MovieChat Forums > E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Discussion > Why did the mother say no TV to Elliot w...

Why did the mother say no TV to Elliot when he was feeling "sick"?

posted 3 years ago by csweetleaf2 (3670)
5 replies | jump to latest

As a kid I thought that was a little harsh that the mother said "No TV" when Elliot was pretending to be sick.

[–] aavfreak (3314) 3 years ago

I imagine it has to do with not wanting to establish a day off from school as a day of vacation or enjoyment. That if you stayed home from school it was because you were legitimately sick and didn't just want to play hooky.

[–] hurricane (1959) a year ago

Yeah, I always thought something like that.

Also, maybe she wanted him to try and sleep, to get proper rest.

[–] liscarkat (18373) a year ago

If a kid is legitimately sick, it would be cruel to deprive him of enjoyment when watching tv could help take his mind off of how shitty he felt.

[–] overseas7 (4236) 3 years ago

A good advice.

[–] JestersDead (485) 3 years ago

Back in the 80s, if you watched too much TV you got square eyes.