Small Screen Pop

Spooktacular Halloween TV: 20 Picks to Celebrate The Season

2024-10-29T14:23:00.002-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

I’ve been posting my Spooktacular Halloween TV picks on Facebook one at a time over the last few weeks, but this is the compiled list of 20 programs in honor of Halloween. The shows are listed in the order I shared them, not my order of preference. I watched them from my DVD collection, but googling the episode title and date should help you find them on streaming services or YouTube. The corresponding photos in the collage are in numerical order, posts 1-4 in the top row, 5-8 in the second row, etc. Happy Halloween! 🎃

Spooktacular Halloween TV #1. “The Ghost of A. Chantz,” a 1964 episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show. The gang encounters strange happenings at a secluded cabin. Pictured: Laura Petrie (Mary Tyler Moore) and friend/fiend. #Halloween #DickVanDykeShow

Spooktacular Halloween TV #2. “The Haunted House,” a 1963 episode of The Andy Griffith Show. The boys investigate strange doings at an abandoned house. I couldn’t love this photo more. The difference between their expressions is priceless. Andy (Andy Griffith), questioning, but cool. Barney (Don Knotts), terrified! 😱🎃 #Halloween #AndyGriffithShow

Spooktacular Halloween TV #3. The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh (a.k.a. Dr. Syn), first shown on Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color in 1964. Every other year or so around Halloween, I watch this wonderful adventure on DVD. As a kid, I so loved the story of smugglers in 18th century England, who disguised themselves in eerie, menacing costumes to stay one step ahead of the King’s soldiers. Patrick McGoohan portrays the Scarecrow, who by day works as Dr. Syn, a peace-loving parish vicar. 😱 🎃 #Halloween #PatrickMcGoohan

Spooktacular Halloween TV #4. “A Safe and Sane Halloween,” a 1967 episode of Bewitched. Tabatha (Erin Murphy) “twitches” some fantasy creatures out of her book and takes them trick-or-treating. My favorite part of this one is when the jack-o’-lantern‘s head floats around poor Mrs. Kravitz‘s living room. 😱 🎃 #Halloween #Bewitched

Spooktacular Halloween TV #5. “House of Misfit Dolls” (great title), a 2024 episode of Sister Boniface Mysteries. I watched this one last night on DVD, and it’s a delightfully weird and creepy entry in the series. Pictured: Octavia Hemlock (Debbie Chazen) and friends. 😱 🎃 #Halloween #SisterBonifaceMysteries #Dolls

Spooktacular Halloween TV #6. The Snoop Sisters, “The Devil Made Me Do It!” (1974). This one is a campy treat with Helen Hayes as intrepid amateur sleuth Ernesta Snoop and Alice Cooper as a satanic rock star. For some reason mystery shows were obsessed with satanism in the 70s. This is one of my favorite TV photos of all time. 😱 🎃 #Halloween #AliceCooper #Snoopsisters #HelenHayes

Spooktacular Halloween TV #7. “The Haunted House,” a second season episode of Leave It to Beaver (1957–1963). Beaver (Jerry Mathers) thinks a new neighbor is a witch! Excellent camera work in this scene, making mundane items look creepy. 😱 🎃 #Halloween #LeaveItToBeaver

Spooktacular Halloween TV #8. “Agents of Satan,” an episode of Voyagers aired on October 31, 1982. Witches! In Salem! Intrepid time travelers Phineas Bogg (Jon-Erik Hexum) and Jeffrey Jones (Meeno Peluce) must save Abiah Folger (Jennifer Holmes), who is being chased through a misty swamp by a mob, with torches even, as the story opens. The superstitious townsfolk believe the future mother of Benjamin Franklin to be a witch! The companion story is about Houdini, so lots of Halloween fun in this one. 😱 🎃 #Halloween #TimeTravel #salemwitchtrials

Spooktacular Halloween TV #9. “Halloween with the Addams Family,” a 1964 episode of The Addams Family. Every day is Halloween at the Addams household, but this episode brought the holiday to the forefront in the family’s inimitable “ooky” way. My favorite moment comes when the Addams children, Pugsley (Ken Weatherwax) and Wednesday (Lisa Loring), dressed as normals (almost), but fearful that their Halloween costumes are too scary, recite in eerie unison, “Do not be alarmed. We are only little children.” Hilarious! 🎃 😱 #Halloween #AddamsFamily

Spooktacular Halloween TV #10. “Ghost Wolf,” a 1953 episode of Adventures of Superman. Clark, Lois, and Jimmy investigate when the Daily Planet’s timber company is in danger of closing due to accidents and reports of a werewolf! I do love the first “dark series” of this show, with its noir feel, emphasis on mysterious happenings, and portrayal of Lois Lane by the marvelous Phyllis Coates. Pictured: Jane Adams. 🎃 😱 #Halloween #Superman #GeorgeReeves #Werewolf #PhyllisCoates

Spooktacular Halloween TV #11. “Take Me to Your Loudon,” a 1987 episode of Newhart, which uses as its inspiration Orson Welles’s 1938 radio broadcast of “The War of the Worlds” and the panic it caused. Dick Loudon (Bob Newhart) and wife Joanna (Mary Frann) host a Halloween party at the Stratford Inn, but news of an alien invasion soon spreads, spurred by a broadcast of The War of the Worlds on a local TV station. Dick is the only sane one as usual, but the crazy quotient increases when reports of glowing cows reach the inn. A vivid Halloween outing and one of the best episodes of the series. 🎃 😱 #Halloween #Newhart #WarOfTheWorlds

Spooktacular Halloween TV #12. “The Mystery of the Haunted House,” a 1977 episode of The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. There’s some sort of story here, yada yada yada, but the real star is the haunted house attraction with its mirrors, secret passages, and even a cool club with Frankenstein as a waiter. Pictured: Parker Stevenson, Shaun Cassidy, and Richard Kiel as the monster. 🎃 😱 #Halloween #HardyBoys #ShaunCassidy #ParkerStevenson

Spooktacular Halloween TV #13. “The Witch,” a 1963 episode of The Fugitive. This one is not a favorite among Fuge fans, but I’ve always liked it. A young girl (Gina Gillespie) with an interest in the occult tells a lie which gets Dr. Kimble (David Janssen) in big trouble. I like things that I’ve never seen on television before, because there’s often so much sameness. This episode is definitely something different. Pictured: “Naiad.” 🎃 😱 #Halloween #DavidJanssen #Naiad

Spooktacular Halloween TV #14. “Lizard's Leg and Owlet's Wing,” a 1962 episode of Route 66. I truly wanted to like this Halloween episode of Route 66, but it missed the mark for me. I know it’s a fan favorite, however, so I’m including it on my Spooktacular list. Pictured: Peter Lorre, Boris Karloff, and Lon Chaney. 🎃 😱 #Halloween #Route66 #Frankenstein #Wolfman

Spooktacular Halloween TV #15. “Wicca Work,” a 2006 episode of New Tricks. The team investigates a death that might have been caused by witchcraft. One of my favorite episodes of the series, both funny and creepy, my favorite Halloween combo. Pictured: Stephanie Beacham. 🎃 😱 #Halloween #NewTricks

Spooktacular Halloween TV #16. “Catspaw,” aired October 27, 1967. Black cats, witches, dungeons, and skeletons, it’s the Halloween episode of Star Trek. Pictured: William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, and friend. 🎃 😱 🖖🏼#Halloween #StarTrek #WilliamShatner

Spooktacular Halloween TV #17. “Steele Crazy After All These Years,” a 1983 episode of Remington Steele. A poltergeist may be murdering people at a college reunion. Pictured: Pierce Brosnan and Mark King. 🎃 😱 👻 #Halloween #PierceBrosnan #RemingtonSteele

Spooktacular Halloween TV #18. “The Ghost of the Mission,” a 1957 episode of Zorro. Is there a ghost of a mad monk haunting the mission? Sergeant Garcia (Henry Calvin) thinks so, with a little help from a tale by Don Diego (Guy Williams). 🎃 😱 👻 #Halloween #Zorro #GuyWilliams #Ghosts

Spooktacular Halloween TV #19. “Castle De'ath,” a 1966 episode of The Avengers. The duo investigates strange happenings at a Scottish castle. Could there be ghosts about the place? Mrs. Peel (Diana Rigg) explores a dungeon in her négligée, as was the habit of women during the 1960s. 🎃 😱 👻 #Halloween #Ghosts #Avengers #DianaRigg

Spooktacular Halloween TV #20. Saving my favorite for last, “The Devil You Say,” a 1973 episode of McMillan & Wife. It has everything you could ask for in a Halloween episode--a Satanic cult, past-life regression, trick-or-treaters, and a Queen of Witches, one who is thought to be slumbering in the body of Sally McMillan (Susan Saint James). If Serena, the witch/goddess, doesn’t awaken, poor Sally will be sacrificed during an elaborate ritual. Not to worry, though, as Sally’s dashing husband Mac (Rock Hudson) will arrive in the nick of time to save her. It’s the most Halloween fun with one of the most adorable TV couples ever! Pictured: Rock Hudson, Susan Saint James, and Werner Klemperer. 🎃 😱 👿 #Halloween #RockHudson #SusanSaintJames

When Guest Stars Surprise and Delight, Part II

2023-06-04T20:46:00.000-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

I’ve been neglecting poor bloggie for months, concentrating on my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television, as well as several other creative projects. But I’m back now with some noteworthy guest star sightings, as reported in my social media posts.

January 24: I love all of the Patrick McGoohan Columbo episodes. Just re-watched this one recently (on DVD), his last appearance on the series, “Ashes to Ashes” (1998). McGoohan portrays a murderous mortician in his quirky, inimitable style. He is pictured here with Sally Kellerman, Rue McClanahan, and, of course, Peter Falk. The TV movie also costarred Patrick‘s daughter Catherine McGoohan.

January 25: Julie Newmar, best known for her performance as Catwoman on the 60s series Batman, was a guest star on the McMillan & Wife episode “Aftershock“ (1975). She portrays a dubiously-accented Italian actress who wishes to buy the McMillan residence even after an earthquake reveals a skeleton behind the fireplace. A fun outing with lots of other guest stars, including Richard Dawson and Robert Loggia. Newmar is shown here with Susan Saint James, Vince Cannon, and Rock Hudson.

January 26: Jenny Agutter, who starred in the 1976 science-fiction film Logan‘s Run, about a society that kills its citizens when they reach 30, made a guest appearance on New Tricks, a TV series that reminds us it “doesn’t really matter if you’re old and gray.” In “A Delicate Touch“ (2005), Agutter portrays a prim woman who is none too eager to see her husband‘s murder case reopened. She is shown here with series regulars Dennis Waterman and Alun Armstrong. I love the expression on Dennis‘s face.

January 29: Two of my favorite faces. Suzanne Pleshette, whom many will recognize from her role as Emily Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show, made two guest appearances on The Fugitive. Here she and series lead David Janssen are looking gorgeous in a publicity shot for “World's End” (1964). She played a different character the second time around in “All the Scared Rabbits” (1965). In addition to some great guest stars, The Fugitive had outstanding episode titles.

February 7: George Peppard with guest star Joanna Pettet on Banacek, “Project Phoenix,” 1972. I’ve seen Pettet on The Fugitive and Harry O during my recent DVD travels, and her characters have all displayed depth and intelligence. A fascinating actress.

April 12: David Janssen with guest star Tuesday Weld in “Dark Corner,” a 1964 episode of The Fugitive. I watched this one last night on DVD. Tuesday portrays an older “bad seed” type of character, for those who remember the 1956 film with Patty McCormack.

April 17: A purr-fect entry in this week‘s guest star sweepstakes came via Julie Newmar, who played a cat/woman, but not THAT Catwoman, on Bewitched. Newmar, famous for her portrayal of Batman’s feline nemesis, played Ophelia, a cat and familiar of Endora (Agnes Moorehead) in “The Eight-Year Itch Witch (1971).” Ever suspicious Endora sics Ophelia, now in human form, on an unsuspecting Darrin (Dick Sargent) to test his fidelity to Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery). Catwoman left, cat/woman right.

