Murdock Week 2011

All good things must come to an end. ~Murdock t-shirt, “The A-Team”

Two for the price of one!

This week, just a few short years ago, used to be something really special for me. I’m not saying it still isn’t. The significance isn’t lost on me. But it’s a little like having a new car: the smell, and that intangible quality of shininess, has worn off after a while.

 

I’m talking about Murdock Week, of course. For those of my readers unfamiliar with my peculiar obsession, the week of November 23-29 encompasses both stars’ birthdays who have played H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock in the TV and film versions of The A-Team. It’s a bit like Elvis Week, minus the impersonators and the lonely, aging women bearing flowers and teddy bears. Because, as it turns out, neither of the Murdocks is dead. But I digress here.

 

I wouldn’t jump to conclusions and say I’ve been too busy to celebrate the week. If anything, I’m working fewer hours than I did in the height of my TAT mania. I’m a few years older (wiser, I’m not so sure) and my stamina is not what it once was. I have a blog, a book manuscript and an exercise regimen to consider. I’m still just as single as I was back then, too, so I’m not gonna cop out and use that hackneyed old excuse either. Really, not a whole lot else has changed.

 

What is it, then? Why has my Murdockian ardor cooled and my indifference grown?

 

C'mon back to the howling mad side

I’ll venture out and say it’s a cycle. Just as winter never lasts forever and chocolate never tastes as delicious after eating half a box, neither do my obsessions and fixations last forever. But they will all come back when the time is right. If any of you, the readers, remember the original A-Team, you may recall Murdock’s tendency to obsess over a single object or persona for the length of an episode. Once the episode was over, so was the obsession (with the one notable exception of Billy, the Invisible Dog.) It’s like that. They’re still waiting on my shelf if I ever need them…and on some days when I’m feeling especially alone, I just might.

 

And that’s not to say I still don’t enjoy most things Murdockian. I’ve met more interesting fans through TAT than I’d have dreamed existed anywhere in the world. Some of them have even become dear friends. Others are regular correspondents and even confidantes. If there’s one thing at the very heart of Murdock, it’s his ability to befriend anyone, even angry mudsuckers. I’ve gained many friends who love the same things I do this way. I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Most of them, it turns out, are talented artists: painters, visual artists, writers, actors.

 

So am I celebrating Murdock Week this year? Hell yeah, I am. I’m celebrating the spirit of friendship and the lasting bonds I’ve gained by becoming a Murdockian. I’m also done my obligatory birthday wishes to Dwight Schultz and Sharlto Copley (if, by some weird accident, either of them read this, they’re both cool and tremendously talented.) And yeah, I’ve done a short fiction piece for the occasion too. It’s not gonna make me rich or famous but it’s a pure expression of creativity inspired by one hell of a creative character.

 

If there’s a more appropriate occasion to celebrate, I don’t know what it is.

 

Now, if anybody wants to get me this for Christmas...

 

Special note to my readers: In the true Murdockian spirit, I can’t thank all of you enough for your support. As always, if you enjoyed this post, be sure to click “Like” and tell all your favorite amigos about P&Q for their daily dose of pop culture coolness!

 

~ by Howlin' Mad Heather on November 28, 2011.