This Dark Family Matters Theory Makes Carl Winslow Sitcom’s Most Tragic Dad

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This Dark Family Matters Theory Makes Carl Winslow Sitcom's Most Tragic Dad

As a longtime fan who’s watched more episodes of “Family Matters” than I care to admit, I must say that the VelJohnson-verse theory is quite intriguing! It’s like someone took all the twists and turns of Reginald VelJohnson’s career and wove them into a tangled web of interconnected narratives.

In the sitcom “Family Matters,” it appears to be a lighthearted show, but the biggest storm on the horizon is not just Steve Urkel’s annoying return (played by Jaleel White). TikTok user @ConfusedBreakfast proposes a grim theory about character Carl Winslow (Reginald VelJohnson), which could potentially weave a complex and far-reaching narrative involving various spin-offs.

The idea marries together multiple characters played by Reginald VelJohnson into a single man. Starting with his unnamed rookie cop in “Ghostbusters,” it posits that he’s so traumatized by the apocalyptic events of the film that he shoots a young man while on duty. Though New York City clears him of any wrongdoing, he decides to leave policing behind and take on an assumed name, becoming Gus — the limo driver who becomes an accessory to the exploits of “Crocodile Dundee.” At Dundee’s encouragement, Gus rejoins the police force. He goes to Los Angeles, becoming Al Powell. As Al, he buys a lot of Twinkies — an obsession of founding Ghostbuster Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) — and while he says they’re all for his pregnant wife, he’s not wearing a wedding ring. 

After the Nakatomi Tower incident, Al receives no recognition for his bravery, and the act of taking an innocent life leaves him with a psychological collapse. During his time in a psychiatric facility, he dreams of a harmonious life as a well-liked police officer named Carl Winslow. In contrast to the East and West Coasts where he was publicly disgraced, here in Chicago, he is admired and respected by his community. However, this idyllic existence starts to crumble when Urkel appears – a striking resemblance to the boy Al had killed back in New York.

There’s a few problems with the VelJohnson-verse theory

This Dark Family Matters Theory Makes Carl Winslow Sitcom's Most Tragic Dad

When Steve Urkel shows up, Al’s ideal family scenario vanishes, just as characters such as Judy Winslow (Jaimee Foxworth) and original actress Jo Marie Payton, who played Harriette Winslow, left the “Family Matters” cast – much like how Al is trapped in an institution and eventually passes away there. It’s quite a grim turn of events, isn’t it? Although this theory is imaginative, it has some inconsistencies that make it hard to fit all the pieces neatly together.

As interesting as it is, there are a number of problems with the Reginald VelJohnson-verse theory. First of all, Hariette Winslow definitely exists outside of her home — she was a character on “Perfect Strangers” before she and her family were spun off into their own show. If Al has created Carl and his family in his head, then he’s also created the events of “Perfect Strangers” and every show it crossed over with in his mind, as well as every show “Family Matters” itself crossed over with. Does that make him another Tommy Westphall? Or just someone with a very active imagination?

Additionally, this hypothesis suggests that John McClane (Bruce Willis) fails to remember Al Powell and abandons their strong camaraderie following the incidents in “Die Hard.” Given that Al continues to work with John in “Die Hard 2,” it’s somewhat challenging to accept. However, this theory is entertaining to speculate upon – yet it seems implausible if you appreciate VelJohnson’s acting performances.

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2024-09-02 16:59