Guest Author - Amy Ralston Young

Most days you can find me complaining about the writers’ strike – and the production companies who are the root of the problem – but not today.

You see if it wasn’t for the writers’ strike I never would have been forced to look for other shows to watch. I would have stayed inside my comfort zone, viewing new episodes of my favorite shows.

Today, I wish to share with you something positive from this whole strike fiasco. While flipping through the channels trying to find something new-to-me to watch, I found a great show – “Still Standing.”

The show originally aired on CBS from September 2002 until March 2006, but now, thanks to syndication, airs daily on Lifetime and other networks throughout the country. The sitcom focuses on the Miller family, a working class clan living in suburban Chicago.

Bill and Judy Miller, two former wild teens, are now in suburbia, raising three kids – Brian, Lauren, and Tina. Bill (Mark Addy) is a toilet salesman at a store in the mall and like any good sitcom dad, he loves sports and beer. He also likes to come up with crazy schemes and is always looking for the easiest way.

In one episode, he is supposed to remodel one of the family’s bathrooms, but can’t seem to find any motivation. Once he discovers that Lauren’s new boyfriend is quite the carpenter – and has a crush on Judy – he decides to use the new beau for his own good. He convinces the young man that Judy likes him too and that if he spends time working on the bathroom, he can get to know her better and win her affections.

Any normal wife would be livid if their husband was semi-“pimping them out,” but not Judy Miller (Jami Gertz). At first she is upset, but after seeing the boy’s handy work, she joins in on the charade, wearing tight-fitting, revealing clothes and flirting.

When not participating in Bill’s madness, Judy works as a dental assistant. She is definitely the more intelligent parent, but also is the one who tries the hardest to be “cool.”

The chemistry between the two is incredible, and you really believe they are who their characters are made to be. These two definitely make the show.

The remainder of the cast isn’t bad either. The Miller’s oldest son Brian (Taylor Ball) is working his way through high school – and having a much different experience than his parents. Brian is intelligent, sensitive, and better at chess than football – much to the chagrin of Bill. He is mild mannered and sensitive, but Bill is always trying to change that.

Lauren (Renee Olstead) is a typical, moody, spoiled, popular girl. Always the drama queen, and somewhat of a trouble maker, Lauren keeps her parents on their toes. She is frequently in trouble for breaking rules – either at school or home.

Tina (Soleil Borda) is the youngest child, and the odd ball in the family. Although she is smart, she is often kind of creepy too. She likes to play jokes, and her favorite target is her aunt Linda.

Linda (Jennifer Irwin) is Judy’s younger, needy sister. Linda constantly needs approval and encouragement, and spends all of her time at the Miller’s house. When Judy and Linda’s mom visits, Linda bends over backwards to earn her mom’s love, but she usually just gets tossed aside. She eventually has a steady boyfriend who she marries, but as he is in a band she still has plenty of time for the Millers.

I would like to thank the strike for allowing me the opportunity to discover this show. I only wish I had found it sooner. The writing is excellent and it is refreshing to watch a family show that my whole family can actually watch.