BRBTV News Blog

Announcing ... the Vanderbilt Family Tree

2026-05-18T08:45:00.000-04:00

There are statesmen, businessmen, authors, and Congressmen. There are counts and countesses, lords and ladies. There are artists, museum founders, and America's Cup winners. There are actors, filmmakers, and musicians. There is someone who perished on the Lusitania. There is even a CNN anchor.

And at the heart of it all ... a railroad magnate.

But for me, at the heart of it all ...
a designer jeans icon.
And someone I have always admired.

And now for something completely different, as Monty Python would say ... I am a geeky girl, and I like to research stuff. At my heart I am a journalist, as well -- trained professionally, of course, with an actual degree in journalism and years of work in the field. I also happen to be a big follower (OK, fan) of Gloria Vanderbilt ever since I wore her designer jeans in junior high school in the early '80s. I have owned so many pairs of her jeans, cords and other pants over the years I lost count, and I have collected every kind of item she put out there besides -- other clothing, cologne, jewelry, dishware, art prints, whatever I could find on eBay, even a sterling silver bracelet once owned by her, which I treasure greatly.

I have catalogued on this very blog the appearances of her jeans I have seen as I've rewatched beloved TV shows from my childhood: "Three's Company," "The Facts of Life," and "Soap" (and I can tell you, Fallon wore them on "Dynasty," Mindy wore them on "Mork and Mindy," and Melissa wore them on "Falcon Crest" -- I just haven't blogged about that yet).

I own every one of Gloria's books (even the obscure poetry book), and I've read several other books about her and her family, most recently the "Vanderbilt" historical book by her son, Anderson Cooper. And honestly, I'm not even sure how this particular research project started, but I know why: It started because of that geeky girl thing I mentioned. I started compiling a family tree of the Vanderbilts. Maybe it was just to keep it all straight as I was reading through the books. But I thought, hey, why not; maybe there's not something like that out there, and I can contribute in some way to our culture's historical info? So I got geekier and geekier, and I dug and dug and kept digging, and I now have a first edition of what I would consider a moderately fluid family tree of the Vanderbilts, in Excel format.

At the center of all of this is Gloria, who passed away in her 90s in 2019, and my love for her, but there were (and are) so many notable people on this family tree. As Anderson Cooper writes in his book, the era of the Vanderbilts is gone and the dynasty they built has "fallen" (I guess, though I don't like to think of it that way), but there are so many people in this family line who have contributed a great deal to our country and culture.

So for whatever it's worth, produced after many hours of research and presented open-source and free to use in whatever way it could be helpful, is the ...

Vanderbilt Family Tree

As mentioned, this is a fluid document. And it is compiled by human hands, not by AI. There are currently more than 720 blood Vanderbilts on it, and there are still some holes in it, here and there. So if you have any edits to it, I welcome them.

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Top two photos: Cornelius ("Commodore") Vanderbilt, produced by Mathew Brady's studio, restored by Michel Vuijlsteke, public domain. Gloria Vanderbilt, from a 1959 acting role on "The United States Steel Hour," public domain.

Other photos by the author.

Ode to Michael, from a (formerly teenage) fan

2026-05-11T07:30:00.000-04:00

I saw the "Michael" movie a week ago, and my head has been in Michael-land ever since. I fished out a couple thin paperback books I got back in the day, amid the mania over the "Thriller" album, which I also bought, in addition to then buying "Off the Wall." My mother got me a Michael Jackson doll, and there were lots of other things I bought back then, in the glorious '80s, as one of the zillions of teen girls crazy about this singer who had come up out of the famed Jackson Five.

These books were quickly produced to capitalize on the super-stardom at the time. I'm reading them now for the first time -- back then I looked at the pictures, mainly, and didn't really read them. But they offer a perspective that is so interesting, and it is very similar to what you see in the movie. The books were written in 1983, released in 1984, so they cover much of the same time period as the movie: His childhood through the "Thriller" album. I found it intriguing that the movie, coming from Michael's family, chose to end his story where it did. I'm glad it did, because it reinforced to me who Michael truly was. I mean, that's the question we all ask, right? Who really was Michael? And I don't believe that Michael was all the stuff that came later -- the allegations, the rumors, the masks, the changing appearance, the stunt marriage to Lisa Marie (OK, maybe that's just my opinion), the whatever. So I'm good with the particular ground they covered in the movie.

