lrldoit Reviews

Little House on the Prairie: Oleson vs Oleson (1981) Season 7, Episode 12

One big clich

[4/10 · 16 February 2023]

All of the people in Walnut Grove allow themselves to be manipulated by politics. I guess the writer didn't do research on property rights. The man actually never had the authority to sell his wife's property and some of the clauses were to protect women. It is dangerous for a show to deal with politics. It is more complicated that an hour drama.

In addition, people think that the future of America depends on a petition being signed. No one stands up for people's right to sign or not. No one asks for further details, like how such a thing would work.

It took forty years for women's suffrage. Even so, women are no smarter than men and both sexes fall prey to corrupt politicians.

A little thought, nuance and maturity would have been wonderful.

NOPE.

Just an episode with the values of the time it was filmed.

Little House on the Prairie: Troublemaker (1976) Season 2, Episode 17

Stacked deck

[8/10 · 9 February 2023]

Miss Beadle is loved but not respected. She never disciplines the children. Back in this time corporal punishment was the norm.

She is replaced with a tough male disciplinarian, however they made him an out of control lunatic, who doesn't know how to teach or make judgments.

Naturally he is forced to resign.

What if the show had a good teacher and disciplinarian? Nellie and Willie would have stopped acting up and the students would all be better off.

Too much of this episode reflects the time and values of when the episode was filmed.

No proper assessment was made when the old teacher was replaced and Laura didn't do anything o help her case and didn't tell her parents what was going on.

The Twilight Zone: Replay (2019) Season 1, Episode 3

Thought provoking but illogical

[5/10 · 10 July 2019]

This episode concerns an apparently racist cop and two black victims, a mother and her college age son. The gimmick is a camcorder that turns back time. It seems that despite reversing monstrous situations including one where the son was killed, the mother can't avoid the cop, despite taking different routes, which makes no sense. The scene where the shaking mother utters a prayer of sorts hoping to get her boy alive again is outstanding.

The end occurs where the young man makes it to college where there are many black students and faculty. Then pure idiocy. Several cars with cops come to make sure that the man and his family are take into custody for no reason. Why the town full of racist cops don't stop the others from attending is not answered. There is a showdown. The cops finally leave. The only way this could occur would be if the whole town was racist. Were that so, the state authorities would be contacted. If the writers are saying this whole country is racist, that makes no sense. This episode would not have been written. Bigots do not act that stupid. One doesn't almost shoot an unarmed man in front of 100 witnesses even were they not filming him with iPhones. Could this kind of bigotry exist anywhere? Yes. It has. However, the cops would have grabbed all the blacks, perhaps to have their own final solution. This episode suffered from overkill. Racism exists, but does not dare to be that blatant. Great acting by the lead actress.

This Is Us (2016–2022)

dysfunctional self centered well meaning people

[2/10 · 1 October 2017]

A lot of people come from dysfunctional families and bad parents. Because of this, many do not adjust to the trials and tribulations of life. They don't learn to not be guided or swayed by emotion and impulse, which is subject to changed moods. They don't know how to learn from mistakes. If something works out in their lives, it is despite circumstances. They are fragile emotionally and can't stand the idea of compromise or delayed gratification. Many have addictive personalities and mood swings.

This is a series made for such people. It features good well meaning dysfunctional people like them, who, like them, make bad choices. Sadly, this can come to the luck of the draw.

The parents lose one of the triplets. They adopt (NOT LEGALLY) a black newborn. (Because of this, the mother won't let the biological father enter the boy's life, for fear that he will want his kid back. Of course when the truth comes out, the kid - now 36- will not even listen to the mother. In fact his bio dad seems to come ahead of his real one.) The father pushes his wife into the illegal adoption. Luckily she learns to love the kid, and neglects his brother. Much later their marriage dissolves because they have a minor argument, insult each other, and neither is willing to be peacemaker. No one in their right mind lets a marriage end this way. A later reversal does not change the nature of their irrational first impulse.

Every person wants things their own way. Kate's boyfriend is ready to leave because she won't share painful experiences with him. Her pain matters not a whit to him. Each person can't seem to handle any crisis without calling on the others to be with them. Love is grand, but what about self reliance. During the new season, Randall on impulse (naturally) wants to adopt a kid, because he was adopted. His wife doesn't tell him right away how she feels. He confesses that he is a perfectionist with low self esteem. Despite that, he continues to bull his way. The wife, Beth, despite being a strong woman comes off as weak so that an emotional scene can play out.

