tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post8134071594287091340..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: Friday QuestionsBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-35197988517363213092015-07-27T07:48:54.537-07:002015-07-27T07:48:54.537-07:00@Igor: Greatly appreciate your input! I find quest...@Igor: Greatly appreciate your input! I find questions like that intriguing and irritating to some respect myself. For instance, how can AFI compare Garbo to Kate Hepburn? And yet, there was a ranking as to who was deemed the best classic film actress. It's the age-old debate we face yearly with awards season. Would it make sense to have each actor play the same role to truly decide who brought the character to life?<br /><br />In regards to my two examples, I love both actresses and do think each one delivers consistently.Justin Russohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12277379716974798413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-219733570135449282015-07-25T18:29:26.932-07:002015-07-25T18:29:26.932-07:00Warren Beatty got Pauline Kael a producton deal at...Warren Beatty got Pauline Kael a producton deal at Paramount. Didn't last long, or end happily.Bill Ohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06041905291496937729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-40375408728567094562015-07-25T12:38:05.836-07:002015-07-25T12:38:05.836-07:00Friday Question: Did you see the news that Amazon ...Friday Question: Did you see the news that Amazon Studios hired film critic Scott Foundas as a development executive? Made me think of that Frasier episode where Frasier and Niles tried to run their own restaurant. In your opinion, is Amazon thinking too outside the box or just enough?Morgan Van Lenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03653345815134672656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-58243181774471761062015-07-24T21:17:03.220-07:002015-07-24T21:17:03.220-07:00FRIDAY QUESTION: If you (and Mr. Isaacs) could ada...FRIDAY QUESTION: If you (and Mr. Isaacs) could adapt one film (or book, or stage play) for a television series like Larry Gelbart did with the "MASH", which would it be?Rashad Khannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-88342726359785788512015-07-24T18:13:09.524-07:002015-07-24T18:13:09.524-07:00To Mark:
I hope Ken does address your question. I...To Mark:<br />I hope Ken does address your question. I think it is an extraordinary idea. Most fans would love to see their favorite actors and actresses doing something unfamiliar, and it would be an outstanding way to help keep actors/actresses from being typecast due to long-running shows. <br /><br />Like you, I'm sure there are dozens of reasons why such a thing could never happen and Ken would know them, but still it's an appealing idea.Diane D.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-54709118521689841502015-07-24T18:03:57.388-07:002015-07-24T18:03:57.388-07:00Was at the Kristin Chenoweth Walk of Fame ceremony...Was at the Kristin Chenoweth Walk of Fame ceremony today -- what a delightful lady! (We should all have such a present for our birthday.) You've given her some compliments over the years (for those who don't know, Ken directed Kristin on her short-lived -- and no, that's not a height joke -- NBC sitcom, "Kristin," back in 2001 or so).VP81955https://www.blogger.com/profile/11792390726196611188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-36692413259485865792015-07-24T17:46:10.387-07:002015-07-24T17:46:10.387-07:00The Two and a Half Men/CSI exchange gave Chuck Lor...The Two and a Half Men/CSI exchange gave Chuck Lorre a chance to unload on Cybil. With her sitcom co-star in Cybil's role. Bill Ohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06041905291496937729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-559695136807873232015-07-24T17:31:32.536-07:002015-07-24T17:31:32.536-07:00Friday question,
Hi Ken.... Do you think Cheers a...Friday question,<br /><br />Hi Ken.... Do you think Cheers and MASH would have lasted as long as they did if the original cast had remained on the show?<br /><br />HoustonHouston Mitchellnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-87104576054445245222015-07-24T17:14:19.869-07:002015-07-24T17:14:19.869-07:00i recall something of the sort between "Two a...i recall something of the sort between "Two and a Half Men" and "CSI". But I think it was with the writers.Terrence Mosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09365112876091271689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-35555453683373208042015-07-24T17:11:19.088-07:002015-07-24T17:11:19.088-07:00hands down louis-dreyfus. she is the heir apparent...hands down louis-dreyfus. she is the heir apparent to lucille ball.Terrence Mosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09365112876091271689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-80652812530273135602015-07-24T15:33:25.046-07:002015-07-24T15:33:25.046-07:00Hey Ken, can you write me a new plotline? I'm ...Hey Ken, can you write me a new plotline? I'm pretty dissatisfied with the one I'm currently living. Stephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10614326327687523688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-7131458168509862392015-07-24T14:32:19.421-07:002015-07-24T14:32:19.421-07:00... not that I'm trying to preempt things. Ju...... not that I'm trying to preempt things. Just IMO.Igornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-20011499241440208642015-07-24T14:30:51.799-07:002015-07-24T14:30:51.799-07:00@Justin Russo - "I was recently involved in a...