Thursday, January 30, 2025

Keeping up with Erik Estrada

He rode a motorcycle and battled crime.  In the 1970s and early 1980s, Erik Estrada's face was plastered everywhere.  He played Ponch, a California motorcycle cop with a megawatt smile, on the hit TV series CHiPs.

Erik was born Henry Enrique Estrada in East Harlem, New York City on March 16, 1949. in the city's Spanish Harlem neighbourhood.  He is the son of Carmen Moreno, a seamstress, and Renildo Estrada. a small business owner.  Erik is of Puerto Rican heritage.  He attended Louis D. Brandeis High School in Manhattan, and he strongly considered becoming a police officer.  In a 2007 interview with Parade, he was asked if law enforcement had played a bigger part in his life than CHiPs.  He replied, "Well, I was going to be a New York cop before I became an actor.  I couldn't take the test until I was 18, and at 17, I got bit by the acting bug.  I gave myself until I was 30. If I had some success, fine.  If I didn't, I'd come back and fulfill my dream and my mother's dream."

Erik decided to focus on acting after joining his high school drama class.  After graduation, he studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City, a private conservatory for the performing arts.

Erik had first appeared on screen in commercials for Fritos.  As a child, he played the Frito Bandito, which became the company's symbol.  Erik's parents split up when he was a toddler, and he lived with his mother, Carmen, his grandfather, his brother Joey, and his sister Carmen.  His father was rarely seen.

When Erik's parents divorced, he moved in with his mother and her new husband, Poncho Dostela.  It was Dostela who inspired Erik to pursue his dream of an acting career.  After completing acting courses, Erik landed his first professional role in the 1970 film The Cross and the Switchblade.  The film is based on a non-fiction book of the same name by David Wilkerson, a Christian evangelist.  in the film, Pat Boone plays Wilkerson, while Erik portrays Nicky Cruz, a member of a teenage street game who is transformed by Wilkerson's ministry;

In 1974, Erik was cast in the hit film Airport '75.  He played the role of an onboard engineer who sacrifices his own life in order to disarm a terrorist who had hijacked a Boeing 747.  He played another heroic role as an engineer in the historical 1976 film Midway.   

Prior to his role on CHiPs, Erik made guest appearances on several TV series, including Hawaii 5-0 (1973), Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (1973), Emergency! (1974), Kojak (1975), Mannix (1975), The Six Million Dollar Man (1975), Police Woman (1975), Medical Center (1975), Barnaby Jones (1976) and Baretta (1976).

Erik Estrada is best known for his starring role as California Highway Patrol officer Francis (Frank) Llewelyn "Ponch" Poncherello in the hit TV police drama CHiPs.  (CHiPs is an acronym for California Highway Patrol.). The series ran on NBC from 1977 to 1983). Erik's co-star was Larry Wilcox, who played Officer Jon Baker.



CHiPs was highly popular, and the series established Erik as a bona fide television star.  CHiPs decals appeared on lunchboxes. Photos of Erik and Larry appeared on posters and magazines everywhere, as well as other CHiPs paraphernalia.




Although Erik and Larry played police partners on the show. they did not have the smoothest relationship off screen.  Larry was originally intended to be the show's star.  However, he was soon overshadowed by Erik's growing popularity.  Erik was one of the few Latinos in prominent roles during that time, and he was considered a leading heartthrob of that era.  This caused some tensions between the two actors. 

It's interesting to note that the CHiPs police officers never drew their guns.  In his interview with Parade, Erik waxed nostalgic about the '70s era.  He stated the following: "What I see is that we never drew our guns.  We were in a time in America when life was really fantastic.  It was the '70s.  There was disco.  Free love!  The streets weren't as nasty as they are now because they hadn't turned cocaine into crack yet.  AIDS hadn't hit the streets.  It was a great time in America.  Our show was on Sunday night, and it was basically about showing respect for law enforcement and dealing with people on a verbal level.  Not pulling guns and blowing their brains out."

In 1981, Erik missed three episodes of the fifth season of CHiPs, due to a contract dispute over syndication profits.  He was replaced by Caitlyn Jenner, then known as Bruce.  Jenner played Officer Steve McLeish.  The Olympic athlete was already working for NBC Sports as a commentator and was an experienced motorcyclist.  Once Erik reached an agreement with MGM, Jenner's character slowly faded from the show, after a total of seven episodes.