I believe Michael was not homosexual, bisexual, or really even heterosexual, so much. And he definitely wasn't pedo-sexual. He was asexual. He was like a child, and he related better to children than adults. He loved animals. He never really grew up, just like the Peter Pan character he admired. Or maybe he never really had a childhood. Both books discuss that, from the 1983 perspective, one even noting he had mannequins that he would talk to in his room at the family's house in California. He was often lonely. One book includes a quote from him about going to the schoolyard when he felt down, to watch the kids play. That would be an emotional lift to him. He truly loved children. But a celeb wouldn't say that these days, would they? This world has become a different place, but Michael is still the same person.

I will never forget when Michael came to town while I was working at The Detroit News in downtown Detroit. It would have been sometime between like 1998 and 2001. It became known in the newsroom that he would be doing an interview at the NBC affiliate, Channel 4, WDIV, across the street from our building on Lafayette. But no one out there knew it. We had an eye out for him, and when his SUV entourage arrived, I forgot I was a journalist. I was glued to the window of our department on the second floor of the old News building. I was telling the others, he's here, he's here. They might have gathered at the window a bit, but they didn't go all fan-girl like me. We watched him and his people get out of the vehicles, go into the building. No one else was around. Then we watched for them to leave again, which wasn't all that much later. When they came out and got back into the vehicles and pulled away, there I was, the teen girl again, watching excitedly. I couldn't wait to tell my mother later. I got to see him. Live. The legend, Michael Jackson. My teen crush.

But then ... as the SUVs pulled away on Lafayette, a window rolled down. And a gloved hand reached out. And waved. I totally lost it. How did he notice that crazy girl up in that window? Maybe Michael really was always all about the fans.

I will forever love that moment. I am somebody who has covered a lot of events and interviewed a lot of celebs in my career. I got a wink from Robert Conrad across the room at the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Con in Maryland. I got genuine hugs from Yvonne Craig and Grace Lee Whitney at the Motor City Comic Con (I interviewed both of them for The News). I opened and drank the can of orange juice Lou Ferrigno left on the table after a Q&A session at a con I was covering for a comics website -- maybe it was in Atlanta? -- just so I could say I drank the Hulk's orange juice. I got "the hand" from Lindsay Wagner at her table at the Motor City Comic Con when I tried to ask her a question as she was signing the photo I was paying for. I got called a "cheap fuck" by novelist Harlan Ellison at his table at MegaCon in Florida when I asked him to sign something but wasn't interested in buying the book he was promoting at the time.

But that wave out the SUV window ... now that was a moment.

C'mon, any haters out there. Let's get real. Michael was not a Diddy or an R. Kelly. Michael was a unique individual who I believe genuinely wanted to make the world a better place, and he believed he could do that through his music. He wanted to bring people together. He wanted to give the world some joy. He was tremendously talented -- people sometimes forget that, and I'm glad the movie reminded us. In my view, the only crime he committed was in being different. In not fitting everyone's mold or expectations. I can relate.

Terrific TV Toys: Mary Marvel action figure, Figures Toy Co., 2016

2026-05-06T08:30:00.007-04:00

She was part of the Marvel family decades ago in Fawcett comics and in the 1981 Saturday-morning Filmation cartoon series "The Kid Super Power Hour with Shazam!" Her character has even been featured on the big screen more recently. She's Mary Marvel, and this is not the first time she has starred in an episode of Terrific TV Toys. A few seasons back we took a look at an original production cel from that same Filmation series. Now we're getting up-close and personal with an action figure of Mary from that oh-so divine Figures Toy Company, because they're so skilled at helping us relive those Mego glory days of old.

See what else is on the Terrific TV Toys playlist.

How about another "Dynasty" collector update from Bjørn?

2026-04-30T09:04:32.760-04:00

We've featured him on this blog so many times, you might as well just copy and paste his name into that little search field off to the right of this post >>> rather than my trying to list out all the prior posts about his amazing collection! And now I just had to post a couple quick update photos from Bjørn, one of our "Dynasty" super-collectors. He was just featured in the final update of the "Dynasty High" BRBTV guide that released a few weeks ago, along with the Nolan Miller Collector, whose wardrobe pieces are truly awesome.

The gems below are added pieces for the limited-edition "Dynapoly" board game Bjørn created and released a few years back. The game is no longer available (maybe again someday), but these marvelous pieces are a sort of upgrade ...

Then there are the delights below, new figures created for the scale replica of the Carrington mansion, aka the "Dynasty" dollhouse. Blake, Krystle, Alexis, Fallon, they're all there (even Tony the gardener!).

Thanks, Bjørn! It is wonderful to continue to watch your craftiness!