May 17: We’ve been sporadically working through the The Man from U.N.C.L.E. DVD set, and finally came upon “The Never-Never Affair” (1965), guest-starring Barbara Feldon and Cesar Romero. The outing was lively and a bit reminiscent of the Scarecrow and Mrs. King episode “Saved by the Bells” (1983), with both having an enemy spymaster who mistakes a novice for a seasoned operative.

May 19: Does a silly little detail ever spoil a TV episode for you? It doesn’t happen to me often, but last night we were watching “The Prophet,” a 1967 episode of The Invaders, and I couldn’t get past guest star Pat Hingle‘s ridiculous wig. I must have mentioned it 10 times! (My poor hubby!) Pat was portraying an alien invader who had taken the form of a human preacher. It looks like they borrowed this wig from Gone with the Wind! It wasn’t a good episode anyway, but that wig certainly did not help.

May 22: I picked up Coronet Blue on DVD last year, and thoroughly enjoyed my trip back to the 60s with Frank Converse, who stars as Michael Alden, an amnesiac with a dangerous secret, if only he can remember it. I’m planning to re-watch soon and introduce my hubby to it. Happy birthday to Mr. Converse, who turns 85 today, pictured here with guest stars Candice Bergen (top) and Juliet Mills.

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Mini-review: The Moon-Spinners (1964)

2023-05-31T16:24:00.001-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

Last night we watched The Moon-Spinners (1964), starring Hayley Mills and Peter McEnery, on recommendation from my 13-year-old self. The film was shown in three parts on The Magical World of Disney, where I saw it originally, and I wondered how it would hold up so many decades later. Bearing in mind that it was a Disney film from the 60s, we enjoyed it pretty well. Hayley Mills was energetic and emphatic as the lead in a plot about stolen jewels, and Eli Wallach was menacing, but not in a Tarantino-esque sort of way. The visuals were colorful, with lots of day for night filming and some scenic shots of the island of Crete. We watched on DVD, but the film appears to be available on Disney+ with subscription, and other places for a fee. Pictured: Eli Wallach and Hayley Mills.

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When Guest Stars Surprise and Delight

2023-01-19T20:40:00.001-08:00

by Karen A. Romanko

Guest stars have been around since the early days of scripted television series. Often we appreciate their stellar performances, but sometimes we are delighted simply because we are not expecting them where they are. Below are some noteworthy guest star sightings, as reported in my social media posts:

Clockwise from top left: William Shatner with Peter Falk, George Cole with Dennis Waterman, Sue Ann Langdon with Dick Van Dyke, Jodie Foster with David Janssen, Mark Hamill with Bill Bixby, Tony Shalhoub with Edward Woodward (also Phyllis Newman and Patricia Clarkson), and Roy Rogers with Lynda Carter.

November 11: Young Jodie Foster with David Janssen in Smile Jenny, You’re Dead, the second pilot for Harry O. The show had a series of identity problems over its two-year run, but David Janssen was always riveting as the world-weary detective.

November 12: George Cole made a guest appearance on New Tricks in the 2007 episode “Powerhouse,” reuniting with Dennis Waterman. The two had starred together years earlier in one of television‘s most original series, Minder. Two great, enduring talents.

November 22: Sometimes the ugly face of crime even enters the domestic sitcom scene, although here it’s not so ugly, as adorable Sue Ann Langdon portrays the alleged perp, while Dick Van Dyke is the flustered jury foreman. Watched this hilarious classic today, “One Angry Man,” on The Dick Van Dyke Show.

November 28: Lynda Carter with guest star Roy Rogers on Wonder Woman. I love weird TV juxtapositions.

December 1: I find I need to take Columbo in small doses, because the formulaic aspects tend to wear a bit thin on me, especially the repetition of things like, “...Just one more thing…“ I practically cheered last night while watching “Butterfly in Shades of Gray” (1994) on DVD, when William Shatner, in the character of Fielding Chase, said, “With you, Lieutenant, there’s always just one more thing. Do you have a problem with short-term memory?“ It’s nice when a show can poke fun at itself.

December 2: I watched an intense, but outstanding episode of The Equalizer last night, “Breakpoint” (1986) on DVD. I was surprised to see Tony Shalhoub, whom many people will know as OCD detective Adrian Monk. I always love catching favorite actors in their earlier guest starring roles.

December 29: I always enjoy the surprise when a well-known actor pops up as a guest star on TV, especially in an early role. Last night I was watching The Magician (on DVD), when Mark Hamill of Star Wars fame suddenly appeared. The episode, “Lightning on a Dry Day“ (1973), started out well, but the “small town has a secret“ trope didn’t pay off in the way I had hoped.

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25 Christmas TV Episodes for Mystery Lovers

2022-12-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

by Karen A. Romanko

Last year I devised a special TV Mystery "Advent Calendar," selecting one Christmas-themed episode per day of mystery, crime, and spy television series. I posted them here on Small Screen Pop in three installments, but I’m compiling them all below this year for easy reference. I watched all from my DVD collection, except for Murdoch Mysteries, which I watched on Ovation TV.

December 1: Father Brown, “The Star of Jacob” (2016). This one has great holiday spirit and a mystery that doesn’t involve murder. Season 5, Episode 1.

December 2: Remington Steele, “Dancer, Prancer, Donner and Steele” (1985). If you like your Christmas episodes on the intense side, this one’s for you, as the Steele agency and guests are held hostage at a holiday party (pre-Die Hard). Season 4, Episode 9.

December 3: Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, “Murder Under the Mistletoe” (2013). Looking like a beautiful snow queen, Miss Fisher (Essie Davis) investigates a death by Christmas tree and finds (we’re not surprised) MURDER. Season 2, Episode 13.

December 4: Father Dowling Mysteries, “The Christmas Mystery” (1990). Sister Steve (Tracy Nelson), game for any assignment, works at a department store, where too many Santas spell trouble for her and a young boy. Season 3, Episode 10.

December 5: Grantchester, "Christmas Special" (2016). Sidney (James Norton) and Geordie (Robson Green) investigate a murder, as they do, while Amanda (Morven Christie) is ready to give birth, but is literally left out in the cold (shades of "no room at the inn"). Season 3, Episode 0 or 1 (depending on who's counting).

December 6: The Man from U.N.C.L.E., “The Jingle Bells Affair” (1966). My favorite thing about this episode was the interior footage of Macy’s New York during the holiday season, which evoked lots of fond memories. The rest is an uncomfortable mix of camp, communists, chattiness, and Christmas. Season 3, Episode 15.

December 7: Agatha Christie’s Marple, “4:50 from Paddington” (also known as “What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw,” 2004). Miss Marple (Geraldine McEwan) sends her beautiful young friend (Amanda Holden) to serve as a housekeeper for the Christmas holidays at the Crackenthorpe estate. Marple is convinced there’s a body hidden on the grounds, and not even Christmas will stop the venerable sleuth from digging up bodies and the wealthy family’s secrets. Season 1, Episode 3.

December 8: The Mentalist, “Jolly Red Elf” (2010). When a man dressed in a Santa suit is pushed from a window, Patrick (Simon Baker) and the team investigate, taking them from a Santa convention to Alcoholics Anonymous. The solution to the murder mystery is dark, in contrast to the pretty holiday lighting displayed in the episode. Season 3, Episode 10.

December 9: Lovejoy, “The Prague Sun” (1992). Delightful feature-length outing which takes our favorite antiques dealer/con man/amateur sleuth (Ian McShane) from England to Czechoslovakia in search of hidden diamonds and a murderer. Will he make it home in time to play Santa Claus at the local hospital? If Lady Jane (Phyllis Logan) has anything to say about it, he will. Season 3, Episode 14.

December 10: Monk, “Mr. Monk and the Miracle” (2008). It’s a miracle when fastidious Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) accepts a case from three homeless men, but further miracles are in store as the sick are cured and Monk meets actual monks, including someone surprising. Season 7, Episode 9.

December 11: The Brokenwood Mysteries, “A Merry Bloody Christmas” (2016). It’s Christmas in New Zealand, but murder never takes a holiday, especially in Brokenwood, where there are “two dead Santas in one day.” This entry features a bright Christmas in the New Zealand sun, but too many names and details bog down the narrative. Season 3, Episode 4.

December 12: The Equalizer, “Christmas Presence” (1987). McCall (Edward Woodward) and Gage (Richard Jordan) help a young boy (Corey Carrier) with AIDS, who is the target of a fear campaign to remove him from the neighborhood. While this episode sends an important message, subtlety and believability are not among its Christmas gifts, but I cried at the end anyway. Season 3, Episode 11.

December 13: Hart to Hart, “‘Tis the Season to Be Murdered” (1980). The Harts (Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers) are undercover bosses in their toy subsidiary, when designs are repeatedly stolen by a competitor. This one is broad with a capital B, but Stefanie Powers sure does look cute in her elf costume. Season 2, Episode 5.

December 14: Sherlock Holmes, “The Blue Carbuncle” (1984). Lavishly produced, with a beautiful glimpse into Christmas in Victorian London. The mystery is holiday-friendly, but the story’s pacing is a bit slow. Season 1, Episode 7.

December 15: Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye, “Silent Night” (2002). The team investigates bank robberies by a man in a Santa suit, while Sue (Deanne Bray) navigates problems with her domineering mother. The crime story is ho-hum rather than ho-ho, but the tale of family woes at Christmas is effective. Season 1, Episode 7 or 8 (depending on who’s counting).

December 16: Father Brown, “The Tree of Truth” (2017). Father Brown (Mark Williams) makes a second appearance on 25 Mystery Days of Christmas with this tale, which finds the Kembleford Christmas pantomime somehow linked to a murder from seven years past. Extra points for the inspired idea of casting Inspector Mallory (Jack Deam) and Sgt. Goodfellow (John Burton) as the ugly stepsisters in the panto. Season 6, Episode 1.

December 17: Psych, “Christmas Joy” (2008). Holiday fun as Shawn (James Roday) and Gus (Dulé Hill) help a jailed Santa (lots of Santas in trouble on this list), and solve a murder in beautifully decorated (faux) Solvang. Season 3, Episode 9.

December 18: Chuck, “Chuck Versus Santa Claus” (2008). The Buy More is merry and bright for Christmas, but things turn dark when a car chase ends in a hostage crisis for the store’s employees. Chuck (Zachary Levi) steps in as negotiator, but things are not what they seem. Season 2, Episode 11.

December 19: Circles of Deceit, “The Wolves Are Howling” (also known as “Circle of Deceit,” 1993). This one is edgy and violent, so it won’t be to everyone’s holiday taste. John Neil (Dennis Waterman ) is brought out of retirement to infiltrate an IRA cell, whose Christmas holiday plans include a big arms deal. First in a series of four TV movies.

December 20: Wonder Woman, “The Deadly Toys” (1977). A toy maker (Frank Gorshin) creates androids to replace scientists working on a secret weapons project. Diana Prince a.k.a. Wonder Woman (Lynda Carter) is on the case, but will she be any match for android Wonder Woman? Second appearance on this list (after Hart to Hart) of attacks by deadly toy planes (clearly a holiday problem during the 70s). Season 2, Episode 12.

December 21: Murdoch Mysteries, “A Merry Murdoch Christmas” (2015). Kratchit, Krampus, and Kringle, oh my! There’s something for everyone in this Christmas tale of murder set against a backdrop of snowy beauty. While it doesn’t deliver on all its promises, Murdoch’s Christmas is a jolly ride in a one-horse, open sleigh. Season 9, Episode 0 (Feature-length special).

December 22: Moonlighting, “Twas the Episode Before Christmas” (1985). Lots of yammering by private investigators Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) and David (Bruce Willis) amidst a slender tale of murder involving a baby, three kings, and a woman named Mary. Season 2, Episode 10 or 15 (depending on who’s counting).

December 23: Cagney & Lacey, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” (1982). Cagney (Sharon Gless) and Lacey (Tyne Daly) work late on Christmas Eve to locate a larcenous Santa, while Petrie’s wife (Suzanne Stone) experiences pregnancy complications. The story meanders a bit, but Daly has some nice moments in Lacey’s family scenes, reminding me of how refreshing it was/is to see cops portrayed as real women with real home lives. Season 1 or 2 (depending on who’s counting), Episode 9.

