For Your Batty Consideration: Season 12 Episode 14: Sesame Street

We concluded our epic 12th season Thanksgiving week with a look at one of the most beloved programs of all time, Sesame Street. If you don't feel the belove on at least some level for the show, you might want to look back at your childhood because you may have been deprived. Muppets, humans, music, animation--All of it was on display in the Bert-and-Ernie-centric episode we picked. We did get into a lot of classic characters and segments outside of that particular installment as well. 

Links:

Our podcast episode 

Show Notes and YT Playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: Traditionally, segments talked about on the podcast but not in the actual episode being talked about are not eligible for Battys. Just something to consider for all you Batty mavens out there. Sesame Street inspires a lot of warm and fuzzies, but can it really compete against everything else? This may be the kind of program that makes you smile 30-40 years later but isn't in the same league as "grown-up" shows. 

For Your Batty Consideration: Season 12 Episode 13: The Streets of San Francisco

For this episode, inspired in large part by our friends Charlie and Trevor reporting in our Facebook group about they had been watching The Streets of San Francisco, we made the unprecedented move of covering TWO Quinn Marin programs in one season! 

Actually, covering ONE QM Production had been unprecedented when we did Dan August! For Streets, we had already talked about a lot of general QM stuff and were able to dig down into the more successful cop show. We enjoyed the location shooting, the chemistry of the leads, the character actors, and overall we were very impressed by what feels like a bit of a forgotten show.

Links:

Our podcast episode 

Show Notes and YT Playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: It doesn't take a buddy boy to see that this could really do something at the Battys. The guys agreed Streets is superior to Dan August, but given the insane guest cast (not to mention His Burtness) of the latter, could the two QM Productions hurt each other? This is one of the more intriguing contenders for Batty Night.

For Your Batty Consideration: Season 12 Episode 12: Blake's 7

One of our longer episodes in Season 12 focuses on cult sci-fi show Blake's 7. We covered the history of the series while focusing on pivotal Series 2 installment "Pressure Point." Mike and I had a lot to say in this one, having truly embraced Blake's and read up quite a bit on it. I can say it was one of my personal favorite episodes to record this season.

Links:

Our podcast episode 

Show Notes and YT Playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: Does this relatively underseen series have a chance at competing with the some of the legendary shows of Season 12? Let me just say this: Both guys watched the entire series. Rick's household actually has the Season 1 Blu-Ray, and that ain't cheap. 'Nuff said.

For Your Batty Consideration: Season 12, Episode 11: Gilligan's Island

Our retro retro show this season is one of the iconic sitcoms of the 20th century. We had a great time talking about Gilligan's Island. We didn't delve into Ginger vs. Mary Ann so much as...Jim Backus vs. Jim Backus? Yes, the episode we discussed featured the star in a rare dual role! We had fun, but there is no truth to the rumor we were fortified with pina coladas and cocoanut cream pies. And it's not a video podcast, but we paid homage to the Skipper by looking at the camera several times.

Links:

Our podcast episode 

Show Notes and YT Playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: Last season proved, if there was any doubt, that the so-called retro retro shows can be big winners, as The Rifleman got the Batty for the best single episode. There are a lot of possibilities here, but I'm really curious how the theme song does. Will the fact that the episode showcases Backus hurt the chances of Alan Hale? One more thing: This may be sacrilege, but I'd love to see the Professor take a crack at modifying that random number generator.

For Your Batty Consideration: Season 12, Episode 10: TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes

This seemed like a staple of NBC's programming schedule in the Eighties, a mish-mosh of bloopers, practical jokes, international commercials, and Robert Klein! Once again in Season 12, we had some differences of opinion--Did I mention Robert Klein?--but we certainly shared the joy of welcoming Ed McMahon to the pod for the umpteenth time.

By the way, the preparation of this post continues my yearlong struggle to call the series by its proper title and not Practical Jokes and Bloopers.

Links:

Our podcast episode 

Show Notes and YT Playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: This may not be high art, but at least it's not Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous! I don't expect a big night for this series, but Ed McMahon may be in the running for some kind of Lifetime Achievement Batty if he keeps showing up. There are a lot of notable names here, though, so that could generate some nominations.

