I’ll tell you right now that TV is not what it used to be—particularly in the realm of kid’s shows. When I was a kid in the early 80s, the TV show options for a little boy were phenomenal. First off, The Muppet show was the best. Need I mention Fragglerock? Or how about the original Transformers? There has never been a better television sound than Optimus Prime transforming. The second best thing about the original Transformers? There was no Megan Fox.
I also submit to you G.I. Joe. There is no explanation needed here. And, of course, He-Man. “By the Power of Grey Skull!” I wasn’t allowed to watch that one because of the magic which made it even more compelling.
VOLTRON
All those shows were fantastic but now it’s time to enter the upper tier of 80s TV. I would argue that the original A-Team was one of the best shows ever or how about the Thundercats—legendary. But of course, the best animated show of the early 80s was Voltron. OK, truthfully I’m not sure if it was the best show of the 80s but I want to make a point about community using the concept of the show. We can finish the argument later about what was the best show. For now, just stay with me.
Voltron, if you were born in a cave, was the combination of 5 different Lion robots. When things escalated quickly, the 5 different robots could combine into Voltron which was, of course, the best part of every episode.
There is something that I just love about this concept. Alone, the different robots were vulnerable and in one case, a pilot of one of the lions was killed, but combined no one could defeat Voltron. He was a boss.
BACK TO COMMUNITY…
There is something about interdependence that rankles me. I want to stand on my own two feet. I want to be my own man and I don’t want to rely on other people. I think it has a little to do with being a man and a lot to do with being an American. We value fierce independence. Needing help is a sign of weakness.
And yet, I know I have been created for community. Community requires mutual submission. I am made in the image of God—who exists in community. Without interdependence I will never be the person God dreams that I could be.
I constantly feel this tension. When I am struggling, my instincts tell me to keep it inside. Sharing my weaknesses and needs with others feels like a trip to the dentist. I’ve come to believe that this isn’t strength. It’s the pull of sin. It’s the work of darkness to keep me in a place of vulnerability to evil. When I am alone, I am susceptible to temptation and incredible selfish.
This is the lesson of Voltron in my life. A silly illustration I know. And yet, when I am alone, when I refuse interdependence, I am vulnerable. I am easily defeated. When I submit myself to community I become stronger. I am less vulnerable to selfishness, temptation and poor thinking.
We have been created for community. Our instincts tell us otherwise but then again, since when has trusting our hearts been a good idea?
BACK TO 80S TV…
Actually, maybe Alf was the best show of the 80s. Or maybe it was Knight Rider.
image credited to Shaun Wong
