“Fathers And Sons” Missed The Point (Press, 28 January 1971)

On 28 January 1971, a critique of the Columbia Broadcasting System's (CBS) documentary "Fathers and Sons" was published, highlighting its shortcomings compared to the previous night’s documentary, which effectively portrayed homosexuals. The review noted that while the topic had potential, the execution fell short, becoming tedious and lacking clear direction. The programme featured four father-son pairs, with CBS correspondents and producers appearing to wander through discussions without a cohesive theme or focus. The documentary attempted to tackle generational differences regarding significant national issues such as the Vietnam War and drug use. The commentary noted the obvious contradictions between a World War II veteran father and a son born in the 1950s, but questioned the value of presenting these opposing viewpoints without deeper analysis. For instance, while the father expressed contempt for a son who would not serve for his country, the son stated he would fight for personal reasons, which was presented as symptomatic of a generational divide, described here as the "generation gap". Critics mentioned that instead of this well-trodden topic, the documentary could have delved into the dynamics of father-son relationships within the domestic sphere. It missed the opportunity to explore the reasons behind their conflicts or the conditions that foster agreement. It left unanswered questions about how lasting relationships can be maintained over different life stages and through challenging teenage years. The CBS team seemed focused solely on the radical views of the younger generation juxtaposed against conservative parental perspectives, neglecting the relational aspects of these families. The review offered a specific criticism of statements made by a police sergeant, Ed Baxter, about his son’s drug habits, questioning whether this simplistic, adversarial messaging was what the CBS team intended. In contrast, a separate note reflected on the final appearance of Detective Constable Reg Dwyer in the series "Softly, Softly," praising Gilbert Wynne's performance as a competent portrayal of the young detective, enhancing the series with depth and humour. Overall, the article underscored a missed opportunity for more profound exploration of familial connections and modern societal issues, reflecting a broader dissatisfaction with how CBS presented generational differences without truly engaging with the complexities of father-son relationships.

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