Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Terrific TV Toys: Steve Austin doll by Kenner

(Or should that be, "Steve Austin action figure by Kenner"? Because many folks out there consider them action figures. But to this little girl they were dolls!)

The Terrific TV Toys series by BRBTV continues with another figure from Kenner's 1970s Bionic line, Steve Austin, "The Six Million Dollar Man," as played by Lee Majors (who, incidentally, is appearing at the Motor City Comic Con this weekend!).



As with BRB's Jaime Sommers doll, this is not the original Steve Austin doll released by Kenner. The first one had a completely red outfit. The one you see above was released a little later and might even be a little harder to find. It was labeled as having a "Biosonic arm."

Also in this video, you'll see Steve's "Critical Assignment Arms" playset.

Next up, Oscar Goldman and Fembot!!!

Monday, May 12, 2014

Terrific TV Toys: Jaime Sommers doll by Kenner

It's goofy, and it's certainly geeky, but that's kinda what we do. BRBTV is forging onward with this new video series celebrating the toys that celebrate and once ran alongside of the classic TV shows we love. We've showed you the four Mego supergals owned by Billie Rae Bates of BRBTV as a child. Now we focus on the Bionic set of her toys, looking first at the Jaime Sommers doll from the 1970s, perhaps in part to honor Lindsay Wagner's appearance at this weekend's Motor City Comic Con.

"The Bionic Woman" debuted on January 14, 1976, starring Lindsay Wagner. She had already appeared as Steve Austin's girlfriend on "The Six Million Dollar Man." Now she had her own show. And Kenner, being as wise as they were, also having success with their "Star Wars" line at about the same time, promptly added a Jaime Sommers doll to the Bionic line.



This is not the original Jaime Sommers doll -- that one wore blue jeans and a white sporty top, and debuted earlier. What you see above is the figure with the action-packed mission purse, and in this video you'll see each and every item in that purse (we think it's all basically intact -- even though BRB was a tyke at the time), as well as a whopping 10 Jaime fashions that were sold separately for the doll. Did we say 10? Yes, that T-E-N. (And Mother got a pretty good deal on them at the time, too.) Yowza, those gowns are beautiful. All nylon and polyester, as the fashions of the age were. Lovely!

Friday, May 09, 2014

Announcing the Kindle edition of "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!"

BRBTV has had the privilege and the pleasure to attend a great many events over the past several years celebrating "The Dukes of Hazzard." These have been fan events -- DukesFest and beyond -- in different locales around the country (but with a heavy concentration in the South, of course). In addition to some of the greatest friends in this author's life, another thing gained from attending all those events is a whole heapin' helpin' of photos. Fun, fun photos that take us right back to the event as we look through 'em. And what to do with all these photos we've compiled since launching the current print edition of "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" reference guide in 2006? Well, put them in a Kindle e-version of the book, of course! Along with a bunch of other stuff!

The brand-new full-color Kindle edition of "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" features all of the content of the current print edition, plus other great goodies:
  • Interviews with Byron Cherry, Christopher Mayer, Don Pedro Colley, and others involved in making the series (and that could be the very last interview ever done with Mr. Mayer -- we are blessed and thankful to have had that chat)
  • A huge section covering some the aforementioned “Dukes” events over the years
  • Boosted episode guide, actor bio information, and merchandise guide, as well as added features such as the Hazzard County Business Directory and an expanded “Meet Some Lees” section

On a letter-sized page in Microsoft Word, this Kindle edition measures out at more than 450 pages. Yikes. (We thought it would crash the Kindle system, but it seems to be moving along OK ... )

And yes, we're thinkin' what you're thinkin', if what you're thinkin' is, wouldn't you make a new print edition out of that, too? Well, yes, we are, and it's scheduled for release this summer, and it will include a brand-new cover by talented Baltimore artist Dale Cuthbertson, who illustrated the covers of the "Dynasty High" and "Superchicks" BRBTV books.




The Kindle edition of "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!" is a cool $6, available in a flash for your Kindle or other compatible device. And the title is part of Amazon's Matchbook program, meaning you can get a good deal between the print and e-versions.

BRBTV profusely thanks all the good friends who have helped with the content and review for this new Kindle edition: Brian, Paul, Derrick, Andrea, Cuz Don, Jim, Jason, Will, Billy, Zealand, Richie, Kevin, Natalie ... along with the many others who've helped contribute photos, fun and laughs over the years. This author is blessed to have you in her life. And we hope you enjoy this update. As we tend to say, it's a labor of love.

Wednesday, May 07, 2014

It's true Bionic beauty at the Motor City Comic Con

Brace yourself, because it's the bold, beautiful, Bionic Big Three at this month's Motor City Comic Con!

This is a con we've loved for many years, a show that always offered a nice blend of guests from the comic book industry and the TV and movie spheres, long before it was cool to do so. And this year, the folks at Motor City are serving it up again! Lee ("Steve Austin") Majors, Lindsay ("Jaime Sommers") Wagner and Richard ("Oscar Goldman") Anderson of "The Six Million Dollar Man" and "The Bionic Woman" are leading a star-studded guest list that will converge upon the Suburban Showplace Collection in Novi, Michigan on May 16-18.





