It was an emotional night on The old guy, Monday, when Matt James confronted his estranged father. James was raised by his mother, Patty, and he confronted his father, Manny, because he left them and his mother was unfaithful. The conversation was awkward, but James felt it was very important as well.
“I remember, when I was growing up, he would take off a pair of shoes every now and then, buy us pizza.” says James as he fights back tears. “I did not need any shoes. I did not need any pizza. I needed a dad. ‘
Sometimes the conversation between James and his father was intense, but ultimately beneficial. James told his father that the infidelity he showed to his mother and the abandonment he experienced had a negative impact on him later in life.
“The fact that the negativity in my life has not been maintained has not progressed any of my relationships,” James said. “It hindered my growth, and to move on, I must address the demons in my life.”
The conversation received mixed reactions from fans on social media, while the majority of viewers said the conversation was too personal and exploitative.
Although some viewers were happy that ABC aired such a candid conversation.
James himself addressed the episode of Twitter and elaborated on the importance of sharing these interactions.
Tonight’s sociability with my dad was hard to experience, and it’s just as hard to watch all the time later, especially when I know the world is watching with me.
Matt James (@ mattjames919) March 9, 2021
In a series of tweets, James wrote: ‘It was hard to experience tonight’s convention with my dad, and it’s just as hard to watch all the time later, especially when I know the world is watching with me … I also just wanted to say that often we see dangerous stereotypes and negative portrayals of black fathers in the media. And it has consequences if presented without context … All I hope is that people look at that conversation with nuance, care and also an understanding that there are real systemic issues at stake. I’m so proud of myself because I’m defenseless, and I’m so proud of my mother. I would not be without my father. That’s a fact. ”
The old guy will be broadcast on Mondays at 20:00 ABC.
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