I’ll take well written, superbly executed (produced, directed, ensemble-acted) reruns over what passes for entertainment today. Three years ago, I cut cable because I grew weary of paying hundreds of hard-earned dollars every month for hundreds of mediocre or worse (Faux Gnus, religious, merchandising) streams of electronic dysentery. Never regretted that decision. Because I can pick up MeTV and other local channels on my digital-broadcast antenna (in my attic), I am not subjected to mind-numbing tedium those evenings when I’m home — and tear my attention away from one screen to focus on another.

I understand why Mr. Stiers waited until later to come out. The 70s and early 80s might have been revolutionary in some aspects of sexuality, but even in the entertainment industry, coming out could have been a severely — or even fatal — career-limiting-gesture.

Rest In Peace, David. The world is a better place because of your contributions.