@Justin Russo - "I was recently involved in a debate as to who is today's best TV comedienne (it went between Lisa Kudrow and Julia Louis Dreyfuss). Would love your thoughts."<br /><br />Both do what they do. At least that's how it's been so far. I don't see how one could be _ranked_ versus the other. IMO, each one nails her role.<br /><br />Not saying that a ranking can't work as to some actors, but w/ these two I don't see it.<br />Igornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-4278674293540989312015-07-24T12:37:14.309-07:002015-07-24T12:37:14.309-07:00@cd1515 - regarding your first question: I think m...@cd1515 - regarding your first question: I think most actors are more concerned that their characters have interesting things to do. For example, I was backstage at an event where a well-known performer was updating a former castmate on a current project. The performer has a recurring gig on a long-running show. The character was originally introduced as an antagonist to the star, but has since become more sympathetic over multiple appearances. The actor said that he/she is lobbying the producers for the character to revert back to the antagonistic mode and be less sympathetic because it was more fun to perform.<br /><br />And an example straight from Big Bang: Kevin Sussman's role as Stuart the comic book shop owner is built on being a loser. I have to imagine that Sussman isn't lobbying for his character to suddenly become confident, financially stable, and develop a satisfying social life. That sounds like a quick path to being out of an acting job.Kirk C.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-25273455246922423662015-07-24T11:45:23.071-07:002015-07-24T11:45:23.071-07:00Having been a pharmaceutical sales rep at one poin...Having been a pharmaceutical sales rep at one point in my life, I think it's a perfect job for someone like Penny, someone who's personable, good with people, and has a little acting ability. Also a thick enough skin to not be offended by the medical staff folks who roll their eyes in annoyance when they see you coming through the door.Dereknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-90404949631537886412015-07-24T10:36:52.169-07:002015-07-24T10:36:52.169-07:00Good post, Ken!
Re Penny on TBB, well she was a...Good post, Ken! <br /><br />Re Penny on TBB, well she was always a dubious actress, but early on I thought her character added a lot, as we got to view the men through her fond eyes. She was the grown up in the room that anchored the rest. Then for a season or two she became a lot less likeable. I was thinking that giving that character some career success might have been a way to move back towards the original Penny, making her less of a loser. Whatever the reason, I've been enjoying that plot line.McAlvienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-926951708285276262015-07-24T09:27:47.973-07:002015-07-24T09:27:47.973-07:00Boomska316,
By conservative estimate I have seen ...Boomska316, <br />By conservative estimate I have seen every episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show over 100 times. I can't think of ONE time when he looked out at the audience and broke character. Unless he was rehearsing a skit in character for the Alan Brady Show, or entertaining at one of those famous Petrie parties, DVD never broke the fourth wall.Garynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-24972872593169162812015-07-24T09:06:17.859-07:002015-07-24T09:06:17.859-07:00I saw a rerun recently of a COLUMBO that was direc...I saw a rerun recently of a COLUMBO that was directed by Nick Colasanto (the one with Johnny Cash as the special guest murderer) and caught a sly little in-joke. There was a scene where Cash mentioned the name of his music arranger -- "Nick Solacanto."Brother Herberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09176543368300371994noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-6484676385596729412015-07-24T09:04:55.430-07:002015-07-24T09:04:55.430-07:00A Friday question that will not be answered (which...A Friday question that will not be answered (which is perfectly fine since it's not really a question!) but I want to put out there what I have always wanted to see.