It seems that “Donald” is no longer a very popular name for babies. The name peaked in 1934 when more than 30,400 babies in the United States were given that name, and it remained in the top ten of baby names until 1990. In 2025 it hit its lowest point, becoming only the 690th most … Continue reading The American Experiment
Television
Maximo Pleasure
When Apple began its TV streaming service several years ago, I tried watching the sitcom Acapulco but gave up after one episode. It seemed like a pretty conventional sitcom that was set in Mexico. Then not too long ago I noticed that there were four seasons of the show available. Perhaps I had been too … Continue reading Maximo Pleasure
Escape from Ben Casey
In the early 60s there were two medical shows on TV, Dr. Kildare and Ben Casey. I watched the first one which was on in the early evening, but I couldn’t watch the latter which was shown at 10 o’clock, as that was past my bedtime for a school night. However, Ben Casey was rather famous for a … Continue reading Escape from Ben Casey
The One with David E. Kelley
David E. Kelley has been responsible for more TV shows than just about other single writer-producer. From LA Law (created by Steven Bochco) to The Practice to Ally McBeal to Boston Legal to Chicago Hope to Harry’s Law to Love and Death to The Lincoln Lawyer to Big Little Lies to— The list goes on. … Continue reading The One with David E. Kelley
The Pitt
The Pitt just concluded its second season, and I have rather mixed feelings about the show. Each season takes place in an emergency room in Pittsburgh over fifteen hours in “real time” although there are a lot of cheats and quick cuts so it isn’t truly real time; I guess they figure most viewers won’t … Continue reading The Pitt
Brokenwood
I believe I’ve mentioned The Brokenwood Mysteries previously, but as the show has entered its 12th season, I thought I’d give it another shout out. It’s a police procedural set in New Zealand, and while it’s subject is murder mysteries, it always has an ample dose of light comedy. What I especially enjoy about it is … Continue reading Brokenwood
Can You Name Them?
Here’s another gallery of guest stars from The Fugitive, this time from season 3. Once again these folks either became better known later on or in one or two cases were better known earlier on. I’m certain that most of you will recognize at least some of them. Answers at the bottom of this post. The … Continue reading Can You Name Them?
When the Wind Blows
I finally saw the only episode that I specifically remember seeing from the original run of The Fugitive (other than the series finale, that is). It’s the 15th episode of the third season entitled “When the Wind Blows”, so it answers some questions I had in my mind about it, but it raises some others … Continue reading When the Wind Blows
A Familiar Photo
In an episode from the third season of The Fugitive, Ed Asner plays a former football player and when we get a peek inside his room: That photo looked awfully familiar. I knew I had seen it dozens of times in the office of Lou Grant:
Can You Name Them?
In The Fugitive episode “Moon Child” Virginia Christine played the mother of a girl with a learning disability, and her performance would have an eerie pre-echo of a series of commercials for Folgers Coffee that she would make in the 70s and 80s as “Mrs. Olsen”. Here’s a gallery of some of the second season guest … Continue reading Can You Name Them?