The Green Hornet was one of the top classic radio pulp heroes, along with the Lone Ranger (from the same author -Fran Striker - and whom the Hornet was descended from) and the king of all pulps, the Shadow. By day he's newspaper magnate Britt Reid (back when that was a more respectable occupation than … Continue reading The Green Hornet
Television
The Paper Chase
Prominent among my most recent television diet has been the show The Paper Chase, a four-season drama that ran from 1978 to 1986 (the show was cancelled after the first season due to low ratings – which is what happens when you schedule it opposite Happy Days: the Fonz brooked no challengers - but revived … Continue reading The Paper Chase
What Might Have Been…
Celebrating 30 Years of Mystery Science Theater 3000
By an interesting coincidence, I am exactly as old as one my favorite shows: Mystery Science Theater 3000. This show has had a huge influence on me, particularly when it comes to developing my sense of humor and appreciation for the obscurer side of the entertainment world. Now, as the show turns thirty years old, I explore … Continue reading Celebrating 30 Years of Mystery Science Theater 3000
Apu and Charlie Chan Syndrome
I'm long since finished with 'The Simpsons' outside of the occasional re-run, but I had to comment on this. Apparently, the show has decided to drop the venerable character of Apu in the face of 'controversy' over his 'blatantly racist' portrayal. Said 'racist portrayal', as far as I can tell, amounts to that he has … Continue reading Apu and Charlie Chan Syndrome
Thoughts on ‘Phineas and Ferb Star Wars’
Past Entries: -Star Wars -The Holiday Special -The Empire Strikes Back -Return of the Jedi -The Phantom Menace -Attack of the Clones -Revenge of the Sith -The Force Awakens -Rogue One -The Last Jedi -Solo I wanted to end this series on a high note, so, despite the fact that it’s explicitly not canon (the … Continue reading Thoughts on ‘Phineas and Ferb Star Wars’
Another Quick 1950s Thought
I'm a little amazed that no one seems to remember that the most popular and influential television show of the 1950s centered around an interracial couple: Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Or does that not count? If so, are Cubans considered 'white' now? Then I guess Hispanics don't count for 'diversity' purposes, right? You know, … Continue reading Another Quick 1950s Thought
A Quick Word on the Beauty of ‘Phineas and Ferb’
I’m rewatching Phineas and Ferb again at the moment and just finished the episode Magic Carpet Ride. During the song sequence, it suddenly occurred to me that this really is a microcosm of just what makes this show so special. It’s that it manages to be both absurdist and sincere at the same time. It … Continue reading A Quick Word on the Beauty of ‘Phineas and Ferb’
Thoughts on ‘Gravity Falls’
Gravity Falls is one of those shows that I’d heard raved about from several different quarters as being a very smart, very funny, and very mature kids’ show with a lot of dark, creative imagery. So, when I had some extra time (read: was procrastinating again) I watched through it. My reactions were surprisingly pretty … Continue reading Thoughts on ‘Gravity Falls’
My Little Pony Touches on the True Meaning of Christmas (Yes, THAT True Meaning)
I’m repeatedly amused at the thought that, this time last year, I’d barely given a thought to My Little Pony, and now it’s one of my all-time favorite animated shows and keeps compelling me to write about it. Among the many pleasures it's brought is that I now have another favorite Christmas special to watch. MLP … Continue reading My Little Pony Touches on the True Meaning of Christmas (Yes, THAT True Meaning)