<br /><br />A one hour show which would have a rotating cast of members from another show. So, the cast of Big Bang, or The Middle, would do a one hour drama (or whatever genre they wanted to do, maybe a crime show...). The cast of The Good Wife would decide to do a comedy. They could even bring the writers along to give them a different challenge.<br /><br />It seems the actors would love the opportunity to do something else, assuming they like working together. The fans of the show would love to see the actors in a different milieu.<br /><br />I'm sure that me and six other people would love to have a show like that.<br /><br />Now, Ken, if you want you can now explain why something like that would never, ever possibly happen. Other than the fact that the ratings would be microscopic.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16911783621907246350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-31856003593412924632015-07-24T08:49:09.793-07:002015-07-24T08:49:09.793-07:00Friday question: I was wondering if there were any...Friday question: I was wondering if there were any rules on sitcoms about actors reacting to the studio audiences? I've been watching the Dick Van Dyke Show for the first time ever this week and I could pick out more than once where he was clearly looking straight at the audience and reacting to their reactions.Boomska316https://www.blogger.com/profile/07057030413893543908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-80253927254055896502015-07-24T08:34:46.942-07:002015-07-24T08:34:46.942-07:00Ken,
When a show goes into syndication and gets t...Ken,<br /><br />When a show goes into syndication and gets trimmed down for time, who ultimately decides what lines/scenes get cut? Do the writers have any input? <br /><br />I recently started watching M*A*S*H from the beginning on Netflix. It was appointment TV in our house when I was growing up and I’ve always watched it when I could find it in reruns. Netflix shows the original, uncut broadcast versions and I was stunned by how many great lines (and in some cases, entire scenes) have been cut out for syndication. Do you recall any lines or scenes that got cut which you felt should have been left in (not just in M*A*S*H, but in any of the shows you’ve worked on)? <br /><br />Thanks!<br />ToddTodd Longnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-42733818991206617062015-07-24T08:32:37.202-07:002015-07-24T08:32:37.202-07:00I find it so interesting that Nick Colasanto quest...I find it so interesting that Nick Colasanto questions are still being asked 30 years after his death.It is a great tribute to him. Ken - Your columns this entire week were a "must read first today" for me. I can`t wait for the follow-up.mmryan314https://www.blogger.com/profile/03956737239500293977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-38532301484939090152015-07-24T08:11:09.900-07:002015-07-24T08:11:09.900-07:00FRIDAY QUESTION(S):
Ken, I have incredible respec...FRIDAY QUESTION(S):<br /><br />Ken, I have incredible respect for comediennes, particularly those who really find their niche on television and create their legacy in the medium. An actress like Lucille Ball was the "Queen of the B's" for years and from someone who's seen most of her RKO and MGM films, only once, in 1946's 'Easy to Wed' did she have a moment to show her comedic prowess in a drunken scene with Van Johnson (though of course this would be repeated threefold with the "Vitameatavegiman" 'I Love Lucy' episode. She finally found her medium and of course Ball's legend will forever be associated with TV.<br /><br />Which begs the question: which actresses do you think define the television comedy? <br /><br />Further, I was recently involved in a debate as to who is today's best TV comedienne (it went between Lisa Kudrow and Julia Louis Dreyfuss). Would love your thoughts.<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />JustinJustin Russohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12277379716974798413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-21277765741681427772015-07-24T08:09:26.040-07:002015-07-24T08:09:26.040-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Justin Russohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12277379716974798413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-74738124789083902732015-07-24T08:03:06.778-07:002015-07-24T08:03:06.778-07:00On initial character descriptions: I read when No...On initial character descriptions: I read when Norton was introduced on "The Honeymooners", his occupation didn't come up until someone asked him about and he said, "I work at the sewer" which was made up as a punchline. I can't imagine network execs approving of that as his job if they read about that. <br /><br /><br />On actors using their clout to what direction their character takes: I also remember reading Eriq LaSalle not liking his character being in a relationship with a white woman so in order to keep him on the show "ER", the producers broke them up. Too bad, still I can understand his viewpoint...tavmnoreply@blogger.com