Oprah was one of the few things that my mum and I could agree to peacefully watch together without having to whinge about how retarded the other's television tastes were. It was also something that most broadcasters in the UAE could telecast without cuts and at one time, at least four channels in the basic eVision package provided by cable operators Etisalat, were airing reruns from various seasons.
Some of the episodes(and there were a lot) have left a more lasting impression than others. Here are some of my favourite Oprah moments:
The Bra Intervention episode
Confession - for a really long period of time, I simply assumed that there was no other cup size to bras other than a B. That was, of course, until this episode where Winfrey helped women find lingerie that fit them right. Of course, it made precious little difference considering that the stores never seemed to stock anything but the standard B sizes, though it was enlightening and maybe a bit relieving to know that a bra that would fit perfectly did exist somewhere out there.
The Choking Game episode
As all siblings the world over, my brothers and I were hardly the kinds who wouldn't punch, kick, bite, pinch, scream and occasionally, choke, when we were mad at each other. It was only natural I thought, and then not so much after I watched this episode where children playing the 'choking game' (that'd temporarily cut oxygen to the brain thereby making them feel light-headed) had died because someone had held on for only seconds too long. It was an episode that had even my otherwise-nonchalant father, hooked and I won't forget the faces of the parents who had lost their son any time soon.
The Neti Pot episode
Anyone who knows me, knows about my constant battles with a blocked nasal passage. And so it was one of those days when I was watching TV with my parents after dinner surrounded by heaps of used tissue (and some up a leaky nostril), when the very dashing Dr Mehmet Oz pulled out a nondescript object and told Winfrey that this was manna to the sniffling Israelites. The Neti Pot was a teapot-shaped device that would enable the user to pass warm saline solution through the nasal passage to clear out any built-up mucus there for instant relief. Having tried it only once, I can say that Oz was not lying but I have never managed to find it in pharmacies anywhere. Still a recommendation on Oprah has to count for something right? I'm still crossing my fingers that it turns up on a shelf near me sometime soon.
The Aishwarya Rai episode
The Rai, not the Rai-Bachchan one. Personally, the beauty queen I adore from 1994 was Sush, who failed to launch big in tinsel town, but still remains a clear favourite. So it was hugely satisfying, if not just a tad sadistic, to watch Ash giggle like a loon and deliver blonde monosyllabic answers. Even a title holder with an accompanying translator would have done better.
All the Oprah's Favourite Things episode
I didn't believe in Santa, but if I did, he'd have a face and body like Winfrey's. Every year I'd watch in disbelief as she doled out the most extravagant things to EVERY member of the audience present in the studio that day. And I would never tire of watching the reruns either. Back in the day, when it was customary to go to church every Friday or Sunday, I remember even praying once at mass after communion for a chance to watch that show live.
It didn't happen. And yet, it doesn't matter. Thank you Oprah. For all those wonderful TV moments and more.
1 comments:
I empathize with you.. I have always dreamed of being on the fav things show! FML. Oprah played at 3:00pm weekdays. I remember watching Little Lulu followed by Oprah. :( So glad you wrote about this! Love it!
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