Happy Thanksgiving!

From all of us at Battle of the Network Shows to all of you, Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for all of our listeners and friends out there, and if you don't celebrate this holiday, well, have a great day anyway! Remember we have a brand-new episode available today. We'll be back this weekend on the website with more stuff, too.

Show Notes and Video Playlist: Episode 12-14: Sesame Street

*We have reached the end of our "regular" season 12, and we thank you for joining us, but be on the lookout for the tradition unlike any other: The Battys, coming soon!

*Sesame Street is still running after premiering in 1969 and has amassed close to 5,000 episodes and many videos, toys, books, and just about everything else!

*Speaking of that, here is a shot of the various Sesame items we had with us as we recorded the episode:

*Snuffleupagus premiered 1971, and the producers let everyone else (not just Big Bird) see him in 1985, reportedly after concerns that kids would fear adults would not believe them in scary real-life situations.

*Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street is available for streaming at multiple outlets, and it is based on the book Street Gang by Michael Davis.

*Jon Stone worked on Captain Kangaroo and Kukla, Fran, and Ollie before becoming a key figure in the creation and development of Sesame Street.

*The doc Mike mentions is Jim Henson Idea Man on Disney Plus. I Am Big Bird: The Carroll Spinney Story (2014) is on Peacock as of this writing.

*Will Lee died in 1982, and the character he played, Mr. Hooper, left the show in 1983.

*Gordon was played by Hal Miller between stints by Matt Robinson and Roscoe Orman.

*Decades of Decision is a 1976 PBS miniseries produced with National Geographic.

*Carroscelendas was produced by PBS' Austin, TX, station and made original episodes from 1970 to 1978. It was a children's program aimed at kids who spoke Spanish and English.

*Season 7, episode 900 (total) of Sesame Street, "Sing-Along in Ernie and Bert's Bathroom," premiered April 23, 1976 according to our best info.

*We have one song in the playlist this week from the original album that inspired this episode, but you may have to get MAX to see the entire episode.

*The commercial of kids' favorites Mike mentions--an album called, not surprisingly, Children's Favorites, is in our video playlist this week!

*Joe Raposo's "Funky Chimes" (unofficial title) played under the end credits from 1979 to 1992. There's an unofficial version of this in the playlist this week, too--a recreation of sorts, but one we think you'll enjoy.

*And finally, please enjoy that aforementioned playlist for this episode, including classic Sesame segments, commercials, music, and much more! We could have compiled an hours-long list for this one but tried to keep it to a reasonable length:

*And remember, you can always check out our official YouTube page for all of our past podcasts and episode-specific playlists for each one!

Episode 12-14: Sesame Street

It took us 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 seasons, but we finally found our way to Sesame Street, episode 900 to be specific, "Sing-along in Bert and Ernie's Bathroom." The title says it all, and if it missed something, Bert's eyebrow has us covered. Help us wrap up the season in style with Bert, Ernie, David, Bob, Gordon, Maria, Big Bird, the Count, and Grover plus appearances by Kermit, Cookie Monster, and Luis in disguise. How do you spell fun and educational? B-O-T-N-S!

#podcast #tv #retrotv #seventies #eighties #sesamestreet# #bertandernie #kermitthefrog #grover #cookiemonster #bigbird #singalong

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Brooks on Books: The Books of San Francisco

On our latest episode, I mention 3 books related to The Streets of San Francisco. I write about Quinn Martin: Television Producer in our Dan August episode and recommend it.

James Rosin's The Streets of San Francisco: A Quinn Martin TV Series is a great read for fans of the show. I talked about some of the features on the podcast. While the heart of the book is the episode guide, which is less relevant in a digital world, it's still nice to have the summaries in one place. I can't speak to the accuracy of all those entries, and some critical analysis or trivia would have been nice, but they are there for reference. 

There is a small section of trivia at the end of the volume, but not episode-specific fun facts). Also, I admit I missed it in my first look, but Rosin compiles a list of favorite episodes "compiled by the author and series fans" and a list of notable performances from guest stars in the back. There isn't any explanation or note on methodology, but it's a nice starting point for newcomers.

