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For decades in American television, the entire point of a Norman Lear sitcom was friction.
All the building-block Lear-style pieces are there.
Shifting norms of cultural acceptance and social visibility.
A different shape of contemporary family.
Almost every time,Clean Slatechooses swift and even nonchalant acceptance.
he greets her).
She has to tell him that shes trans and now going by a different name.
Sure, hes initially surprised, even dazed, and he does have some questions.
But theres never a moment when he grows cold or seems uneasy.
The big sitcom-y moment of shock, the thing Harry really struggles with, is Desiree announcing shes vegetarian.
This continues throughout the series.
Desiree is warmly accepted by the lovely older ladies in the church choir.
Desirees close friend Louis (D.K.
One episode is set in an interminably long line to vote at a local polling station on Election Day.
Desiree has no conversations about access to hormones.
She lives in a country that does not currently exist.
Honestly, good for her.
And in that earlier TV era, a show likeClean Slatecouldve opened some viewers eyes.
Theres no captive audience to take a stab at persuade because audiences are no longer captive.
With more time,Clean Slatecould become a richer and more confident comedy.
So why shouldntClean Slateuse whatever runway it has to be an improbable love fest?
Its good to feel good for a little while, andClean Slatecan at least do that.
Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated production timing forClean Slate.
