A RELOOK AT BATMAN RETURNS

I got into a discussion the other day with good friend and fellow movie enthusiast Jaret Morlan about the film BATMAN RETURNS.  While I like the film, I find it inferior to the original 1989 BATMAN and I can point out what I feel are quite a few flaws.  Jaret countered my position, saying he felt that it was a better film than its 1989 predecessor. Not only a better film, but that it held up better over the years and did a better job of character development.  Having been a while since I sat down and watched the film, I threw out a few arguments from what I could remember. He countered these arguments and my memory wasn't good enough to provide enough substance to re-counter.  My point isn't to show that this is a bad film, because it isn't. It's actually pretty good.  My point is to simply provide more merit and justification behind why I feel how I do.

Last night, I sat down and gave the film what is an estimated tenth viewing with undivided attention.  I realized that in the past, I often finished the film feeling like I had missed out on something.  Analyzing why this was, I came to the conclusion that this is because of two reasons.  First and foremost the film is extraordinarily visual.  There is so much to look at on the screen, that my brain is so busy trying to process all that it sees, that my ears don't hear everything that they need to hear.  Add in the fact that important statements to the story are quick and subtle, and it makes sense how one could miss what was said.

Let's start with the basics.....

First off, phenomenal casting.  As they were in the original BATMAN, Michael Keaton, Michael Gough and Pat Hingle were wonderful.  Danny Devito as Penguin was brilliant.  I can't see anyone else in the role. He did a tremendous job. Seriously tell the Golden Raspberry academy to suck an egg.  Michelle Pfeiffer was an excellent Catwoman, and Christopher Walken nailed the devious Max Shreck to a T.  It was also fun seeing Paul Reubens, Vincent Schiavelli, Doug Jones, Diane Salinger, Branscombe Richmond and an assortment of other actors in smaller roles as well.

Danny Elfman's music as it does with every other film he scores, fit the movie like a glove.

The makeup artists, set designers, and costume department all should have won academy awards.  The visuals in this film are very impressive.

I particularly enjoyed the slow and subtle buildup to our first viewing of the Penguin.  Which leads me to my first question.

Nature Vs Nuture:  Was Penguin born a monster or was he made into one? 

Unlike the comics and BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES which depicts what was otherwise a sensitive and empathetic kid being turned into a monster through years of bullying, and mental and emotional abuse, BATMAN RETURNS went for more of THE BAD SEED element.

Evidence in the film supports this.

Upon his birth his parents don't seem to lock him in a cage because of his hideous appearance, they lock him in a cage because of he's dangerous.  The scene where he kills the family cat, shows that.  Of course he's angry that his parents abandoned him, but they didn't do so out of embarrassment or shame as much as they did so because they realized that he was evil.

When Penguin kidnaps Max Shreck at the beginning and gives his dramatic speech about wanting human dignity, respect and to find out who his parents were I bought it.  Yet as the film progresses it is heavily suggested that the speech was half truth and half manipulation. Penguin wanted the respect he preached about, but he was already aware of who his parents were and what his real name was.  He simply wanted access to the Public Records department so he could make a list of all of the names of the first born sons.

Batman even says this in a conversation with Alfred.  He literally comes out and says, "I think he knows who his parents are."

Therefore the whole, "I wanna find my parents. Discover my human name" was all bull.  He knew who his parents were and he knew his name was Oswald Cobblepot.  It was nothing more than a con.

And I can't fault the film for going in this direction, but I think it would have made for a more interesting character had he been a good little boy, tormented and chastised because of his appearance that had been turned into monster.  I would have appreciated that more over the born a monster story they went with.

Secondly it never made much sense to me why Penguin would want to take his vengeance out on the first born sons of Gotham.  That he would want them to suffer the same fate that he had to endure.  His anger was with his parents,not with himself.  It would have made more sense for him to have wanted to harm the parents of the sons, more so than the sons themselves. Yet that wouldn't have been as dark and it certainly wouldn't have been as disturbing.  Not so much a complaint as it is a difference in style.

Which leads me into the Max Shreck character.   First off, is this guy a real life Paul Ryan or what?