More interesting to me than the episode guide is the opening section, where Rosin combines numerous phone interviews he conducted, including one with Michael Douglas, with a few from other sources to create a production history of the show. Douglas' participation is a welcome surprise, but Rosin gets interesting comments from many involved behind the scenes who can talk about Streets' origin, what it was going for, and various production elements.

Speaking of production elements, there are some unique elements to the book that give it more value. There is a sample production schedule, a teleplay, and even a report from Standards and Practices to the show. It's all cool stuff to see even if you don't read each bit of it. I only wish the history of the series were longer and that there were a bit more analysis of individual episodes, but if you are into The Streets, you need this book.

I just finished Poor, Poor Ophelia, the novel by Carolyn Weston that inspired The Streets of San Francisco. It's an effective procedural story that introduces the characters who would return in two future books: Casey Kellog (later Steve Keller) and Al Krug (later Mike Stone).

Let me focus on the differences between the book and the series. For one, the story is set in Santa Monica, not San Francisco! For another, much of the story is told from the point of view of David Farr, the suspect/attorney played by Robert Wagner in the debut movie. However, the primary character by far (no pun intended) is the younger detective, Casey.

The whole relationship between Casey and Al is much more antagonistic in the original version, with each suspicious of the other, but the less experienced partner in particular feeling he can't catch a break with the veteran. We see this play out through Casey, so it sure seems like he's right. Maybe Keller and Stone had this kind of rocky beginning "off camera" on Streets, but what we see is a warmer connection. Their differences, like the age gap, complement each other rather than providing barriers they must overcome.

I like the way they interact in the series much better, and I think it's refreshing they don't have as contentious a partnership. So in that respect, the show improves on the characters of the book. Also, of course, reading the novel doesn't give you the experience of the great location shooting and the San Francisco setting. So there's another way in which the QM Production is better than the source material.

I did enjoy reading the book, and I plan to check out the two sequels. However, I think fans of the Quinn Martin ABC series will see it as a separate entity, despite the plot being used for the first episode, and will appreciate the changes the TV production made in adapting it.

Top Ten #329: Special "It's (almost) Thanksgiving Day" Edition!

1) The Streets of San Francisco: We went back to Quinn Martin this week, and we had a blast watching this 1970s ABC cop show.

2) Karl Malden: Before he was a pitchman for American Express (OK, and after he was an award-winning movie star), he was Mike Stone on The Streets, and he was great.

3) Michael Douglas: Before he was a superstar (not Bert D'Angelo, Superstar, mind you), he was Buddy Boy on The Streets, and he was great.

4) Michael Learned Michael Lerner: OK, he was in the episode we discussed this week, and you have to admit we have showed restraint this week. I think I have it out of my system, but you can always check this out.

By the way, 50 years ago tonight, ABC premiered the movie Reflections of Murder starring Tuesday Weld, Sam Waterston...and Michael Lerner!

5) Early holiday presents from Prime Video: Amazon added a ton of series this week from the Universal library, including Kojak and returning faves like The Rockford Files, McCloud, and MacMillan and Wife. Yes, Prime added commercials this year, but it also added a lot of library material.

5) Short workweeks: It's Thanksgiving week in the USA, and many of us get at least a day off. Let's all enjoy and show our thanks by sitting down and watching a lot of old TV.

And you will see him again this week, but it's never too early to salute the King of Thanksgiving!

6) Chuck Brown's Turkey Time: Make sure you get this one in this year!

7) Emergency!: Peacock quietly added the long-running 1970s medical action show recently.

8) National Off the Wall People's Poll: 40 years ago tonight, NBC preempted Partners in Crime with this special hosted by Sarah Purcell and...Liberace? Boy George and Barry Manilow appeared on the special, too, making this the least macho hour of the week.

Next week, the network would debut a revamped Saturday night lineup with Gimme a Break moving into this slot, but on this night, according to a UPI article, viewers learned the results of a national poll asking, "What famous person would you like to see get down and breakdance?" (Choices included President Reagan, Tom Selleck, Michael Jackson) "Who is the sexiest woman over 50?" (Choices included Sophia Loren, Angie Dickinson, Joan Collins.) The special didn't do very well, losing to Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer on CBS and a special two-hour Love Boat on ABC.

