Normal, Ohio
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Tepid, short-lived sitcom upends some gay stereotypes.
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What's the Story?
NORMAL, OHIO is the story of Butch Gamble (John Goodman), a middle-aged, all-American guy returning to his hometown for the first time since revealing that he was gay and relocating to Los Angeles four years ago. Butch's foremost goal is to patch things up with his now-adult son, Charlie (Greg Pitts), who's still reeling from the shock, but slowly softens toward his dad. Reconciliation is harder with his parents, Bill (Orson Bean) and Joan (Anita Gillette), one of whom blames herself for her son's alternative lifestyle while the other doesn't mince words of criticism. Fortunately Butch's sister, Pamela (Joely Fisher), is in his camp, happy to have him home again and supportive of his coming out. But is this Midwestern town ready for open homosexuality from one of its own?
Is It Any Good?
Two years after Will & Grace burst onto the screen to rave reviews came Normal, Ohio, another comedy about a gay man, but one that takes an altogether different approach in its presentation of him and his situation. One need only look at Goodman to know that this show isn't steeped in flamboyant clichés; in fact, it strives for the opposite, casting him as a beer-drinking, sports-loving guy who doesn't really fit the stereotypical bill for a gay TV front man. Yes, some clichés do make the cut (his nephew fears homosexuality is hereditary; Butch sings show tunes now and then), but its primary focus is on how coming out affected his loved ones rather than on setting a record for double entendres.
Because of the subject matter and the lightness with which it treats some realistically weighty issues, Normal, Ohio isn't appropriate for tweens, but it raises some talking points that have value for teens and parents. Homosexuality aside, it's a story about forgiveness, rebuilding relationships, and accepting differences, and while the characters' actions aren't always great examples of how to implement these virtues, they do give viewers a lot to talk about. That said, the show's stale comedy likely accounts for its very short life span.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the media's portrayal of homosexuality. What are this show's messages about tolerance? How do the characters' varied responses to Butch's lifestyle reflect those of our society?
Are stereotypes ever appropriate in comedy? How does their impact change related to the person delivering the punch lines? Is a joke about race more acceptable if the teller is of color? Does the same hold true for homosexuality? Is this OK or not?
Why do you think John Goodman was tapped for this role? Did his portrayal change your impression of him? Was he believable? How might the effect have been different with an actor who wasn't heterosexual?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 1, 2000
- Cast: Joely Fisher, John Goodman, Orson Bean
- Network: Hulu
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
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