Throughout this series you will find your emotions manipulated for cheap affect.

Pity the person who wants to draw life lessons from this mess. For those who are well adjusted and mature, this is anathema. None of these characters is smart, mature or really decent.

You may want to watch this to see how the dysfunctional side lives. I'll stick with Bonanza,and Father Knows Best.

Route 66: The Stone Guest (1963) Season 4, Episode 7

wrong headed "morality" play

[3/10 · 20 April 2017]

Here we have a war buddy of Linc's who, after the war, decided that he didn't like being married. He became a two timer and brawler with a chip on his shoulder. While he didn't leave his wife, he spent a lot of time away from her and their son. The boy continued, naturally, to defend his father.

Mozart's great opera, Don Giovanni is playing. Todd tries to explain away the father's behavior to his son. The rake picks up a girl and they both go into a mine shaft, that is known to be in danger of caving in. The girl, played by the great Jo Van Fleet, choose danger over the safe responsible life she has led. When it caves in condemning both of them to almost certain death, she says that for the first time in her life, she is happy. Danger leading to death is preferable to a boring responsible life? Even our rake tries and fails to rescue them.

When his wife finds out about the cave in, she blames herself for getting pregnant again and trying to keep her husband, instead of telling him to go if he wants to. Todd gives a lecture to the son about how his father should be understood and not condemned. Supposedly the people who know right from wrong and set others straight have never had a hard life or been to war. Todd condemns moral people as unthinking or unfeeling. The better ones are those who (unlike the good people) have feelings.

Of course if you looked at this from a real life perspective, what society would we have? Those who stay, fulfill their responsibilities can make the difference between whether or not others survive.

This episode whitewashes those who walk away and let their loved ones fall in a hole. The poor woman who never had an exciting life prefers death to boredom? Stirling Silliphant wrote his worst episode.

Viewers should listen to the opera and forget this episode. This episode spits on every person who has ever passed up a good time in order to help one in need. Shameful.

The Defenders: Metamorphosis (1963) Season 2, Episode 24

absolutely one sided

[2/10 · 22 February 2017]

This episode is a vehemently anti death penalty tract. Outside of a flashback to the murder and a statement that a clemency board may rewrite law so that no one is executed, it is absolutely one sided.

Except for the wife of the murder victim (who is treated like dirt), everyone is anti death penalty. No one gives a thought to the victim or the family (wife). The wife of the murderer berates her. The feeling as though anyone who wants the many to pay with his life is insane of evil. The Prestons talk of reaching people as if there could be no other possible sane decision, but to commute the sentence.

At the end, the supposedly rehabilitated man believes that he has a right to be set free even though he feels no remorse and admitted that he could kill again.

It ends with his sentence being commuted.

All sympathy to the murderer. No thought at all to the victim. The sad thing is that there are people who have values as twisted as those who chose to write and air this episode. Were it like others in this series, it would have explored both ideas in an adult mature fashion.

To do so would have weakened their mission to end the death penalty.

A sad misfire in an excellent series.

The Defenders: The Benefactor (1962) Season 1, Episode 30

stacked deck

[5/10 · 7 December 2016]

This series, although espousing liberal values is generally even handed. Not so this episode.

The man on trial is an abortionist. He is presented as being superhumanly noble. He got into the abortion business after his daughter died having an abortion. He meets several times with all of his patients. He performs the abortion only if he agrees that it would not be for selfish or promiscuous reasons. He actually talked one woman into keeping the baby because he said that she would regret having an abortion. Our "hero" is a seer. Even so he does not consider an unborn baby as human or having the right to life. On the other hand, if that is true, why have any qualms over the reason for having an abortion.

At the end when the prosecutor mentioned the possibility of adoption, the "doctor" said that forcing a mother to give up her child violates everything he believes in. Amazingly, putting an end to that life doesn't bother him.

As for the "trial", the judge and even the prosecutor are biased in favor of the defendant. The prosecutor allows the defense to bring in loads of irrelevant testimony. While the defendant is found guilty, the judge says that he is inclined to suspend sentence. The defendant is found guilty to drive home the idea that a travesty of justice has been done.

While legal abortions are mentioned, according to the episode, a woman who was raped and threatened suicide was told by the psychiatrist that she was emotionally strong enough to give birth and therefore must do so.

