Several episodes of different shows from the late 60s, early 70s had a weird tone to them. This was one of them. It was too early to be highlighting Fran in an episode. This was only about the 7th episode with her in the series. Might have worked better with Eve Whitfield (it was a real shame she felt the need to live the show). I found the episode a little difficult to follow, and quite frankly boring. In the end I found it too bizarre and for all the wrong reasons. I often wonder how often actors feel like a script is lame and they just have to go along with it contractually. This was one of those times. Really wasn't worth the hour.
Reviews
18 Reviews
Carol Lynley was not a very good actress.
19 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Carol Lynley, despite being one of the primary characters in the episode, does not come across as very believable. Frankly, I'm not sure how she was able to find work in the industry. She was the weakest link in this episode, just as she was in the Poseidon Adventure (one of my favorite films). "She's had three years with L. A. P. D. Two years with vice, each one with homicide, narcotics and robbery."
"If you care to look at my file, you will find that I am an expert marksman, and that I came in second at
the academy in self-defense."-----Sure. Sure you did. She says it was such little conviction, there is no way I would have selected her for the assignment. The entire episode she sounded like she was doing a read-through of the script for the first time. As the Vic Tayback character said to her "It's a good thing you're a pretty girl." Because that is the only thing she had going for her. The rest of the cast was fine and the story line was decent.
The episode that proved Serena's later coming out was nonsense
10 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
In this episode about high school gay girls, Serena Southerlyn had a couple of relevant quotes: "When I was in high school, I had a very close friend, I had no idea she was gay until she came out in college. She always said she was too afraid until then. I'm not sure much has changed."
"Coming out's gotta be a pretty tough thing to do, no matter how understanding your parents are. "
This show was a perfect opportunity for Serena to at least give a hint of her own sexuality. But, not even a hint of a whisper.
Nothing until she later gets fired and blurts out to everyone's surprise "Is this because I'm a lesbian?".
This show was a perfect opportunity for Serena to at least give a hint of her own sexuality. But, not even a hint of a whisper.
Nothing until she later gets fired and blurts out to everyone's surprise "Is this because I'm a lesbian?".
Amanda Peet looked good and did well
21 May 2022
I thought it was an interesting episode. I kept looking at the actress playing Leslie Harlan. I knew I had seen that actress somewhere before, but couldn't place her ; especially during her crying scenes. Nice to find out it was an early Amanda Peet role. She did well. I'm glad the verdict came down as it did.
Amanda McBroom was bad
30 March 2022
The premise wasn't bad, but the writing was substandard. And McBroom did a very poor job trying to act in this episode. Ruined it for me. I'm glad McBroom had success as a songwriter, because as an actress she just didn't have it.
A Ticklish Affair
(1963)
The last 20 minutes ruined this movie
30 December 2021
I wondered how this movie with Gig Young, Shirley Jones, Red Buttons, and Carolyn Jones could only rate 2 stars out of 4 on my TV's guide. Then I saw the last 20 minutes. The movie had the stars and the start of a decent premise and then was ruined by ridiculousness in the last 20 minutes. They must have thrown some serious money at the 4 stars to get them to buy into this one. I can't see that it's ever been released to home video, so that should be a key indicator. It's that disappointing.
Sonny Bono ruined this episode
6 October 2021
I was 13 when this episode came out. I didn't think much of Sonny Bono as an entertainer then, and seeing him again now does not change my opinion. He and Cher divorced a few months before this episode aired. He was not much of a singer, and his acting was even worse. When he wasn't on the show, the episode was fine.
Even for a Christmas episode, this was just too much
26 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This episode checks all the boxes for a Christmas episode
*A baby *Someone in ill health or injured, who needs a miracle *Temptation *Redemption *Triumph of good over evil. *Multiple miracles delivered.
Even for a Christmas episode, this was way over the top.
*A baby *Someone in ill health or injured, who needs a miracle *Temptation *Redemption *Triumph of good over evil. *Multiple miracles delivered.
Even for a Christmas episode, this was way over the top.
You knew she had to be related to someone in the show.....
5 November 2020
As I watching the actress who was portraying "Dawn Carlson" try to act, I kept thinking she MUST be related to someone important to the show. She was awful and had no reason being on any show. The actress' name is Bonnie Epsen....daughter of Buddy Epsen. The show was typical crime drama stuff and would have been acceptable with a decent actress. But, as she was in almost every scene, she ruined the show. This was a case of water needing to be thicker than blood.
How many times can Joe fall in love with Nancy Kovack?
31 October 2019
It's not unusual for series to reuse guest stars or character actors during the run of the series. However, having Joe fall for Nancy Kovack, as 2 different characters, twice in 2 years (1972 and 1973) is too much. At least, they could have put her on opposite sides of the series.
Christmas Is
(1970 TV Movie)
A nice Christmas Special from the early 70s
22 October 2019
I think "Christmas-Reviewer" misses the point. Benji and Waldo specials were all pretty simple animation. However, as a medium for delivering a message, they were all fairly good and impactful.. Christmas-Reviewer said "This is the worse (sic) special ever made". I'm assuming he meant "worst". He must not see many Christmas specials..or must restrict his (or her) viewing to secular Christmas specials (Rudolph, Grinch, etc). The Benji and Waldo series were all produced by Lutheran Television, and as such, they endeavor to present the actual reasons we celebrate Christmas and Easter. And that alone will keep people wanting to view these year after year. I saw it as a child, and have all the Benji and Waldo shows on DVD today. Why? because I still enjoy them.
Had me until the end
11 July 2018
Not a bad episode, but the ending is a little unbelievable...even for a TV show. I won't give it away, but the order of the handling of the situation (saving the day vs communicating with authorities) was out of whack. It did not need to be as "thrilling" as the writers tried to make it.
I think MTS jumped the shark in Season 8.
12 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Kind of an odd episode. A 'tomboy'ish girl completely acts and dresses like a boy and goes by "Mike"...until Katie intervenes. Gender-bending in the late 60s. Today, Katie would be criticized for not allowing "Mike" to identify. As much as I like Katie, I think this show 'jumped the shark' when they moved from Bryant Park and Rob and Katie got married only a couple of weeks after the season started. The actress who played "Mike" is the daughter of a guest actor on the show. Her lack of experience as an actress completely shows.
Unrealistic episode
27 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was silly and unrealistic. Everyone knew the correct decision was to go, except Margaret. The solution that allowed her to go was so obvious, it was painful. The fact that Margaret and Jim couldn't connect on his trip, or before her travel up there, was too too unrealistic to enjoy
The Father Knows Best Reunion
(1977 TV Movie)
Andersons DID have a station wagon.
21 January 2018
I have to correct something Rooster_Davis said "And why are Jim and Margaret, who've been empty-nesters for many years, now driving a station wagon? They didn't have one when they had kids at home, and now they have one?". They had a Station Wagon in the original series. They got it in "Margaret wins a Car". Margaret wins a luxury car, and later in the episode she trades it in to buy a station wagon.
Tell Your Friends