December 24: Scarecrow and Mrs. King, “The Long Christmas Eve” (1983). Housewife turned novice spy Amanda King (Kate Jackson) works a miracle when she engineers a truce at a remote cabin between KGB and American agents, including wounded Lee “Scarecrow” Stetson (Bruce Boxleitner). One of my favorite Christmas episodes, this one gets to me every time, especially when Amanda gives her brave and touching truce speech. Season 1, Episode 10.

December 25: Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, “New Year’s Evil” (2021). PI Peregrine Fisher (Geraldine Hakewill) is in charge of the New Year’s Eve party at the Adventuresses’ Club, booking a swingin’ Beatles-esque band, but murder attends her bash as an uninvited guest. My love for this series, its 60s style, and spunky heroine knows no bounds! Season 2, Episode 8.

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Mystery TV’s Halloween Quick Picks: Psych, Marple, and More!

2022-10-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

Happy Halloween! Here are some Halloween quick picks I’ve been posting on my Facebook group Mystery TV—British and American Series. These mystery episodes are in the Halloween spirit, with witches, spooky legends, and costumes galore. They are fun and (mostly) not scary, qualities I look for in this, my most favorite of seasons. Enjoy!

October 14: Every other year or so around Halloween I watch The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh (a.k.a. Dr. Syn), a three-part adventure first shown on Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color in 1964. As a kid, I so loved this story of smugglers in 18th century England, who disguised themselves in eerie, menacing costumes to stay one step ahead of the King’s soldiers. The always fascinating Patrick McGoohan portrays the Scarecrow, who by day works as Dr. Syn, a peace-loving parish vicar. I was in the right (virtual) place at the right time in 2008 to scoop up a limited edition DVD of the series, which sold out in three weeks. I’m currently enjoying the program once again this Halloween season, particularly appreciating the night scenes, which were actually shot during the day with a special filter, “day for night.” The blues of the night sky are so vivid and rich, and you can actually see what’s going on, a departure from some modern productions.

On the southern coast of England
There’s a legend people tell
Of days long ago
When the great Scarecrow
Would ride from the jaws of hell
And laugh (Ahahahahaha!)
With a fiendish yell!

October 21: Time to kick into high gear for Halloween! First up, Amateur sleuth Ernesta Snoop (Helen Hayes) questions a satanic rockstar (Alice Cooper) in The Snoop Sisters, “The Devil Made Me Do It!” (1974).

October 23: Continuing in Halloween high gear… Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) takes Julie (Emmy Clarke) trick-or-treating in between reuniting with his estranged brother and solving a murder mystery involving poisoned candy in “Mr. Monk Goes Home Again,” a 2005 episode of Monk.

October 25: More of Mystery TV Halloween! This time it’s witches, murder, and malevolence in ”The Pale Horse,” a 2010 episode of Agatha Christie‘s Marple with Julia McKenzie. Just watched my DVD and thoroughly enjoyed it.

October 29: Mystery TV’s Halloween watch continues with “Scary Sherry: Bianca’s Toast,” a 2007 episode of Psych. Sorority hijinks lead to a possible murder which resembles a local Halloween legend. Needless to say, Shawn (James Roday) and Gus (Dule Hill) will be sent running and screaming. What fun we had watching this one last night, the perfect treat to get in the Halloween spirit. (From our DVD collection.)

October 30: Mystery TV’s final Halloween 2022 selection is “Husbands, Wives & Killers,” a 1971 episode of McMillan & Wife. While not a Halloween episode per se, it has a wild and colorful costume party full of devils, a red herring, a kittycat (Susan Saint James), and probably the tallest and cutest rabbit ever seen on TV (Rock Hudson). Happy Halloween from Mystery TV!

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Pop Culture Roundup for July 19–August 27: “Yes, I Still Buy DVDs” Edition

2022-09-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

While compiling my pop culture social media posts for this installment of the PCR, I couldn’t help but notice how much I mention DVDs. Yes, I still buy them. As a TV historian, I like having my source material at my fingertips, knowing that episodes are available in order whenever I want them. As a former librarian, I like collecting media and filling my shelves to make a library in my home. So, while I never have to say, “where is that streaming,” I do need to buy more shelves from time to time.

July 19: Bob and I watched the first two episodes of The Madame Blanc Mysteries (2021) this weekend. I expected it to be in the Agatha Raisin line with plenty of humor, and it certainly has some, but there’s a lot more going on with this one: loss, intrigue, history, and more. We both thoroughly enjoyed these two and are looking forward to finishing the first season. We bought the DVD, so you’ll have to do your own research for streaming sources.

July 23: Some vintage lunch boxes from classic spy and crime TV shows: Get Smart, Adam-12, The Bionic Woman, Charlie’s Angels, and Knight Rider. I am always amazed at the variety of tie-in merchandise for television shows. I’m also amused at some of the content here, like the bionic woman lunch box. Nothing says lunchtime for kiddies like a man bound in ropes! Here’s a link to the website where I found these photos, in case you’re interested in more vintage lunch boxes.

July 26/27: I’m so sorry to read about the passing of Tony Dow at age 77. Tony played the epitome of the clean-cut American boy as Wally Cleaver on Leave It to Beaver. Bob and I still watch the series on DVD, and it holds up surprisingly well with its kids’-eye view of the world. Tony went on to become a TV director and sculptor, and never forgot about his fans, developing a lively community on Facebook. Thanks for the memories, Tony! We’ll never forget you.

July 29: Gerry Standing (Dennis Waterman) trying (and failing) to up the sartorial game of the his fellow old dogs on New Tricks. Love this show, but missing our dear Dennis.

July 31: A couple of short-lived cult classics are in the house for my DVD collection! Left, Coronet Blue, a series I was captivated by during the summer of 1967. Frank Converse stars as an amnesiac, marked for assassination, whose only clue to his identity are the words “Coronet Blue.” Right, The Invaders (1967-1968), starring Roy Thinnes as an architect who stumbles upon a secret alien invasion and travels the country trying to warn anyone who will listen. Executive producer Quinn Martin had also used the man-on-the-run concept in The Fugitive. Looking forward to some great guest stars and a dive into 60s alienation, TV-style!

August 3: As I’ve mentioned in the past, I am fascinated with TV filming locations, given my interests in Hollywood history and architecture. Many years ago I watched the episode “Dark Sunrise” from McMillan & Wife and was awestruck by a beautiful church with marble pillars of varying colors, where many of the episode’s scenes take place. Since I live in Los Angeles, I tried to find out what church it was, figuring it would be in the area. After some obsessive googling, I found out the church is Saint Andrew’s in nearby Pasadena. Hubby and I set out for a visit, and I took a photo inside (top left). Here are a few screen caps from the episode, including more views of the beautiful pillars and Rock Hudson, a work of art in his own right. This episode is from season six, originally titled McMillan, after Susan Saint James left the series. Definitely a problematic season, but this episode is a standout.

August 18: Before his rise to big screen stardom, Robert Redford had early roles on classic TV series. Here he guest stars in “The Snowball,” a 1963 episode of The Untouchables. Mr. Redford turns 86 today.

August 27: One of the rewards of watching a mystery/crime series is figuring out or finding out “whodunit.” With Rosemary & Thyme, there is the additional pleasure of seeing what the renovated garden is going to look like at the end of each episode. Amateur sleuths are not very likely, and gardening sleuths even less so, but those stunning gardens sure make up for the mega suspension of disbelief. I gasped at this one from “Agua Cadaver” last night. (I watched my own DVD, but screen-capped from Dailymotion, so the photo is a bit fuzzy.)

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Pop Culture Roundup for June 6-July 18: Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue, TV Style

2022-07-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

For this edition of Pop Culture Roundup, I’ve got old shows, new series, borrowed character names and a “blue” movie. Hope you enjoy my little TV smorgasbord!

June 6: Last night I watched “The Deadly Cure,” a 1976 episode of McMillan & Wife. In it, Mac (Rock Hudson), pictured below with his distraught wife Sally (Susan Saint James), witnesses a murder in a hospital while he’s partially sedated. Sound familiar? I can think of several similar plot lines in TV mysteries, plus more episodes which use the general “murder in the hospital” trope. So tell me, TV mystery fans, which ones pop to mind for you? Thanks to Elaine Chick for the screen cap.

June 16: I wasn’t expecting a good cry in the middle of the day, but this did it. I am researching Rosa Parks for my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television, and watched this clip from the Doctor Who episode “Rosa.” This type of moving and informative history lesson is one of the reasons I’m writing this book.

June 24: William Shatner, star of TJ Hooker and Boston Legal, and my favorite Star Trek captain as James T Kirk, was the answer to yesterday‘s Hollywood Stardle.

June 28: We watched the first episode of Foyle’s War last night. I love period mysteries, and I’ve seen many recommendations for this series, so I bought the season one DVD. I’m not sure it will be my cup of Earl Grey, but we’ll see how it goes. Hubby and I both found it a bit too pokey and low-key. I do like some humor in my mysteries, so I appreciated the character of Samantha (Honeysuckle Weeks), who was like a breath of fresh air every time she showed up. Fingers crossed for a better response to episode two! Pictured: Weeks, Michael Kitchen as DCS Foyle, and Anthony Howell as Paul Milner.

July 2: Bob and I just watched episode three of Dark Winds on AMC. Set in 1971, the series follows Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) as he investigates two strange murders, but a deadly armored truck robbery and other crimes may be related. The series has already been renewed for another six-episode season. If you’ve watched, what are your thoughts on the show? (No SPOILERS, please!) Pictured: Jessica Matten, McClarnon, and Kiowa Gordon.

July 5: Some characters exist to bedevil the series protagonist, and Jim Rockford (James Garner) had more than his share on The Rockford Files. He’s with one such character here, Freddie Beamer (James Whitmore Jr.), left. Beamer drove me crazy!

July 10: Last night I watched “Dog Day Morning,” a 2021 episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries. This was a darkly hilarious story about four criminals in dog masks who attempt to rob a bank, but find they’re really bad at it. Definitely a standout. A note of TV trivia. The new detective at the station is named Daniel Chalmers (Jarod Rawiri). Now where have I heard that name before? Why, on Remington Steele! Mr. Steele’s mentor in crime was also named Daniel Chalmers, as portrayed by Efrem Zimbalist Jr. I’m wondering if it’s a coincidence or a little homage. Pictured: pups in crime.

July 13: Great shot of Peter Falk and Jack Cassidy from Columbo, “Now You See Him” (1976). Jack Cassidy‘s dimples should have had their own zip code.

July 15: I just finished writing the entry for Grace Kelly in my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television (McFarland, forthcoming). Cheryl Ladd is radiant in the title role of Grace Kelly, a 1983 TV movie, as you can see in the photo on the left with Ian McShane, who was pretty radiant himself as Prince Rainier. On the right the real Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco.

July 18: Continued my Elvis rewatch with Blue Hawaii this weekend, another I hadn’t seen in decades. “Rock A Hula Baby” was a great number. You will spot Angela Lansbury here, who portrayed the mother of Elvis’s character Chad, although she was only 10 years older than Elvis.

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Pop Culture Roundup for March 6-May 30: Lucy Lawless, Los Angeles Locations, and More!

2022-06-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

The Roundup slowed to a halt in the spring, as I created (with my hubby) Hollywood Stardle, a free online game similar to Wordle, and then went on vacation. But we’ve got the old girl spinning faster than ever after the break, so here we go with my recent posts on pop culture, covering the 1960s through 2021.

March 6: We watched the season two finale of My Life Is Murder this week, and were delighted to see Renee O’Connor reunited with Lucy Lawless. Above: Renee as a serene self-help guru and Lucy as a not-buying-that-act, private police consultant in “Pleasure & Pain”(2021). Below: The pair as Gabrielle and Xena in the legendary Xena: Warrior Princess (1995–2001).

March 18: I’m always fascinated by TV filming locations, especially for places I’ve lived or visited. The Fugitive is a rich source for Los Angeles filming locations, and one popped up last night in the brilliant and moving episode “Nightmare at Northoak” (1963). Richard Kimble (David Janssen) is plagued by a recurring dream where he is followed on a dark, lonely street by his nemesis, Philip Gerard (Barry Morse). I wondered where this street might be, and the episode quickly answered by providing the address above an awning. How obliging! 122 N. Larchmont Boulevard, Los Angeles, “4," California. (Yes, some of us were around even before zip codes!) Turns out this is in the Larchmont Village section of Los Angeles and “122," formerly “Electro Construction,” as seen in The Fugitive, is now...wait for it...Jamba! Photo on the top, Richard Kimble on the run past Electro. On the bottom, not nearly so ominous, Jamba and the street as it looks today.