Therapeutic abortions are presented as an almost impossibility under any circumstances. The abortionist is presented as the quintessence of humanity and caring.

I'm glad most episodes are not like this.

Route 66: Only by Cunning Glimpses (1962) Season 3, Episode 12

flawed episode on premonitions

[5/10 · 5 August 2016]

Todd and Buzz see a show where a woman poses as a psychic. Because of a family tragedy, the woman is angry with her father, who is debunking mediums. To irk her father, she pretends to have a vision of Todd murdering Buzz.

Todd is supposed to start a fire and murder Buzz. At the end of the episode, a fire is accidentally started by others. Todd tries to prevent Buzz from entering the fire to help others. The woman's father enters the fire. Only then does the fake medium tell Todd that she made it up to tick of her father.

It turns out that years ago, the woman's mother had a vision of burning up in a fire. Her husband ignored it. By chance, it came true. To punish her father, his daughter became a psychic. To punish his daughter, her father exposed mediums.

HOWEVER -if the father had stayed home, he and his wife might have both perished. ALSO - if I were sure the house would catch fire - and my husband was away from home, teaching, I would stay away too.

The lapse of logic at the end, hurt an interesting episode.

Carol for Another Christmas (1964 TV Movie)

liberal propaganda

[2/10 · 25 December 2014]

This movie presents the problems of the world and posits the UN as a possible solution. Hayden's character is a rich man who hates war. He beliefs in NOT fighting the world's battles.

The other characters treat him in a contemptuous manner - as if most of the world starving is HIS fault. The blame him for enjoying life while others are starving.

The basic idea is that as long as governments talk, they will not fight. In reality, wars are fought for gain. The only thing we can do is stay out of world affairs as much as we can and make sure that our enemies do not dare attack us. If a rich man gave away all his money, nothing would be accomplished. It is not the fault of an isolationist if people are starving. It is the fault of dictatorships.

The heavy handed idiotic portrayal of the problems of the world must be seen to be believed.

The only subtlety is in the ending where our protagonist decides to give the UN a chance. Would that the rest of the film was written as well.

Route 66: Kiss the Maiden All Forlorn (1962) Season 2, Episode 26

morally reprehensible

[1/10 · 22 August 2014]

This usually excellent series has its protagonists lost their way morally. An embezzler forces a meeting with his daughter through the embezzlers strong arm man. Todd and Buzz (who are attempting to assist the daughter) have a gun drawn on them. Most people reading this have not had the trauma of having a gun pulled on them and wondering if they will survive.

Fortunately, when the crook leaves, the others are turned lose instead of killed, something that would not happen. The scene with the nun was the only thing to come off well as the nun seemed to have no sympathy for the man (who tried to bride the nun into rejecting his daughter - who wanted to be a nun). He failed.

The embezzler had some tender words with his daughter and Buzz and Todd in effect wait some time before telling the police, in order to give the man a chance to evade the law. The terrible thing this man had done to them is forgotten. Sterling Silliphant had the criminal, kidnapper and planner of assault get away clean and whitewashed this monster. Earlier, with the nun, he argued that he was justified in being a crook because all of the human race had become corrupt and let him down. This is the kind of liberal baloney we have to put up with now. Fortunately, this is ATYPICAL for the series.

Bewitched: A Is for Aardvark (1965) Season 1, Episode 17

the best episode of the series

[10/10 · 27 July 2013]

This series had brilliant writing for the first - and possibly the second season. The characters had depth and grew and changed like real people. Serious themes were explored. Endora was even moving toward acceptance of her son-in-law. Later, the series turned into a mindless gimmick show.

Here we see how power corrupts. We explore the meaning of life. When Samantha makes the house cooperate with Darrin, while he is bedridden, Darrin gradually reexamines all of his assumptions toward life. He decides to let Samantha use her powers at any time. He said he was being selfish earlier. Indeed - we may wonder if that is true. Of course he only gradually learns of the depth of Samantha's relationship with him. Darrin decides to retire, travel and live a life of ease. Samantha cannot change his mind. She then receives his six month anniversary present to her. It is just a watch with the inscription "I love you every second". Darrin says that it is just a silly thing. Samantha points out that that watch and her relationship with him in his mortal world means more than centuries of near limitless power. Darrin then tells her that he finally understands and does not like the idea of never having to worry about anything. Because Darrin realizes that he would rather forget the whole experience and temptation of near omnipotence, he asks Samantha to take him back in time - before the whole experience started. She does. A wonderful episode which gave us a lot to think about.