Let's do a quick checklist
Has zero regard for the people he hurts in making his decisions? CHECK
Could care less of the negative effects his decisions has on wildlife and the environment? CHECK
Only other people he cares about are his own family? CHECK
Easily willing to sell out someone he claims to stand by if it means making him look better? CHECK
Described as an "insufferable son of a bitch" behind closed doors by fellow politicians? CHECK
Only cares about money and power? CHECK
Puts on a front and fake appearance saying insincere and disingenuous things to garner public support? CHECK
Would live by a motto such as  "One Can never have too much power. If my life has a meaning, that's the meaning" CHECK

Yes indeedy doody,  Max Shreck is Paul Ryan.


And Max Shreck......Let's talk about Max Shreck

With that said, it helps to illustrate why BATMAN RETURNS was not as successful as BATMAN.  While Penguin is pretty bad and Catwoman is rather complicated (we'll get to her later) the real villain of this film is Max Shreck.  While you understand and appreciate that as an adult, you don't really get it as a kid.  When you're little, a 7, 8, 9, 10 year old and you're in love with Batman, you want to see him kicking ass against Penguin and Catwoman.  You could care less about some crooked, devious fiend tycoon. And yet it was Shreck whom the film focuses on as the main antagonist. Seeing the target audience was a demographic whose basic understanding of politics is that they exist and have something to do with why mom and Dad are in a sour mood most of the time....I'm not sure if this was the wisest choice. Counter act if you will that perhaps BATMAN RETURNS was going for a more mature audience but I don't know many  teenagers, let alone adults with a good thorough understanding of dirty politics, who get Happy Meals at McDonalds or shop in the toy section of Wal-Mart for themselves.  Both of which sold a large assortment of toys from the film.

This along with the film being overtly sexual, especially the Penguin and Catwoman with their consistent innuendos. Penguin himself was an oppressed sexual deviant, deprived of what he could only fantasize about. Catwoman an exploratory hedonist, eager to explore both her masochistic and sadistic sides.  Again, not sure if this type of material was suitable for an audience made up of at least 50% or more of kids between the ages of 7 and 13.

And now for Selina Kyle aka Catwoman

I never quite got the character.  I paid as close attention as I could and I never quite got her.  Who exactly she was. What exactly her motivation was.  I mean I understood it to a point.

You have an awkward, goofy, shy, diffident individual who views herself as worthless and pathetic. She yearns to be important, desired and powerful.  Upon being pushed out a window by Max Shreck, she snaps. Suddenly she's tough, important, desirable and a bad ass.  Behind the mask and the skin tight leather she is the exact opposite of who Selina Kyle is.

And I had to ask, is this conscious or subconscious?  Was it a split personality? Were we dealing with a schizophrenic? Selina and Bruce talked about duality in their conversation, so it was certainly suggested, but I do think overall Selina Kyle realized she was Catwoman and Catwoman realized she was Selina Kyle.

I say this because as badass as she wanted to be, she did show genuine concern as well as resentment against Penguin for killing the Ice Princess.

So I have to ask myself this question...

Why did Catwoman find Batman such a threat?  And why did she want to help Penguin to destroy his image? 

My conclusion here is that she was fixated on destroying Max Shreck in every way that she possibly could. Her vision was so clouded with a vengeful plot to blow up his buildings and eventually kill him that she would let nothing stand in her way. And I have to think that she must have felt that Batman would stand in her way.  That he would try and stop her.   It's the only way I can make sense of why she was so eager to help Penguin against him.

Yet the actual physically fighting him I can only speculate was built up anger and frustration she felt from men over her life. Rejection, abuse, neglect, chauvinism, and an assortment of other psychological issues she had developed over the years.  Batman represented masculinity at its finest and she wanted a chance to show that she as a woman could not only stand up to it, but take it down.  She thrived for the fight, because within it she could display that she was anything but weak and helpless.

She says to Alfred upon leaving Wayne Manor that Bruce makes her feel the way she really hopes that she is.   Touching line, although contradictory to post actions.

And now we get into the ending of the film which I have an assortment of problems with. 

First structurally.

Things happen way to fast.  Problems are followed by solutions, only to be followed by more problems and then more solutions in a matter of minutes. Sometimes even within a matter of seconds. This is problem throughout the whole film, but especially at the end.

Penguin sends out his fleet of circus performers to kidnap all of the kids, and Batman stops it with relative ease.  Penguin who didn't even have a backup plan, suddenly goes to plan B and has an army full of penguins with missiles strapped to their backs ready to blow up the city.  Batman who hasn't even discovered Penguin's next move, already has a counter plan cooked up to spoil the Penguin's plan B.  This all happens in a matter of minutes without a proper buildup. Hell there isn't any buildup.  It just happens.