Estrada and Wilcox with Jenner

During CHiPs' run, Erik had a supporting role in the Vietnam-era drama The Line (1980).  He also had the lead role and produced the 1982 TV movie Honeyboy, which received favourable reviews.  In Honeyboy, Erik portrayed Rico "Honeyboy" Ramirez, a Puerto Rican from the south Bronx, who finds fame and fortune as a middleweight boxer.  Morgan Fairchild also starred in the film.


After CHiPs ended its run, Erik's career hit a snag.  He struggled to find work, and he accepted roles in low budget films and TV series.  His luck changed in the early 1990s, when he appeared in a Mexican "telenovela" (soap opera).  Since Eric didn't speak Spanish well, his lines were fed to him over an earphone during production.  When he landed the role of Johnny. a Tijuana trucker, in Does mujeres, um camino (Two Women, One Road), he had to take extensive Berlitz Spanish lessons before he could begin.  One hundred episodes of the TV drama were originally planned.  However, four hundred episodes were eventually produced, and the "telenovela" revived Erik's sagging career.

Does mujeres, um camino was enormously popular in Mexico. and other places in the Spanish-speaking world.  The series helped to win Erik a great number help to win him a new set of fans.

  

In 1994, Erik began co-hosting a syndicated outdoor adventure show titled American Adventurer.  The series aired until 2004.  He also began appearing on talk shoes and hosting events.

In 1998, Erik reunited with former co-star Larry Wilcox for the TNT made-for-TV film CHiPS '99.  The TV movie helped to spark a new interest in the original series.

In 2001, Erik was cast as Eduardo Dominguez on the daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful.  In the 2000s, he continued to act, mainly in comedies or in Disney films for children.  Erik has also appeared on reality shows such as The Surreal Life, along with rapper Vanilla Ice and former televangelist Tammy Faye Messsner.  In 2007, he was seen on Armed and Famous, in which celebrities work alongside police officers 

Most recently, Erik has guest-starred in episodes of the drama Sangre Negre . . Black k Blood (2022, two episodes), the sitcom Call Me Kat 2023, and the futuristic science fiction series Fallout (2024)

Erik Estrada has been married three times and divorced twice.  On November 25, 1979, he wed Joyce Miller.  The couple divorced in 1980.  They did not have any children.

In 1985, Erik married to Peggy Lynn Rowe, an entertainment executive, songwriter, and producer. They divorced in 1990.  The couple had two sons, Anthony Erik (born 1986), and Brandon Michael-Paul (born October 28,1987).  Brandon Estrada became an accomplished pole vaulter.

Brandon Estrada

On September 20,1997, Erik married for the third time, to film sound technician Nanette Mirkovich.  Nanette is also known as an actress, especially for her role in the 1996 feature film Inside Out.  Nanette was born in raised in California, and she is of Russian and Hispanic descent.  Erik and Nanette have a daughter, Francesca Natalia (born January 5, 2000 in Burbank, California).

Below is a photo of Erik, Nanette and daughter, Francesca.


END NOTES

* Erik supported Republican senator John McCain in the 2008 American presidential election.

* Erik's older brother, Joey Del Valle, passed away on December 19, 2017.  Joey was an NBC staff photographer for some three decades.  Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, he was raised in New York's Spanish Harlem.  Prior to joining  NBC, he worked as a fashion and advertising photographer.  Joey Del Valle died in Los Angeles after a lengthy illness.  He was 72 at the time of his passing.

* Erik is supportive of police office organizations around the world.  Several years ago, he realized a childhood dream by becoming a sworn police officer for the Muncie, Indiana Police Department.  He then moved to Virginia where he served as an I.C.A.C. (Internet Crimes Against Children) investigator for eight years in Bedford County, Virginia.  On July 1, 2016, he became a reserve police officer in St. Anthony, Idaho, where he was filmed patrolling on a police motorcycle.

* Erik wrote his 1997 autobiography with Davin Seay..  It is titled Erik Strada: My Road from to Hollywood.  The paperback edition was published in 1998.  In the memoir, Erik wrote about his Hispanic heritage and other topics.