March 22: The complete DVD set of Banacek is in the house. I spent way too much, but I allowed myself a splurge. Banacek is a freelance Insurance investigator, who takes on outlandish cases that no one else can solve. In the first two episodes, a football player was kidnapped from the field during a game and an experimental automobile was stolen from a moving train. The series takes place in Boston during the 70s, and as part of my life took place in Boston during the 70s, there is lots of nostalgia appeal for me. Plus, there are George Peppard‘s baby blues and lots of guest stars, so it is fun, escapist fare.

March 24: Here’s an obscure one for British mystery fans, An Unsuitable Job for a Woman (1997-2001, 9 episodes, UK/USA), based on the novel by P.D. James. Cordelia Gray (Helen Baxendale) inherits a floundering detective agency from her boss, who committed suicide, and decides to run the business on her own, even though she is only an apprentice investigator. Cordelia dives feet-first—literally—into her maiden case, "Sacrifice" (1997), when her faltering investigation into the death of a prominent scientist's son gets her thrown to the bottom of an abandoned well. Her office assistant, long-suffering Mrs. Sparshott (Annette Crosbie), constantly frets over Cordelia's safety, and never more so than when a very pregnant Cordelia agrees to follow a mysterious man around London in "Living in Risk" (1999). As befits the detective’s name, this one is on the gray side, and Cordelia is not the usual smarter-than-everyone-in-the-room sleuth, but if you are looking for something different, this one might be your cup of Earl Grey. I have the set on DVD, but at least some episodes, including the first, are available for free (with ads) at dailymotion, as introduced by Diana Rigg for PBS Mystery.

March 28: I was doing research for a secret project (soon to be revealed, I hope), and found that, according to Google, Pat Paulsen was once President of the United States! Anyone here remember his satirical campaign for president? I reported the error to Google. Apparently there are limits to this artificial intelligence thing.

April 14: Probably the coziest of cozy TV mysteries is Hetty Wainthropp Investigates (1996-1998, 27 episodes, UK). No murder, little violence, and not much action, unless you count a woman in her 60s riding on the back of a motor scooter driven by her young protégé. The sleuthing life begins at 60 for Hetty Wainthropp (Patricia Routledge), who takes a job at the local Lancashire post office, but finds mystery more intriguing than mail. With her new calling, Hetty opens a private detective agency, although her retired husband (Derek Benfield) thinks she should be taking it easy with him. Hetty recruits down-on-his-luck teenager Geoffrey Shawcross (Dominic Monaghan) as her assistant and sidekick, and off they go, hunting bad guys on cases which have fallen off the police radar. From my DVD collection, but per the Reelgood app, it is streaming on Britbox.

May 8: I am so sad to learn of the passing of British actor Dennis Waterman, one of my all-time favorites. Dennis had a long and illustrious career in films and especially TV, beginning as a young lad and working through 2020. I “discovered” him in the long-running police procedural New Tricks, and went on a mission to find his earlier performances in the colorful and hilarious TV series Minder and the wonderfully evocative 60s film Up the Junction, among many others. To say he will be missed is an understatement. RIP, Dennis.

May 24: While watching The Fugitive (1963–67) tonight, I laughed when this flashed on the screen. Imagine being old enough to remember when color broadcasts were so new that they were ballyhooed. “In color“! The first three seasons had been in black and white, and they suited the show well. Still it’s nice to see David Janssen in color now, although at the time I was viewing him on a black and white set. Fond memories of bygone TV days.

May 30: I’ve really enjoyed working on the entry for Etta Place in my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television. Many of you will know her from the iconic 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, where she was portrayed by Katharine Ross. There are so many legends about what happened to Etta after Butch and Sundance died (if they died), but no historical evidence. Elizabeth Montgomery portrayed her in the 1974 TV movie Mrs. Sundance, while Ross reprised her 1969 role in the 1976 TV film Wanted: The Sundance Woman.

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Hollywood Stardle Has Arrived!

2022-05-15T16:17:00.000-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

Like many others on the planet, I recently got hooked on Wordle, the game that asks you to guess a five-letter word in six tries. Given my writing interests, it wasn’t long before I came up with a pop culture twist on the original, and Hollywood Stardle was born. My husband, Bob Desharnais, became my partner on the venture, and within a few weeks we had launched the game.

Hollywood Stardle is a daily puzzle which asks you to guess the last name of a star from film, television, or music, in six tries. The rules differ from Wordle in that your guess does not have to be a name or even a word, which helps to eliminate unnecessary letters. The full instructions are available at the site, and are also included in the image below.

In addition to the challenge of the game, there’s the fun of finding out who the star of the day will be. The name is selected randomly from our database, so even Bob and I, the creators of the game, don't know who it will be, allowing us to be players as well. We chose stars from the past 80 years or so, trying to include celebrities for every interest, and some of our first 40 answers have included Amanda Redman, Bradley Cooper, Joan Collins, Malcolm Barrett, Robert Vaughn, Elvis Presley, Kim Fields, Ryan Gosling, and Ian McShane.

We keep a running list of previous Hollywood Stardle answers at the website. Here’s a sample.

If you’re unfamiliar with the star of the day, the results panel gives you the option to find out more about them by clicking their name. In the example below, you would just click or tap “Yannick Bisson” to find out more about the star, such as his lead role in the long-running TV series Murdoch Mysteries. Yes, Hollywood Stardle is educational too!

We hope you’ll give Hollywood Stardle a try and tell your friends!

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Mystery TV Goes to the Beach with Marple, The Mentalist, Miss Fisher, and More!

2022-04-03T20:27:00.001-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

Back in February, I started a series of posts called “Mystery TV Goes to the Beach” for my Facebook group Mystery TV--British and American Series. I highlighted beautiful beach locales, which served as settings for some of my favorite mystery series, and I am collecting those posts here. Please enjoy the sun, the sand, and the ocean views. You might even catch a fragrant whiff of the sweet, salt air!

Mystery TV Goes to the Beach, first in a series. If you’re looking for a way to escape the winter doldrums, why not go to the beach with a good mystery? I’ll be collecting TV mysteries with a beach setting over my next several posts. Please grab your beach towel and sandals to follow along! First up: Agatha Christie‘s Marple, “A Caribbean Mystery“ (2014). Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie) takes a Caribbean holiday to ease her rheumatism, and murder follows along, bringing darkness to paradise. The beaches here, actually located in South Africa rather than the Caribbean, are breathtaking, making this entry the most visually stunning of the series.

Mystery TV Goes to the Beach, second in a series. Continuing with our escapes to the beach, TV mystery style, today’s choice is The Mentalist, “Blood and Sand” (2011). Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney) and Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) search for the killer of a woman found dead on an island off the California coast. Plenty of beach and ocean views here, and a touching final scene, where Patrick places a flower in the surf to honor the dead woman.

Mystery TV Goes to the Beach, third in a series. Escaping to the beach once again, TV mystery style, today‘s selection is “Sensitive Steele,“ a 1986 episode of Remington Steele. Laura (Stephanie Zimbalist) and Mr. Steele (Pierce Brosnan) go undercover as a married couple at a “sensitivity spa” to get to the bottom of a series of “accidents” and their feelings for each other. This one is especially recommended for those who like their beach scenes on the gray and misty rather than the sunny side.

Mystery TV Goes to the Beach, fourth in a series. Back to the beach again, TV mystery style, with “Dainty Dish,” a 1993 episode of Lovejoy. Our favorite antiques dealer, Lovejoy (Ian McShane), is in Brighton with Lady Jane (Phyllis Logan), Tinker (Dudley Sutton), and Eric (Chris Jury) to track down some porcelain stolen by the Nazis. In the course of his acquisitions, he pulls a small, but juicy con on his rival Charlie Gimbert (Malcolm Tierney). Some great shots of Brighton, a seaside resort in England, with plenty of local color for added fun.

Mystery TV Goes to the Beach, fifth in a series. Yes, it’s time for another mystery escape to the beach, this time to Australia! In “Dead Man’s Chest,” a 2013 episode of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, our favorite 1920s P.I. Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis) and entourage travel to the seaside town of Queenscliff, where they find that murder never takes a holiday. Stolen treasure, beautiful people, Phryne’s elegant parasol, and the ocean. What more could you ask? Below: Hugo Johnstone-Burt, Essie Davis, and Nathan Page.

Mystery TV Goes to the Beach, sixth in a series. Our final foray to the beach, TV mystery style, is with Harry O (1974-1976). There’s no need to pick a particular episode with this one, as our hapless PI Harry Orwell (David Janssen) lives at the beach, first in San Diego and later in Santa Monica, so there are ocean vistas aplenty as backdrops for the mysteries. Harry’s cases sometimes involve women in peril, and he has a little habit of using his cottage as a safe house, to the frequent annoyance and/or amusement of Lieutenant Trench (Anthony Zerbe).

If you are a lover of TV locations like I am, you know that Harry’s “Santa Monica” beach cottage was actually located at Paradise Cove in Malibu. The house is no longer there, having been replaced by a larger home. The 70s beach vibe of this series is exquisite and almost haunting, at least for me. It’s not at all what you’d expect from a show that takes place at the beach. You’ll just have to see for yourself. Outstanding series, highly recommended. From my DVD collection.

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Pop Culture Roundup for January 20-February 27: TV Mystery and History

2022-03-02T19:55:00.001-08:00

by Karen A. Romanko

I’m back with a roundup of my social media posts about popular culture, this time emphasizing work on my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television, and mystery/crime/spy series for my Facebook group Mystery TV--British and American Series. This edition spins through the years, from the 1960s through the present, without skipping a decade, using my own little TV time machine. Please stay seated until the roundup comes to a complete stop.

January 20: My research for my books always takes me to interesting TV places. I’m currently working on Empress Alexandra, wife of Nicholas II of Russia, for my book Historical Women on Scripted Television. She led me to an episode of Forever Knight, a story about a vampire cop (Geraint Wyn Davies) seeking redemption. In “Strings” (1995), Alexandra (Caroline Yeager) appears as the empress in flashbacks. Rasputin (Sam Malkin) turns out to be a vampire, so everything makes more sense now. Below, Davies and Yeager.

February 2: I just finished writing up Abigail Adams for my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television. When Abigail’s husband, future president John Adams, was working with the Continental Congress on the Declaration of Independence, she had a few notes. “And, by the way, in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors.” In this photo, Leora Dana is Abigail to George Grizzard’s John in the 1976 miniseries The Adams Chronicles.

February 5: Patrick McGoohan in some of his memorable mystery/spy/crime roles. Clockwise from left: Number six in The Prisoner, John Drake in Danger Man/Secret Agent, Dr. Syn in The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh, and Nelson Brenner in Columbo, one of his four guest appearances on the series. Fascinating actor!

February 11: The Avengers. John Steed (Patrick Macnee) with partners Emma Peel (Diana Rigg, Cathy Gale (Honor Blackman), Tara King (Linda Thorson), and umbrella (uncredited).

February 16: Here are 10 of my favorite mystery/crime/spy series that are on the cozy rather than grim side. They span the decades and are not confined to the UK. All are from my DVD collection. Feel free to add to the list in the comments.

Father Brown
Lovejoy
Marple
McMillan & Wife
Miss Scarlet and the Duke
Monk
Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries
Remington Steele
Rosemary & Thyme
Scarecrow and Mrs. King

February 20: Twin Peaks (1990–1991) was a genre unto itself, surrealistic soap opera, macabre crime series, celebration/parody of small town life, all wrapped in plastic. Starring Kyle MacLachlan, Sherilyn Fenn, and more beautiful people than you can shake a stick at, the series posed the question of “who killed Laura Palmer,” a puzzle which captivated viewing audiences for a time. Once the question was answered, viewers defected in droves, although some of us stuck it out until the end. Showtime ran a continuation of the original show as a limited series in 2017, which I didn’t see. Did you watch either or both?