9) Dwight Schultz: Happy birthday to the Howlin' Maddest Saturday Morning Preview Show host of them all!

10) R.I.P.: Cable TV? It's far from over yet (Cue Frank Stallone), but the announcement that Comcast is spinning off its cable networks has many speculating about the decline of cable television. Some of these channels were decent at one time.

Power Rankings: Quinn Martin shows not in circulation!

This week, instead of ranking something specific to The Streets of San Francisco, we are talking about the other QM Productions--that is, the Quinn Martin shows that are not readily available! So for the purposes of this post, eliminate series that have been available on streaming, DVD, and/or syndication in recent years. The likes of The Fugitive, Barnaby Jones, Twelve O'Clock High, Cannon, The Invaders, and even a little program called Dan August are not eligible for this list. Most Wanted with Robert Stack got an official MOD DVD release a while back, so it doesn't make it.

Remember, this is a scientific ranking of how these lesser-seen series would fare against each other in the middle of July on a neutral field in Santa Luisa, California.

1) Banyon: Robert Forster as a P.I. in 1930s L.A.? SOLD!

2) The Manhunter: Another period piece, which has me right off the bat. This one stars Ken Howard.

3) Quinn Martin's Tales of the Unexpected: This anthology is not to be confused with Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected, but wouldn't it be cool to have QMTOTU narrator William Conrad reading Dahl stories? Or reading anything?

4) Bert D'Angelo, Superstar: I talked about this one the other day. Nobody who worked on it has great things to say about it, but it seems worth a look.

5) The New Breed: I'm intrigued by this early QM effort, an L.A.-based police show starring Leslie Nielsen and former MLB player John Beradino.

6) A Man Called Sloane: Really, the only reason I am interested in this Robert Conrad show is the article that was in Brick Mantooth's Toy Ventures magazine a few years ago.

7) The Runaways: Well-intentioned but unsuccessful series about a group trying to track down and help teen runaways. This might be the most obscure of all QM series. Shocker: Castmember Robert Reed was said to be difficult during production.

8) Caribe: In his Quinn Martin, Television Producer, author Jonathan Martin calls this Hawaii Five-0 imitator "QM Productions at its absolute worst." The mess of a show was envisioned as a Robert Wagner vehicle, but ABC's Michael Eisner insisted they cast Stacy Keach. Things went downhill from there.

YouTube Spotlight: Bert D'Angelo, Superstar (and Chop Buster)

I find this video from our The Streets of San Francisco video playlist hilarious:

It's a compilation of guest star Paul Sorvino aggravating Stone and Keller by calling their city "Frisco." Sorvino is Bert D'Angelo, a detective visiting from New York City, in this fourth-season episode "Superstar."

The character got a QM Production spinoff that went nowhere. Jonathan Martin's book Quinn Martin, Producer points out the series' conceptual similarities to McCloud but also that it lacks the qualities hat made the latter so distinctive. Sorvino was not well liked, and the whole series production seems to have been an unpleasant experience for most involved. It lasted mere months despite the presence of BOTNS Superstar (and Genius) Robert Pine in the supporting cast.

Show Notes and Video Playlist: Episode 12-13: The Streets of San Francisco

*Welcome back to the world of QM Productions! Our earlier foray into Quinn Martin's work is right here in Dan August. Our Poor Devil episode is here.

*Shout again to Charlie and Trevor for inspiring us to cover TSOSF!

*Credit to Mike Quigley's website for giving a cool rundown of Streets' episodes. 

*The books we reference are Jonathan Martin's Quinn Martin, Producer and James Rosin's The Streets of San Francisco: A Quinn Martin TV Series. Carolyn Weston's 1972 Poor, Poor Ophelia is the novel that served as source material for the series.

*Skag aired on NBC from January to February 1980 and failed despite being from the producer of Kojak. You can see a promo in this week's video playlist below.

*The NBC reunion movie aired Monday, January 27, 1992 and was produced by Aaron Spelling's company. Richard Hatch, who replaces Michel Douglas in the series' fifth season, is not in Back to the Streets of San Francisco, which drew good ratings.

*TSOTF was on ABC 5 seasons and 121 episodes.

*"The Takers" premiered December 2, 1972, on ABC at 10:00 P.M.