For Your Batty Consideration: Season 12, Episode 9, Chico and the Man

It wasn't quite a Very Special Episode, but we had to confront the tragic death of Freddie Prinze Jr. as we discussed Chico and the Man. Like Rhoda, which we had covered a few weeks earlier, Chico came out of the gate strong, but its decline was obviously much different.

Nevertheless, we had a good time enjoying the chemistry of Prinze and Jack Albertson, plus Scatman Carothers is always welcome. I know I was excited when Tubi added the whole series, which has not been widely available for years. The episode we talked about offered many surprises, including a Seventies superstar making a seemingly random appearance. All this plus some bathtub talk!

Links:

Our podcast episode 

Show Notes and YT Playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: "Could challenge for some of the big ones as long as the guys don't penalize Chico for its fourth season! This is another show that Rick and Mike seemed to have different thoughts about, so it could be hard to get consensus at the Battys. You have to look at the theme song and the male acting categories, plus maybe a guest star, as the main possibilities here. Overall, I feel there are stronger comedy contenders for Season 12."

For Your Batty Consideration: Season 12, Episode 8: Dungeons and Dragons

The podcast took an amazing journey into role playing games, or at least cartoons based on RPGs. Dungeons and Dragons, the Eighties CBS animated series, gave us plenty to discuss in the 50th anniversary year of the original game. For example, what is the deal with the Dungeon Master? We don't solve that one, but we explore the origins of the show while considering an action-packed story.

Links:

Our podcast episode 

Show Notes and YT Playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: "Saturday mornings aren't always fodder for big winners at the Batty Awards, but I am calling this one the sleeper contender of this season. You have a large and diverse cast of characters that will provide plenty of nominees, and there are lots of possibilities in some of the less conventional categories. If Outstanding Villain is featured again this year, we could have a winner here. Remember, too, how much Rick in particular praised the theme song. All I'm saying is, for a show with only 27 episodes, D&D will have a big impact. I think a lot of people might root for the Random Number Generator to make an appearance with an award involving this series."

For Your Batty Consideration: Season 12, Episode 7: Rhoda

We went back to the MTMverse for our seventh episode this season, looking at Rhoda. In addition to a fun episode involving Rhoda and Joe's honeymoon cruise, up for discussion was the way the show handled their relationship, the changes the series went through over its run, and the highs and lows of a program that came out of the gate red hot.

Links:

Our podcast episode 

Show Notes and YT Playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: "This one could go either way, but the guys really got into it on the series. Watch out for the guest stars in this one. Anytime you have Burt Mustin and Charles Lane in the same episode...Mike and Rick seemed to have more differences of opinion than usual when discussing Rhoda, and you wonder if that will manifest in the Battys. Valerie Harper and Julie Kavner stand out as obvious contenders here."

For Your Batty Consideration: Season 12, Episode 6: Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

We returned to the world of first-run syndication and examined the Eighties glory of Robin Leach in Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. It's a show that many might argue epitomizes the decade, for better or for worse. We talked about the glitz, the glamour, and the greed on display in a globetrotting hour of television. Oh, yeah, plus we discussed the original commercials included in the version we saw! Speaking of which, here is that episode:

Links:

Our podcast episode 

Show Notes and YT Playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: "I'll be stunned if this one contends in more than a few categories. It should get a lot of folks into the Outstanding Performance As Oneself division, but I didn't get the sense these guys were won over by the show as a whole. The original commercials added some spice to the episode but don't figure to be involved in the awards. Call me crazy, but I think Rick and Mike are more steak and Lowenbrau than champagne wishes and caviar dreams."

For Your Batty Consideration: Season 12, Episode 5: Donny and Marie

We went back to the world of variety--true 1970s variety in all its glory--with Donny and Marie for our fifth episode. The show was loaded with guest stars due in part to its "TV Museum" concept. We also got an homage to the Marx Brothers! Are the Osmonds Batty material? What about potential breakout star George Gobel? 

Links:

Our podcast episode 

Show Notes and YT Playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: "Variety hasn't exactly cleaned up at the Battys outside of the Song category. Last year at the Season 11 Battys, Sonny and Cher won a listener-voted award for Outstanding Duo but were shut out in the other categories. 