February 22: A photo from my book Women of Science Fiction and Fantasy Television (McFarland, 2019). Jaime Sommers (Lindsay Wagner) goes undercover as a showgirl to investigate an army of “Fembots” in The Bionic Woman (1976–1978). I just love the word “Fembot.“ Photo: Lindsay Wagner and Fembot as herself (itself?)

February 25: I just reached 40,000 words on my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television, to be published by McFarland. I’m shooting for 80,000 words, so I’m halfway there! The TV series Meeting of Minds was a great find, with lots of historical women portrayed, often by Jayne Meadows. Look at some of her transformations below!

February 27: While watching “No Marks for Servility,” a fascinating 1964 episode of Danger Man/Secret Agent, the pretty young woman playing Judy looked familiar to me. I quickly realized it was Francesca Annis, known to TV mystery fans for Partners in Crime and generally for her seven-decades career in movies, television, and theater. Here she is with Patrick McGoohan as John Drake, who has been forced to go undercover as a butler. But Drake’s innate lack of “servility” doesn’t go unnoticed by his boss/prey Gregori (Howard Marion-Crawford), leading to some rich and tense tests of Drake’s patience and professionalism.

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TV Detectives and Their Diversions: Harry O’s “Answer,” Remington Steele’s Movies, and More!

2022-01-26T19:33:00.000-08:00

by Karen A. Romanko

TV detectives have hobbies just like the rest of us, but somehow their interests make them edgy and cool, never nerdy or dull, like those of us who don’t exist on the small screen. Here are six detectives and their diversions, which add extra dimension to their characters and their series.

Harry O and “The Answer.” World-weary private eye Harry Orwell (David Janssen) works on his boat, “The Answer,” searching for the meaning of life, when he’s not searching for bad guys in San Diego (and later Santa Monica). Harry never seems to make much progress on “The Answer,” which seems appropriate. Harry O (1974-1976, 44 episodes, USA). Quintessential 70s series, highly recommended. From my DVD collection.

Mr. Steele and classic movies. A charming con man (Pierce Brosnan) assumes the identity of fictional P.I. Remington Steele, and his vast knowledge of old movies provides sparks of illumination at just the right time. While real detective Laura Holt (Stephanie Zimbalist) insists upon proper procedure, she can’t ignore his inspirations. Mr. Steele’s movie references are a delightful aspect of this wonderful, well-written series. Remington Steele (1982-1987, 94 episodes, USA). From my DVD collection.

Alexa Crowe and bread making. Alexa Crowe (Lucy Lawless), a retired warrior princess, er, police detective, can’t stay away from murder, when she becomes a private police consultant specializing in cold cases. In her spare time, Alexa bakes bread, which she sells to the local café, but criminals shouldn’t be fooled by her domestic preoccupation. She is worldly wise and coming to get you. My Life Is Murder (2019- , 20 episodes, Australia/New Zealand). From my DVD collection.

Gerry Standing and his classic car. Gerry Standing (Dennis Waterman, left, with Denis Lawson), a retired detective working as a civilian investigator for an unsolved crime unit, tools around town in a 1977 Triumph Stag. While most people tell Gerry it’s a piece of junk, Gerry loves his car, even if it isn’t reliable on long trips. The Stag is like an additional character on New Tricks, one of the old dogs that make the series so much fun to watch. New Tricks (2003-2015, 107 episodes, UK). From my DVD collection.

McMillans and martinis. Sally McMillan (Susan Saint James) assists her Police Commissioner hubby Stewart “Mac” McMillan (Rock Hudson) with his cases, a task which includes lots of leg work in San Francisco, but also plenty of discussion at home. The McMillans love to compare notes and unwind at one of the two bars in their townhouse, where martinis are a favorite, and they often use a favorite toast. “Arriba! Abajo! Al centro! Al dentro!” That always leads to a kiss. These two are adorable! Forever my favorite series. McMillan & Wife (1971-1977, 40 episodes, USA). From my DVD collection.

Mike Shepherd and country music. Mike Shepherd (Neill Rea) solves crimes in the quirky New Zealand town of Brokenwood, where he talks to murder victims and cranks up the country music while driving to interview suspects. Mike’s songs form an evocative soundtrack for the series, a big admission from someone who does not consider herself a country music fan. Enjoy! The Brokenwood Mysteries (2014- , 30 episodes, NZ). From my DVD collection.

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25 Mystery Days of Christmas, Part III: December 17-25, Moonlighting, Murdoch, Ms Fisher, and More!

2021-12-26T18:55:00.001-08:00

by Karen A. Romanko

It’s time for Part III of the TV Mystery “Advent Calendar” I’ve devised for my Facebook group Mystery TV—British and American Series. I’ve been selecting one holiday-themed episode per day of mystery, crime, and spy television series, and below is the last group. Please enjoy and check out the earlier installments: "25 Mystery Days of Christmas, Part I: December 1-8, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Miss Fisher, and More!" and "25 Mystery Days of Christmas, Part II: December 9-16, Monk, Sherlock, Lovejoy, and More!”

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 17: Psych, “Christmas Joy” (2008). Holiday fun as Shawn (James Roday) and Gus (Dulé Hill) help a jailed Santa (lots of Santas in trouble on this list), and solve a murder in beautifully decorated (faux) Solvang. Season 3, Episode 9. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 18: Chuck, “Chuck Versus Santa Claus” (2008). The Buy More is merry and bright for Christmas, but things turn dark when a car chase ends in a hostage crisis for the store’s employees. Chuck (Zachary Levi) steps in as negotiator, but things are not what they seem. Season 2, Episode 11. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 19: Circles of Deceit, “The Wolves Are Howling” (also known as “Circle of Deceit,” 1993). This one is edgy and violent, so it won’t be to everyone’s holiday taste. John Neil (Dennis Waterman ) is brought out of retirement to infiltrate an IRA cell, whose Christmas holiday plans include a big arms deal. First in a series of four TV movies. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 20: Wonder Woman, “The Deadly Toys” (1977). A toy maker (Frank Gorshin) creates androids to replace scientists working on a secret weapons project. Diana Prince a.k.a. Wonder Woman (Lynda Carter) is on the case, but will she be any match for android Wonder Woman? Second appearance on this list (after Hart to Hart) of attacks by deadly toy planes (clearly a holiday problem during the 70s). Season 2, Episode 12. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 21: Murdoch Mysteries, “A Merry Murdoch Christmas” (2015). Kratchit, Krampus, and Kringle, oh my! There’s something for everyone in this Christmas tale of murder set against a backdrop of snowy beauty. While it doesn’t deliver on all its promises, Murdoch’s Christmas is a jolly ride in a one-horse, open sleigh. Season 9, Episode 0 (Feature-length special). From Ovation TV.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 22: Moonlighting, “Twas the Episode Before Christmas” (1985). Lots of yammering by private investigators Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) and David (Bruce Willis) amidst a slender tale of murder involving a baby, three kings, and a woman named Mary. Season 2, Episode 10 or 15 (depending on who’s counting). From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 23: Cagney & Lacey, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” (1982). Cagney (Sharon Gless) and Lacey (Tyne Daly) work late on Christmas Eve to locate a larcenous Santa, while Petrie’s wife (Suzanne Stone) experiences pregnancy complications. The story meanders a bit, but Daly has some nice moments in Lacey’s family scenes, reminding me of how refreshing it was/is to see cops portrayed as real women with real home lives. Season 1 or 2 (depending on who’s counting), Episode 9. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 24: Scarecrow and Mrs. King, “The Long Christmas Eve” (1983). Housewife turned novice spy Amanda King (Kate Jackson) works a miracle when she engineers a truce at a remote cabin between KGB and American agents, including wounded Lee “Scarecrow” Stetson (Bruce Boxleitner). One of my favorite Christmas episodes, this one gets to me every time, especially when Amanda gives her brave and touching truce speech. Season 1, Episode 10. From my DVD collection.

Merry Christmas! Whew! I made it to the end of my little experiment! 25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 25: Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, “New Year’s Evil” (2021). PI Peregrine Fisher (Geraldine Hakewill) is in charge of the New Year’s Eve party at the Adventuresses’ Club, booking a swingin’ Beatles-esque band, but murder attends her bash as an uninvited guest. My love for this series, its 60s style, and spunky heroine knows no bounds! Season 2, Episode 8. From my DVD collection.

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25 Mystery Days of Christmas, Part II: December 9-16, Monk, Sherlock, Lovejoy, and more!

2021-12-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

by Karen A. Romanko

I’m back with Part II of the TV Mystery “Advent Calendar” I’ve devised for my Facebook group Mystery TV—British and American Series. I’ve been selecting one Christmas-themed episode per day of mystery, crime, and spy television series, and below is the second group of eight. Please enjoy and keep an eye out for Part III! Also check out the first installment, “25 Mystery Days of Christmas, Part I: December 1-8, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Miss Fisher, and More!” available here.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 9: Lovejoy, “The Prague Sun” (1992). Delightful feature-length outing which takes our favorite antiques dealer/con man/amateur sleuth (Ian McShane) from England to Czechoslovakia in search of hidden diamonds and a murderer. Will he make it home in time to play Santa Claus at the local hospital? If Lady Jane (Phyllis Logan) has anything to say about it, he will. Season 3, Episode 14. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 10: Monk, “Mr. Monk and the Miracle” (2008). It’s a miracle when fastidious Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) accepts a case from three homeless men, but further miracles are in store as the sick are cured and Monk meets actual monks, including someone surprising. Season 7, Episode 9. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 11: The Brokenwood Mysteries, “A Merry Bloody Christmas” (2016). It’s Christmas in New Zealand, but murder never takes a holiday, especially in Brokenwood, where there are “two dead Santas in one day.” This entry features a bright Christmas in the New Zealand sun, but too many names and details bog down the narrative. Season 3, Episode 4. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 12: The Equalizer, “Christmas Presence” (1987). McCall (Edward Woodward) and Gage (Richard Jordan) help a young boy (Corey Carrier) with AIDS, who is the target of a fear campaign to remove him from the neighborhood. While this episode sends an important message, subtlety and believability are not among its Christmas gifts, but I cried at the end anyway. Season 3, Episode 11. From my DVD collection.

We are halfway there! 25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 13: Hart to Hart, “‘Tis the Season to Be Murdered” (1980). The Harts (Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers) are undercover bosses in their toy subsidiary, when designs are repeatedly stolen by a competitor. This one is broad with a capital B, but Stefanie Powers sure does look cute in her elf costume. Season 2, Episode 5. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 14: Sherlock Holmes, “The Blue Carbuncle” (1984). Lavishly produced, with a beautiful glimpse into Christmas in Victorian London. The mystery is holiday-friendly, but the story’s pacing is a bit slow. Season 1, Episode 7. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 15: Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye, “Silent Night” (2002). The team investigates bank robberies by a man in a Santa suit, while Sue (Deanne Bray) navigates problems with her domineering mother. The crime story is ho-hum rather than ho-ho, but the tale of family woes at Christmas is effective. Season 1, Episode 7 or 8 (depending on who’s counting). From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 16: Father Brown, “The Tree of Truth” (2017). Father Brown (Mark Williams) makes a second appearance on 25 Mystery Days of Christmas with this tale, which finds the Kembleford Christmas pantomime somehow linked to a murder from seven years past. Extra points for the inspired idea of casting Inspector Mallory (Jack Deam) and Sgt. Goodfellow (John Burton) as the ugly stepsisters in the panto. Season 6, Episode 1. From my DVD collection.

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25 Mystery Days of Christmas, Part I: December 1-8, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Miss Fisher, and More!

2021-12-08T14:11:00.004-08:00

by Karen A. Romanko

I’ve devised a special TV Mystery “Advent Calendar” for my Facebook group Mystery TV—British and American Series, selecting one Christmas-themed episode per day of mystery, crime, and spy television series. I’m collecting the first eight posts here on Small Screen Pop, and my choices run the gamut from a campy episode of the The Man from U.N.C.L.E. in 1966 to a dramatic installment of Grantchester in 2016. Please enjoy and keep an eye out for Part II!