*This clip of B.A.D. Cats is in our playlist, and the full episode does feature Michael Lerner, but the clip does not. After you watch this, I believe you will forgive us for including it anyway:

*Vic Tayback appears in 3 episodes as Sergeant Norm Haseejian.

*The Coit Tower is an official landmark in San Francisco. It was built in the early Thirties in the Telegraph Hill section of the city.

*We strive to be givers, not "takers," and we hope we are succeeding this season!

*Patrick Williams composed the series' theme song.

*The John Davidson episode we mention is "The Mask of Death" from the third season.

*And finally, enjoy our official video playlist for this episode! It's loaded with promos, commercials, and all sorts of TV history! You'll even get glimpses of SF sports in 1972: The Giants, the Niners...and Roller Derby?

*And remember, you can always check out our official YouTube page for all of our past podcasts and episode-specific playlists for each one!

Episode 12-13: The Streets of San Francisco

For the second time this season, we explore the gritty world of Quinn Martin Productions with The Streets of San Francisco. In season one episode "The Takers," Karl Malden and Michael Douglas hit those very streets to discover who killed two young women in their own apartment. Was it jealous ex and airline pilot Rex Riley, their former roommate, the building manager, the little jewelry salesman, or someone else? Expect more twists and turns than Lombard Street in "The Takers"!

#podcast #tv #retrotv #seventies #streetsofsanfrancisco #quinnmartin #karlmalden #michaeldouglas

Read full show notes and more at https://www.battleofthenetworkshows.com/

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My Blake's 7 Collection

All of this is courtesy of Laurie! She even took the picture.

The Programme Guide book by is largely plot summaries and other information like that, which were more valuable back in the publication year of 1982, but it also has a great section of interviews. I think subsequent books have made use of that material.

I plan to dive into the two Marvel UK magazines, which she just got me, in another post. They are fantastic and well worth seeking out. I haven't yet read the two Trevor Hoyle novels, and the Critical Guide is something I picked up at a used book store to add to the collection but haven't dug into at this time. Perhaps if/when we get the Blu-Rays and start a rewatch...

And here is the awesome shirt Mike got Laurie:

Missing: Action figures...because there AREN'T any!

Top Ten #328: Special "Here we go" Edition

1) Blake's 7: Hey, we just dropped one of our longest episodes of the season!

2) Paul Darrow: My favorite character, and Laurie's favorite character by FAR, is Kerr Avon, who is played by Darrow in always-entertaining style.

3) Gareth Thomas: After having seen the whole series, I can't believe how much of it does not have Blake. While I like all 4 seasons, I do miss Blake when he's not around.

4) The cast from "Series C" and "Series D" of Blake's 7: It's a shame we didn't go into depth on your era, but to Josette Simon, Steven Pacey, and Glynis Barber, we salute you!

5) Dudley Simpson: Props to Simpson for creating the majestic theme music of Blake's, a tune that holds up even when married to the abominable opening sequence of Series D. And what a great British name he has.

6) Greg Evigan: I have to admit, I have had this song in my head all week after posting it in our Facebook group.

7) National Butter Day: I'm not saying ALL things taste better with butter, but I know a good number of them do.

8) Veterans Day: Hope everyone had a happy holiday. Here's a PSA that you may not have seen before: Ted Knight, himself a vet, advocating for disabled veterans:

9) The Brady Bunch: Catchy Comedy has a marathon this weekend with the original series, The Bradys, and rarely seen The Brady Brides. What, no The Brady Bunch Hour?

10) R.I.P.: Freevee: Amazon is shutting down its free streamer. Let's not look at this as only the loss of a free source of classic television. Let's also look at this as the continuation of the gradual worsening of Prime Video!

YouTube Spotlight: A look at "Softly, Softly"

What kind of name for a cop show is Softly, Softly? Well, the program was on for years!

The clips below are from our Blake's 7 video playlist, with the connection being that the cult sci-fi program essentially replaced the police drama on BBC. Yep, that's Tom Baker in the second vid.

Z-Cars premiered in 1962 and ran for about 800 episodes, ending in 1978. Softly, Softly spun off from it in 1966, and then it became Softly, Softly: Task Force (1969-1976).