Watching the "Dukes" with another Duke? Cooter's Place serves it up again

2026-04-23T09:00:47.813-04:00

One good turn deserves another, as they say, and on April 11, Cooter's Place, owned by Ben ("Cooter Davenport") Jones of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and his wife Alma, hosted Catherine ("Daisy Duke") Bach for an evening of watching an episode of the "Dukes" and doing Q&A. Now Tom Wopat -- our own Luke Duke -- takes his turn. He'll be at the Luray location of Cooter's Place on May 16 for an evening with fans, watching the episode "The Ghost of the General Lee" and taking questions. Awesome! Get your tickets.

Get yer Daisy Dukes here!

2026-04-19T12:16:00.000-04:00

(Or is that "dazy duks," as a rapper once said???) Imagine this author's surprise, driving through the small town of Lakeview, Michigan, yesterday for a library event, and happening upon this little gem at a strip mall just off the highway.

So sweet. I was on my way to the event and couldn't stop when I spotted it, but at the end of the afternoon, I decided to pull into the strip mall and take a photo. But then that "open today" placard was sitting out there, so inviting. Yes, I had to go in. And yes, they do actually sell denim Daisy Dukes! Along with a whole lot of other clothing and houseware items. Catherine Bach of our beloved "Dukes of Hazzard" would certainly be delighted. If she ever comes up this way, she's gotta pose for a photo in front of the store!

Exploring the wonderful world of Burgess Meredith "Twilight Zone" episodes

2026-04-13T08:30:00.054-04:00

So you've got the guy who loves to read, then survives the end of the world, and is able to go to the library and read as much as he wants, but ... he breaks his glasses. Totally rough, man! Then you've got the guy on trial in a huge, dark, sinister courtroom, being interrogated and determined to be "obsolete." Those are the two I remember best. But THEN you've got the printer and the visitor who may or may not be the devil. THEN there's frail little Mr. Dingle, who gets an unexpected boost from some comical aliens. Have you seen all four?

"Time Enough at Last," Season 1, perhaps the best-known of the four
"The Obsolete Man," Season 3, a powerful social commentary
"Printer’s Devil," Season 4, an hourlong episode
"Mr. Dingle, the Strong," Season 2, written by Rod Serling, also featuring Don Rickles

The latest episode of "Just Beneath the Surface" has Brian and Bruce breaking it down for you, and they rank the four episodes. Which is the best, in their opinion? You'll just have to watch ...

Straight from "Dukes" stunt man Corey Eubanks: Check out his Stunt Stories LIVE!

2026-04-05T11:56:00.005-04:00

This just in to BRBTV! (beep-beep-beep-beep ....) Longtime Hollywood stunt man Corey Eubanks sends this note about an upcoming event "Dukes" fans will want to add to their calendars:

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I just wanted to let you know that I will be telling STUNT STORIES LIVE in Oxford, Georgia, on June 6 and 7 at the Legacy Banquet Hall located @ 672 Moore St. Oxford, GA 30054.

Throughout my 40+ year career working in the film and television industry as a professional stuntman, I have acquired some pretty amazing stories I would like to share with you, from jumping the world-famous General Lee on "The Dukes of Hazzard" television series, driving Bumblebee in every single "TRANSFORMERS" movie, jumping the Gran Torino while filming "Starsky & Hutch" and performing the biggest vehicular stunt in the history of cinema when I cannon-rolled the 42,000 pound prison bus 3 ½ times in the feature film, "FAST FIVE," which won me my third Taurus World Stunt Award.

In my 90-minute show, I reveal the truth and shocking secrets about the stunt industry very few people are aware of, and I explain what it was really like performing stunts for actors such as Tom Cruise, Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro and Mark Wahlberg. I also show a mini-documentary about the "FAST FIVE" prison bus stunt that has never-before-seen-footage that Universal Studios doesn’t even know exists! And, I explain what it was really like working on the set of "The Dukes of Hazzard" for four years and jumping the General Lee over a span of 25 years!

If you would like to attend my STUNT STORIES LIVE or just want more information, go to: CoreymEubanks.com.

Announcing a new -- and final! -- print edition of "Dynasty High"

2026-04-03T10:37:00.018-04:00

One good turn deserves another, as they say. Last September, this author completed the final print update of the BRBTV book "Destination: Dallas." It was arduous, involving converting the book to a new software program (read: redoing it completely), but I felt it was necessary, so that the continuity of TNT's 2012 "Dallas" reboot series could be folded in. It nagged on me a bit to give the same treatment to "Dynasty High," since it was in the same boat -- up-to-date Kindle edition because that's easy to do, but not-so-up-to-date print edition where the CW's 2017 remake series was concerned. With "Dynasty High," though, I didn't have to redo the whole book file; it was already in a modern software I still owned! Yay!

