Natalie sleeps with Snake.
I guess this stirred the pot when it aired. On my streaming service, the notice recorded into the show is still there, that parents may want to watch this episode with their kids. I read in the trivia section that Lisa Whelchel refused to appear in the episode, which was originally meant to be the character of Blair losing her virginity, due to her Christian values, and didn't want to appear to be condoning sex before marriage. I respect her decision to stand up for what she believed in. And kudos, to the producers for keeping her and not firing her. Although, I think when you are a part of a TV show/movie/play, the character is not you, and there is creative artistry that goes into the writing.
The show is called 'The Facts of Life,' and I'm surprised they didn't do an episode like this much earlier. I mean different opinions were expressed. Beverley Ann said in her day people didn't have sex before marriage. Tootie supported Natalie and was happy for her, especially because Nat was with someone she loved and who loved her. And she also stated she and Jeff were going to wait until they were married. Jo was supportive too, not being judgemental, telling Natalie that she didn't do anything wrong, and whatever happened next was up to her. Notice there is no mention from Jo as to whether she has had sex or not. Natalie also says she used a contraceptive. Beverly Ann told Pippa she couldn't have sex yet. Lol. I just think it was a good opportunity for learning and discussing and hearing different points of view. And at the same time, the show created an entertaining interesting episode.
Poor Nat thought maybe Snake was breaking it off with her when he doesn't see her for a while. But really, the guy is sweet and is thinking they will get married. No one ever discusses the male point of view of intimate encounters and how they feel. I mean not every guy has vast experience. So it was kind of refreshing seeing the impact of their encounter on him.
Anyway, Mindy Cohn was great here. I think what was missing, was talking about STDs. I mean the '80s was when the AIDS epidemic began. Nat said she used contraceptives to prevent pregnancy, But it's not clear if that meant a condom or not. Pretty good episode showing some growth for the character of Natalie and the realities of relationships. 8/10.
I guess this stirred the pot when it aired. On my streaming service, the notice recorded into the show is still there, that parents may want to watch this episode with their kids. I read in the trivia section that Lisa Whelchel refused to appear in the episode, which was originally meant to be the character of Blair losing her virginity, due to her Christian values, and didn't want to appear to be condoning sex before marriage. I respect her decision to stand up for what she believed in. And kudos, to the producers for keeping her and not firing her. Although, I think when you are a part of a TV show/movie/play, the character is not you, and there is creative artistry that goes into the writing.
The show is called 'The Facts of Life,' and I'm surprised they didn't do an episode like this much earlier. I mean different opinions were expressed. Beverley Ann said in her day people didn't have sex before marriage. Tootie supported Natalie and was happy for her, especially because Nat was with someone she loved and who loved her. And she also stated she and Jeff were going to wait until they were married. Jo was supportive too, not being judgemental, telling Natalie that she didn't do anything wrong, and whatever happened next was up to her. Notice there is no mention from Jo as to whether she has had sex or not. Natalie also says she used a contraceptive. Beverly Ann told Pippa she couldn't have sex yet. Lol. I just think it was a good opportunity for learning and discussing and hearing different points of view. And at the same time, the show created an entertaining interesting episode.
Poor Nat thought maybe Snake was breaking it off with her when he doesn't see her for a while. But really, the guy is sweet and is thinking they will get married. No one ever discusses the male point of view of intimate encounters and how they feel. I mean not every guy has vast experience. So it was kind of refreshing seeing the impact of their encounter on him.
Anyway, Mindy Cohn was great here. I think what was missing, was talking about STDs. I mean the '80s was when the AIDS epidemic began. Nat said she used contraceptives to prevent pregnancy, But it's not clear if that meant a condom or not. Pretty good episode showing some growth for the character of Natalie and the realities of relationships. 8/10.
