I loved the television show ALF. I remember being excited and looking forward to it the night it was on. Every week I would tune in, eagerly anticipating what scheme or adventure ALF was going to put the Tanner’s through. However; my found memories and pining for the show have caused me to think about the show and its setting. I’m sad to say that I don’t believe ALF would have been the success it was if it was released today.
Just in case there are those who aren’t familiar with the show (maybe I’m dating myself); the TV show ALF (Alien Life Form) premiered in 1986 and told the story of Gordon Shumway — an alien from the planet Melmac characterized as a whimsical, lovable Muppet — who crashed into the roof of the middle class family’s suburban garage. The Tanner’s, who were your typical, suburban-dwelling, American family, lives got turned upside down when they decided to hide ALF from the authorities and allow him to live with them in their home. Hilarity ensues.
Herein lies the anachronistic flaw to the shows concept. A large part of the wit and whimsy appeal of the show was watching how ALF would spend bide his time and his attempts to ward off boredom. After all, being stranded on earth, confined to a single residence, and being forced to hide from both the ATF (Alien Task Force) and the Ochmoneks (the Tanner’s overly nosy and obnoxious neighbors) put a serious strain on the furry little alien’s social activities. In this day in age of digitized, social engineering — littered with Facebook pages and iPhone Apps — isn’t it more than likely that ALF would have spent the majority of his time sitting on the computer, checking status updates and ‘Liking’ UFO fan pages?
And who would want to watch that? Most of us live this life already.
