Sensemaker Daily
No-one is under any illusions about the depredations of Hollywood these days – MeToo, strikes, racism, low pay, abuse… But somehow, the idea that The Muppet Show is run by abusive showrunners and offensive cast members feels like discovering Father Christmas is a paedophile. Maureen Ryan’s demolition of the Golden Era of television spares no-one – including the Muppets. Liberal shows like Lost and Sleepy Hollow treat Black actors and writers appallingly, Saturday Night Live’s toxic culture is exposed, even Lucasfilm and Curb Your Enthusiasm seem prepared to tolerate abusers based on the myth of the difficult artistic genius. She proposes simple but sweeping changes pointing out that they are less rigorous than the HR processes at her husband’s workplace – which has nothing to do with Hollywood. It’s enough to get you onto the picket line with the writers and actors.
Photograph courtesy RoGina Montgomery