The series may be hurt by all the old Donny and Marie episodes being purged from YouTube, possibly making it harder to revisit the show. Another thing to look out for is the barrage of guest stars padding the nominee count. I'm surprised that Paul Lynde buzz is kind of muted this award season. Maybe this show isn't his best shot. I don't see Donny and Marie as huge winners this year, but you never know; they could ride a wave of support led by the positive reaction to all the George Gobel talk in the episode."

For Your Batty Consideration: Season 12, Episode 3: The Kid with the Broken Halo

In our haste to revisit Dan August last week, we skipped over The Kid with the Broken Halo, but don't you skip over our TV movie selection of Season 12. Our episode was really a celebration of all the NBC Gary Coleman movies of the era but with a focus on the 1982 fantasy with Robert Guillaume, June Allyson, Mason Adams, Ray Walston, and of course George Sanford Brown as Rudy Desautel! 

Angels, life lessons, and pro football combine in this entertaining comedy-drama from the time when Coleman was the biggest little star on TV. No hardcore theology in this one, but we do discuss work/life balance, crushing on elderly movie stars, and dads that day-drink! I also recommend The Kid from Left Field and The Kid with the 200 IQ to round out the Coleman/Guillaume Kid Trilogy.

Links:

Our podcast episode 

Show Notes and YT Playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: "Will this TV movie be a big winner outside of the Outstanding Character Name category, where Rudy Desautel has to be the favorite? I don't know. It certainly has starpower, and only on BOTNS can Lani O'Grady add to a sense of something being loaded with starpower. One thing that makes me wonder is that Rick in particular seemed to prefer 200 IQ to this one. Will that preference hurt Halo come Batty time?"

For Your Batty Consideration: Season 12, Episode 4: Dan August

Burt Reynolds made his return to the podcast (after last year's Batty-winning role as himself in iEntertainment Tonight) as the titular Dan August! We talked quite a bit about "The Manufactured Man," a star-studded episode, and about Quinn Martin Productions in general in this fun episode.

Links:

Our podcast episode 

Show Notes and YT Playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: "Burt has a proven track record with Batty voters, but is Dan August really prime Burt? More importantly, is it prime QM? That may be the key question because later this season, the guys did Streets of San Francisco, and the two shows may cancel each other out. I bet the guys saw more of this than many other programs they have covered, though, which might help. DA could score in the downballot acting categories, though, since the episode they discussed was so loaded with guest stats. I mean, Harrison Ford and Gary Busey didn't even make the opening credits!"

For Your Batty Consideration: Season 12, Episode 2: 1984 Summer Olympics

We celebrated the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Summer Games of Los Angeles by sampling a lot of the original American coverage on ABC, with a focus on the epic Closing Ceremonies in the Coliseum. This episode has it all: Sports, Eighties geopolitics, and breakdancing!

Links:

Our podcast episode 

Show Notes and YT Playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: "I'm a showbiz guy, not a sports guy, not an international affairs guy, but I thought Mike and Rick did a good job of blending all that stuff. But sports-based material doesn't usually clean up at the Battys. Usually they get their noms in the Outstanding Performance as Oneself category and not much else, but there could be some surprises."

For Your Batty Consideration: All in the Family (Season 12, Episode 1)

As we navigate Batty season and prepare for the Season 12 Batty Awards, we will run a series of posts reminding you of this year's episodes and speculating on how they could fare at The Biggest Night in Retro TV Podcasting. First up: Our Season 12 premiere!

We began our most recent season with one of the most iconic sitcoms of the entire medium's history, let alone the BOTNS era: All in the Family. After talking about the Learverse on previous podcasts and dissecting  spinoffs like The Jeffersons and Maude, we finally got to the flagship.

We talked about our own relationships with the show and the point of view the producers and creative team took. We discussed the dim visual aesthetic. However, I think we were most impressed with the performances, although we were of course delighted to bring bowling back to the podcast with "Archie and the Bowling Team."

Links:

Our podcast episode
Show notes and YT playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: Anytime you have a series that won 22 Emmys, it's gonna be a threat to win multiple Battys. Rick and Mike may not have embraced the show as it was on, but you can tell they were impressed by All in the Family, and I think the main acting categories could be dominated by this one, even though it wasn't a big showcase for Gloria and Mike. Expect AITF to be a big or maybe even the big winner.

