Question: Don't you think they should do a spin-off from Judging Amy featuring Tyne Daly's character, Maxine? She is such a wonderful actress.
Answer: She was my main reason for watching Judging Amy, so of course I like this idea. But given that CBS canceled the show because the network desired younger demographics (which is why Love Monkey is getting a shot there, starting this week), a show built around Maxine would be, putting it kindly, a tough sell. In a few weeks, I'll be seeing Tyne Daly in a new Broadway play alongside Cynthia Nixon. I'll be sure to give her your regards.
[Editor's Note: If you missed Friday's column, you'll find it here.]
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Question: One of my favorite shows from around the late '60s to early '70s took place on a deserted island, where a bunch of college-age students were marooned after their airplane crash-landed. Since they were stranded, they decided they were going to build a new civilization and not make any of the same mistakes the "establishment" made back home. I think it was called The New People or something along those lines. I'd love to know more about the series and who starred in it. Thanks a lot!
Answer: It was indeed called The New People and, though the legendary Rod Serling (The Twilight Zone, Night Gallery) was credited as the creator, it was an Aaron Spelling affair. It enjoyed a very brief run on ABC, from September 1969 to the following January.
In what was apparently supposed to be an e
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Question: Well, well. I just heard the Emmy nominations. Those were interesting. I won't go on a complete rant and talk about how their whole system is flawed, but can I float a few nominations and omissions by you that go in the all-time "what was this awards show thinking about" category? Six Feet Under and The West Wing for best drama series. I mean come on. Lost, 24 and Deadwood were all great, but absolutely necessary, choices. Where was House, Rescue Me, Nip/Tuck or CSI? That was insane. And how about Shohreh Aghdashloo being left off the ballot? What in the world were these people thinking about? And those are just the first three things that came to my mind. Matt, please. Can you account for any of this?
Answer: Not really. And I'm sick about Aghdashloo from 24, and Anthony Anderson from The Shield, being passed over. They were two of the most compelling guest adversaries I've ever seen, and to ignore them for the likes of Stockard Channing, Tyne Daly (both actresses I admire, but
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