Believe it or not, as a child watching reruns, the patriarch of the Addams Family, Gomez, was an aspirational figure. He was wealthy, deeply in love with his wife, Morticia, and surrounded by a family that embraced their unique perspective on the world. They lived life on their own terms, societal norms be damned, in their iconic, spooky mansion. This wasn’t just any family sitcom; it was The Addams Family Sitcom, a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences decades later.
Gomez Addams embodied a zest for life rarely seen on television. His passionate marriage to Morticia was a central and playfully suggestive element of the show – a groundbreaking aspect for a sitcom of that era. Their romance was palpable, with Morticia’s French whispers igniting Gomez’s ardent displays of affection. Instead of typical masculine pursuits, Gomez found relaxation in unconventional hobbies like yoga, juggling, trampolining, and even gleefully detonating his model train set. His indulgences were limited to cigars and brandy, enjoyed in what seemed like sophisticated moderation.
The Addams Family sitcom was rich with delightful details that contributed to its unique atmosphere. The coffee table drawer overflowing with stacks of hundred-dollar bills, casually referred to as “petty cash,” highlighted their eccentric wealth. Lurch’s signature basso profundo groan and the house-shaking butler’s chime (activated by a hangman’s noose pull cord!) became iconic sound cues. Their “playroom,” formerly a torture chamber, and the family’s preference for moonlight over sunlight further emphasized their delightfully macabre sensibilities.
What set The Addams Family sitcom apart was its clever subversiveness. It presented a family that found immense joy and contentment in their unconventional lifestyle, subtly suggesting that societal conformity isn’t a prerequisite for happiness. The humor stemmed from their skewed perception of normalcy, with the Addamses often viewing the “normal” world as troubled and perplexing, while their own gothic existence was blissfully joyful.
The Addams Family sitcom deserves not only to be remembered but celebrated. A DVD release, ideally without the distracting laughtrack, would allow new generations to appreciate its surreal and timeless charm. It remains a testament to the idea that happiness can be found in embracing individuality and living authentically, even if it means being delightfully different.