Anywho, it was a delight to rewatch the 2017 "Dynasty" episodes, just to do another check on my episode synopses, cast and character guides. It's such a pretty show. A snazzy show. A show, as I said on this blog at the time, that was unmistakably sassy. I enjoyed it the first time, and I enjoyed it this time, too, even though it did feel a bit too soon to rewatch the eps. But hey -- there's no bad time for "Dynasty," old or new!

So whether you're just discovering the CW's fresh take on the series on Netflix or Apple+ and want to maybe get a load of the original series (you can see how pretty that one is, too, on Pluto right now -- we didn't see it in HD like that originally, so it's worth doing!), or you're a diehard fan of the original series, or some combination therein, here it is ... the last update I swear I will ever make to your BRBTV guide to the series (I really don't want people to feel like they have to buy the book again if they already own it, as I wouldn't want to do that, either).

It is now one of the biggest print books in the BRBTV series at a whopping 506 pages! Besides the CW series info, I folded in some other info I had included in the Kindle edition, like a photo look at the amazing collections of a couple big-time "Dynasty" fans that you've seen featured on this blog. So it's now an even bigger capture of all things "Dynasty," and I'm very thankful it's completed!

Terrific non-TV Toys: Scoob Easter greeter plush, Gemmy Industries, 2024

2026-04-01T08:30:00.018-04:00

You know, if you're heading to Grandma's house for Easter dinner this Sunday, how delighted are you going to be if, as you're rolling up on her sidewalk, you get greeted by a soft, lovable, puppy Scoob in his sweet little bunny ears? I mean, seriously.

Well, two years ago Walmart offered up this Scoob Easter greeter plush featured on the latest episode of the Terrific non-TV Toys series. Any Easter hosting would be all that much finer with this little guy around. And that is no April Fool's!

See what else is on the Terrific non-TV Toys playlist.

Happy Easter from BRBTV!

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Rut-roh! The fun doesn't end there! Indulge your love of our favorite Great Dane with "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! A BRBTV Report," a short, snappy, exploration of the original cartoon series that started it all, back in 1969. Lots of fun facts -- and full-color images -- in e-book format for your Kindle or tablet -- and at only a buck and a half!

Visit BRBTV.com for more books celebrating the great classic TV shows you grew up with!

Talking about my best boss ever, Diane, and more in this new interview with Canvas Rebel mag

2026-03-26T07:30:00.007-04:00

Thanks so much to the Canvas Rebel online magazine for this fresh new interview. I love it, because I got to talk about the best boss I ever had in my "day jobs" over the years, and that was Diane at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. I still talk to her now and then, decades later. They say that a good boss can keep you in a bad job (though frankly, BSBSM was a great job for me!) and vice-versa -- a bad boss can send you out of a good job. Bosses make a big difference!

I also chat a bit about the writing stuff I've done over the years, and the marvelous "Dukes of Hazzard" events I've had the privilege to attend (with a couple photos that really take me back -- that's Byron "Coy Duke" Cherry in a couple of those photos, plus Don Pedro Colley, may he rest in peace. Such good times those were.

On April 11, you can watch "The Dukes" with a Duke -- at Cooter's Place!

2026-03-18T09:17:41.672-04:00

Those of us who grew up with "The Dukes of Hazzard" in the '80s ... would you ever have dreamed of watching an episode of your beloved classic TV show with one of its stars, at a place owned by another one of its stars? Well, Ben ("Cooter Davenport") Jones has lined it up for you at his Nashville location of Cooter's Place, which this author has visited, and thoroughly enjoyed on its own. The prettiest Duke will be there, Catherine ("Daisy Duke") Bach. You can get your tickets now for this event, which was just too good to not blog about.

This "Squatch" show hits the road (with a little "Dukes" thrown in)

2026-03-16T11:48:00.008-04:00

This author can definitely say I've seen several of these wonderful goodies at many a show over the years. This collection belongs to our bud Byron ("Coy Duke") Cherry of "The Dukes of Hazzard," and BRBTV has had the pleasure to attend some great shows with him.