* Erik received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 29, 2000.

* Erik is active in youth and political movements. He advocates against drug addiction, alcoholism and smoking.

* Erik loves music and has appeared in videos for his favourite artists. In addition to his on-camera performances, he has provided voice work for cartoons such as Maya & Miguel, an animated children's PBS series, JoJo's Circus, a stop-motion animated series and Sealab 2021, an adult animated series.

SOURCES: Biography (www.biograhy.com): "Erik Estrada: As Frank 'Ponch' Poncherello on the police drama 'CHiPs' Erik Estrada became one of the most popular television stars of the late 1970s and early 1980s;" The Hollywood Reporter; "Joey Del Valle, Longtime NBC  Photographer , Dies at 72," by Mike Barnes, January 16. 2017; Mental Floss (www.mentalfloss.com), "14 Things You Might Not Know about CHiPs," by Jake Rossen, September 14, 2017; Parade (parade.com), "Interview with Erik Estrada Estrada, May 30, 2007; Wikipedia, Internet Movie Database (IMDb)


- Joanne

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Y&R Report (January 25, 2025): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

Will wonders never cease?  It appears that Jordan has used up all of her nine lives.  Colleen Zenk, who plays Jordan, has exited the show as her character's story arc has reached its conclusion.  Not-so-sweet Claire actually put some poison in Jordan's tea, which she willingly consumed rather than return to prison.  Of course, the Jordan/Ian Ward storyline has more holes in it than Swiss cheese.  However, Y&R is a soap and we can't expect reality.  But really!  Claire truly believed that Jordan was invincible.  She thought that no prison could hold her diabolical aunt, and that no security force could  stop her. 

Jordan was certainly relentless and psychotic, but she was not Superwoman.  Claire made it seem like her aunt had superhuman powers.    As mentioned before, soap operas often stray far from reality.  This is a perfect example.  Here's one other question I'm not supposed to ask:  Why didn't the authorities know that Jordan was missing from prison?  Ian supposedly swapped another woman in her place.  Surely, the prison would have discovered the switch after all this time.  Why didn't Jordan's photo appear everywhere on the media?  

By the way, what happened to Claire?  She's all over the map.  She suddenly became so bold that she talked about committing cold-blooded murder without batting an eye.  She suddenly became so brazen that she believed she could outwit her cunning aunt.  Her face was as cold as stone when she argued that taking the law into her own hands was the only answer.  Nikki also jumped on the vigilante bandwagon as the only way to stop Jordan.  Victoria was more reluctant, but she eventually fell into line.

It seems obvious that Claire (Haley Erin) was far too overconfident.  She overplayed her hand, and she was ill-prepared for what she planned to do.  She even admitted to Victor that she hadn't thought of what should be done with Jordan's body.  Jordan will continue to haunt Claire and the rest of the Newman family even in death.  When Victoria claimed that they were rid of the wicked woman forever, Victor knew better.  He warned his family that this wasn't over, and there was more to come.  Victor was exactly right. 

Whew!  Sharon has escaped from the clutches of Ian and Jordan, but she was once again a damsel in distress, trapped in a sewer and drugged.  Nick did not physically help her, but he was still her knight in shining armour.  She had an image of him in her mind and he encouraged her to find the strength to carry on.  Still, Sharon is not home free yet.  Before her death, Jordan claimed that Ian killed Heather, but Chance will demand proof.  

By the way, not only is Jordan gone, but Sharon has said a final goodbye to the ghost of Cameron.  They actually parted on good terms.  I wonder what will happen to Cameron's blood-stained shirt now.

Jordan may be gone, but Ian Ward is still lurking in the shadows. In the previews, we saw him pointing a gun at Nick, Victor and Michael Baldwin.  According to online spoilers, Victor will vow to take on Ward at all costs, and Michel Baldwin will agree to a  dangerous assignment.  Why does Michael always have to do Victor's bidding, even if it puts his own life at risk?  He's such a lackey.