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 1: Father Brown, “The Star of Jacob” (2016). This one has great holiday spirit and a mystery that doesn’t involve murder. Season 5, Episode 1. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 2: Remington Steele, “Dancer, Prancer, Donner and Steele” (1985). If you like your Christmas episodes on the intense side, this one’s for you, as the Steele agency and guests are held hostage at a holiday party (pre-Die Hard). Season 4, Episode 9. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 3: Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, “Murder Under the Mistletoe” (2013). Looking like a beautiful snow queen, Miss Fisher (Essie Davis) investigates a death by Christmas tree and finds (we’re not surprised) MURDER. Season 2, Episode 13. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 4: Father Dowling Mysteries, “The Christmas Mystery” (1990). Sister Steve (Tracy Nelson), game for any assignment, works at a department store, where too many Santas spell trouble for her and a young boy. Season 3, Episode 10. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 5: Grantchester, "Christmas Special" (2016). Sidney (James Norton) and Geordie (Robson Green) investigate a murder, as they do, while Amanda (Morven Christie) is ready to give birth, but is literally left out in the cold (shades of "no room at the inn"). Season 3, Episode 0 or 1 (depending on who's counting). From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 6: The Man from U.N.C.L.E., “The Jingle Bells Affair” (1966). My favorite thing about this episode was the interior footage of Macy‘s New York during the holiday season, which evoked lots of fond memories. The rest is an uncomfortable mix of camp, communists, chattiness, and Christmas. Season 3, Episode 15. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 7: Agatha Christie’s Marple, “4:50 from Paddington” (also known as “What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw,” 2004). Miss Marple (Geraldine McEwan) sends her beautiful young friend (Amanda Holden) to serve as a housekeeper for the Christmas holidays at the Crackenthorpe estate. Marple is convinced there’s a body hidden on the grounds, and not even Christmas will stop the venerable sleuth from digging up bodies and the wealthy family’s secrets. Season 1, Episode 3. From my DVD collection.

25 Mystery Days of Christmas! One holiday episode per day. December 8: The Mentalist, “Jolly Red Elf” (2010). When a man dressed in a Santa suit is pushed from a window, Patrick (Simon Baker) and the team investigate, taking them from a Santa convention to Alcoholics Anonymous. The solution to the murder mystery is dark, in contrast to the pretty holiday lighting displayed in the episode. Season 3, Episode 10. From my DVD collection.

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Pop Culture Roundup for November 1-22: Vampires, Nuns, and Spies, Oh, My!

2021-11-24T18:03:00.000-08:00

by Karen A. Romanko

Back again to round up my recent pop culture posts from social media. The roundup is more wobbly than usual on this outing, with handsome vampires, drunk historians, and unconventional nuns shaking things up. Take extra care when exiting!

November 1: A couple of vampire detectives, one a cop and one a private investigator. On the left, Nicholas Knight (Geraint Wyn Davies) of Forever Knight (1992-1996, 70 episodes, Canada/West Germany), a detective for the Toronto police department, who uses his supernatural powers for good after centuries of bloodthirsty sins. On the right, Mick St. John (Alex O’Loughlin) of Moonlight (2007-2008, 16 episodes, USA), a Los Angeles private detective with a bloody little secret and an (un)deadly connection to an Internet reporter (Sophia Myles). Which did you watch? Which did you like?

November 7: Female TV crimefighter of the day! Sandra Pullman of New Tricks (2003–2015, 107 episodes, UK). After shooting a dog during a hostage rescue, Sandra Pullman (Amanda Redman), a forty-something Detective Superintendent, is assigned to a new and underfunded unit, the Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad (UCOS). Ambitious Sandra isn’t happy about moving down the career ladder, but she sets about assembling a squad of retired cops and quickly has her hands full with old police dogs Brian Lane (Alun Armstrong), Gerry Standing (Dennis Waterman), and Jack Halford (James Bolam). I have the complete series, 12 seasons, on DVD and give my highest recommendation to the antics of Sandra and her “boys”!

November 10: My pace gets ever slower, but I have reached 35,000 words on my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television. I just finished the entry for Peggy Shippen, Benedict Arnold’s wife, who may have instigated his treachery. It’s always fun to find laugh-out-loud moments while doing research, as when Peggy (Winona Ryder) exclaims during the Drunk History episode “Philadelphia” (2014): “I love being a spy. This is so great, because I love drama.” Well, I guess that clears up Peggy’s motivations for us! Ms. Ryder as Peggy below.

November 11: Female TV crimefighter of the day! Sister Stephanie “Steve” Oskowski of Father Dowling Mysteries (1987-1991, 44 episodes, USA). Possibly the most unlikely amateur detective ever to grace the small screen, Sister Steve (Tracy Nelson) works with Father Frank Dowling (Tom Bosley) of St. Michael’s Parish in Chicago to solve murders before the police have a chance. The good sister even goes undercover when needed, posing as an aerobics instructor, an expert card dealer, a flashy bartender, or even (the scandal!) a woman of ill repute. I didn’t expect much when I watched this series while researching my book Television's Female Spies and Crimefighters, but Tracy Nelson made Steve a spunky original. Below, Sister Steve on the left and undercover as a model on the right in the episode “The Woman Scorned Mystery.”

November 14: The first episode of Scarecrow and Mrs. King is called “The First Time,” and this post also deals with a couple of first times. This is the first time I have scanned the photo below, although I’ve had it for nine years. I got it when I met Bruce Boxleitner for the first time at a local convention. He had lots of photos from Tron and Babylon 5, but I immediately wanted the one from SMK, one of my favorite series. “Love Bruce Boxleitner.” You’re never too old or too married to squee!

November 16: Here’s a 1976 print ad for an Ontario TV station, which features lots of 70s detective shows: Police Woman, Starsky & Hutch, Baretta, Most Wanted, Charlie’s Angels, and Hawaii Five-O. Who is that supposed to be for Charlie's Angels? It doesn’t look like any of them, as though the illustrator depicted a generic pretty girl. Maybe a little like Kate, but wrong hair. Everyone else is at least recognizable.

November 17: Remembering Roy Fitzgerald a.k.a. Rock Hudson, who was born on this day in 1925. A few of my favorite photos. Forever missed.

November 19: One of the things I love about Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries is its cool 60s vibe, with fashions, music, and story themes all playing a part. Last night we watched “Coop de Grâce” (2021), and highlights included a spyfi plot, Peregrine's Mondrian-inspired dress, and the perfectly placed song “Different Drum” by the Stone Poneys with Linda Ronstadt. Below Peregrine Fisher (Geraldine Hakewill) in the aforementioned dress with James Steed (Joel Jackson).

November 21: Some of the costumes and disguises of Sebastian Brudenell (Patrick Walshe McBride) on Shakespeare & Hathaway.

November 22: The perennial question on TV-related Facebook groups is, “where is that streaming?” Since I write books about television, I have a big DVD collection and recommend most shows from there, so I can’t answer the streaming question without doing research. But you can do your own research by googling the name of the TV series or using an app such as “JustWatch” or “Reelgood,” which is the one I have on my phone. Below is what I find, for example, when I search, “Agatha Christie’s Marple” on Reelgood. On the left we see program information for the series, and on the right the services where it is streaming, the number of seasons offered, and whether it is available via subscription or purchase. Bear in mind, though, that streaming services change their offerings in the blink of an eye, so recent changes may not be reflected here or on Google. I hope this info is helpful to some.

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Pop Culture Roundup for October 14–31: Halloween Edition!

2021-10-31T18:52:00.006-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

In the past couple of weeks I have been Halloween-obsessed, as reflected in my pop culture social media posts, collected in this edition of PCR. The roundup is painted orange and wears a witch’s hat for this special occasion. Happy Halloween!

October 14: Another photo score for my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television. Jayne Meadows as Marie Antoinette on Meeting of Minds (1977). That wig! If you look closely, you can see a couple of American flags nestled within. And, if you’re stuck for a Halloween costume idea, here you go! She looks amazing!

October 17: OMG! I love this! William Shatner, you have lived a life! #twilightzone

October 21: It befits a spy series that its Halloween episode would be of the “stealth Halloween” variety. To the best of my knowledge, the word “Halloween” is never uttered in the Scarecrow and Mrs. King episode “The First Time” (1983), but the holiday is always in the background. You can see it here when housewife Amanda King (Kate Jackson) attends a party for which she is “hideously underdressed,” and learns that Lee Stetson (Bruce Boxleitner) is a spy. I usually watch this one every year around this time.

October 25: Happy Halloween week! If you’re looking for some suggestions for Halloween TV viewing, please stop by my blog Small Screen Pop where I’ve got two blog posts about classic Halloween episodes. Some of the shows I discuss are pictured below.

October 29: For those who watch Father Brown, Mrs. McCarthy (the wonderful Sorcha Cusack) and six from her seemingly infinite collection of hats.

October 31: Happy Halloween from yours truly and some of my favorite detectives and spies. Clockwise from top left: Marple, McMillan & Wife, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, and Rizzoli & Isles.

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Pop Culture Roundup, Special Edition: Female TV Crimefighters of the Day, First 15!

2021-10-25T19:30:00.005-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

A few months back I created a Facebook group called Mystery TV--British and American Series. I occasionally select a “Female TV Crimefighter of the Day” from my books Television's Female Spies and Crimefighters (McFarland, 2016) or Women of Science Fiction and Fantasy Television (McFarland, 2019), posting excerpts about the character to the group. Here’s the first roundup of the characters, and, in true PCR fashion, they span the decades from Agent 99 and Cathy Gale in the 60s through Joan Watson and Agent Carter in the new millennium. These ladies are feisty and impatient, so let’s not keep them waiting!

July 14: Female TV Crimefighter of the Day! Adela Bradley of The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries (1998–2000, 5 episodes, UK). Diana Rigg portrays Adela Bradley, an amateur sleuth in the Miss Marple mold, if Miss Marple wore stunning Jazz Age couture and had a hunky chauffeur (Neil Dudgeon) as a confidant. Available on Amazon BritBox and DVD.

July 15: Female TV Crimefighter of the Day! Teresa Lisbon of The Mentalist (2008-2015, 151 episodes, USA). Robin Tunney stars as Teresa Lisbon, a California Bureau of Investigation lead agent, who must supervise a trouble-making former con man named Patrick Jane (Simon Baker). Agent Lisbon isn’t much of a girly girl—when she tries on a pink bridesmaid’s gown in “Strawberries and Cream: Part 1” (2011), she is so agitated by the experience that Jane says she looks like “an angry little princess.” (My kind of woman!) Available on DVD, Amazon Prime with subscription, and others.

July 16: Female TV Crimefighter of the Day! Sue Thomas of Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye (2002–2005, 56 episodes, Canada/USA). Based on a true story, this inspiring series stars Deanne Bray as title character Sue Thomas, a deaf woman whose lip-reading ability lands her on an FBI surveillance team. Levi (Jesse), a hearing ear dog, is indispensable to Sue, alerting her when there is something she needs to hear. Also stars pre-Murdoch Yannick Bisson. Available for free on Tubi and others by subscription.

July 19: Female TV Crimefighter of the Day! Cinnamon Carter of Mission: Impossible (1966–1973, 171 episodes, USA). Barbara Bain portrays Cinnamon Carter, an elite operative with the Impossible Missions Force (IMF). Cinnamon, a former top model, is adept at role-playing, posing as a psychic, photographer, or lost princess, to help the team with its elaborate deceptions, which thwart assassinations or bring down governments. Available on Paramount+, others for a fee.

July 20: Female TV Crimefighter of the Day! Jane Marple of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple (1984-1992, 12 episodes, UK/USA). Joan Hickson stars as Jane Marple, an octogenarian who enjoys knitting and gardening. Sounds harmless enough, but Marple’s cool-blue eyes take in EVERYTHING, and she not only hears, but listens, allowing her to combine observation with intellect to solve mysteries where the authorities can’t. Available on Amazon Britbox and DVD.

July 22: Female TV Crimefighter of the Day! Jane Tennison of Prime Suspect (1991-2006, 15 episodes, UK/USA). Helen Mirren stars as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison, a woman placed in charge of her first major murder investigation, much to the consternation of her all-male squad. This dark, but groundbreaking series won multiple awards over its lifetime, including a Peabody Award and an Emmy for Mirren. Available on Hulu, BritBox, and Acorn (according to the Reelgood app).