According to Wikipedia, the title comes from a proverb, "Softly, softly catchee monkey," and I don't think I want to know more about that one. Wiki says it was the motto of Lancashire Constabulary Training School.

Show Notes and Video Playlist: Episode 12-12 Blake's 7

*This week we go international again with a look at the cult favorite BBC TV show!

*Blake's 7 aired 1979-1981 on BBC, 4 series, 52 total episodes.

*This episode contains spoilers for the programme, so be forewarned. The series has much more continuity than we might have expected!

*The books we discuss on the podcast are:
-Blake's 7: An Oral History of the Classic UK Series by Joe Nazarro
-Liberation by Alan Stevens and Fiona Moore

*Chris Boucher is apparently pronounced Chris BOW-CHER. We got "Chris" right, though!

*The cop show Blake's replaced on BBC (and inherited a budget from) was Softly, Softly: Task Force, which was spun off from Softly, Softly; which was spun off from Z-Cars (1962-1978).

*The episode we discuss, "Pressure Point," premiered February 6, 1979, the fifth episode of Series B. BBC Two aired Life on Earth with David Attenborough. On BBC One, it followed The Variety Club Awards and was followed by news and boxing.

*The director of this episode is George Spenton-Foster, who also directed 3 other episodes this season and did a few episodes of Doctor Who.

*The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art was where Paul Darrow, Ian McShane, and John Hurt shared a flat.

*Space Commander Travis is played by Stephen Greif and Brian Croucher (beginning with this second season). Greif had tired of the role somewhat and went on to other things, leading to Croucher stepping in and providing a different take on the character.

*Finally, check out our video playlist devoted to this episode, chock full of promos, adverts, clips, and more!

*And remember, you can always check out our official YouTube page for all of our past podcasts and episode-specific playlists for each one!

Episode 12-12: Blake's 7

This week, we travel across the pond and into the far-flung future of cult classic UK sci-fi show Blake's 7, where a rag-tag group of former criminals turned rebels tries to take down the evil Federation. In the series two episode "Pressure Point," they return home to Earth to take down the Federaton's computer control system...Control! The plan doesn't go as planned for them or the Federation, and one of our heroes...dies! It's adventure at standard by 10 on this week's Battle of the Network Shows!

#podcast #tv #retrotv #seventies #eighties #scifi #blakes7 #brittv #telly

Read full show notes and more at https://www.battleofthenetworkshows.com/

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Happy Veterans Day!

We appreciate everyone who helps out in some way, but today we give special thanks to those who have served honorably in our United States military. Happy Vets Day!

Top Ten #327: Special "Still not adjusted to the clock change" Edition!

1) Robert Pine: All hail the Genius Robert Pine, the only Batty winner (to date) who has been presented his award in person, who appeared on the That's Classic! podcast recently.

2) Forgotten series: Please check out our bonus episode this week for a list of programs we feel have been neglected somewhat despite immense popularity in their times. There may be a few you don't particularly wish to remember, but all had some degree of success--and not "Gary Deeb likes it" success, but genuine commercial succsss.

3) Smokin' Joe Frazier: Heavyweight champ...heavyweight showman. Muhammad Ali never sang "My Way" on a Bob Hope special (though he did appear in at least one).

4) Saturday Night: One of my favorite TV books returns in a new anniversary edition, apparently featuring a fresh intro and a host of new photos. Doug Hill and Jeff Weingrad's 1986 work covers the first decade of the show.

5) Johnny Carson: While we're talking books here (Hey, we DO read, you know...about TV). Bill Zehme's long-anticipated bio of the icon is out this week, completed by a collaborator after the author's death.

Personally, I think we're overdue for an epic Ed McMahon biography. That reminds me. IT'S TIME!

6) Breakdancing: Mere months after the craze astonished Jim McKay and Peter Jennings, the breakdancing trend peaked 40 years ago tonight on NBC with Joey Lawrence. You know, back in the Eighties, a fad wasn't taken seriously until it was on Gimme a Break.

6) Frosty and Rudolph: The two legends move to NBC this year, and I've already seen people complain that they have been taken off streaming. I am sure if Peacock add them for December, people will complain that they are on streaming, so consider this a PSA: The programs will be on NBC December 5 and December 6!