This show, however, was not a "Dukes" event but a private event attended by our friend Patrick Shawn Bennett, and it took place this past Saturday evening in southeast Texas. Call this post a follow-up from our March 6 post (next one below, conveniently!), where we discussed Byron's latest film project "The Not So Great Outdoorsmen." Patrick had Byron and other cast/crew from the film as guests on his podcast, "Filmsquatch."

"We’re setting up a table so he can do some autographs tonight," Patrick told BRBTV just before Saturday's event. "It’s a dinner and concert. There will be about 100 people here. It’s a fundraiser for a local cat shelter."

Well, that's just awesome. We love to see both Byron and Patrick out and about, supporting a cool cause. That's them in the photo below, joined by a couple guys from the film's cast / crew. Patrick is on the far right, and Byron is next to him, then there's Michael Murray (who plays Bigfoot in the film) and Tony Lawson.

I feel like I'm getting a bit of a scoop here -- some "Dukes"-related content you won't see anywhere else, so thanks, Patrick!

Photos courtesy of Patrick Shawn Bennett; please don't copy without permission

Byron Cherry gets all Squatch-y in latest film venture

2026-03-06T07:30:00.004-05:00

We love to see our bud Byron Cherry, aka Coy Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," out and about, nabbing new roles. He's honestly one of the nicest and most accessible celebs BRBTV has ever had the pleasure to meet. The latest film he's done is a short exploring Bigfoot lore, called "The Not So Great Outdoorsmen," and Byron was just yesterday featured on a podcast discussing the film.

This podcast happens to be from another bud of BRBTV, Patrick Shawn Bennett of the Pop Ninja podcast. He does another podcast called Filmsquatch with his friend, Kendall Fontenot. Patrick and Kendall are big Bigfoot fans and determined to watch any and all movies that feature this mythical (?) creature.

Shot in Missouri and released at the end of January, "The Not So Great Outdoorsmen" depicts two inept outdoorsmen who find themselves on a quest to find the elusive Bigfoot. The film also includes Mountain Man from "Duck Dynasty," Tim Guraedy. The film's small crew shot the movie in just five days. Pratfalls, favorite scenes, "The Three Stooges" and all kinds of other stuff comes up in this conversation with not only Byron but with a few others from the movie's production.

The crew is planning some showings, promotion and distribution for the film. To learn more about the Filmsquatch podcast series, check out the Facebook page, and you can listen to the episode from the show's website. Also, like and subscribe at the podcast's YouTube channel, where you can see the visual version of this episode, which, heck, we'll just include below!

Terrific non-TV Toys: Batman emblem Chibi plush, YuMe, 2019

2026-03-04T10:11:00.007-05:00

Ahoy, there, and welcome to a whole new season of the Terrific non-TV Toys series. First up for this fresh new season is an adorable plush Batman that's been circulating out there for a few years, actually. This author received it as a Christmas gift from a family member, and it is chubby and Chibi and oh-so cute. It's a version of the Caped Crusader that commemorates the various Bat-emblems that he has worn on his chest over the decades, and it was released in summer 2019 to also celebrate the DC superhero's 80th anniversary.

Chibi on!!!

See what else is on the Terrific non-TV Toys playlist.

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Indulge your love of the Caped Crusader with "Batman: The Animated Series, A BRBTV Report," a short, snappy, exploration of the landmark TV show in e-book format for your Kindle or tablet -- and at only a buck and a half!

Visit BRBTV.com for more books celebrating the great classic TV shows you grew up with!

What a wonderful experience at the "Rapture Chronicles" live episode showing

2026-02-25T10:51:00.069-05:00

We had a great time this past Saturday at the Unity Temple Church in Detroit for a showing of the latest episode of "The Rapture Chronicles." This episode is called "Trapped," and it tells the story of a husband who is a believer, whose young wife has some very challenging views of church. It's the third time this episode has been shown live in Metro Detroit, and it has been released on YouTube, and will be released soon on a variety of other streaming platforms such as Fawesome.

This author has had the privilege of being involved with this ministry project for several years, since a couple years before COVID, and the director / producer / writer, Dray Hill, asked me to share a few words on Saturday about the impact it has had on my life.

Above and below: Billie Rae Bates with Metro Detroit actress Emily Buckner, who has appeared in several "Rapture Chronicles" episodes including this latest one.

From left: producer Dray Hill, Billie Rae Bates, Drs. Carol and Gerald Ervin, Emily Buckner, Monica Hill and Cornelius Sims.