July 24: Female TV Crimefighter of the Day! Jaime Sommers of The Bionic Woman (1976-1978, 58 episodes, USA). Lindsay Wagner stars as Jaime Sommers, a former tennis star who suffers critical injuries during a skydiving accident and is saved by the addition of some computerized body parts. Jaime becomes a schoolteacher by day, but moonlights as an operative for the Office of Scientific Investigations, using her exceptional abilities, such as massive strength and lightning speed, for the cause of good around the world. Available for free on the NBC app (according to Reelgood).

July 30: Female TV crimefighter of the day! Agent 99 of Get Smart (1965–1970). Barbara Feldon portrays Agent 99, a stylish operative for CONTROL, who makes her bumbling partner, Maxwell Smart (Don Adams), look good, not only with her willowy beauty, but also with her competence and “smarts.” “Nine,” as I like to call her, is also the cover model for my book Television’s Female Spies and Crimefighters (McFarland, 2016), and I couldn’t have asked for a better character to represent the subject. I also love her mod looks, and even owned a medallion like the one she is wearing on the cover. Here’s to you, 99!

July 31: Female TV crimefighter of the day! Allison DuBois of Medium (2005-2011, 130 episodes, USA). Patricia Arquette stars as Allison DuBois, a clairvoyant who uses her psychic gifts to help the Phoenix District Attorney’s Office prosecute cases and solve murders. Arquette’s Allison is tenacious and strong, yet vulnerable and sympathetic, demonstrating that seeing dead people is a tough way to make a living. Available on Hulu and Paramount+ via subscription, others for a fee.

August 9: Female TV crimefighter of the day! Joan Watson of Elementary (2012–2019, 154 episodes, USA). Lucy Liu stars as Dr. Joan Watson, initially a “sober companion” for Sherlock Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller), but eventually his crime-solving partner and friend. Watson is every bit the famous detective’s match in intellect and analytical skills in this reimagining of Conan Doyle‘s classic characters. Available on Hulu and Paramount+, others for a fee.

September 20: Female TV Crimefighter of the Day! Jane Rizzoli of Rizzoli & Isles (2010-2016, 105 episodes, USA). Angie Harmon stars as Jane Rizzoli, a beautiful, but tough homicide detective for the Boston Police Department. Although “beautiful, but tough” is a female detective cliché, Harmon breathes real life into Jane Rizzoli, who never falls into caricature. Rizzoli works with Dr. Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander), the Commonwealth’s Chief Medical Examiner, and the women have a friendship of opposites, with Jane’s wisecracking impatience played, often comically, against Maura’s pedantic sincerity. But their complementary worldviews are needed to close cases, and they do, for seven seasons, against the backdrop of beautifully filmed Boston (my hometown). Streaming on HBO Max, others for a fee. Also on Lifetime.

September 23: Female TV Crimefighter of the Day! Peggy Carter of Agent Carter (2015–2016, 18 episodes, USA). Hayley Atwell portrays Peggy Carter, an agent with the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR) in 1946. She returns after World War II to an office full of men who underestimate her investigative abilities and treat her like an unqualified assistant. It’s the men, however, who are out of their depth, since under their noses Peggy is on a clandestine crusade to clear the name of Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper), a Howard Hughes–esque inventor and weapons-maker accused of treason. While Agent Carter’s television stay was short, the series is unforgettable both for its beautiful 40s aesthetic and its skill at portraying strong, smart women without forgetting the limitations they faced during the pre-feminist era. Streaming on Disney+, others for a fee.

October 1: Female TV Crimefighter of the Day! Cathy Gale of The Avengers (1961-1969, 161 episodes, UK). Dr. Gale, an anthropologist, finds herself in the unlikely role of amateur operative when she assists secret agent John Steed (Patrick Macnee) on a case in “Mr. Teddy Bear” (1962). As portrayed by Honor Blackman, Cathy is smart, independent, assertive, and adept at hand-to-hand combat, whether attired in street clothes or her signature black leather suit and boots. Gale blazes a trail that other female spies and detectives will soon follow, including her successor on The Avengers, Emma Peel (Diana Rigg), and American P. I. Honey West (Anne Francis).

October 10: Female TV Crimefighter of the Day! Dee Dee McCall of Hunter (1984–1991, 153 episodes, USA). Sgt. Dee Dee McCall (Stepfanie Kramer), a homicide detective, works with partner Rick Hunter (Fred Dryer) to rid Los Angeles of its worst riffraff. Nicknamed the “brass cupcake,” beautiful Dee Dee is one tough cookie (brass cupcake, some kind of hard-to-bite baked good), unafraid to tackle a perp by jumping off the hood of a car and unflinching when a hulking good ol’ boy harasses her. This series is on the broad side, with an inordinate number of chases which end with the launch of a flaming car into the sky, but Kramer has moments of real feeling as a cop whose husband was on the job and killed in the line of duty. Available on Tubi, Peacock, and others.

October 19: Female TV Crimefighter of the Day! Precious Ramotswe of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (2008-2009, 7 episodes, UK/USA). Jill Scott stars as Precious Ramotswe, who opens Botswana’s only female-owned detective agency after selling off her inherited cows. Precious proceeds to hire crackerjack secretary Grace Makutsi (Anika Noni Rose) as her assistant, and together they sip red-bush tea while empowering their female clients through the solution of cases big and small. Streaming on HBO Max. Some episodes or parts thereof available for free on YouTube.

Please share your comments below or connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

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Last, but not least, please check out my books about women and television from McFarland Publishers, available in trade paperback and Kindle editions at Amazon:


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Pop Culture Roundup for September 28-October 10: Star Trek, Cathy Gale, Lost Locations, and More!

2021-10-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

Once again, I’m pulling together my pop culture posts from social media. The Roundup has been shifting between the 60s and 80s for last 12 days, so fasten your safety belts. Jumping the 70s always brings a jolt!

September 28: Wondering where my Amazon package is, I pick up a small device, tap “track package,” and I’m whisked to a map that tells me I’m the next stop. I look up from the phone, and hear the package drop on the front porch. Not quite Star Trek, but pretty amazing.

September 30: I’ve always been fascinated by television history, a fascination which eventually led me to write books on the subject. When hubby and I moved to LA from the East Coast in the late 80s, I was thrilled to be in Hollywood, and loved being surrounded by film and television history. I became a little “gaga” for spotting Los Angeles locations in TV shows, especially the older ones. Last night, I watched a fine episode of The Fugitive, “Death Is the Door Prize” (1966), and was finally able to determine the location of a pretty hotel with expansive grounds, The Chapman Park Hotel and Bungalows at 3405 Wilshire Blvd., unfortunately demolished in the late 60s. Top photo: The Fugitive, David Janssen (right), catches up with the wrong one-armed man on the hotel grounds. Bottom: layout of The Chapman Park, with an incorrect street number listed. (You had one job!) Would have loved to see this hotel in person!

October 1: Female TV Crimefighter of the Day! Cathy Gale of The Avengers (1961-1969, 161 episodes, UK). Dr. Gale, an anthropologist, finds herself in the unlikely role of amateur operative when she assists secret agent John Steed (Patrick Macnee) on a case in “Mr. Teddy Bear” (1962). As portrayed by Honor Blackman, Cathy is smart, independent, assertive, and adept at hand-to-hand combat, whether attired in street clothes or her signature black leather suit and boots. Gale blazes a trail that other female spies and detectives will soon follow, including her successor on The Avengers, Emma Peel (Diana Rigg), and American P. I. Honey West (Anne Francis).

October 2: Remembering beautiful and talented Roy Fitzgerald a.k.a. Rock Hudson on the 36th anniversary of his passing. Always loved.

October 3: Happy birthday to one of my favorite series, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, which premiered on this day in 1983. Amanda, please put 38 candles on your poppyseed cake, aka “your Sistine Chapel.” Here’s “the big fella,“ Lee “Scarecrow” Stetson (Bruce Boxleitner) and housewife–turned-spy Amanda King (Kate Jackson).

October 8: Four faces of stunning Katy Jurado, who portrayed Maria Gertrudis Barceló in “La Tules,” a 1962 episode of Death Valley Days. The real Barceló, often called "La Tules," was a casino owner and businesswoman who built a small fortune in the American Southwest during the mid-19th century. Married at the age of 23, Barceló was a woman ahead of her time, retaining her maiden name, property, and the right to sign contracts, all practices contrary to the customs of her era. I was delighted to find this photo and acquired it for my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television.

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Pop Culture Roundup for September 10-23: TV Mystery and History with UNCLE, SNL, SSR, and MORE

2021-09-28T14:57:00.007-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

Time for another roundup of my social media posts about pop culture! I’m focusing on mystery and history this time out, with acronyms aplenty, from UNCLE in the 1960s to SSR in the new millennium. Ride the roundup as it spins through decades of television history...

September 10: If you like your mysteries on the quirky, cross-genre side, then Pushing Daisies (2007-2009, 22 episodes, USA) is the one for you. Ned (Lee Pace) is a pie-maker who learned as a child that his touch could resurrect the dead. Now an adult, Ned works with local private investigator Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) to solve murders with a unique investigative technique—Ned raises the dead, so Emerson can ask who killed them, then touches the victim a second time, laying them to rest forever. Things get complicated, however, when Ned’s childhood sweetheart, Charlotte “Chuck” Charles (Anna Friel), is murdered on a cruise ship. Ned revives her at the local funeral home, but can’t bring himself to let her go permanently. Chuck (or “Dead Girl,” as the grumpy Cod likes to call her) joins the detective team, making the interrogations even more challenging, since they have only one minute to question the murder victims or someone in the vicinity will die (another rule of Ned’s gift). There’s more flaky goodness to this one, including synchronized-swimming aunts (Ellen Greene, Swoosie Kurtz) and a kitschy-noir restaurant called The Pie Hole. Available for free on CW Seed, via subscription on HBO Max, others for a fee.

September 12: What’s everyone watching, old or new, in mystery, detective, spy, and crime TV series? Bob and I have been slowly working through The Man from U.N.C.L.E. DVD set I bought him for Christmas. I never watched it as a kid, so it’s totally new to me. I have started re-watching Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, and Phryne is still a colorful and fun protagonist, who always brings the word “sashay” to mind. What about y’all?

September 13: It’s not often that research for my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television, makes me laugh so much. I hadn’t seen this classic SNL skit in years, but since I’m researching Julia Child, I decided to revisit it. I admit it was more sanguinary than I remembered, so a big trigger warning for BLOOD. Apparently Ms. Child thought it was so funny that she showed it to friends at parties. That’s a good sport! Dan Aykroyd is pitch perfect (and adorable) in this cooking-show-gone-horribly-wrong parody.

September 16: I’m a big fan of period mysteries. Several set in the 1920s bring us female sleuths with plenty of style and sass (apparently a requirement in the 20s). Clockwise from left: Partners in Crime (2015 version), Partners in Crime (1983 version), The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries (1998), Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012–2015), and Frankie Drake Mysteries (2017-2021). Spiffing fun!

September 22: Susan B. Anthony is making me cry! I’m researching Anthony for my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television, and I came across this description of her 1873 trial for illegally voting in a presidential election. “Repeatedly ignoring the judge's order to stop talking and sit down, she protested what she called ‘this high-handed outrage upon my citizen's rights,’ saying, ‘you have trampled under foot every vital principle of our government. My natural rights, my civil rights, my political rights, my judicial rights, are all alike ignored.’” (Wikipedia) Thank you, Ms. Anthony! She was portrayed by Jayne Meadows on Meeting of Minds (1977–1981), an innovative “talk show” for historical figures. She is on the left below with Steve Allen and James Booth. Back row: Julio Mendina and Alexander Scourby.

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Pop Culture Roundup for August 28-September 8: TV Villains, Special Edition

2021-09-08T21:40:00.001-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

This installment of PCR highlights TV villains through the decades, costumed, dashing, or elegant, but rarely truly EVIL, because the Roundup likes to spin in the direction of happiness. They’re a diverse lot, with “mothers,” "gurus," “cats,” “foxes,” and more, villains to suit every wicked TV taste. Enjoy!

August 28: Greetings, mystery TV smarties! Here are 10 nicknames for villains, some nasty, some kind of nice, from mystery, spy, and crime TV series. Name the series where each appeared. Play fair, and work from your own knowledge rather than searching on Google. I will reveal the answers tomorrow (i.e in the next entry).