Billy Boy Abbott seems to have finally smartened up.  He's in a much better frame of mind.  He's decided to abandon his plan of revenge against Victor Newman, much to the relief of his brother Jack.  He also has spiffy new digs.  Sally Spectra decorated the place for him.  I still don't care much for Sally and Billy together.  I can't see any magic there.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Haley Erin (Claire Newman)

Claire!  Claire!  What have you done?  You are going to be in deep trouble.  Chance has already started asking questions about Jordan's death. Victor lied to protect Claire, Nikki, Victoria and himself.   He didn't tell Chance the whole story. He just said that Jordan poisoned herself.  Of course, he didn't mention Claire's involvement.  

The glory days are over for Claire, at least for now.  She's just been too happy for a soap character.  Everything was going her way.  Once the truth comes out (and it will). she's going to have a lot of explaining to do, and she may even be charged with manslaughter or second degree murder.  I find this change in Claire's character difficult to believe.  What will Kyle think when he learns what she did?  Will there romance survive?"  What do you think fans?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Will Claire and Kyle's romance survive after Jordan's death?
 
pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS
I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca 

That's all for now.  Please remember that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Take care,

Joanne

Friday, January 24, 2025

Get ready to pay more for Netflix service

 


In the early days of this new year, prepare to pay more for a subscription to Netflix.  On January 22, 2025, the streaming giant announced its decision to raise prices.  The increase will affect most plans in the United States, Canada, Portugal and Argentina.  The price hikes comes after the company reported adding a record 19 million new subscribers in the most recent quarter.  That's right!  19 million new subscribers, for a total of 302 million members.  Revenue was 16 per cent higher over the last three months of 2024 compared to a year earlier, surpassing $10 billion in a single quarter for the first time.

Unfortunately, Netflix's good fortune will not be passed on to its subscribers.  They will not be given a break.  Here's why - according to Netflix.  In a letter to its shareholders, the company stated that the latest price increases allow the company to reinvest "to further improve Netflix."  Co-CEO Greg Peters said, "We listen for signals like engagement, retention, acquisition," and other secondary signals.  All to tell us when we've achieved that increase in value.  And when we've done, then we asked them to pay a bit more to keep that virtuous cycle going."

This is Netflix's first price change in the United States since October 2023.  The 2025 subscription prices are as follows:

* The ad-supported tier increases to $7.99 monthly, up from $ 6.99.

* The standard ad-free tier increases to $17.99 monthly, up from $15.49.

* The premium tier increases to $24.99 monthly, up from $22.99.

I understand that Netflix is a business.  However, the company is enjoying enormous profits and unprecedented growth. It should share some of that profit with consumers, not just its shareholders.  Netflix's subscribers have fueled its growth.  It is only fair that they should also share in its good fortune.  Jacking up prices during a time of increased profit does not send a message of good will.  Netflix has acted selfishly. It has blown an opportunity to improve its image by giving its customers a much-needed break.  At the very least, it should have refrained from increasing its prices for the time being.  As Netflix becomes more and more expensive, it risks driving subscribers away.  They will seek more affordable options.


- Joanne       

Saturday, January 11, 2025

Y&R Report (January 11, 2025): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

I hope you had a great holiday, celebrating Christmas, Hannukah and the New Year.  As Genoa City rang in 2025, Sharon was kidnapped by wicked Aunt Jordan, and Tessa was drugged by the diabolical Ian Ward.  Once again, Sharon is the damsel in distress.  Nick will probably rescue her, unless Adam gets there first.  Nick Newman is not the sharpest knife in the drawer.  It's him too long to realize Sharon is in big trouble.  Faith realized immediately that Sharon was in some kind of danger when her mother failed to show up for the New Year's party.  Nick initially tried to play it down.  Now he's really worried and angry.  He rapped on Ian and Jordan's hotel room and confronted Ian, while Jordan hid herself.  How did Nick know where to find Ian?  How did he find the hotel room?  Unless I missed something, there was no explanation.  I guess that's just one of those questions a soap doesn't want you to ask.

Claire is the happiest she's ever been in her entire life.  Her romance with Kyle is blossoming, and she has a new job as Nikki's assistant at Chancellor.  That can only mean one thing on a soap.  Her life is about to take a dramatic turn for the worst.  Her demented great aunt, Jordan, will do everything in her power to ruin Claire's happiness.  Claire doesn't even know that Jordan is out of prison yet.  She'll find that out soon enough.