"The Rapture Chronicles" is from Churchouse Productions and offers up, in each episode, a different slice of normal life, with normal people, caught in the circumstances of Jesus' return and the rapture of His church. It explores a lot of interesting themes between the believers and nonbelievers shown in their different lives. The series has been seen by millions of viewers around the world. That's real impact. It has won some awards, too. At its heart is the crucial question ... Are you rapture-ready?

Here's the episode "Trapped":

Photos: "The Rapture Chronicles" crew

"Just Beneath the Surface" takes on those crafty Kanamits

2026-02-23T09:44:00.007-05:00

It's one of the most well-known episodes of classic "Twilight Zone" ... the one with the ... (spoiler alert!) cookbook. So these aliens arrive, and they just want to help, right? (Help themselves!) They want to "serve man," as they say. To bring peace and all that. Did you know that, although you see longtime actor Richard Kiel in various Kanamit roles during the episode, you never hear the actor's voice? Brian and Bruce discuss that and more in the latest episode of the web series "Just Beneath the Surface," which takes on classic "TZ," an episode at a time ...

We've just gotta throw in this tidbit, from the episode's Wikipedia page:

The arriving Kanamit ship is shown as scenes extracted from "The Day the Earth Stood Still," but with different sound; the departing Kanamit ship is shown as a scene extracted from "Earth vs. the Flying Saucers," also with different sound.

A closer look at the "Dynasty" board game

2026-02-16T07:30:00.019-05:00

He calls it "Dynapoly," and it's essentially a "Dynasty"-themed Monopoly game. We showed you some images of it in the September 14, 2022 post on this very blog, and it was hand-crafted by our friend Bjørn, a hard-core fan of our beloved 1980s primetime soap who has for years been collecting amazing wardrobe pieces used in the series. Unfortunately, this wonderful board game is no longer available to purchase -- all of the limited number were sold -- but it's still a sight to behold ...

Just look at this amazing animated glimpse at Bjørn's collection:

Bjørn offers a lot of "Dynasty"-themed goodies on his RedBubble account, so check that out.

Terrific TV Toys: Snoopy Valentine mug set, Kcare, 2023

2026-02-04T11:28:00.008-05:00

It's that sweet season we refer to as Valentine's, and Terrific TV Toys is marking it in Snoopy style. This mug set was a gift from my friend that I tend to refer to as the Mysterious Claw-Game Avenger Who Shall Remain Nameless. It was two years ago that he snagged it for me, February 2024, though the set is marked 2023. Snoopy is certainly timeless! And BRBTV is considering this "toy" a celebration of the 1975 TV special "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown" ...

See what else is on the Terrific TV Toys playlist.

Terrific TV Toys: Batgirl mannequin by Michael Knight, 2025

2026-01-07T08:30:00.007-05:00

I'm calling this one the world's largest action figure of the Yvonne Craig-portrayed Batgirl of the 1960s "Batman" TV series starring Adam West. She is big, and she's actually life-size, because she's a mannequin! She's expertly styled by a true-Bat-fan, my buddy Michael Knight of Motor City Reel Rides. He put together her costume and her look, and it was not a simple matter of assembly. It required a bit of craftmanship, as well! You can see her up-close and personal on the very first episode of the new season of BRBTV collectible series:

See what else is on the Terrific TV Toys playlist.

Happy New Year! It's your 2026 episode guide to the two collectibles series of BRBTV

2026-01-01T14:43:00.051-05:00

And just like that, it's a new year again!

And as we look forward to new seasons for both of the BRBTV collectibles series, Terrific TV Toys and Terrific non-TV Toys, here is your recap of this past season's episodes. Have you checked out the T3 Facebook page? If not, head on over there and share the love of these toys related to our beloved classic TV shows. It passed 10K follows this year! T3 also has a Pinterest page, so check that out, too!

And remember that you can catch other great videos on the BRBTV YouTube channel, plus subscribe to this author's secondary YouTube channel to see travel clips, interviews, acting clips, and crazy stuff like 1990s episodes of local TV shows!

Terrific TV Toys

Season 12

191. "Welcome Back, Kotter" book, comics, patch, 1970s
192. Mary Ellen Walton and the glorious grab bag, Mego+, 1970s
193. "Star Trek" transporter set, Playmates, 2009
194. Barbara Gordon -- wedding dress variant, Figures Toy Co., 2016-17
195. Batgirl Cycle by McFarlane, 2024
196. Batmobiles by Hot Wheels, 2014-2021
197. Mystery Box, Part 2 (but this time we know it's wall art)

Season 11
Season 10

Season 9
Season 8

Season 7

Season 6
Season 5
Season 4
Season 3
Seasons 1 and 2

Terrific non-TV Toys

Season 8

73. Peanuts 50th anniversary kids' meal toys, Wendy's, 2000
74. Uncle Sam's 3-Coin Cash Register Bank, 1970s
75. Little Miss Dollikin, Uneeda, 1971
76. Blythe, Kenner, 1972
77. Batgirl by McFarlane, 2024
78. Batmobiles by Hot Wheels, 2014-2021
79. What's in the Mystery Box???!!!!!