Secondly, why didn't the poisoned water have any effect on Max Shreck?  Catwoman pulls him down into the water, he spends a good amount of time consumed within it and he comes out of it completely unaffected.   Yet the same water ends up killing Penguin.  How am I supposed to make sense of that?

Penguin was in the water longer than he was?  Well maybe, but I would also think that Penguin might have a greater, not weaker immunity.

Maybe it was Tim Burton's way of showing that Penguin was more of a human being than Max Shreck was.  I don't know.  All I know is that it ends Penguin's life and Max Shreck comes out of it unscathed.

Thirdly!!  Batman removing his mask in front of Catwoman and Max Shreck!!  Jaret and I already went over this and made our statements.  I said it was uncharacteristic and illogical of Batman to do this.  He said that it was an act of compassion and love, to demonstrate to Catwoman that they were one in the same and that she could trust him.  Jaret argued what would it matter, because she already knew he was Batman.

And now I answer it this way.

Batman's original intention was for he and Catwoman to take Max Shreck to jail and for them to go away together. He did not know that Shreck was going to be killed. And think about that for a second.  If Shreck goes to jail knowing the true identity of Batman, he would certainly expose that information as quickly as he could to as many people as he could. As powerful and important of a man as he was, even behind bars, his voice would be heard loud and clear. There's nothing Batman could do about it and it'd be less than 24 hours before the whole city of Gothom....the whole world knew that Bruce Wayne and Batman were one in the same.

And Batman is intelligent enough to know this.  He's wise enough to have calculated this inevitable risk. Therefore I have to continue to sum up this script or directorial choice as a poor one.

To be Nit picky for a second....
While I sincerely appreciated Commissioner Gordon's role in this film, I could have used a bit more of it. I loved how he was the one that always had Batman's back and knew Batman's true intention even while Batman was being framed. I would have liked a bit more development on this, even if it were simply a thank you from Batman at the end.


The last of the random thoughts....
Oddly enough I also tip my hat to the film's acknowledgement of Vickie Vale from BATMAN. She's mentioned a few different times throughout the film and in referencing the relationship she had with Batman/Bruce Wayne it helps to further the development of that character. It also helps to illustrate why he has such a deep, rooted fascination with Selina Kyle.  In juxtoposition to a more "normal" (if I dare use that word) woman like Vickie Vale,  Selina Kyle is as abnormal, and deranged as is he. A desire for intimacy, perhaps met through the mutual attraction of a woman as dark and demented as him.

Also have to say that the scene that turned me off the most as a kid was where Penguin bites the nose of the image consultant during the surprise party Max Shreck has in honor of convincing Penguin to be mayor.  I always thought as a kid it was disturbing and out of place.  Now I appreciate it for what it was.  A demonstration of how bizarre and corrupt the world of politics is.  How someone can literally bite the nose of one of their workers and everyone goes about their merry way campaigning because of they're getting paid to do so. 

I also visualized what would happen in 2018 compared to 1992, when Penguin gave his actual opinion on the citizens of Gothom and ended up shooting at them at the end.  I can't help but think the people of today would be ok with him saying such things.  After all Donald Trump declared that he could literally shoot someone and people would still love him.  Twenty six years ago people brought eggs and tomatoes to a speech.  Today they bring bright red baseball caps sporting "Make American Great Again" in bold white lettering.

Overall I think BATMAN RETURNS is a decent film.  Better than BATMAN FOREVER, way, way, way, way, way (add another 10,000 ways) better than BATMAN AND ROBIN.  Yet a distant second to BATMAN and not as good as the Christopher Nolan films.

COULD ROSEANNE SURVIVE WITHOUT ROSEANNE? YES, AND IT SHOULD

Call it "THE CONNERS."  Call it "LIFE AND STUFF."  Hell be tongue in cheek creative and refer to it as "ROSEANNE-LESS."  Regardless of how you would tweak the name, "ROSEANNE" should continue, even if Roseanne Barr is no longer a part of the program.