7) Sesame Street: The venerable program (Lot of ICONS this week!) premiered 55 years ago (!) today on PBS. Interesting...

8) Dr. No: 50 years ago tonight, the first theatrical 007 flick made its network TV premiere on ABC, and I am getting nostalgic for that opening.

9) Lou Ferrigno: Happy 73rd to one of the true heroes of Seventies television!

10) R.I.P.: Alan Rachins, Quincy Jones:

YouTube Spotlight: Richard Turner on "That's Incredible!"

We have a video playlist that accompanies our Bonus Episode this week, and one of my favorites is a  brief clip from That's Incredible:

I don't know about you, but this makes me want to see the rest of the segment! Here is an expanded version so you can see more:

The gentleman dealing the cards here is Richard Turner, who is still with us and a practicing magician today. He is essentially blind and has lived an amazing life. Look him up and check out all the stuff he's done!

Show Notes and Video Playlist: Bonus Episode: Forgotten (but popular) Series

*In this week's List-o-rama, we do a countdown format, so as usual, if you want to follow along and be surprised, please look at these show notes after you listen to the podcast!

*Perhaps neglected would be a better word than forgotten, but I tried to select programs that had at least 100 episodes and some degree of commercial success yet have not been widely available in recent years.

*One program on my list, Riptide, has been picked up by Roku Channel since we recorded the episode!

*Rich Man, Poor Man (1976) and QBVII (1974) both aired on ABC.

*Hotel (1983-1988, ABC) is an Aaron Spelling series based on a 1965 Arthur Hailey novel.

*Kate and Allie (1984-1989) aired mostly Monday nights on CBS. The cast featured Jane Curtin (who won several Emmys), Susan Saint James, Allison Smith, Ari Meyers, and Frederick Koehler.

*The Hogan Family (1986-1991, NBC/CBS) was discussed a bit in our Rhoda episode earlier this season. Legal battles with star Valerie Harper meant the series went from Valerie to Valerie's Family: The Hogans to The Hogan Family.

*Marcus Welby M.D. (1969-1976, ABC) won multiple Emmy awards, including for stars Robert Young and James Brolin. You can hear our Medical Center (1969-1976, CBS) episode here.

*Jake and the Fatman (1987-1992, CBS) starred William Conrad and Joe Penny as a D.A. and investigator who operated in L.A. and Hawaii during the series' run.

*Matt Houston (1982-1985, ABC) is another Aaron Spelling program.

*That's Incredible (1980-1984, ABC) often preceded Monday Night Football. 

*Enjoy our Real People (1979-1984, NBC) episode here.

*Simon and Simon (1981-1989, CBS) co-starred Mary Carver as the Simons' mother.

*Riptide (1984-1986) has received several DVD releases outside the US and was on Get TV in recent years.

*Knots Landing (1979-1993, CBS) is indeed on Plex as of this writing. Falcon Crest (1981-1990, CBS) has been available in various forms and right now is also on Plex.

*Empty Nest (1988-1995, NBC) was a popular Saturday night series for years.

*Mr. Belvedere (1985-1990, ABC) is one of the few big network shows set in Pittsburgh.

*A shoutout to the Trap-cast hosted by Amanda Reyes, a podcast devoted to Trapper John, M.D. (1979-1986, CBS).

*Finally, enjoy our video playlist for this episode, loaded with promos and intros of the series we mention in this episode, plus...Pernell Whitaker (It makes sense, sort of, if you listen to the podcast).

*And remember, you can always check out our official YouTube page for all of our past podcasts and episode-specific playlists for each one!

List-O-Rama: Forgotten Shows

For this bonus episode, Rick used a set of strict criteria to compile a list of 10 forgotten shows from the BOTNS era. Instead of short-lived shows, though, he chose long-running, relatively successful shows that have little to no home video, streaming, or syndication presence these days. Join us to find out the 10 "winners" and to see if any of your favorite shows made the list.

#podcast #tv #retrotv #seventies #eighties #forgottenshows #list

 

Read full show notes and more at https://www.battleofthenetworkshows.com/

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YouTube Spotlight: No coconut sauce?

