King of Crap....

I was subjected to a stream of sitcoms on TBS yesterday afternoon. It was all complete crap until King of Queens came on. I usually like King, but this episode was frustrating.

The main character, Doug, and his wife, Carrie, realized that they needed $12,000 for necessary home repairs. They didn’t have the money, so the husband went through all of their finances with his father. They major source of debt, they found, was Carrie’s extensive taste for designer brands. Doug then proposed that he be in charge of finances, and that Carrie get a monthly allowance to keep her from overspending.

The situation is feasible, but I think that, out of all the situations that could put a couple into debt, it’s ridiculous that they chose a reason that really stereotypes women. Why did the writers make Carrie’s shopping the issue, not Doug’s gambling or football obsession. The fact that this is the only thing you learn about Carrie in this episode is also offensive. Apparently, the only thing she does is shop. Because as a woman, why would she have any other interests, intellectual or otherwise.

All that aside, the solution of putting his wife on an allowance is outrageous. This is a women who works just as much as he does, in a slightly more prestigious job, no less. Since when does a man have the right to limit his wife’s access to her own income.

King of Queens, although it often relies on stereotypes for humor, is usually a pretty enjoyable show. But this episode, I felt, took those stereotypes too far, and presented an issue that was wholly ridiculous.