The two old pros, Colleen Zenk and Ray Wise are quite entertaining as Aunt Jordan and Ian Ward.  The dastardly duo is shaking Genoa City to the core.  Ray Wise (Ian Ward) is hilarious as a phony chaplain with his false piety, his hat and his Bible.

So, we caught our first glimpse of Nate's half-brother, Damian.  Will Damian be attracted to Audra, Lily or both?  There will certainly be a conflict between Nate and Damian if he goes after Audra.  Speaking of Audra, she seems so different these days, kinder and gentler.  Could it be because she's in love with Nate?  She never  had genuine feelings for Tucker or Kyle.

Billy Abbott is not very likeable right now.  He's got such a chip on his shoulder.  Sure, Victor and Nikki and Jill wronged him, but he should just move on.  Lily was wronged too, but she was wise enough to move on.  At this point, it won't do any good for Billy to fight a war against Victor Newman.  It seems to me that Billy Boy is quite insecure.  He feels he has to prove himself.  He's be better offer spending his time on a new project or starting a new company.  Instead, he's angry and miserable.  Also, I don't think he has good chemistry with Sally Spectra.  The two don't really connect.  It seems that they are trying too hard to make sparks fly.  However, the sparks just aren't there.

As for Phyllis, she might need the legal services of Michael Baldwin.  It appears that Ian and Jordan's diabolical plan to frame the fiery redhead for harming or killing Sharon may work for a while.  Phyllis is her own worst enemy.  She can't seem to control what comes out of her mouth.

I do think that a certain character in Genoa City may die as a result of Jordan and Ian's actions.  I have to agree with an online writer who suggested that Cole Howard may be the sacrificial lamb. It makes sense because, as the writer points out, he's expendable.  He's not an essential character and he's expendable.

CAST NEWS

Eric Braeden loses home in Los Angeles wildfires 

On The Young and the Restless, Eric Baeden's Victor Newman character recently rebuilt his original ranch.  The ranch was set on fire by his former daughter-in-law, Sharon.  In real life, Eric's home in Will Rogers Park was destroyed by the raging Los Angeles wildfires.  Recently Eric posted a video of the fires burning near his house.  An orange glow is reflected in his swimming pool.  The caption alongside the video reads "Behind my house!  The worst EVER in LA."  The video showed how close the flames were to Eric's home, too close for comfort.

Eric's castmates and friends, including Lauaralee Bell (Christine "Cricket" Williams and Greg Rikaart (Keven Fisher) and Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman Winters) responded quickly to the situation.  They sent well wishes to Eric and his family.

 The next day, Eric posted an updated video and revealed that he had been forced to evacuate his home in order to remain safe.  Eric is obviously heartbroken.  He'd lived in that home for 45 years, and in the area for 60 years.  His castmate, Joshua Morrow, who plays his son, Nicholas Newman, helped him learn about the fate of his house.  Josh broke through barriers and sent Eric images of the devastation.  The images were tough for Eric to see.

Appearing on CNN, Eric said, "The house can be rebuilt, but everything you've gathered over the years [cannot].

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Just when you thought Cameron (Linden Ashby) was gone for good, he's back . . .along with his blood-stained shirt.  I thought Sharon's delusions had ended.  Jordan must have drugged her.  Fans, what do you think about the return of Cameron?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Are you pleased that Cameron is back? Do you like his character?.
 
pollcode.com free polls


NOTE TO READERS
I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca 

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, January 25, 2025.


Take care,

Joanne

Thursday, January 9, 2025

What to expect in Season Four of "Son of a Critch"

Season Four of Son of a Critch debuted on the CBC on Tuesday, January 7th.  Season Four consists of 13 episodes, filmed in St. John's Newfoundland last summer.  The coming-of-age comedy is based on comedian Mark Critch's memoir of his boyhood in St. John's, also called Son of a Critch.  As the series moves into the 1990s, 14-year-old Mark Critch, portrayed masterfully by British actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, faces new challenge and family issues.  As a Grade 10 student, Mark finds himself at the bottom rung during his first year of high school.

