Flipper

Dubbed the "aquatic Lassie," Flipper was a wholesome and charming hit for NBC during the mid-1960's (1964-67). 

The show centered on a bottlenose dolphin (the title character), the pet of a ruggedly handsome marine park ranger and his two young sons. I loved everything about the show, so much so that when it came time for me to head to elementary school, I begged my mother to buy me a Flipper lunchbox. I was thrilled when she buckled to my plea, a rarity for her, and joined thousands of others swallowed by the merchandising tsunami the show inspired. 

I'm not sure where my old lunchbox is now, likely whisked out of my consciousness by the arrival of junior high school. But all those memories came flooding back a few weeks ago during a visit to the nearby Valley Relic Museum. I cringe a bit at the thought that something from my childhood is now categorized as a "relic." Nonetheless, it was heartwarming to see the old banged up pail, with the familiar water scene splashed across the lid. 

Suddenly the years melted away, allowing my hippocampus to somehow conjure up the long-forgotten theme song. "They called him Flipper, Flipper, faster than lightening, no one you see is smarter than he. And we know Flipper lives in a world full of wonder, flying there under, under the sea!"

Dialogue from Flipper:

Uncle Porter: "You ever been fishing? What did you catch?"

Sandy Ricks: "A whale. But I threw it back."