^ Those were still a big deal in the 80's.
I specifically wanted to come back here to say that I've continued to watch "Free Spirit" and the dad is kind of an ass.
Like, that is my overall, most presiding comment. And I'm surprised more people (of the six or so currently aware of the show, lol) are not calling this out.
The show itself is still awful yet playable in a "Small Wonder" kind of way - after the first 6 eps, I could not go on, then found myself returning to watch the next four a month later, probably vacuumed in by the theme song (a few more to go) - but so far the patriarch is:
Elitist/classist
Materialistic
Sexist
Short-tempered
Irresponsible
Authoritarian
Inappropriate (the kids have caught him looking at Playboy; he's quick to assume his son is dating a prostitute)
Cheap
Condescending
Sadly, this represents a lot about our culture in the 80's, but somehow he can't pull off 'adorable' and frequently has an intense look in his eyes/stature about him that's ... well, if I were to make a parody, I'd have him on cocaine.
