Over the past month or so, there have been two sources for major news headlines – Somali pirate attacks, and the possibly fatal swine flu pandemic.

Usually, I am not a sensitive person when it comes to general PC. But there have been a few remarks and a plot on TV that I felt could have been avoided with some clever editing. I have only seen three instances so far, but they’re worth mentioning:

Brothers & Sisters:

- While talking about dreams they had, Rebecca and Justin mention pirates. Justin remarks something to the affect of “I like pirates.” He was referring to Pirates of the Caribbean-type pirates, of course, but it came off wrong just the same.

-Tommy is in Mexico. Not a problem when the plot line first premiered, but now people are probably wondering if he’s going to come home (IF he comes home) with the swine flu. Worse yet, they send Nora down there in the most recent episode to look for him.

Wizards of Waverly Place:

-Yes, even Disney Channel is guilty of this.  In “Don’t Rain on Justin’s Parade -Earth,”  main character Alex makes light of the possibility that her brother could get “the flu.” 

Now, I know some of you are rolling your eyes at this, and it’s true, I’m probably making a big deal out of nothing.  All I’m saying is that it wouldn’t hurt for producers and editors to show some tact these days.  I haven’t been offended at all, but there’s the chance that a lot of viewers were, and it could hurt ratings.  An incident comes to mind many years ago when Friends pulled and re-filmed a different story line because the original joked about airport security after the 9/11 attacks. 

This is more of a warning for mainstream network TV not to get sloppy with PC, especially with how much people are affected by swine flu reports.  I’m not calling for a movement to stop watching any offending show, I’m not upset, I’m not angry.  

All I want to do is warn TV producers: BE CAREFUL.

I can’t help it.  I’ve loved the show since I was old enough and given permission to watch it in middle school.  And that was when it was already into season seven, one of the much-hated later seasons!  So when I started watching reruns of the earlier episodes (which started airing for the first time when I was about six-years-old), I was a goner.  I’m a sucker for sitcoms, so the fact that this show still manages to make me laugh – even when I know the joke coming up – is a major plus in my book.

Of course, my favorite character was Chandler Bing.  How could anyone not love him?  I actually credit his pure sarcasm with the development of my own slightly awkward sense of humor.  And Mondler (fan term for Monica/Chandler) has been the only TV couple I ever obsessed over. 

So, you will have to excuse me as I take time out of this blog to post one of my most favorite View clips to date.   Matthew Perry is absolutely hilarious as he talks about his experience working on 17 Again, and of course, working with tween heart throb Zac Efron.  

And I now love Matthew even more because at the start of the project, he didn’t even know who Zac Efron was.  Since learning, however, he admits to watching the High School Musical movies, and deadpans that the second one is his favorite (which makes Elisabeth go into an amusing giggle fit, might I add).

Although I will have to disagree with Matthew and say that I think the first HSM is the best.  It’s corny, sure, but it’s a classic and doesn’t try to be more than it is – a cheesy kids movie.  HSM 2 is my least favorite by far.  The songs aren’t as catchy, the plot could use some tightening, and Zac Efron will never live down his butterly-fairy dance moves during the “angsty” Bet On It scene.

I told you that I have a little sister, right?

*cough* Anyway, here’s the View clip:

One last note – I am a little disappointed that there’s absolutely no mention of Friends.  The same thing happened when Alyssa Milano appeared on the Rachael Ray show and didn’t mention Charmed.  Celebs have got to stop guest starring on daytime talk shows and not talking about the shows I know them from!!