Bowling, The Wright Way - February 2, 2001 by Don Wright
Ed or Mr. Ed?

I read a column recently in which a writer felt compelled to comment on the hit television show Ed. The NBC show has surprised everyone and has a huge following. I am somewhat surprised at all the bowlers who love the show because it simply has a bowling center in it.

But, this other writer said that although it has a wonderful cast, he felt it "stunk." He said it was "hard to watch, but was glad to see the game of bowling get some exposure." He went on to say, "If Ed is good I'd hate to see what is bad."

Well, let me try and enlighten the writer on what I believe makes the show popular. First, as the star of the show, Tom Cavanagh explains, "I'm a lawyer who just happens to own a bowling alley." So, the tone is more lawyer than proprietor. The characters working at the bowling alley are just that, characters. But, the real value of this show is that it's family entertainment. It's fun about small town values, school kid crushes, high school sweethearts and lifetime friends. There's no profanity, nudity or senseless violence. In fact, it reminds me a lot of my hometown and the town my grandchildren are living in now.

Toss in three employees at the bowling alley who just make you laugh and a supporting cast who put money in parking meters causing the city to lose serious money in parking tickets and it's a night of good clean fun. If that other writer thinks it stinks he has to be watching re-runs of Mr. Ed.

While on the subject of Ed I think the Professional Bowlers Association and the Professional Women's Bowling Association should approach the shows executives for cameo appearances. Heck, David Letterman is responsible for Ed and is a staunch supporter of bowling.

How about a fund raiser for the school Ed's girlfriend teaches in and Dick Weber, Johnny Petraglia, Norm Duke and Ernie Schlegel compete against Tish Johnson, Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Leanne Barrette, and Carol Gianotti-Block. We could have John Jowdy show up to cover the event for the Stuckeyville Express News. Bring in Randy Pedersen as the television announcer and half way through the match have Holman arrive wanting to hire Ed to sue the station for breach of contract.

Now that's television at it's very best.

See you on the lanes.