What Roseanne posted via Twitter was inappropriate, tasteless and abhorrent to say the least.  She should face ramifications for her juvenile and hurtful actions. She should.  Sara Gilbert, Laurie Metcalf, Michael Fishman, John Goodman, Estelle Parsons, Lecy Goranson, Natalie West, Emma Kenney and all of the other actors, not to mention the writers, directors and everyone else involved....they shouldn't.  They didn't do anything wrong. Matter of fact they condemned Roseanne's statements. 

Yet through ABC's cancellation of ROSEANNE, it is them moreso facing the consequences of Roseanne Barr's actions than it is Roseanne Barr facing them.

It is also a punishment to us, the fans.

ROSEANNE is currently the #2 ranked show, at a 6.6 rating according to the Nielsen ratings.  It's clear that America loves the show, and there is a high probability that the show could continue with high ratings, even if it has to be without Roseanne Barr herself.   FULLER HOUSE strongly suggest this possibility and if ABC won't, hopefully another network, Hulu, Amazon Prime or Netflix will.

Roseanne Barr screwed up and its cool that she's facing the music for it, but the rest of us shouldn't be.

Top 5 Most Absurd Tag Team Combinations of WWE Survivor Series

Feuds, especially when they're hot, are are perhaps the most intriguing thing about professional wrestling. One wrestler will commit an unforgivable act against another, and series of matches will unfold throughout an extensive period of time. When you watch two wrestlers go at it for months on end, trying to end one another's careers, it throws you for a loop when later on you see them on the same team at the Survivor Series.  Excluding the Wildcard match at the 1995 Survivor Series, which intentionally put to wrestlers known to not like each other on the same team, this list includes the top 5 Most Absurd Tag Team combinations of the WWE Survivor Series.

#5 - Don Muraco and Paul Orndorff Survivor Series 1987

1986 was a phenomenal year for professional wrestling. One of the highlights of that monumental year was the feud between the Magnificent Don Muraco and Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff. The feud came to a head at Wrestlemania 2 with neither gaining the advantage in a double countout.  A year and a half later, the two were on the same team at the 1987 Survivor Series. For fans at the time this must have been in the least a little awkward.

#4 - Randy Savage and Razor Ramon Survivor Series 1993

In 1992, Randy Savage had an assortment of reasons to hate new comer Razor Ramon. First and foremost, Ramon cost him the WWE World heavyweight championship, when he interfered and helped Ric Flair to defeat him on September 1st.  A little over a month later, alongside Mr. Perfect, Savage wrestled Ramon and Flair to a double disqualification at Survivor Series 1992.  A year later, the two were on the same side. More than a little hard to swallow as Ramon cost Savage the most coveted thing in the WWE.

#3 - Roddy Piper and Jimmy Snuka 1989

One of the most memorable moments to ever happen in WWE history, was when Roddy Piper smashed a coconut over the head of Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka during an episode of Piper's Pit.  32 years later, it is as talked about now, as it was then. This lead to a bloody feud, where no punches were pulled. Granted it was 3 years later, and tempers had cooled. The two had time to get over all of the ugliness that they had shown one another in 1986.  Nevertheless, seeing the two on the same side, all friendly and chummy with one another was quite the shock.

#2 - Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat 1987

The 1987 Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat Vs Randy "Macho Man" Savage feud was not only the hottest of 1987, it was one of the hottest feuds of all time. So hot in fact, that it lead to what many argue is the greatest match of all time at Wrestlemania 3.  Savage had crushed Steamboat's larynx, making many think that he had ended the young Hawaiian's career.  Seeing on the same team in interviews a little over a half a year later was surreal.

#1 - Jake Roberts and Earthquake 1991

Many people don't even like snakes. They're afraid of them and have no love for them whatsoever. They see a dead one, ran over in the middle of the road, the first thought is often "Good Riddance." Yet because the promos of Jake Roberts were so good, fans found themselves in tears as Earthquake squashed his beloved pet Python, Damien to death.  It was a very emotional moment that drew fans in, supporting Roberts all the way in his quest to avenge his best friend.  Seeing Roberts select Earthquake as one of his partners for the Survivor Series less than a half a year later, left fans feeling somewhat cheated. It'd be like someone killing your dog in cold blood, and then later putting that person in your will. It made little sense.

