I love television. I watch television.  I’m not going to apologize for it. I love the one-hour dramas, the ones in the hospitals, the police stations, the courthouses, and the living rooms.  I’m a sucker for Blue Bloods, Parenthood, The Good Wife, all of the Law and Orders and, in a pinch, will watch Desperate Housewives. 

It is a pleasure.  And not a guilty one.

And I’m open about it.  When I was in college, I owned a 40-dollar black and white T.V. It was the most expensive item in my dorm room—including my clothes.  I was the subject of ridicule.          

These days, when I talk about my shows with complete candor, people react ardently, their emotions on display from admiration to disdain.

“I love that you admit it.”

“How do you find the time? I’m so busy?”

 “Don’t you think you could be doing something more productive? Like going outside?”

Going Outside?  Going Outside?  Going Outside!

I don’t want to go outside. McDreamy isn’t outside and neither are Kalinda, Crosby, Brie or Addison.  If I go outside, I won’t learn why the rape victim won’t look Olivia Benson in the eye.  If I go outside I might never learn if Karen gets to play Marilyn in the musical.

Besides, why do we have to be productive? Aren’t we entitled to a pleasure that isn’t world-changing or self-improving?  Don’t think I don’t get it.  Watching TV 24 hours a day isn’t a good thing. Money has to be made, kids need to be looked at, the counter needs a wipe   But after doing all of that and then some, I want to experience someone else’s life for an hour or two—ok, three. 

 “Um, you could read.” The way my friends say this can only be described as snotty.

I have to tread carefully in response to this, since I’m not only a voracious reader, but  also a writer.  So I’m sympathetic to this point  of  view. But it would have to be expressed differently. 

“Would you think more highly of me if I told you I do read. I read the TV Guide. I have since it was small like the Reader’s Digest. That’s reading.” 

Truth is I buy about two hardcover books per week and devour them, but I will never admit it to my critics.  I refuse to give in easily.  Or, more correctly, at all.

Reading is a different experience from T.V.  I read when I feel like reading, I watch T.V. when I feel like watching T.V.  And, when I feel like spending 11 dollars a ticket plus babysitting and a snack for something I can watch for $ 2.99 in a month or so, I go to the movies.

A world of pleasures.  And only one of them completely free.

I’m done.  Carry on.