I remember watching One Day at a Time as a kid. Back then I didn't realize how edgy, poignant and modern it was as far as sitcoms go ... a Norman Lear trademark (All in the Family, Maude). I just remember it was a funny show with a sharp-tongued mom (Franklin), a cute, funny girl-next door (Valerie Bertinelli) and a funny handyman (Pat Harrington). Mackenzie Phillips also co-starred.
Now, of course, I realize how important and forward-thinking the show was, portraying a realistic family dealing with realistic, sometimes taboo issues that many network shows were afraid to cover back then. And how great a role model Franklin's Ann Romano was - a divorced mother raising her two teenage daughters, talking to them about sex, birth control and many socially relevant subjects and conflicts.
Franklin had a long career in entertainment, both on stage and screen, but it was One Day at a Time that made her a star. Too bad it's not currently playing in syndication. It was a great show.
Rest well, Ms. Franklin.
Somewhere there's music playin'.
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