In Memory of Merlyn Yoder

I haven't seen Merlyn Yoder in 12 years.  I was never close with him.  We were never friends.  We only knew each other for a short summer in 2006. Truth is, we didn't even like each other. I'm not here to put the guy down and I am sad to hear of his passing, but I'm also not here to lie or sugarcoat. I'm here to remember Merlyn as I knew him.

When I first met Merlyn I tried to get along with him and we even did for a short period of time.  Yet Merlyn had an automatic assumption that everyone hated him and in return he hated you right back.  I spent one day at work trying to get to know Merlyn as best as I could, and he opened up a little to me that day. He told me a bit about his past and then during the lunch hour took me to a little spot of a millionaire farmer who had 5 daughters (good looking daughters may I add) that spent a lot of time swimming and sun bathing in the pond out back of the house. I always wondered why Merlyn kept a pair of binoculars in his truck, and that day I found out.

Merlyn wasn't exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, and he was extremely sensitive about the subject.  Once a farmer and his little boy came into the shop and while the Dad talked with one of the other workers, the little boy watched Merlyn.  I don't think the kid was being mean, as he was only 4 years old or so, but he asked Merlyn if he was retarded. Merlyn took off on a power walk straight into the other room yelling at the top of his lungs, "Get this God damn kid outta here right now!!! Get him out of here!!"

Then there was the time Merlyn got me fired from the job.  A good friend of mine, Carl Forgy had gotten into a bad car accident the night before.  Carl was coming home from a professional wrestling show, and was extremely exhausted. He had not been drinking or doing drugs, but Merlyn wanted to run his mouth that Carl had been drunk and on drugs at the time of his accident.  I tried telling Merlyn that he was mistaken, but he kept on insisting. My friend Neal wouldn't have any of it.  While I tried to tell Neal to just drop it and ignore Merlyn, he defended Carl tooth and nail. They yelled and screamed at one another as I stood back and watched.

As I thought it might turn physical, I went and grabbed our boss Perry Draisey.  He came in and broke up the fight with Neal and Merlyn.

Neal was asked to go home for the day and since I was his ride, they asked me to take him.  We lived a half hour from work, so they told me to just come back the next day.

We came back the next morning and Perry fired both of us.  He said he didn't have time to talk about it right now, but we could call him later that night and he'd let us know why.  Neal said he knew damn good and well it was because he had fought with Merlyn the day before.

I called Perry that night and asked him why he had fired me.  He told me all of the many reasons he got rid of Neal.  Each of which is a story in itself. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and the Merlyn fight being 9 of 9 reasons he finally decided to get rid of Neal.  And why did he get rid of me?  Because Neal and I rode together. I was Neal's ride.

So I guess my memories of Merlyn aren't the best, and to some for that reason, they shouldn't be shared.  I'm not a part of that some.

I am sorry to know that Merlyn met a premature end.  I do hope in the last 12 years since I last saw him that he did find some peace.  I remember that one solitary day where we got along.  I wish we would have had more.

Ode to Ted Nugent - Parody of "Cat Scratch Fever"

I know their maybe dumber, but I'm as dumb as they come

I misquote history!

I'll tell people they should serve, even though I never would

Oh yeah, Hy-poc-risy

CHORUS

I'm a Fox News receiver
Fox News receiver

I don't do any research, I just believe what I'm told

Reading for me would be a chore!

And I don't like homosexuals, I think they're impure

and Pat Robertson is my mentor!!

I'm a Fox News Receiver
Fox News Receiver

If you look in my head, you might not find a brain

From Actuality, I estrange!

Like most my music, I am pretty lame

bullshit, I'm buyin', buyin'

I'm bullshit fed!!

I'm a Fox News Receiver
Fox News Receiver

My favorite moments of the "Attitude Era"

Bored and uninspired, I proposed an open invitation on facebook the other day for someone, anyone to give me a topic to blog about. I only received one response, and what a topic it was for them to give me.

They asked me to write about my top 10 favorite moments of WWE's "Attitude Era."

This isn't an easy topic for me, because frankly I didn't like the "Attitude Era."  The person who asked me to write about it knows I didn't like the "Attitude Era."  Matter of fact, the "Attitude Era" is what turned me off from professional wrestling. What made me go from the had to watch it every time it was on, every magazine bought had to be pro wrestling, every video rented had to be pro wrestling fan, to the fan who didn't care if he missed an episode or not.