Gunsmoke: Robin Hood (1956) Season 1, Episode 17

morality play about civic responsibility

[10/10 · 14 May 2013]

This episode is an improvement over the radio show episode, broadcast a year earlier. The episode is set up by Matt Dillon's opening narration about people forgetting why they hired him. John Henry Jordan is a cutthroat robber and murderer with a gimmick. When possible he robs only the rich. He even pals around with and throws parties for the ordinary citizens. In gratitude we see various citizens lie in a courtroom, allowing Jordan to get off. Only Matt knows just how bad he is. He sets a trap, but it will take time. Along the way, a poor man is murdered. Matt knows it was Jordan who did it. He also knows that if somehow Matt could have stopped the killer earlier, his victim would be alive. Matt, knowing Jordan is after more money, gives orders to have additional men riding shotgun at stagecoaches. He has a reformed cardsharp steal Jordan's money in a rigged poker game. The man who helped Matt is almost killed while Jordan hunts for more money. Jordan visits the husband and wife homesteaders who committed perjury to get him off. He seems friendly, charming, and soft spoken. Matt visits them, while they hide Jordan. After Matt leaves, Jordan stuns the couple (who had let him know that they have a fair amount of money, even though they are not wealthy). Jordan calmly asks them where they keep their money and points a gun at them. After he takes the money, Jordan calmly and quietly points his gun at the couple, explaining that he is leaving no witnesses. Matt returns. He had noticed that the supper table had too much food for two people. Jordan demands that Matt drop his gun. Matt lowers his gun and shoots out the light. Jordan is captured alive after the shootout. The townspeople will have learned a lesson. They should also be told that Jordan didn't rob the bank's money, but the depositors' money. This is a first rate, compelling morality play - made even better by William Hopper's understated performance.

Craig's Wife (1936)

chilling psychological drama

[10/10 · 11 April 2013]

George Kelly's brilliant 1924 play, Craig's Wife, has been well served by the movies. While the silent film has been lost, we have the Joan Crawford vehicle,Harriet Craig, (produced after the play's revival in the 1940s) and the even finer and far more faithful 1936 Craig's Wife. The cast is perfect, from Rosalind Russell to John Hamilton (in a small uncredited role).

Our protagonist, happy husband Walter Craig finds out that his wife never entered into marriage honestly (as he did), but played it safe. Indeed, Harriet explains her view of marriage "without romantic illusions". Harriet tried to avoid what destroyed her mother's life. She believed that she could secure her home and safety by dominating her husband (without letting him know that he is being manipulated). Harriet never realized that if one marries the wrong man, there is no protection. She never realized that she had no need to protect herself from Walter Craig, a man who adored her.

Walter's aunt warns him, in an attempt to remake him into a man who will not be dominated. Walter dismisses this as hyperbole, but remembers it. The plot device that shows Harriet's hand is a double murder of a friend of Walter's (along with the friend's wife). Walter learns the truth. Harriet's manipulation of the members of her household causes them to leave. Walter's life fell apart, but because he can only play a romantic part and isn't the type to be lord and master, he leaves along with the others. Then something magic happens.

Harriet is now alone. All along we hated her. Now Harriet is shattered and we cry our eyes out for her. Her flaws were not out of malice, but ignorance. We want to tell her that she should go to her husband and tell him that she realizes she had everything wrong. Mrs. Frazier, the widowed neighbor, whom Harriet spurned, offers sympathy and leaves. Harriet in desperation, races after her and realizes that she is all alone. She is shattered. So are we. One has nothing left to do but applaud with all one's might.

Becker: Crosstalk (2000) Season 2, Episode 22

wonderful unusual Becker episode

[10/10 · 26 March 2013]

This is an unusual episode of Becker. It centers on serious questions about mortality and chance. The subplot concerning Bobs attempt to get rich by playing the stock market can be ignored.

During a routine examination, Becker has to send a patient to get an immediate MRI. While the patient waits for the procedure, Becker goes to the cafeteria to get a soda. The priest ( who is also the patient's brother, as Becker finds out later) tries to find out information. Eventually all is well as an operation to correct a mass of twisted blood vessels in the brain is corrected.