Mark Critch


Ainsworth

The school Mark attends is Holy Heart of Mary, the same Catholic high school that the real Mark Critch attended in the 1990s.  The scenes were shot during July and August, when classes were not in session.  

Here are some things to watch for in the new season:  Spoiler Alert: If you'd rather not know what happens in Season Four, skip the information below.

* Mark's grandfather, Patrick "Pop" Critch, played by veteran English actor Malcolm McDowell, finally moves into his own  bedroom, after years of sharing a room with Mark.  However, the 80-year-old faces a serious illness.

McDowell

* Mark's mother, Mary Critch, played by Clair Rankin of Prince Edward Island, returns to school.  Mary also has to deal with menopause and a mid-life crisis.

Claire Rankin

* Mark's brother, Mike Critch Jr., played by Colton Gobbo from Sudbury, Ontario, sets out on a radio career, joining a new FM station called Magic 97, putting him in direct competition with his own father, Mike Sr,, played by the real Mark Critch (Yes, Critch plays his own father, Mike Critch Sr., a real-life Newfoundland radio legend),  The senior Critch struggles to feel relevant amid new ownership and possible changes at his radio station.

Colton Gobbo

* Mark's best friend, Richie (Mark Ezekiel Rivera) follows his dream of being a musician and forms forms his first band, Potatobug.


* Mark's red-haired love interest, Fox (Sophia Powers), starts a new job and finds new friends.


Two actors have been added to the cast for Season Four.  Labrador native Shawn Doyle plays Kevin Lewis, a well-know local actor and Holy Heart of Mary drama teacher.  Doyle's screen credits include 24 and Desperate Housewives and The Eleventh Hour.  His Kevin Lewis character becomes Mark's mentor and nurtures his love for acting. He encourages Mark to start a comedy troupe called Cat Fud.  

Shawn Doyle

The real Kevin Lewis

The real-life Mark Critch actually had a mentor and friend named Kevin Lewis.  Lewis, a pillar of Newfoundland theatre, died last February at the age of 81.  Filming Doyle's scenes, many in the Holy Heart stage where Lewis taught, was an emotional experience for Critch.  "It's like stepping into a memory, he told The Telegram, a St. John's newspaper, in July when the scenes were filmed.  It's bittersweet and Shawn is brilliant in the role."

One of my favourite comedians, Newfoundland's own Rick Mercer, has also joined the cast for two episodes this season.  He portrays Bruce Bartlett, a businessman who made his fortune as a car salesman.  Bartlett becomes the new owner of radio station VOCM.  Here's how Mercer explained his role to The Telegram ." "I'm the guy who buys VOCM and I decide to drag it into the modern world.  Of course, Mark's father, Mike, is not really part of the modern world, so he's very concerned what this Bruce Bartlett character might do to the radio station, including changing formats and getting rid of talk."

Rick Mercer

- Joanne

Monday, December 23, 2024

Twilight Zone Christmas Classic

I am a huge fan of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone  One of my favourite episodes of the show is a 1960 Christmas episode called "The Night of the Meek." (Season 2, Episode 11, Air Date: December 23, 1960).  It stars Art Carney as Henry Corwin, an alcoholic department store Santa Claus who is dismissed from his seasonal job on Christmas Eve.  He arrives late at the store, and he is obviously intoxicated.  When customers complain, the manager fires Henry.

The derelict Santa explains that he drinks because he lives in a rooming house with the poor, for whom he is not able to perform his role as Santa Claus/  He states that if he had one wish fulfilled on Christmas Eve, he would "like to see the meek inherit the earth."

Still dressed in his Santa suit, Henry Corwin stumbles into an alley.  He hears the sound of sleigh bells.  A cat knocks over a burlap bag full of empty cans.  However, when Corwin trips over the mysterious bag, he discovers that it is filled with gift-wrapped packages.  An overjoyed Corwin hands out presents to children passing by and to homeless men attending a Christmas Eve service at a mission house.  He fulfills his wish of helping the less fortunate.

Art Carney passed away in 2003 at the age of 85.  He was a fine actor, and an Academy Award winner, but he is best remembered for his role as sewer worker Ed Norton in the 1950s sitcom The Honeymooners. Carney was a great foil for Jackie Gleason's Ralph Kramden, a Brooklyn bus driver. They worked well together and Art reprised his Ed Norton character for the Honeymooners segments of Jackie's 1960s variety show.  