I hate Vince Russo in so many ways. I can think of a million ideas of his that I loathe with great passion and only a handful that I liked. Only one that I truly appreciate.

10 huh? Well let's see what I can do.....

My favorite Moments of the "Attitude Era" 

November of 1997 to May of 2002.

#10 - The Formation of the Acolytes Protection Agency

Sometimes the problem with a wrestler's career is that he hasn't found a character that fits him. A character that he can embrace and truly become.  I think that was the case for Ron Simmons in the WWE for years. The ridiculous gladiator gimmick, with the blue helmet for sure didn't suit him. He's also never been strong on promos, and making him the leader as well as the mouth piece of the Nation of Domination, often left him looking obligated and uncomfortable in the position.  When WWE decided to team him up with Bradshaw as the Acolytes I found myself feeling that for once maybe Simmons was in a position that fit him.  When they took it a step further and became the APA (Acolytes Protection Agency) I knew Simmons was in a role that fit him.  This is definitely something I appreciated about the "Attitude Era."

#9 - Stone Cold Steve Austin defeats Shawn Michaels for the WWE championship @ Wrestlemania XIV

It's no secret to anyone that knows me well, that I'm not a fan of Shawn Michaels. Or better put, I'm not a fan of the real life Michael Hickenbottom.  I appreciate and praise the worker that he was in the ring, but who he was outside of it, I have little time or respect for.  I consider this to be one of my favorite matches during the "Attitude Era" because it marks one of the only times Shawn actually did a favor for someone.  From his second intercontinental championship win, to this match, I can't think of a time other than to his best friend Diesel where Shawn did the job.  Didn't drop the IC title clean, had to have a tournament where Razor won.  Didn't drop the IC title clean, pretended that he was too hurt from getting beat up, forfeited it to Dean Douglas.  Wouldn't drop the Tag titles to anyone, had to have a tournament that 1-2-3 Kid and Bob Holly won.  To listen to Shawn go on about how Bret wasn't being professional because he didn't want to drop the title to him at Survivor Series 1997, has to be the most hypocritical statement ever said.  To know that Michaels wasn't going to drop the title to Austin until Undertaker made it clear to him that he was, even further justifies my feelings.  Watching Shawn take the stunner, followed by a 1-2-3 made it clear that he was out and Stone Cold Steve Austin was in.  Most certainly give that "Attitude Era" moment a huge thumbs up.

#8 - The Introduction of Gangrel 

Being a creative writer and actor (or at least lover of theatre) it should come as no surprise that I embrace the character over the idea of everybody using real names and appearing to be everyday John Doe's.  An evil Vampire gimmick to me was pretty cool.  I actually wish that they had kept him solo and built him stronger than what they did.  Awesome look, awesome finisher and furthermore about the coolest entrance music next to Val Venis's.

#7 - Rob Van Dam gets his shot at the WWE 

I read about this guy in various professional wrestling magazines and saw clips of him here and there on the internet for years.  Then I saw full matches of him in ECW, and all I could think was that this guy could be the next big thing in the WWE if ever given the chance.  When he finally arrived in WWE, I found myself for the first time in a long time making sure I put aside my Monday Nights to see "Mr. Monday Night" himself.  While his career didn't quite skyrocket the way I envisioned it to, I still found his time in WWE to be very enjoyable.

#6 - Michael Hayes makes over the Hardy Boyz

For years Matt and Jeff Hardy were nothing more than jobbers that would consistently do favors for various wrestlers in both singles and tag team matches.  They appeared weak, push overs that didn't propose a threat to anyone, anywhere.  When Michael Hayes made it a priority to go in and coach them, give them a little attitude and teach them how to wrestle, I bought into it. I found the vignettes of him training Matt and Jeff to relate to how a high school football or wrestling coach would train his athletes. I found it even more intriguing the way others doubted Hayes and what he could do with the Hardy's and how he silenced everyone when they came out and had their first major victory.   It saddens me that everyone remembers the Hardy Boyz with Lita, and only a handful even recall their short stint with Hayes as their manager, but it was most certainly one of my favorite moments of the "Attitude Era."

#5 - Too Cool 

Fun, exciting, entertaining.  I loved Too Cool.  When I knew they would eventually be on TV, I would consistently skip back to RAW to make sure that I never missed their matches. Found them to always be a joy to watch.