The high point is a discussion of matters relating to God or chance. Becker makes a good point about giving false hope. What do you do if you say that a patient undergoing a dangerous operation will be all right - and the patient dies. How much is chance? How much is God. Becker, an atheist, agrees to disagree. The discussion is unusual and fascinating - and funny. A high point for the series.

All in the Family: Archie and the Editorial (1972) Season 3, Episode 1

wonderful episode - stacked deck

[10/10 · 16 January 2013]

Here we have one of the best episodes of Norman Lear's best series. The centerpiece encapsulates Archie Bunker's view of gun control. Because Norman Lear has his own view, the episode skews the issue. Despite this, the episode is hysterically funny.

You get the usual contrast of traditional male/female roles versus the new wave that Archie hates. The interaction of the characters is priceless. Because of the quality of the writing, the series holds up today.

Eventually, Archie and Mike get to the Constitution. Archie says that what the Supreme Court says has nothing to do with the law. Considering that the Constitution says that no one could deprive anyone of life without due process; and the court finding the death penalty unconstitutional in 1972 (before partially reversing), Archie has a point. Mike's comment about the militia clause would suggest that the founders intended to say that a militia has the right to guns. That is laughable on its face, and ignores the ninth amendment.

Archie's editorial is an utterly ridiculous statement with some truth in it. Studies have shown the effects of gun control. Criminals don't follow the law. Gun free zones are more dangerous because law abiding people are disarmed. While there could be a real debate, Lear's purpose is to push an agenda.

The end shows a man congratulating Archie for being against gun control. He robs Archie. Actually, criminals are in favor of gun control because it is far less risky for them. What if Archie had had a gun on him? Despite the tilting of the issue (Lear would do the same thing in the series, 704 Hauser St., with regard to Anita Hill having no reason to lie during the Clarence Thomas hearings), this is one of the best episodes of a great series. I wonder if it prompted anyone to read the Federalist Papers.

Angie (1979–1980)

magnificent until they changed it

[10/10 · 16 November 2011]

This show premiered February 8, 1979. It had a wonderful cast, superb writing and a very interesting and well handled premise. Liberty Coffee Shop waitress Angelina Carmella Mary Falco meets and quickly marries millionaire doctor Bradley Andrew Benson. The hysterical and heartwarming adventures begin. The characters were phenomenal. Brad Benson a regular guy and caring husband. Angie the sensible of the two Falco daughters. The other daughter, Marie, was a hilarious scatterbrain played by Debralee Scott. The other waitress, man crazy DiDi played by Diane Robin. Off camera chef Hector (less funny as on camera chef during the second season).

Perhaps the best developed character Theresa Concheta Rosa Fortunata Falco was played by Doris Roberts. Her character alternated between humor and pathos. After Angie's elopement, when Mrs. Falco said "Angie. Angie who?", it brought tears to my eyes. The chemistry between the actors was unusually strong.

On the Benson side, there was Brad's father, a gruff but fair man, well played by John Randolph. Brad's snobby sister played surprisingly sympathetically by Sharon Spellman and her daughter Hillary with some funny lines of her own, played by Tammy Lauren.

Humorous issues and serious points were dealt with. By May, at #5 in the ratings, it was renewed - but changed. DiDi and Hillary were gone. The writing wasn't as funny. A butler was added even though Brad made a point of not wanting a butler. A time and day change and the ratings started to slip. They withdrew and retooled the show. The death knell was the end of the Liberty Coffee Shop and Mrs. Falco's newsstand. The show burned brightly and faded away. At its best, this was the family you wanted as your second family. Mrs. Falco was the mother-in-law you wish you had. This also contains Doris Roberts finest work and best character.

Super President (1967– )

noble children's series with flaws

[9/10 · 13 November 2011]

This series featured two characters, Super President (James Norcross) ( voiced by Paul Frees) and Spy Shadow, the living shadow of Secret Agent Richard Vance (both magnificently voiced by Ted Cassidy). Forget the silly title Super President. What we have is a noble caring man who, with his aide, Jerry Sales, fights menaces to society with his element changing powers. The stories are sometimes silly, but sometimes poignant and profound. The writing varies, but is sometimes excellent. The background music is sometimes very effective. If only this could be commercially released.

The Spy Shadow segment (one in each episode) is sometimes silly and sometimes charming. This occurred during the wane of the secret agent era. This, like other children's shows, taught values and emphasized right over wrong. The office of the president was shown with respect. I have fond memories of this wonderful series produced by David H. DePatie and Friz Freleng.