Season 1

A blessed 2026 to you and your family!

Terrific TV Toys: Mystery Box, Part 2 (but this time we know it's wall art)

2025-12-03T07:32:00.002-05:00

We had so much fun opening the mystery box of last month's Terrific non-TV Toys episode that we decided to do another blind-box opening. This episode was actually shot earlier, when artist Jim of Jim's Creations in Canada sent this author some art for the wall of her home's "Wilson Room." I mean, I knew it was art for my wall, going in, because obviously it's in a long mailer tube, and Jim has sent me prints of his amazing art several times before. But what this art actually was, I had no idea until I opening it. So step along with this #unboxing!

And that's going to round out the year for the two BRBTV collectibles series! Wow that flew by fast, didn't it? Look for the updated episode guide on New Year's Day here on this blog, and have a wonderful, happy holiday season, however you celebrate it.

Just Beneath the Surface (Episode 19 - Is King Nine a Good Episode?)

2025-12-02T09:24:00.003-05:00

A man roaming the African desert, his WWII bomber plane having just gone down. He's looking for his crew. He's calling out their names. They're nowhere to be found. He's all alone in this bleak 1940s landscape. But why? Where did they go? It's the classic "Twilight Zone" episode "King Nine Will Not Return," and it was the opener for the iconic series' second season. It was also based on real-life events -- at least the foundation of the story was. Rod Serling certainly put his own twist on it -- took a news headline and gave it a "what if?" scenario. The episode's lead actor is Bob Cummings of 1950s TV fame.

Brian and Bruce discuss this episode -- and whether or not it's worthwhile to watch -- in the latest episode of "Just Beneath the Surface" ...

I've gotta just say it: The CW's "Dynasty" remake is an underappreciated gem

2025-11-21T08:26:00.010-05:00

This author just may happen to accidentally be rewatching the CW's "Dynasty" remake that ran for five seasons -- rather recently, 2017-2022. And that rewatching is for a particular purpose that has heretofore been unmentioned, but perhaps you can guess. But that's for a future post. This post is about how much I am truly loving this show all over again. And I feel compelled to write it after the episode I rewatched just now, Season 3's “Something Desperate,” a musical episode originally airing in November 2019. Yes, if you're unfamiliar with the show, they did a musical episode, kinda like another CW show, "Riverdale," and probably quite a few others. Musical numbers have been a part of this modern "Dynasty" series here and there, but to have several of them in one episode is truly a delight: "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," "Against All Odds," “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “Burning Down the House.”

From the synopsis for this episode I wrote for the Kindle edition of "Dynasty High" (soon to be incorporated into the print edition as well -- ooops, did I say that out loud?):

The soundtrack of the show has been classic pop tunes – heavy on the ‘80s – and this episode really cements it. The whole cast shines in the musical numbers, but Sam Underwood just kills it. His chemistry with Grant Show during the first number is palpable as the two open up their own boys’ club in front of Fallon at the piano. And he’s got the moves during “Burning Down the House.” He earns the MVP award for this episode. The framework of Fallon slowly getting dosed from the leaking gas in her bedroom and thereby hearing others breaking out in song (when they’re evidently not) or breaking out into song herself is clever. BRBTV votes this one best episode of the season (so far, and we think it will stick).

Daniella Alonso as Cristal and Grant Show as Blake.

I mean, seriously, Grant Show? Whom we knew chiefly as the rugged biker Jake on the '90s "Melrose Place" before he took on the role of Blake Carrington??? They got him to friggin' sing in this episode??? I had already been impressed with how Show carved his own Blake out of this series -- so different from John Forsythe of the original series but so commanding in his own right -- call him highly dignified and hunky.

And the younger cast members, just so talented. Elizabeth Gillies as Fallon steals the show, rather overtly, from the first episode and from her top billing, and she is a talented songstress, crooning in several episodes over the five seasons. She has all the tartness of the original Fallon (the original-original Fallon, if you're a fan of the show and know what I mean), but she takes it further. Narcissism is so glam with her -- and somehow OK.

