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If adoption is all over my television, it seems to be quite the same for the topic of unplanned pregnancy. CBS is bringing an unplanned pregnancy to Prime Time this fall. Straying a bit from the typical knocked-up teen scenario, the expectant mother in question is a full-fledged adult. Interesting! The title made me chuckle: Accidentally on Purpose.
Jenna Elfman plays the character in question, finding herself pregnant after a one-night-stand with a much younger guy. She apparently decides to “keep” the baby and, in the words of the site, “the guy.” The word keep was also the choice of the network, not what I would have said.
I’m intrigued by the premise of the show. I’m sure that other mothers experiencing an unplanned pregnancy in the fall of 2009, especially those with adult lives and careers, will be interested to see how the tall, blonde funny-woman handles the issue every week in twenty-two minutes plus commercials. A comedy isn’t likely to explore the deep intricacies of deciding to raise a child with a man you hardly know. As Elfman’s character is a movie critic, I doubt she will deal with some of the financial constraints that many mothers living this life are dealing with as well.
But could a dose of laughter do an expectant mother good? It’s possible.
I have hope for the show. I say this knowing that every show I have hope for ends up being canceled by January. If that happens, I apologize to Elfman and accept full blame for giving my nod of approval before the show even aired. I give that nod of approval for one reason: I want the world to see that unplanned pregnancies don’t end or ruin lives. They change lives. Oh, do they change lives! But I am tired of the negativity. I understand that certain groups have issues with the act of becoming pregnant but, here’s the fact: you can’t undo the act. Get over it and get to supporting the mother, father and child in question! I am not suggesting that every last woman on the Earth run out and have a one-night-stand. I am suggesting that we learn to accept that people make choices and live with their own consequences whether or not we pass judgment or offer support. Perhaps the latter would make for a better world. Hmm?
Here’s hoping that the show gives all those mothers expecting a little surprise of their own something to laugh at as they get sucked into their couches, unable to get up due to the baby doing jumping jacks on her bladder. Then again, don’t laugh too hard. Trust me.
Accidentally on Purpose premieres on September 21st at 8:30pm.
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