**SPOILERS** You can tell right off who's gonna be dead. You know who I mean; he's the "Boy, aren't we all glad that stinkin' rats's dead" guy. Just a couple of small things I spotted, though; first, NOBODY'S big enough to push an entire studio around, even if they own it. Sidemark could have easily called Conrad's bluff on any of the rotten tricks he was pulling; especially after he pulled the rug out from under the crazy old bat that still thought she was a star long after she was a washed-up has-been. All he had to do was refuse, go to her, tell her the truth, and let the chips fall. Of course, then, we don't have a story.
The acting is good, all around, with the exception of Earl Stanley Gardner, who wasn't an actor, but just wanted to be in on the finish of the series. The end line was prophetic; as far as re-runs are concerned, and it was good that they brought back the series in the form of two hour specials, years later. I've often wondered; if the studio had taken a year off, could they have then had the writers and staff to put together another season? As far as Dick Clark goes, almost ALL noted "good guys" go, they love getting a chance at being a bad guy at least once. In this case, he was a lot better bad guy than the dead bad guy, and he almost pulled it off. I mean the old gal was on her way out anyway, right? Okay, fine, it would be wrong, but then again.....
I love this series. I watch it on METV, and I've got the whole kaboodle on DVD from Amazon. There are some really fine series available, and Amazon, and IMDb make it possible to see a lot of small things that one would just not notice, otherwise. I encourage anyone watching this series, for example, to use these resources to add to your appreciation of this fine art. Those who also re-watch these episodes; there is an edit button you can use to improve your critique of these shows. Thanks to S.A.G., Actor's Studio, and the fine performers who bring this art to life.
The acting is good, all around, with the exception of Earl Stanley Gardner, who wasn't an actor, but just wanted to be in on the finish of the series. The end line was prophetic; as far as re-runs are concerned, and it was good that they brought back the series in the form of two hour specials, years later. I've often wondered; if the studio had taken a year off, could they have then had the writers and staff to put together another season? As far as Dick Clark goes, almost ALL noted "good guys" go, they love getting a chance at being a bad guy at least once. In this case, he was a lot better bad guy than the dead bad guy, and he almost pulled it off. I mean the old gal was on her way out anyway, right? Okay, fine, it would be wrong, but then again.....
I love this series. I watch it on METV, and I've got the whole kaboodle on DVD from Amazon. There are some really fine series available, and Amazon, and IMDb make it possible to see a lot of small things that one would just not notice, otherwise. I encourage anyone watching this series, for example, to use these resources to add to your appreciation of this fine art. Those who also re-watch these episodes; there is an edit button you can use to improve your critique of these shows. Thanks to S.A.G., Actor's Studio, and the fine performers who bring this art to life.