1) Le Renard
2) The Woman
3) Zelda the Great
4) Mr. Yin
5) Six-Way Killer
6) Jack of All Trades
7) Simon the Likeable
8) Mother Muffin
9) The Asylum Killer
10) Pollutia

August 29: Here are the answers to yesterday‘s TV quiz on villain nicknames. The best score was five out of 10! No one got number 10!

1) Le Renard from Remington Steele
2) The Woman from Sherlock Holmes, various versions.
3) Zelda the Great from Batman
4) Mr. Yin from Pysch
5) Six-Way Killer from Monk
6) Jack of All Trades from Profiler
7) Simon the Likeable from Get Smart
8) Mother Muffin from The Girl from UNCLE
9) The Asylum Killer from McMillan & Wife
10) Pollutia from Black Scorpion

Yes, this is Boris Karloff as Mother Muffin!

August 31: TV villain of the day! Eartha Kitt as Catwoman, the purr-fect female foil for the caped crusaders on Batman (1966–1968). I love the casual quirkiness of this photo, and I used it in my book Women of Science Fiction and Fantasy Television (McFarland, 2019). Meow!

September 1: TV villain of the day! John Light as Hercule Flambeau, a dashing thief who bedevils amateur sleuth Father Brown (Mark Williams) in Father Brown (2013-). It’s amazing how priceless jewels and paintings always turn up for display in and around the sleepy hamlet of Kembleford, with Flambeau never far behind. Below, three faces of Flambeau.

September 4: TV villain of the day! Dana Wynter stars as Elena Standish, one of the most elegant and sympathetic villains ever to grace a TV screen. In “The Man without a Face,” a 1974 episode of McMillan & Wife, Mac’s past as an intelligence operative brings murder to San Francisco, so he tracks down his old colleagues, including the lovely Elena, who is hiding one BIG secret. Below: Dana Wynter as Elena, left, and Rock Hudson as Mac, Steve Forrest as Mark Erickson, and Wynter.

September 7: A fun and fascinating part of writing my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television, is comparing photos of the real women I cover with the actors who portrayed them. It will come as no surprise that television tends to glamorize its historical subjects. (One particular phrase I have coined is “frontier false eyelashes.”) On the left, for example, we have the real Belle Starr, “the queen of the outlaws,” in an early 1880s studio portrait, when she was in her 30s. Top right is Jean Willes, who portrayed Starr in the Maverick episode "Full House" (1959). Bottom right shows Lynn Bari, who played Belle in "Perilous Passage,” a 1960 episode of the short-lived NBC western Overland Trail. (Pictured with Bari are William Bendix, left, and Doug McClure.) In TV’s Old West, clearly there are plenty of opportunities for a woman to get her hair and makeup done.

September 8: Gee, I wonder what decade this photo is from. Don Adams, Barbara Feldon, and Larry Storch in “The Groovy Guru,” a 1968 episode of Get Smart. It’s heartbreaking when groovy gurus use their powers for evil purposes. Definitely not hip.

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Pop Culture Roundup for August 5-24: Carnivals, Theme Songs, Pretty People, and More

2021-08-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

This installment of PCR features lots of pretty people and fun topics like TV theme songs and carnivals. The Ferris wheel of doom is the trope of choice in TV shows, but here the Roundup is our catalyst, and so it begins to spin...

August 5: Doris Day and Rock Hudson, both 1960 Golden Globe Award winners as World Film Favorites, and both beautiful in every way.

August 8: Female TV crimefighter of the day! Joan Watson of Elementary (2012–2019, 154 episodes, USA). Lucy Liu stars as Dr. Joan Watson, initially a “sober companion” for Sherlock Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller), but eventually his crime-solving partner and friend. Watson is every bit the famous detective’s match in intellect and analytical skills in this reimagining of Conan Doyle‘s classic characters. Available on Hulu and Paramount+, others for a fee.

August 10: Sometimes historical figures show up as characters on scripted television series. The topic is so fascinating to me that I am writing a book called Historical Women on Scripted Television, but I like to keep an eye out for male historical figures as well. Last night I was watching “A Caribbean Mystery,” a 2014 episode of Marple, and Jeremy Crutchley made a brief appearance as Ian Fleming, who takes the name for his spy hero James Bond from an ornithologist at a Caribbean resort. Fleming (Sean Maguire) has a bigger role in a 2016 episode of the wonderful series Timeless, “Party at Castle Varlar.” Here he helps an intrepid time travel team who is trying to save history during a stop in World War II. Top: Miss Marple (Julia McKenzie) with Crutchley as Fleming (right). Bottom: historian Lucy Preston (Abigail Spencer) with Maguire as Fleming.

August 13: Carnivals and circuses, with their colorful visuals and offbeat characters, are great settings for mystery and crime episodes. I was reminded of that fact last night while watching “The Man Without a Face,” a 1974 episode of McMillan & Wife, which included a scary “ferris wheel of doom“ sequence featuring Commissioner McMillan (Rock Hudson). Other carnival/circus eps of mystery series sprung to mind, including “High Flying Steele” on Remington Steele, “Identity Crisis” on Columbo, “Big Topped” on New Tricks, and “Mr. Monk Goes to the Circus” on Monk. Which mystery show episodes with carnival/circus settings stand out for you? Below: Handsome Mac visits a carnival in search of a deadly spy. Stay away from the ferris wheel, Mac!

August 16: Remembering Elvis on the anniversary of his passing, forever the King.

August 18: Has anyone seen the second series of Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries? I will be waiting until October for the DVD. Hubby and I just loved the first. Peregrine (I even love her name), portrayed by Geraldine Hakewill, is such a winning, spunky heroine, and the 60s style, from clothing to architecture, always blows me away. If you saw series 2, what did you think?

August 18: What are some of your favorite theme songs from mystery, crime, and spy TV series, British, American, Australian, etc.? Some of mine in chronological order are Danger Man (half-hour version), Honey West, McMillan & Wife, Harry O (first version), Scarecrow and Mrs. King (just brilliant), and New Tricks aka “It's Alright,” sung by Dennis Waterman. There are SO MANY more. Share some of your favorites below. Here’s the full version of “It's Alright.”

August 20: The Fugitive (1963–1967), one of the finest series ever produced by American television, falls more into the drama than crime category, but a crime is fundamental to its essence. Dr. Richard Kimble (David Janssen) is falsely convicted of the murder of his wife, escapes en route to the death house, and spends four years on the run. During his travels he has two goals: to stay one step ahead of Lieutenant Philip Gerard (Barry Morse) and to find the man he saw leaving his house on the night of the murder, the “one–armed man” (Bill Raisch). David Janssen is mesmerizing as the haunted Kimble, with an agile face that conveys emotions without words, and Barry Morse, who appeared intermittently, is pitch-perfect as the man obsessed with his capture. The series finale, part two of “The Judgment,” was seen by a then-record audience of 78 million viewers on August 29, 1967. Available on DVD. (I actually have two different sets.) Below: David Janssen as The Fugitive. Who’s a fan?

August 24: Here are a couple of TV Guides I have saved throughout the decades. Left, June 2, 1979, James Garner of The Rockford Files. The cover is by Bernard Fuchs, and I think that’s a pretty nice rendering of James Garner. Right, January 11, 1986, Bruce Boxleitner and Kate Jackson of Scarecrow and Mrs. King. This cover is by John Solie, and, to me, it doesn’t capture Bruce at all. A little more Kate, but too much of a caricature. I’m not an art critic—I don’t even play one on TV. Just sharing my thoughts.

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Pop Culture Roundup for July 28-August 4: From Mod Queens to Princes of Thieves

2021-08-06T22:47:00.001-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

This edition of Pop Culture Roundup, compiling my recent social media posts, highlights memorable TV characters, from the queen of 60s mod, Agent 99, to that prince of thieves, Hercule Flambeau. Yes, PCR is spanning the decades again, with almost as much spin as a carnival Round Up.

July 28: Main characters are the lifeblood of a TV series, but recurring characters can make a lasting impression in just a few appearances. Some that come to mind from mystery TV include Abigail Holt (Beverly Garland), mother of detective Laura Holt in Remington Steele, Stephen Fisher (Tim McInnerny), the Whitehall operative you love to hate on New Tricks, and Hercule Flambeau (John Light), the conflicted master thief on Father Brown. There are MANY more. Who are your favorite recurring (not main) characters on mystery and spy tv shows?

August 2: Switching things up a bit...TV crimefighting couple of the day! Laura Holt and Mr. Steele of Remington Steele (1982-1987, 94 episodes, USA). When private investigator Laura Holt (Stephanie Zimbalist) puts her name on an office, but no one beats down her door, she invents the perfect male detective, Remington Steele, to head her agency and answer the expectations of clients. Little does she know that a charming con man (Pierce Brosnan) is about to assume Remington Steele’s identity and take her on a wild ride of mystery, comedy, and romance. Stylish, witty, charming and exciting, Remington Steele is still fresh four decades later. Some episodes available on Dailymotion for free, some on Hulu via subscription, etc.

August 3: A couple of great photo scores for my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television. Left, Julie Harris as Florence Nightingale in the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation The Holy Terror (1965). Right, Annette Crosbie as Catherine of Aragon in The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1970). This project is fun and rewarding, with the coolest discoveries, but it is moving ever so slowly.

August 4: TV crimefighting couple of the day! Richard Castle and Kate Beckett of Castle (2009-2016, 173 episodes, USA). Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion), a best-selling mystery author, is granted permission to shadow an NYPD homicide detective in hopes of gaining inspiration for a new series of novels. Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic), a top-notch investigator, is the unwilling object of Castle’s attention, but comes to realize that Castle’s imagination and plotting skills help to solve cases, even if she has to abide an outlandish theory or two (or seven). These two begin to forge a professional relationship, but such opposites could never click on a personal level, could they? Currently showing on TNT, some local channels, and other services for a fee.

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Pop Culture Roundup for July 19-24: TV Women, Iconic and Bionic

2021-07-26T16:31:00.000-07:00

by Karen A. Romanko

This week PCR focuses on TV actresses from the 60s through the 90s, some who appeared in different guises or under different names, but all of whom had beauty and talent to burn. Please join me as we remember these iconic women of television.

July 19: As a former reference librarian and current author of books and a blog about popular culture, I have FREQUENT occasion to think about the miracle of quick research answers as provided by the Internet. My search history says I used Google 10 times today alone. One of those queries arose while watching an episode of That Girl, “Ann vs. Secretary” (1968). I clearly recognized Mary Frann, best known as Joanna Loudon on Newhart, in a guest-starring role as Donald’s new secretary, but was surprised when the credits rolled to see her listed as “Jennifer Douglas.” Off to the Internet I went, and learned that Frann, born Mary Frances Luecke, briefly adopted the name Jennifer Douglas, which she picked out of a phone book, because her agent thought Mary Frann didn’t have marquee value. After the cancellation of the one-season series My Friend Tony, where she was credited as Jennifer Douglas, she returned to the name Mary Frann. Here is “Jennifer” (right) with Marlo Thomas and Ted Bessell in That Girl.

July 21: The latest addition to my book in progress, Historical Women on Scripted Television, is Lotta Crabtree, a 19th century actress who was known as “the nation‘s darling.“ Both Death Valley Days and Bonanza (twice) had Lotta Crabtree episodes, and I just had to grab a screen cap from the Bonanza entry, “A Rose for Lotta” (1959). Yvonne De Carlo starred as Lotta in this one, and you can see for yourselves just how breathtakingly beautiful she looked. Many will remember Yvonne as Lily Munster from The Munsters (1964–1966).

July 22: Female TV Crimefighter of the Day! (As selected from my book Television's Female Spies and Crimefighters (McFarland, 2016.) Jane Tennison of Prime Suspect (1991-2006, 15 episodes, UK/USA). Helen Mirren stars as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison, a woman placed in charge of her first major murder investigation, much to the consternation of her all-male squad. This dark, but groundbreaking series won multiple awards over its lifetime, including a Peabody Award and an Emmy for Mirren. Available on Hulu, BritBox, and Acorn (according to the Reelgood app).

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