“Felt” is a new Logo Series that premiered on May 6th of this year and it is like nothing else we have ever seen. It’s a little self-help, a little… Sesame Street??? The show’s premise is an in-depth look at the personal lives of various couples as they unfold within the parameters of therapist-patient confidentiality; the names and faces have been changed to maintain anonymity but the problems are real and brought to life through the unusual medium of puppets. Yes, I said puppets…
One of the show’s narrators is Rachel, a seasoned couple’s therapist who feels that it is her job to help repair what is broken. The men and women that seek out her help have a myriad of issues ranging from maintaining a relationship that no longer holds spark to a getting married just to end the dilemma of premarital sex.
For example, Ruth and Chris reveal that the thrill in their relationship has completely disappeared. For Ruth, who requires physical contact as a measure of her husband’s love and affection, the situation is painful and makes her feel like she is being rejected. But for Chris, it’s just that he is uncomfortable with emotional displays of affection and he reveals it is in part, because his 12th party was forgotten and he feel that he is not important or deserving of being noticed and he is uncomfortable with approaching Ruth for this sort of validation even though he clearly craves it. Ruth and Chris are given a homework assignment, during which Ruth is instructed to throw Chris the party he was denied as a child. They meet with the therapist afterward to compare notes. Chris was a bit uncomfortable with the display of emotion made by his partner but is able to verbalize this to Truth and still finds the gesture sweet and thoughtful. Ruth is able to embrace her man’s slight incapability to reciprocate but still finds that her affection is welcomed. The puppets act out the scenes with startling transparency and truthfulness and although the fact that they are caricatures removes some of the social stigma that often accompanies situations like these, the problems and the solutions are clearly outlined. I love that the show makes it kinda funny and still relevant to our lives. “Felt” is quietly addicting.
Traci Schrader: I am a 44 year-old ex Army trauma nurse, 50% service-connected disabled veteran, single mother of a 15 year old male child and 23 year old adopted female child. I have been a personal trainer, a Licensed Vocational Nurse, a surgical technician a paramedic and now I am a government employee. I have been a lesbian since the age of about five and love women, the politics of being who we are, etc…
Having said that I also have a BS in social psychology a wealth of education and life experience and a candid sense of humor that is open and entertaining. I am thrilled to be on the Equality365 team as both a writer and your friendly neighborhood advice columnist. So o begin with a toast to you, esteemed reader, here’s to good company, good friends and good advice.