Mr. Terrific (1967)

a poor show but I love it

[8/10 · 22 October 2011]

I was 16 when this series aired. Something clicked. I never forgot it. I also saw Captain Nice which followed on NBC. Mr. Terrific was on CBS. Captain Nice was a satire in the Get Smart tradition. It was a fairly good show. I liked it. Mr. Terrific was an average situation comedy.

Stephen Strimpell, who wished that he could have forgotten this series, played Stanley Beamish, an incompetent super hero, who in real life is a weakling. Dick Gautier in a change from Hymie the robot on Get Smart, played Stanley's partner, Hal Walters. The government Agents were played to perfection by John McGiver (Mr. Reed) & Paul Smith (Mr. Trent). Harley Trent's comments were priceless. Stanley just managed to succeed even though on one mission, he kidnaps an understudy instead of the ballerina. Of course there are funny moments along the way. You see a little bit of what it might be like to be a part time super hero.

Not much of a show. I still don't know why I'm crazy about it. I wish it would be released on DVD here. It is available only in Germany.

Monk (2002–2009)

perplexing puzzle of a series

[8/10 · 18 August 2011]

Having watched all the episodes, I can say what this show is. It is not a comedy in the sense that it is very difficult to write a convincing comedy-drama. Comedy can have outrageous and unrealistic things happen. A drama or comedy drama (like MASH was in later years), must tread carefully. There is too much silliness (like the Randy Disher character)to accept this as a drama. It is a drama, a poorly written one. The detective stories are laughably bad. Characterizations are inconsistent and unreliable. Occasionally obsessive compulsive behavior is poked fun of (something that is in terrible taste to say the least). Why in the world am I giving this an eight instead of a zero? The only thing the show has, and that is enough, is the only realistic portrayal of a grieving widower. Monk's relationship with Trudy is beautiful. He never dreamed he'd have an adoring wife, let alone Trudy. When she died (as his brother Ambrose said in the 100th episode), Monk died as well. His friends and his love of detective work keeps him going. Nothing is real to him except Trudy. She is his whole world. He worships her. He can't move on. As he said earlier, he will live out his remaining days in quiet desperation. Some widowers can go on. Others (like Monk) can't. When he is buried alive, he is in seventh heaven because he has a vision of Trudy. Later he would discount the vision and remember only the terror.

In the end, he solves Trudy's murder and bonds with Trudy's daughter. He will have things just a little easier. In Mr. Monk and the Foreign Man, he bonds with another widower, acknowledging what they know that outsiders don't. All of this, handled with sensitivity and taste coexists with the bad. It is a puzzle. The show is worth viewing only for what I have mentioned.

The Flintstones (1960–1966)

the best written comedy of all time

[10/10 · 16 August 2011]

After the original series left the air in 1966, there have been a lot of inferior remakes and adulterations in other venues. Nothing compares with the original. People have compared this to the Honeymooners. Not so. The Honeymooners was a simple situation comedy. Except for the early episodes, Fred and Wilma didn't bicker much. The show was busy making subtle and not so subtle satiric points.

In one episode, they poked fun of ratings, unrealistic TV shows, placement of station breaks and people who live vicariously through television.

In, the Beauty Contest, Fred and Barney waxed nostalgic over when they were single and longed to hear a woman's voice. Later, there were many hilarious exchanges. The show didn't give you what you expected. Sometimes an overdone point was hysterically funny. Betty: I don't feel like watching television. Barney: But you HAVE to watch television, Betty. Some lines of dialogue are for the ages BARNEY: Did you ever start up a gangplank and have a sudden feeling there was no ship?

Among stellar characters, we must mention Verna Felton's portrayal of Wilma's mother. She was the worst mother-in-law in the world. (I must point out that Wilma's maiden name is Pebble. Later writers forgot that and gave her the name Slaghoople. Thus are errors perpetuated.) At turns the show could be warm, mature, serious, poignant and hysterically funny because of the subtlety with which certain things were done. Every week was an incredible adventure. I was there when it began. It was my favorite show then. It still is.

I should also mention the great Alan Reed, the quintessential everyman, incomparable Mel Blanc and real life best friends Jean Vander Pyl and Bea Benaderet playing best friends and wives Wilma Flintstone and Betty Rubble.

