Q. They talk about putting a chip into televisions to control the programs that kids see. But what good is it when there is sex and violence in commercials, notably those for upcoming movies? The most aggravating example is when these ads show up in a family show, such as Wheel of Fortune. Let’s clean up the commercials.– J.J., Oakland Park
A. Your letter is an example of how self-appointed censors will not stop until they have full control of everything people see, hear and read. If you think your kids are going to be corrupted by a commercial, I hope you’re teaching them at home, then locking them in a bubble. They are going to be exposed to a lot worse at school every day than they are going to see in any 30-second spot.
Q. Why was Bless This House canceled? I thought it was the nest new shou of the season. Also, why did Strange Luck have its season finale in February? Should I be prepared for another of my favorite programs to be canceled? –Gina Baccaro, Boca Raton
A. Bless This House is barely within the top 100 of all series this season even though it faced what it considered to be moderate competition. More damning, it was on a downward trend from what wasn’t a high ceiling to begin with. That is why it was canceled. Strange Luck is well out of the top 100. Fox has lowered expectations than the three longer established networks but, to use your phrasing, it might be a good idea to follow the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared.
Q. I would like to buy or rent the episode of Picket Fences title “Dem Bones.” How can I get it? — Seth Bernstein, Hollywood
A. You can’t. Networks have the rights to at least two showings of series episodes. Then the program goes into syndication. Only after this process is over – as long as five years down the road – does the possibility of releasing a program on tape arise. However, if you are patient and watch the listings closely, you can get that show free when CBS reruns it this summer. If not then, when it goes into syndication.
Q. I enjoy Hawaii Five-0 reruns on WSVN-Ch. 7. Why does McGarrett call Dan “Dan Ho” but he calls Chin Ho just Chin? — Adrian Griffin – Boca Raton
A. Jack Lord’s character doesn’t call James MacArthur’s character “Dan Ho.” He calls him “Danno.” Just be grateful he doesn’t call for Don Ho, Mr. Tiny Bubbles.
Q. I say Lynne on The Young & the Restless is the former child actress who was Felix Unger’s daughter on The Odd Couple. Am I right? — Stephen Somers, Pompano Beach
A. Sorry. Two child actresses played Edna Unger; neither was Laura Bryan Birn, who plays Lynne on The Young & the Restless. The first Edna was replaced by Pamelyn Ferdin. She was replaced by Doney Oatman. Ferdin had a busy career in the late 60’s and early 70’s, surrounding her role on The Odd Couple. She played Cookie on Blondie for one season; she was Pamela on The John Forsythe show; she was Sally Simms on The Paul Lynde Show, and she had one season as Lucy Baker on Lassie. Oatman did not have another billed role on a series.
Q. Is Julia Louis-Dreyfus of Seinfeld related to Richard Dreyfuss? Also, has the actor who plays Wilson on Home Improvement ever been in anything else that I could rent? I am curious as to what he looks like. — Shelleen Eberhart
A. Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Richard Dreyfuss are not related. Earl Hindman, who plays Wilson, has a list of credits taller than his character’s fence. He was in Ryan’s Hope for nine years, and his TV-movie credits include War and Remembrance. Your best bet to rent, however, are the theatrical movies Three Men and a Baby and Silverado.
Send your questions about local television, the networks or cable to Tom Jicha, TV/Radio Writer, Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-2293. Personal replies are not possible; please do not send self-addressed stamped envelopes.