But Sam Underwood ... ooooohhhh, Sam Underwood. I hope he has gone on to other great roles, because he deserves it. It occurs to me that he demonstrates just how hard it is to make it in Hollywood -- you're competing against guys like this, so you better really be talented and better really bring it, all you prospects out there. It's not enough to be able to act well -- sometimes you've got to be able to sing and have the moves to get a role! Underwood as Adam has the creep factor mastered, and I say that in a good way! Frankly, Adam is my favorite character on the show.

Sam Underwood as Adam.

Yes, this is not the original "Dynasty." And I know some hard-core "Dynasty" fans can't stand the remake series. But I found myself continually and increasingly enthralled from the very first ep in 2017, appreciating it for what it was. A fresh take. A modern telling. A twist on the original. A tribute.

Elizabeth Gillies as Fallon and Rafael de la Fuente as Sam.

Have a little taste of the ep and the dynamite performances (at least this YouTuber appreciated it!):

Photos are promo shots by Bob Mahoney/The CW

Terrific non-TV: What's in the Mystery Box???!!!!!

2025-11-05T07:20:00.008-05:00

So I receive a package in the mail, which is not an unusual occurrence, and that package is from my artist friend Jim of Jim's Creations, making its way from the Great White North. That's not too unusual, either. But Jim hadn't let on at all that he was sending me something. OK, maybe that has happened a time or two before, as well.

But what's unusual about this time is I think, hey, I should shoot a video of me opening this mystery box! That would be fun. Then whatever it is, I will make it an episode of either the Terrific TV Toys or Terrific non-TV Toys series. I did do that once before, with some art that Jim sent me (clearly it was art for my wall, as it was in a long tube), and that video is also coming up on the BRBTV collectibles series soon. But for now, let's indulge a little intrigue, shall we? Let's step through opening this box with unknown contents and see what amazing collectible(s) await us ...

BRBTV News Blog

Announcing ... the Vanderbilt Family Tree

There are statesmen, businessmen, authors, and Congressmen. There are counts and countesses, lords and ladies. There are artists, museum founders, and America's Cup winners. There are actors, filmmakers, and musicians. There is someone who perished on the Lusitania. There is even a CNN anchor.

And at the heart of it all ... a railroad magnate.

But for me, at the heart of it all ...a designer jeans icon.And someone I have always admired.

So for whatever it's worth, produced after many hours of research and presented open-source and free to use in whatever way it could be helpful, is the ...

Vanderbilt Family Tree

Ode to Michael, from a (formerly teenage) fan

Terrific TV Toys: Mary Marvel action figure, Figures Toy Co., 2016

How about another "Dynasty" collector update from Bjørn?

Watching the "Dukes" with another Duke? Cooter's Place serves it up again

Get yer Daisy Dukes here!

Exploring the wonderful world of Burgess Meredith "Twilight Zone" episodes

Straight from "Dukes" stunt man Corey Eubanks: Check out his Stunt Stories LIVE!

Announcing a new -- and final! -- print edition of "Dynasty High"

Terrific non-TV Toys: Scoob Easter greeter plush, Gemmy Industries, 2024

Happy Easter from BRBTV!

Talking about my best boss ever, Diane, and more in this new interview with Canvas Rebel mag

On April 11, you can watch "The Dukes" with a Duke -- at Cooter's Place!

This "Squatch" show hits the road (with a little "Dukes" thrown in)

Byron Cherry gets all Squatch-y in latest film venture

Terrific non-TV Toys: Batman emblem Chibi plush, YuMe, 2019

Chibi on!!!

What a wonderful experience at the "Rapture Chronicles" live episode showing

"Just Beneath the Surface" takes on those crafty Kanamits

A closer look at the "Dynasty" board game

Terrific TV Toys: Snoopy Valentine mug set, Kcare, 2023

Terrific TV Toys: Batgirl mannequin by Michael Knight, 2025

Happy New Year! It's your 2026 episode guide to the two collectibles series of BRBTV

Terrific TV Toys

Season 12

Terrific non-TV Toys

Season 8

A blessed 2026 to you and your family!

Terrific TV Toys: Mystery Box, Part 2 (but this time we know it's wall art)

Just Beneath the Surface (Episode 19 - Is King Nine a Good Episode?)

I've gotta just say it: The CW's "Dynasty" remake is an underappreciated gem

Terrific non-TV: What's in the Mystery Box???!!!!!

But for me, at the heart of it all ...
a designer jeans icon.
And someone I have always admired.