I could mention Paula Winslowe's portrayal of Greta Gravel in an episode with an important message about marriage. I'm sure you get the picture. I could go on and on, but I won't.

Night Into Morning (1951)

The only movie to show how it is for widowers

[10/10 · 16 August 2011]

When I first saw this with my wife, she said that Dore Shary liked to produce films to enlighten. This one should be released immediately on commercial video. A college professor (Ray Milland) loses his wife (Rosemary DeCamp) and son in a fire.

He gradually starts to come apart at the seams. His actions: insomnia, drinking, mood swings, are realistically shown. Along the way, we see Nancy Davis' character, and learn that she went through the same thing. This movie contains so much, that one must watch it many times to absorb it all. How Miss Davis' character moves from attempted suicide to happiness is a story in itself.

Her fiancée, as he described himself "A thick-headed Swede" is handled perfectly. Just in time, the professor is saved from committing suicide. He then moves in with his friends. The movie ends with him telling his students to "go with God". There is no happy ending. The worst may be over, though there will be many rough times ahead. At least now our protagonist knows what he is facing.

WHAT A MOVIE.

The Flintstones: On the Rocks (2001 TV Movie)

adult situation but out of character

[2/10 · 16 August 2011]

Jeff Bergman does a beautiful job impersonating the great Alan Reed. The other voices are acceptable. The animation was impossibly crude and looked more like Ren and Stimpy. Of course some of the usual continuity errors were there. On the original series, a running gag was, no one knew what Barney did for a living. Here, he is briefly shown working with Fred at the quarry (similar to the comic strip).

I liked the idea of an adult theme. While kids watched this show in the beginning (I was one of them), it was rightly billed as the first adult cartoon show. Having Fred and Wilma act cruel to each other has more in common with today's immature couples than with the characters on the series. Even Ralph and Alice on the Honeymooners (a series superficially similar to this) wouldn't act in a deliberately hurtful manner. The truth is that they are a match and can take each other for granted, but this is too much. The basic core of decency behind the satire in the series is gone. There are moments, but just moments. I'm glad that the late great Jean Vander Pyl didn't live to see this. A lot of sensitivity to the characters could have saved this movie. Unfortunately, I do not have high hopes with regard to Seth MacFarlane's venture either. Too bad.

Happy Days (1974–1984)

Thanks Fonz

[8/10 · 8 May 2002]

In addition to everything else, Happy Days' Fonzie gave some of the best advice ever. My favorite piece of advice was given to Chachi after Joanie broke up with him. After giving advice that didn't work out and being berated by Chachi, the Fonz said that he gave the advice because Chachi needed to do something to get Joanie back, even though Fonz knew the advice was bad. Chachi then said "How do you get your girl back?" Fonz said "Sometimes you don't." He then said that Chachi feels very small and that the pain of his heartbreak is very big, but that each day Chachi will get bigger and the pain will get smaller until one day Chachi will be bigger than the pain. In his own way Fonz pointed out that one never gets over the tragedies in life, but that one does go on and make the best of whatever situation one is dealt. Not many shows can present moments like this. Yes, my favorite character on the show is the Fonz. I'm not "nutso".

The Factor (1996–2017)

As Bill says "No Spin Zone"

[28 March 2002]

Bill's program and interviews are limited only by his intelligence, which is considerable. This is as good as it gets to fair commentary that is driven only by a desire for the truth, regardless of ideology. I don't always agree, but so what. Bill O'Reilly is a treasure.

The Flintstones (1994)

A miss except for the visuals

[3/10 · 18 March 2002]

The visuals were perfect and fascinating. The story, with some rewriting could have been acceptable. What killed the movie for me was the total lack of understanding of the series as well as the lack of characterization. I know that John Goodman is no Alan Reed, but he could have watched episodes of the show and gotten the feel of it. Barney Rubble doesn't work in the quarry with Fred. No one knows what Barney does for a living. The sharp wit of Barney's dialogue was absent, to say nothing of Mel Blanc's characterization. Elizabeth Taylor was too thin to play Mrs. Pebble. (Wilma's maiden name was Pebble. The later episodes of the series forgot this.) Of course, no one could match the great Verna Felton as Fred's mother-in-law, but the writers and Miss Taylor should have tried. The pity is that with sufficient preparation and understanding of the series, this could have been wonderful. The only good touch was Rosie O' Donnell's imitation of Betty's laugh as originated by Bea Benaderet.