CBS Ventures Into New Territory

From:Hampton, VA,
Date:February 11th, 2004
Kathleen Carey Reporting

Remember when Hollywood wouldn't even show a pregnant woman on television? Now the more realistic, the better. And it would appear that producers are not shying away from tackling some tough subject matter.

On CBS's "The Guardian," they have introduced a new story line for the TV drama's lead characters. Simon Baker plays Nick Fallin and Wendy Moniz plays Louis "Lulu" Archer. The characters are going to have a baby. Tests show that the child will be born with Down Syndrome, a disease that causes mental retardation. For the Harrison family in Hampton, they are happy with the concept.

The Harrisons have a 16-year old, Nia, who is normal. And a 3-and-a-half year old, Yazmine, who has Downs Syndrome. Greta says, "It's always bothered me that in Hollywood, you don't see beautiful people having children with disabilities." But "The Guardian" is changing that. Monday night's episode introduced the story to its audience by having Lulu announce that she had some tests done. Greta continues, "I think it's a wonderful move to take characters and strong as nick and lulu and introduce a subject that not everyone knows about." Your NewsChannel 3's Kathleen Carey went to the Harrison home to watch the program with the family, arriving early enough to talk with them. Nia was on the living room floor playing with her sister.

They were stacking building blocks. Nia says, "For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to have a sister. I was happy when they said they were having Yazzie." When dad came through the back door, Yazzie got up and couldn't hug him soon enough. Jim Harrison says his child is a very happy, easy going little girl, "We've talked about dance. We want her to do things all "normal" kids do. It'll help her to learn more, also." And that's what producers of "The Guardian" hope to do. Through this new plot, they will be able to shed light on a disability that deserves more attention.

Part of the way in which they are addressing it is by hiring an actor who really has Down Syndrome. Blair Williamson portrays Mark Barlow. As Nick gets to know Mark as, he will better understand how he can welcome his own child into the world. The Harrisons say they will be sitting in front of the television every Tuesday as a family watching "The Guardian" and cheering on the new development.