Carney as Ed Norton

END NOTES

* Art Carney won an Oscar for his Best Actor for his 1974 performance in the film Harry and Tonto.  He played Harry Coombes, an elderly widower who decides to travel cross country with his pet cat, Tonto.  Carney's Academy Award win was impressive when one considers that the other nominees that year were actors of great acclaim, such as Albert Finney, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson and Al Pacino.  The award was presented to Art at the 47th Academy Awards on April 8, 1975.

Carney also won a Golden Globe for his performance in Harry and Tonto, and he was the recipient of six Primetime Emmy Awards.

* It is interesting to note that Art himself struggled with alcoholism.  He was actually battling alcohol abuse when he played Ed Norton, as well as when he portrayed a drunken Santa on The Twilight Zone. His addiction apparently ran in the family.  He tried psychotherapy and Alcoholics Anonymous, but finally found success with Antabuse, a medication used to treat alcohol use disorders by causing unpleasant side effects and sensitivity to alcohol.  Due to Antabuse, Carney quit drinking during the filming of Harry and Tonto

* Carney provided the narrator's voice for The Leprechauns' Christmas Gold, a 1981 Christmas t   elevision special.  The special was originally aired on the ABC network on December 23, 1981.

* Carney played Santa Claus in the The Night They Saved Christmas, a 1984 made-for-television movie.

- Joanne

Friday, December 20, 2024

Malcolm in the Middle Revival

 
"'Malcolm in the Middle" is a landmark sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humor, heart and reliability.  It hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a lovably chaotic family resonated with audiences of all ages, and we're so excited to welcome the original cast back to bring the magic to life again."

- Ayo Davis
President, Disney Branded Television  

There is some great news for fans of Malcolm in the Middle.  The series, which ran for seven seasons on Fox TV (2000-2006) is getting a four-episode revival on the Disney+ streaming service.  The series creator, Linwood Boomer, will write all four new episodes.  Returning to their original roles will be Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, and Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek as Hal and Lois, Malcolm's parents.

In the very first episode of the original series, Malcolm is  revealed to have a genius IQ, and is placed in a class for gifted students. Malcom is the third child in a hilariously dysfunctional family of four (later five) sons.  A fifth son, Jamie, played by James and Lukas Rodriguez, was added to the cast in season four.  Hard-working Lois, is a disciplinarian and keeps a watchful eye on her sons.

It seems that Malcom and his family were never given a last name.  It's some kind of inside joke.  In one episode, when Malcolm was called on stage, the microphone screeched and his last name was covered up.  However, the man who introduced Malcom clearly mouthed "Nolastname."  On Bryan Cranston's official website, Cranston states that the crew regularly joked among themselves that their last name is really "Nolastname."

The earliest episodes of  Malcom in the Middle focus on Malcolm's problems dealing with the pressures of being an intellectual and the challenges presented by his quirky family.  His delinquent eldest brother, Francis (Christopher Kennedy Masterson) is sent away to military school.  Malcolm remains at home with his two other brothers, Reese (Justin Berfield) and Dewey (Eric Per Sullivan).  In the absence of Francis, Malcom becomes the middle child.  Hence, the title of the series.

Christopher Kennedy Masterson and Justin Berfield, who played Malcolm's siblings in the original series, are likely to return, although it was not official at the time of this writing.  However, Eric Per Sullivan, who played younger brother Dewey, is not expected to return.  He retired from acting years ago and hasn't returned for any reunions.

The revival of the series will focus on the 40th wedding anniversary of Malcolm's parents.  Here is the official synopsis:

Malcolm (Muniz) and his daughter are drawn into the family’s chaos when Hal (Cranston) and Lois (Kaczmarek) demand his presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party.


SOURCES: Forbes, "Malcom The Middle Reboot Coming To Disney+," by Marc Berman, December 13, 2024; Yahoo Entertainment News, "Malcom in the Middle Revival with Original Cast Coming to Disney+," by Eric Diaz, December 13,  2024; Wikipedia; Internet Movie Database (IMDb)


- Joanne