What If…

We’ve all loved our classic tv shows that ended way too soon. Sometimes without a proper ‘series finale’. With the popularity of ‘reboots’, I’d like to take my approach to some of these shows.

Laverne and Shirley
Forward to the year 1986. After becoming widowed in 1979 and living alone for a few years, Shirley decided to move to NYC to be with Laverne. If you remember, Shirley got married in the late 60’s, where the show left off, and Laverne was living a footloose and fancy free life. She became Godmother to Shirley’s only child, a daughter named Laverne. Laverne’s namesake was born in 1969. Shirley was a good homemaker, PTA mom, and eventually an office manager. Laverne moved to New York City to settle with Lenny, who became a NY Police Officer. But prior to marrying Lenny, Laverne had been to Woodstock. She experienced Studio 54. Laverne became a bank teller, and over time, worked herself up to Branch Manager. Laverne and Lenny had three boys, all born between 1976 and 1980. Shirley finally took the leap in 1986 and she moved to New York to live in the same building with Laverne and Lenny. Laverne and Shirley shared a Brooklyn tenement building together. By this time, Squiggy had become a successful restaurant owner, aptly named ‘Squigmonts’. Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere in the heart of Brooklyn. Squiggy lived in a decent, but modest apartment above his restaurant. He often met up with Laverne and Lenny for Sunday dinners and reminisced about the good old days in Milwaukee and California. Laverne decided to play match maker and invite Shirley and her daughter down for dinner one Sunday. Over time, Squiggy had become quite handsome with age despite his short stature. Squiggy had a teenage daughter of his own, and was raising her by himself since his wife left him to become a Vegas showgirl. The matchmaking was a success, and eventually, Shirley and Squiggy married with the blessing of both their respective daughters. As for Carmine, he became a very successful Broadway star, and eventually a well respected director of major films. Carmine, along with his husband, and their son and daughter often saw the ol’ gang and spent many holidays together. The gang tackled many issues of the 80’s all while raising their kids. They saw the Rise of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and a myriad of different music. Although, they took it like champs, they longed for the simpler days of their youth when things weren’t so complicated.

Now, of course this is what they call ‘fan fiction’. But being the dork that I am, I create different endings and ‘what ifs’ in my head as to how these shows could or should have ended. Sadly, Penny Marshall is no longer with us. This Big Blue Marble certainly needs a reboot of this classic show. I think next week, I will ‘reboot’ Happy Days and tell you where I think the gang would have ended up. My theories may surprise you! Stay tuned…