"Family" was consistently entertaining and insightful television, in the wasteland that was late 70's television programming.
It dealt with sensitive issues in a thoughtful manner without proselytizing or being maudlin.
I had the good fortune of beginning my television career by being a fan of "Family." A new resident of the neighborhood, I hung-out during the filming of exterior shots at the location of the "Lawrence" home in South Pasadena, during "Family's" final season. That same summer, in 1979, I went to work for the production company, Spelling-Goldberg Productions. Watching "Family" shoot was magic.
The series hearkened-back to an era even earlier than the late 70's...it kind of had a sixties feel to it, an earlier, simpler, and kinder period among American families. However, unlike the family dramas that filmed during the sixties, "Family" was far more realistic and believable.
Clearly, the break-out star of "Family" was young Kristy McNichol who stole nearly every scene she was in.
"Family" is long overdue to be offered in a DVD collection, and I hope all four seasons will soon be available in a video collection.
Thanks for the memories.
Gary L. Myers