#4 - Ken Shamrock wins the 1998 King of The Ring 

While I still thoroughly enjoyed the WWE tag team division during the "Attitude Era", I found myself finding it hard to follow and get behind many of the singles stars. The only one I found entertaining without being repulsive, was Ken Shamrock. When it came to actual wrestling in the ring, actual technique, offensive maneuvers and counters, I don't know if there was a better wrestler in the WWE at that time than Ken Shamrock. I felt that he was being overlooked for a long period of time, and it felt good to know that he was finally given his due with a King of the Ring championship.  I will say that I feel the ceremony could have been a little bigger and a little longer.  He won and it was a simple, "Congrats, you're the King of the Ring...next match!"  They could have given him an award of some sort, like they had other King of the Rings year's previously.  Yet, he still won it and that was exciting.

#3 - Mick Foley getting to shine 

I'm a huge fan of Mick Foley, and I know his glory years were during WWE's "Attitude Era." The guy is one of the most entertaining wrestlers of all time and furthermore a great human being on top of it. I wish the WCW had appreciated him more and he could have had a better run over there too. Nevertheless of all things I feel the "Attitude Era" did wrong, giving him his due and making him out to be the superstar that he was, was one of the things they did right.

#2 - Chainsaw Charlie and Cactus Jack win the WWE Tag Team Titles @ Wrestlemania XIV

Considering how much the "Attitude Era" pushed the "In with New, Out with the Old" agenda and how disrespectful the movement seemed to be against older wrestlers it was rather ironic how Terry Funk's one and only WWE title reign happened when he was 54 years old. It was short lived as they'd drop the titles the very next night on RAW but it was rewarding to see the Funkster still kicking ass well beyond the geriatric age of 40.

#1 - The Light Heavyweight Division 

If there is any thanks that you'll ever hear me give Vince Russo with absolute sincerity it is his idea to incorporate and push light heavyweight wrestling during the "Attitude Era."  From Taka Michinoku, to Dean Malenko, to Essa Rios, to X-Pac, to Tajiri and Jerry Lynn I loved the matches that took place in WWE's Light Heavyweight division. A combination of high flying areal maneuvers with fast paced technical in the ring wrestling, always made for extremely entertaining action.  For years you either had to look like you spent 8 hours in the gym and another 8 pumping yourself full of steroids or you had to weigh 700 lbs for McMahon to want to put you on television.  Yet when the "Attitude Era" came to be, so did the idea that maybe guys under 6'0, who weighed less than 250 lbs could put asses into the seats just as easily as could those much taller and much bigger.  Some of the light heavyweight matches are my favorites of the "Attitude Era."

Likelihood of Original ROSEANNE Characters Making appearances on New ROSEANNE

After a 20 year layoff, season 10 of ROSEANNE is here!  Noticeable differences scattered among memorable similarities in a show that is thus far a fun mixture of hilarious jokes and one liners mixed with relatable drama. In many ways ROSEANNE season 10 picked exactly where ROSEANNE season 9 left off. Or better put, where ROSEANNE season 7 left off, as the new ROSEANNE seems to omit all of the nonsense that was seasons 8 and 9.

With as much that has been included thus far in only two episodes, it begs the question as to who else will make a return to the show?  There are some questions that obviously answer themselves. We already know we won't be seeing Nana, as the late Shelly Winters sadly left us in 2006.  It's almost certain that Grandpa Conner won't be on the show as well. Even though Ned Beatty is still alive, the character died of a heart attack in season 6.  The only reason to tease the possibility of a small cameo of Grandpa Conner is that weirder things have happened on ROSEANNE. If a short subtle scene in the garage can quickly dismiss Dan's death from 20 years prior, I'm sure writer's could somehow bring Grandpa Conner back to life if the wanted.  Sadly enough, another character we know we won't be seeing is Prince Carlos.  For two reasons.  A - we lost the bundle of talent 18 years ago to lung cancer and B - it's not even certain if he were a real person to begin with.

Now onto the characters that have at least some possibility of returning to the show.....

David
(Johnny Galecki)

It's 100% certain that we will see David on the new ROSEANNE.   It's already been confirmed and other fans of the show have indicated that they've already seen stills with him in it. As he's divorced from Darlene and the father of her two children it'll be interesting to see what they do with his character. If maybe he'll play a role similar to the character of Fred from the original series or if their will be a reconciliation between him and Darlene. In reality scheduling conflicts with THE BIG BANG THEORY have the most effect on his whether his role will be pivotal or not.