One of my favorite clips from our Gilligan's Island playlist this week is this 1979 ad for Van de Kamps frozen fish:

First of all, I love the fact that a known actress doesn't lead the spot but shows up in the second "segment." How random must it have seemed watching the tube in 1979 to see Mrs. Howell raving about frozen fish 15 years after Gilligan's?

And I believe that is Danny Wells (The Jeffersons, our Rhoda episode this season) following her. What a star-studded fish ad! If only the butler who serves Natalie were played by Franklin Cover.

Tomorrow on Battle of the Network Shows...

 

Power Rankings: The castaways on Gilligan's isle

The "Mary Ann or Ginger?" debate is tired by now (and perhaps never even all that close), but what about 'Mary Ann or Ginger or Mrs. Howell or Mr. Howell or Skipper or Gilligan or Professor?" That's right, we decide that today in our exclusive Gilligan's Island power rankings.

Remember, these scientific ratings are based on how the castaways would fare if pitted against each other in neutral weather conditions on an uncharted desert isle.

1) Skipper: He's the heart of the show and, despite the fact that he was at the helm when they wrecked and must (and does) bear responsibility, a true leader and a quality guy. Plus he's a great buddy. The fact that he looks directly at us a few times each episode is a probably factor in boosting his relationship with the audience.

2) Mary Ann: The primary America's sweetheart during a key decade of television (Yes, even more than Chet Huntley) is not perfect, but she and Gilligan are the two nicest folks on the island. She's a great cook, too!

3) Professor: At times he can seem a little detached, but that's only because he's thinking. In fact Roy Hinkley is a great guy and, looking at his overall body of work, possessor of a great deal of common sense for a stereotypical egghead. Most of the time, he doesn't shy away from manual labor that's required in a deserted island setting, unlike...

4) Thurston Howell III: Say what you will about Mr. Howell, but at least he is focused. He just happens to be focused on money. He might not be the best role model unless you are Alex P. Keaton, but I think he may be, scene for scene, the funniest character on the series.

5) Gilligan: His name is in the title, but it's only his island because he keeps preventing the escapes from happening. It's weird to say it, but I think if I absolutely had to, I could watch an episode with only the four higher-ranked castaways on the list.

6) Ginger: There is no shame in finishing second to Mary Ann Summers, but Ginger Grant comes off as one-dimensional too often, but unlike the others ahead of her on this list, the dimension isn't always funny. Don't get me wrong, this is a great ensemble, and Ginger's presence is vital, but there have to be people at the bottom of this list of only 7 people.

7) Lovey Howell: Natalie Schafer does a great job with her, and the Howells have many hilarious scenes, but let's face it, it's easy to forget the character has a name other than "Mrs." (Let alone that she has an actual first name other than "Lovey.")

Top Ten #326: Special "Now they're running out of Christmas stuff at the stores" Edition

1) Gilligan's Island: We don't go the full 3 hours, but we have a fun discussion on the podcast this week about the classic 1960s sitcom. Tune in next week to see if we're stranded talking about it again.

2) Johnny Carson's Greatest Practical Jokes: Back to last week's episode: I watched the special that helped inspire TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes, this 1983 hour that includes a joke he plays on Joan Rivers. Boy, she got HIM back a few years later.

3) Sherwood Schwartz: This is a man responsible for 72.6% of the TV hours I watched as a kid.

4) Alan Hale's Lobster Barrel: I sure wish they had done TV advertising for this old Los Angeles restaurant. We'll just have to use our imaginations.

5) Riptide: The 1980s NBC series, one of the lesser-seen Stephen J. Cannell shows in streaming, just showed up on Roku Channel for free viewing.

6) Daylight Savings Time: We're encouraging our friends in our Facebook group to use the extra hour productively, and by that we mean watching an extra hour of old TV.

7) National Sandwich Day: And while watching that TV, why not enjoy a massive sammich?

8) Midnight Cowboy: The acclaimed 1969 theatrical film made its broadcast TV debut on ABC 50 years ago tonight...and it was surely hacked to bits.

9) It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown: I try to watch this every year, and this time I was really struck by the atmospheric score that enhances the Halloween atmosphere.

10) R.I.P. Teri Garr: