Sunday, November 25, 2007

1979-Angie


Opening with an exceedingly long (by today's standards) 90 second theme song, Angie aired for two seasons in 1979 and 1980. The theme song reached number 1 on Billboard's adult contemporary charts in 1979.
Set in Philadelphia, the story revolved around waitress Angie Falco (Donna Pescow), customer turned husband Brad Benson (Robert Hays), and the couple's two very different families; the rich Bensons and the working class Falcos. A very pre-Raymond Doris Roberts also starred as Angie's mother.
As usually happens, the show jumped the shark once the main characters were married in season two, and viewers lost interest.

Friday, November 23, 2007

1985-Small Wonder


This insipid show started in 1985 in first-run syndication and ran for an unbelievable 96 episodes. Before afternoon talk shows started littering the mid-afternoon TV landscape, odd little shows like this would air along with Mama's Family, Charles in Charge, and It's A Living.
A 10-year old robot girl kept by an 80s suburban family while they try to hide the fact that she's a robot from nosy neighbors has got to be one of the worst tv series premise ever. Even for a sitcom. In fact, a TV critic for USA Today listed it as a contender for one of the worst TV shows of all time.

Friday, November 16, 2007

1972-The Paul Lynde Show


If you grew up after the 1970s, you have probably never heard of Paul Lynde. Remembered by many as the center square on Hollywood Squares throughout the 70s, Paul Lynde was a character actor that essentially played the same personality in every role. He was known for his trademark sarcastic manner, often a quick insult delivered through his teeth with a head waggle. Think Roger from American Dad is original? His personality and mannerisms are heavily inspired from Paul Lynde.
He was a prolific guest star in TV shows throughout the 60s and 70s. He was known as a stylish 'confirmed bachelor,' so naturally when producers gave him his own show he was cast as straight-laced Paul Simms, attorney, husband, father.
One day Howie, a shaggy-haired, blue-jeans wearing college student moves in-and hilarity ensues! Well, in reality, the show is remembered as mediocre at best and would often end up with someone falling in the pool.