Welcome to the television institution known as the "very special episode". A seemingly monthly event, wherein our favorite sitcom and/or hour-long drama geared to teens and young adults, delivers a message on such relevant topics as drinking, smoking, drug use, pre-marital sex or eating disorders. An episode that aims to make us laugh, cry, and hopefully learn a valuable lesson. Gee…thanks Tori Spelling!

I thought the purpose of these Fox dramas and wacky sitcoms was to entertain and distract us from our daily lives? Do we need yet another moral police to instruct us on what not to do in our lives? Can we not turn on the television for a simple half hour without yet another "message" being forced down our throats? Let the parents parent; not Felicity.

Whenever any type of substance use is worked into any of these programs it is always portrayed in such a way:

i) One character on the show will pick up a habit, which he or she didn't do the previous week and won't likely do in future episodes.
ii) All other characters will be stunned at said behavior.
iii) The "abuse" character will make a spectacle or fool of them self in some fashion, ultimately leading to recognition of a problem and the character seeking forgiveness.
iv) Full resolution of the problem is wrapped up before the end credits

Why do we need to deviate from set plot lines of the program to throw in these meaningless lessons? Is it being enforced by the networks? Is it a duty that Aaron Spelling feels he owes us? Can we not just be entertained with a story?

How unrealistic are these portrayals of young adult life anyways? Dawson's Creek's characters are supposed to be in first year college. Don't college students drink? I did. However, when this show mentions alcohol it's always done in the manner of "Dawson… you have been drinking haven't you?" says Joey with a concerned look on her face. Well, yes. We are in college, that's what college students do. Hey, not everyone who drinks is going to fall over the bleachers at the football game Pacey!

We must not forget the pre-end credit "if you want more information about…" speeches delivered by the cast mates. You have to love these hypocritical statements where the actors plead with us about the dangers of alcohol or drug abuse. Meanwhile, upon completion of filming they are all probably on their way to some movie premiere party where one of them will likely get charged with a DUI. But I digress…

When are these TV shows going to be brave enough to accurately show life the way it is for young adults. The drinking before high school dances, the pot smoking, the casual sex and so on. These substances are consumed and practiced by all types of young adult social circles at some time. And they don't all have horrible consequences. It might not be right, but it still happens. I am not saying glorify it, but recognize it. It's called life. Why can't the characters just drink or smoke in the context of the story instead of making it always a means for a lesson in behavior standards? Why must these shows be so prude? Guess what…teenagers are going to try smoking, drinking, and likely some drugs regardless if Sabrina the Teenage Witch tells them not too. Can't these programs just strive at creating entertaining and compelling stories or even try to be a somewhat realistic portrait of young adult life? Why do they too have to be another outlet for teaching us a valuable lesson?

I am not advocating the use of drugs, underage drinking, or smoking. But aren't we bombarded with these moral messages enough already from our parents, teachers, friends, and even the commercials that separate these programs? Can't we get a reprieve from these lessons when we sit down for an hour of television? Is that too much to ask?

…but that's just my opinion.

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