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Reviews
Dream On: The French Conception (1993)
Fun and Games takes a back issue to Abortion
An unexpected landmark episode of the series.
Martin thinks he's doing a favor by funding an abortion behind his soon to be live in girlfriend (Kate's) back for her daughter however it ends up putting a strain on their relationship.
Kate's daughter doesn't want her mother to find out she's pregnant so she asks for Martin's help. Without any question he obliges thinking he's doing good but when Kate finds out, she is enraged because of a past secret.
No matter what side of the abortion issue you are on, this episode deals with the seriousness of the issue and it's consequences.
A must watch.
The Tony Randall Show: Pilot (1976)
Humorous Pilot
Easily available on YouTube, The series showed promise in this hilarious pilot episode.
Tony Randall expands on his Felix Unger persona as a Court Judge in Philadelphia ,a widower with two children a teenage daughter (played by George C Scott real daughter!) and a young son.
In this episode he is set out on his first date since his wife had passed. The situation is awkward and funny at the same time. Although it's typical '70's sitcom fare, it is more upbeat than his later sitcom Love Sidney (1981).
Check out future Seinfeld cast member Barney Martin as a law clerk and Jack Klugman stalwart Garry Walberg (Quincy/Odd Couple) in a surprising cameo as a waiter.
Worth seeking out.
Mission: Impossible: Illusion (1969)
Barbara Shines Here!
Now I know where Madeline Kahn got her inspiration in Blazing Saddles. One of the last episodes to feature Barbara Bain and her then husband Martin Landau.
As a person who grew up watching a tepid Ms. Bain on Space 1999, this performance is mind blowing. The IMF force is out to set a trap for Fritz Weaver a homicidal power hungry agent in a unfriendly Eastern Bloc Country. Sounds like a typical episode but tune in the middle of the show and you'd see Barbara performing original song numbers from the show's writers with ease as a European nightclub cabaret singer. Martin lends terrific support as her piano player. The episode works on all levels and the acting is good with cast and the guest stars.
It's too bad Ms. Bain didn't persue singing further in her career but least we have this episode to treasure.
The Rockford Files: Deadlock in Parma (1980)
Last episode? Didn't realize...
Typical Big City in a remote town episode. Wish Becker (Joe Santos) or Angel (Stuart Margolin) and the Trailer would have appeared one last time but seeing Joseph Sirola is always a treat.
The series finale brought some things full circle not withstanding:car trouble, fun car chases,snappy dialogue and most of all Garner's Rockford fishing with his hat. That was more prominent in the series first few episodes (especially the ones with Lindsey Wagner!)
Brian's Song (1971)
...not a wasted frame of film.
At a short running time of 80 minutes (without commercials) this is arguably the finest television movie of all time. From Jack Warden's opening narration to the authentic training camp scenes and NFL footage, the performances of Billy Dee Williams and James Caan not to mention the whole cast and of course the dialogue and script. Revolutionary for its time dealing with cancer and interracial friendship the story still seems fresh today and inspires especially with what's going on in the year 2020.
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Warren's Best...
From the opening shot to the closing scenes the movie is a classic. Stand out performances by a stellar supporting cast (too many to name)especially Jack Warden.
Warren masters a complicated role of a backup quarterback who is mistakenly deprived of life and gets redeemed when he gets a second chance at it as a another identity. For the fantasy AND the sports fan!!
One to watch if in the TV listings....
Police Story: Glamour Boy (1974)
Prelude to JR Ewing...
Larry Hagman shows what's to come with his appearance as a suave double dealing thief.
Any fan of Dallas would definitely want to check this out.