby, kid related I see on tv. Its hard to watch sometimes, but if its portrayed well, i love it. Educate those who haven't a clue what we experience with this IF shit. I mean that in a nice way by the way, sounded harsh. Happy iclw.
ReplyDeleteI hate those storylines, too. When I want to relax I don't want to be reminded of everything I'm dealing with.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said too about the "gloss" of dealing with a m/c or a loss. Sometimes I watch Y&R and there was a loss storyline several months ago but nothing about that emotional aspect at all. I stopped watching. I just kept seeing the character and thinking, there's no way that someone who went through that would be acting that way. I know it's only a show, but still.
I have 2 seasons of Ugly Betty here on DVD and I haven't managed to watch more than the pilot episode... perhaps I'll give it another try at some point. I personally have been avoiding any type of pregnancy storyline (you should see me sneering at Glee, even though I want to see the musical numbers...)
ReplyDeleteICLW
http://daega99-arewethereyet.blogspot.com/
I was upset by the storyline, too. I felt like I had punched in the stomach when the did the sonogram bit. It will be interesting to see how they play it out.
ReplyDeleteICLW
I don't watch that show but it's nice to hear that they weren't doing just the typical pregnancy story and showed the other side of things. Femara in terms of side effects is much better. I had some grumpies and a little bit of hormones, but besides that not much of anything. We will see tomorrow if it got my body to do anything.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for all of your losses. I am here from ICLW.
ReplyDeleteI saw the episode too and felt like the wind was knocked out of me when Hilda had the ultrasound. I'm curious to see what they do with the story.
ReplyDeleteICLW
I know. Accidental pregnancy, Hilda!!! We hate that but I have to admit that Bobby is a cutie (on a side note)
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