For Your Batty Consideration: Dallas (Season 11, Episode 14)

Note that we announced during out 13th episode of the season, the look at the disastrous 1983 NBC fall schedule, that those shows would not be eligible for Battys! So we go forward to our season finale, in which we talked about a series beginner--the pilot of Dallas. Not only was the series suggested by you, but you also voted on which episode we discussed!

What an episode it was, too, and we remarked how well everything worked. We talked about Who Shot J.R., but we focused on the classic megahit's origins.

Our podcast episode

Show notes and YT playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: "Let's talk one last time about episode selection because Vicki Principal may have won the jackpot when the listeners selected the pilot, which is all about Pam. There are so many possible candidates here that you have to think the series could do well on Batty night. Can't help but wonder how some of those 1983 NBC shows might have done, but maybe someday we will find out."

For Your Batty Consideration: Starsky and Hutch (Season 11, Episode 12)

Yet another listener-inspired selection, Starsky and Hutch gave us a lot to talk about, from violence on TV to buddy shows to the parodies and self-parody of the series. "A Coffin for Starsky" is a fine example of the series clicking. Too bad this is another example of a series that is pulled from streaming during our podcast season! 

Our podcast episode

Show notes and YT playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: "A lot of people have underestimated this series over the years and lost a lot of money doing so. I'd say the fact that it was pulled from Prime Video would hurt the Batty chances if I didn't know that Rick bought the DVDs afterwards. Hey, that in itself might indicate something, huh?"

For Your Batty Consideration: 227 (Season 11, Episode 11)

Another listener suggestion, 227 surprised us with a funny episode reuniting star Marla Gibbs with Jeffersons co-star Franklin Cover ("The Butler Did It"). There were laughs, surprises, and "jive talk," and we enjoyed it. We explored the origins of the series and tried to avoid its final season or so. 

Our podcast episode

Show notes and YT playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: "I don't see this as being a top top contender, but I see it having a lot of depth and challenging in a lot of categories. Again, we gotta talk episode selection; Regina King might have had an easier time getting a Batty to go with her Oscar if they had focused on one that featured her more. One thing to look out for: This podcast has strong ties to the DMV area, so will "227's" DC setting give it a bit of a home-field advantage?"

For Your Batty Consideration: Sonny and Cher (Season 11, Episode 9)

The listeners spoke again, choosing Sonny and Cher as their variety show pick. We talked about the pair's chemistry and the guest appearances of Tina Turner and David Steinberg. Don't forget Shields and Yarnell! Please tell us you didn't forget Shields and Yarnell! Do you think Mike and I have similar chemistry to Sonny and Cher?

Our podcast episode

Show notes and YT playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: "The interesting battle here will be in the Song category and maybe the as oneself category, as this show will be going up against the Star-Spangled Celebration. Not sure how strong the show is overall, but if there's one thing I've learned from being in this business, it's that you should never count out Cher."

For Your Batty Consideration: MASH (Season 11, Episode 8)

We revisited the iconic sitcom MASH, which we talked about in our fifth season, with a focus on the later years--Potter and Winchester instead of Blake and Burns. "Bless You Hawkeye" has laughs and that patented pathos the show was known for in those later years.

Our podcast episode

Show notes and YT playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: "It's a huge series, yeah, but some might think it already had its shot back with the Season 5 Battys. Despite a great episode, "Tuttle," MASH won only one Batty and didn't rack up a lot of noms, either. Has the show grown in their minds? Will the increased number of categories help? I don't know, but the fact that we're asking the questions may not be a good sign for such a classic. Bottom line: The "second time around" thing might hinder the series' chances.

For Your Batty Consideration: Exo-Man (Season 11, Episode 7)

Our TV movie this season was Iron Ma--Well, no, it was Exo-Man, an unsold pilot that could have been a contender...with a lot of changes. We had a lot of fun talking about a show that doesn't have a ton of information about it. What worked? What didn't? Do we still want a toy of the title character? What is a "malfuntion"? And we even discovered an original theme song! If you're a fan of this forgotten movie, this is a show you gotta hear!

Our podcast episode

Show notes and YT playlist

Anonymous Batty insider says: "The flick may not be a classic, but I could see Exo-Man providing some intrigue on Batty night. It has heroes and villains, and it does stand out in its own way. David Ackroyd is no Reb Brown, but there is a certain aura when he puts on the suit."