Bert and Ernie clarify depth of friendship
Is anything sacred anymore? No, not when Burt and Ernie are having their sexuality questioned. Such is the case in the independent film entitled Ernest and Bertram. The work spoofs the "Sesame Street" buddies Bert and Ernie, expressing that their relationship was more than platonic.
The film was screened at the Sundance Film Festival this past January. It includes Ernest shooting himself in the head following "a heated lovers spat with Bertram," according to zap2it.com.
Not surprisingly, The Children's Television Workshop, which produces "Sesame Street," is not pleased with the depiction. "We are unhappy with the film's content," said a spokesperson for the show. "Ernie and Bert are friends who live together. There's nothing sexual in their relationship." However, according to the website rainbownetwork.com, Burt and Ernie behave "in the same discreet way that that millions of gay men, women and hand puppets do." Part of the explanation for their homosexuality is their "impeccably decorated cabinets."
This isn't the first time that various inanimate children's characters have been accused of being gay. In 1999, the Rev. Jerry Falwell accused "Teletubbies" character "Tinky Winky" of being homosexual, due to, as zap2it.com puts it, "his being purple, sporting the gay-pride symbol of a triangle on his head and carrying a purse." Of course, Falwell also blamed the September 11th terrorist attacks on gays, so what he says doesn't carry much weight.
Reality Television Update
Think that reality televsion has run its course? Not on MTV. The cable network, which has had success with such reality programs as "Real World," "Road Rules," "The Osbourne Family Show" and "Tough Enough," plans to unveil several new reality based shows over the next few months. Here's a rundown:
"Taildaters"- In the spirit of "Blind Date" and "Dismissed" comes this dating show. The premise of this one: a couple on a date is trailed by a pair of their friends. The friends keep a scorecard on the evening and offer advice to the daters. Premiers Saturday April 20th at 8:30pm.
"Virgin Chronicles"- Celebrities tell stories of their notable first times such as their first date, first kiss, first car and first sexual experience (often in the back of their first car). Also premiers on April 20th.
"Sorority Life"- A "Real World" type show chronicling the life of a sorority at a college in Northern California. Premiers on June 24th.
"I Bet You Will"- Contestants do crazy things for money. What a concept! Premiers on June 10th.
"Becoming Presents Wannabees"- MTV's super lame reality show "Becoming" gets a little bigger and a little lamer with this "spin off," in which contestants compete at the "MTV Beach House" for a chance to go on "Becoming." Also premiers on June 10th.
Contrary to rumors, there are no plans for a reality show chronicling the illicit sexual relationship between Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch.
Information from zap2it.com was used in this article
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