As someone who grew up with Boy Meets World as part of my formative years, I can wholeheartedly say that this classic sitcom holds a special place in my heart. Rewatching it now, I find myself appreciating its depth even more, and the recent discussions by the cast on their podcast have only added to my admiration for the show.
Boy Meets World is one of those classic shows that’s become even more popular due to streaming. Amid that, the show has been re-evaluted, with series cast members Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong and Will Friedle even rewatching it for a podcast. The trio have used their platform talk about the highs and lows of filming the beloved ABC series. One low for Strong, apparently, was the infamous alcoholic episode, and he explained just why it marked such a “miserable” experience for him.
Although Boy Meets World was known for being a family-oriented sitcom, it occasionally delved into dramatic situations. For instance, Eric Matthews choosing not to adopt his friend Tommy, or the passing of Shawn and Jack Hunter’s father, are moments that stand out. Moreover, an episode focusing on alcoholism left a deep impact, as it was so intense that Disney Channel opted not to air it again in syndication. Rider Strong, who played Shawn Hunter, spoke candidly about filming this episode during a conversation on the Pod Meets World rewatch podcast.
I’m just half-assing it this entire episode. I’m so miserable.
In the episode titled “If You Can’t Be With the One You Love…,” Cory Matthews is despondent over his breakup with Topanga. This sadness drives him to pilfer his father’s flask and persuade Shawn to join him in drinking at a school party. In their inebriated state, they perform handstands and even urinate on a police car. After being caught for underage drinking at the party by Cory’s parents, both boys promise never to drink again. However, Cory keeps his word, while Shawn continues to imbibe for an entire week post-party.
At the conclusion of a 22-minute installment, Shawn found himself shoving Angela against a door. This incident occurred shortly after Jack, his brother, pointed out their family’s history with alcoholism as a reminder. Rider Strong, who portrayed Shawn, expressed feeling perplexed during filming, as he noted that while Cory could be humorous when intoxicated, Shawn was more intensely so. Later, Rider Strong elaborated on his reasons for believing that young viewers might struggle to grasp the dangers of alcoholism after watching this specific episode.
The main concern I have is that it can be misleading or even harmful to present alcoholism and recovery as quick or easily summarized. In reality, these experiences are complex, gradual processes that unfold over time in unique ways for each individual, not a tidy 22-minute narrative. So, ironically, by trying to condense such a deeply personal journey, the portrayal might unintentionally undermine or trivialize the struggles it aims to represent.
The seasoned actor additionally noted his disagreement with the portrayal that underage students secretly consumed alcohol at a high school gathering. The former star of “Kim Possible” expressed that, on the contrary, everyone attending such an event would likely be participating in drinking activities. Moreover, he expressed a desire for the series to depict how one party could potentially lead to a lifetime struggle with addiction.
As a gamer reflecting on Boy Meets World, I can totally relate to Rider Strong’s perspective that Shawn’s alcoholism was more than just a simple beginning and end. It would have been captivating to witness the ripple effects of his growing addiction. Perhaps Angela calling it quits or Cory’s parents enforcing their rule, keeping him away from Shawn. Maybe even an episode where Shawn gets sent to rehab, offering insight into the journeys of those overcoming alcoholism, making the storyline more authentic and thought-provoking.
More on Boy Meets World
The cast of “Boy Meets World” shares insights on Topanga’s character transformation, and Danielle Fishel uncovers a significant behind-the-scenes fact about the change.
Despite the fact that “Boy Meets World” wasn’t deeply immersed in an alcoholic narrative, Rider Strong once mentioned that the show’s enduring appeal was due to its thought-provoking darker storylines. Although the show was primarily known for its comedic family-friendly atmosphere and hilarious scenarios, it also produced “special” episodes aimed at educating young viewers about serious issues. Strong acknowledged that while the infamous episode didn’t delve deeply into the heavier aspects, it was more focused on the message the creators wanted to convey – that drinking is harmful and should not be encouraged.
I’ll put it this way: That episode made a strong impact on me when I first saw it as a kid. Even though respected characters like Cory and Shawn drinking and acting disorderly didn’t teach me about the harsh realities of alcoholism, it definitely left an impression that stuck with me. I want to express my gratitude to Rider Strong for persevering through what seemed to be a difficult filming experience.
You can relieve the episode and more by streaming all seven seasons of Boy Meets World with a Disney+ subscription. Also, be sure to listen to new episodes of Pod Meets World on iHeartPodcasts and other places where podcasts are available.
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2024-11-12 23:07