Chemistry Taught By TV?

I was teaching my chemistry class about elements on the periodic table, mentioning that since silicon and carbon have similar properties, science-fiction writers theorize about silicon-based life forms on other planets.

"But," I stressed, "there is no evidence that silicon-based life has existed here on Earth."

I had misjudged the power of TV. From the back of the room, a voice flashed back, "Have you never seen Baywatch then?"