Andy 

At first glance it would appear that the character of Andy (Jackie's son) has received the Chuck from HAPPY DAYS or Judy from FAMILY MATTERS treatment. He was not mentioned or even casually referenced in episode one or two of season 10. It could be a case of feeling that his presence is unnecessary and simply acting as if he never existed.  Yet, I have a feeling that he'll make a return and I'll tell you why.

Roseanne as in the real life Roseanne Barr and as in the character Roseanne Conner, is a bullheaded, stubborn individual who likes to make herself heard. Opinionated, her points will be made. A believer that conservatives are hard working individuals in comparison to lazy liberals, I can see Roseanne using this opportunity to make a political statement. I can see it to where Jackie's choices in life lead her to being unable to support Andy on her own and thus Andy's father, Fred getting sole custody of him as a result.  Which leads me to our next character.

Fred
(Michael O'Keefe) 

I think the chances of actually seeing Michael O'Keefe as Fred on the new ROSEANNE are slim to none, although I do think the character will be mentioned.  Actually seeing him in the flesh is highly unlikely but Jackie mentioning that she dropped Andy off at Fred's or getting off the phone with Fred in the kitchen are both possibilities I see in the future.

Scott and Leon
(Fred Willard and Martin Mull) 

I really hope to see at least an appearance or two out of Scott and Leon on the new ROSEANNE. Martin Mull and Roseanne had such good chemistry. Their scenes were always entertaining and hilarious.  As Roseanne makes it a point to prove that she is a modern day conservative, one with an open mind, I feel very confident that both Leon and Scott will make their way onto the show. If for nothing more than to show the Trump supporting Roseanne Conner's acceptance, love and support of her homosexual friends.

Nancy
(Sandra Bernhard)

It's difficult to say whether Nancy will make an appearance on the new ROSEANNE or not.  There doesn't seem to be much of a demand for her from the fanbase and storyline wise she doesn't deem necessary. If anything she'd be exactly as she was 20 years ago, just sorta there. It also seems unlikely that Nancy would show up on the show, considering that Sandra made some unfavorable remarks about Roseanne's support for Trump.  Saying that any woman who would vote for Trump couldn't think for herself. She was also a Hillary Clinton supporter who Roseanne can't stand.

Ironically enough, this could as easily be the reason why Nancy does make a return to the show as much as it could be why we'll never see her again. It's as feasible that Nancy comes onto the show to be seen as an extremist on the left as it that she doesn't. 

It seems that one of the shows messages is the importance of communicating and co-existing with those whom you may disagree with politically.  I can think of little that would illustrate that point better than to have Nancy back on the show.

Crystal
(Natalie West) 

The character of Crystal was originally phased out of the series as writers and producers discovered that there really wasn't a need for Roseanne to have a best friend, considering that Jackie filled the role. There's little reason to think the Crystal would have a reoccurring role on the new ROSEANNE but it is fun to think that she and her two kids might stop by for a visit.

Grandma
(Estelle Parsons) 

It's already been confirmed that Estelle Parsons will be making a return to ROSEANNE. I personally find this a pleasant surprise. I thought that maybe she wouldn't considering that she is 90 years old. I'm very anxious to see what her role is like and how she plays it.  If Beatty White can do it, so can Estelle!

Arnie Thomas
(Tom Arnold) 

There are a million different reasons as to why we'll never see Tom Arnold on an episode of the new ROSEANNE, which is exactly why I think we will see him make at least one appearance before it is all said and done.  ROSEANNE is all about shock value, she always has been.  With her it is expect the unexpected and what would be more unexpected than to see Tom Arnold show up on an episode of ROSEANNE?  Remember that he was asked, upon Roseanne's request to show up at her roast and that could be a subtle hint of things to come. 

Molly
(Danielle Harris) 

On paper it would seem that there is little to no need for a return of the character Molly. She served her purpose on the original series and that's that. However, at one time Harris and Roseanne were very close and to this day Harris is extraordinarily complimentary and thankful to Roseanne for everything that she did for her career. While the character of Molly may be long forgotten, seeing Harris return to the show in a different role does seem very plausible.



How about other characters? There were an assortment of them.  George Clooney? Who knows?  Anxious to find out.