Avery Brooks

Question: I've read all of Robert B. Parker's Spenser books and thought they did a decent job of depicting the character on TV's Spenser: For Hire, given the TV programming of the time. (Can you imagine that show on FX now?) But I never could figure out why they got rid of Susan, Spenser's girlfriend, and then brought her back. Can you shed any light on that? Thank you, and I love your column.

Answer: You're very welcome, Gayle, and thank you. I imagine the fact that they actually shot Spenser: For Hire in your stomping grounds gave the show the authenticity that only someone who lives in Boston could appreciate.

Anyway, guidance counselor Susan Silverman (Barbara Stock) was shown the door — or, more accurately, s read more