Jason David Frank, the Green (then White) Ranger of the original "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers," will be there, as well as Herb Jefferson Jr., shown at right, Ernie Hudson, and other folks who've been on lots of TV shows we've loved over the years.

Billie Rae Bates of BRBTV will be roaming the floors, hopefully knocking out some good on-camera stuff with folks like last year. And on Saturday .... hmmm ... she's going to get her very first (firsthand) taste of cosplay. Do you know who she'll be dressed as???? You'll just have to come out and find out!!!!


Images courtesy of Motor City Comic Con;
copy at your own risk

Monday, May 05, 2014

Catwoman stars in the fourth episode of Terrific TV Toys

Meow!!! She was a catty, cunning villainess, but she got to hang with the heroes just the same. At least in the childhood doll collection of Billie Rae Bates of BRBTV, she did. She's Catwoman, more specifically the Mego 8-inch version of Catwoman, and she's bold and in your face in the fourth installment of the BRBTV video series, Terrific TV Toys (*of a vintage nature).

At the point this action figure (doll!) was released in the mid-1970s, the Catwoman character had been featured in the late-1960s "Batman" live-action series (portrayed by three different females), as well as Filmation's 1968 cartoon, "The Batman/Superman Hour."

Take a trip back through time as we take a look at this vintage piece from the 1970s ...




Look for future installments of the video series, tripping into the toys that go with great classic TV shows such as "The Six Million Dollar Man," "The Bionic Woman" and "Charlie's Angels"!

Saturday, May 03, 2014

Ben Jones and Alma Viator host Rappahannock Americana Music Festival

From the same lovely Virginia town where they recently hosted a Hazzard Homecoming, Ben ("Cooter Davenport") Jones of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and his wife, Alma Viator, are hosting a music fest in a couple weeks. From their email and website:

Ben Jones and Alma Viator present The First Annual Rappahannock Americana Music Festival on May 17, 2014 from noon to 10 p.m. in beautiful Washington, Virginia.

“Americana music is the home-grown music of America," Ben Jones says. "It is influenced by old time string music, jug bands, the blues and rhythm and blues, country and bluegrass, Cajun and Creole, and whatever else that came from the bottom up instead of from the top down. Some people call it ‘roots,’ some people call it ‘folk’ music, but it is all of that and more, because a lot of it is new music made in the traditional way.”

The event will be held at:
The Theatre and Avon Hall Washington, Virginia
291 Gay Street
Washington, VA 22747

Check the event's Facebook page or the official website for more info.

Thursday, May 01, 2014

Next up in Terrific TV Toys: Wonder Woman (8-inch) Mego

She thwarted evil with a magic spin; she was the unstoppable Wonder Woman!!!! (And that spin was from the Lynda Carter version of Wonder Woman first, by the way, then the spin was brought into the comics.) Regardless, at the time the "Wonder Woman" TV series originally aired in the 1970s, there were a couple versions of a Wonder Woman doll / action figure that little girls everywhere and maybe even some little boys could enjoy. They were both made by Mego. One was 8 inches high and the first of a set of Mego's supergals in its well-known and well-regarded World's Greatest Super Heroes collection. She hit the store shelves just before Lynda Carter hit the TV airwaves, then continued to sell for a while, perhaps also inspired by the Wonder Woman of the popular "Super Friends" series of the time. Then she was eclipsed by the 12-inch, very detailed version which was more of an official companion to the TV series (complete with Diana Prince outfit -- it rocks, trust us), which you'll see in a future installment of the series.

For now, though, let's take a look at that 8-inch beauty from BRB's own childhood collection as the BRBTV video series Terrific TV Toys (*of a vintage nature) continues ....


Tuesday, April 29, 2014

It's BRBTV's first TV spot!

BRBTV has employed a number of marketing avenues over the years, but we're pretty excited to now have ventured into advertising on ... television!!!! You know, that medium we cover in the first place!!! How cool.

A 15-second spot for the most recent installment of the BRBTV fact book series, "Superchicks: A Guide to TV's Wonder Woman and Isis," has been running on the "Comics Continuum" TV show based in Detroit and also airing in parts of Ohio and Indiana. If you recall, Billie Rae Bates of BRBTV did a bunch of work for the show in its early days, hosting episodes and doing myriad on-camera interviews with professionals in the comic book, TV, and movie industry.



Sunday, April 27, 2014

Terrific TV Toys video series takes a look at the Supergirl Mego

The other day we introduced you to a new video series on the BRBTV YouTube channel, Terrific TV Toys (*of a vintage nature). We took at look at BRB's own classic Batgirl Mego action figure (doll, if you will!). Next up, it's the classic Supergirl of the same Mego series. Same size, same body mold, beautiful blond hair, beautiful blue eyes! She's a true star of the '70s toy circuit, and she's up-close and personal in this installment ...



Friday, April 25, 2014

Awesome Con: Ernie Hudson talks -- of all things -- "The Dukes of Hazzard"

This author had a fantastic time at last weekend's Awesome Con in Washington, D.C. It was the second year for this event, and it was huge. Lots of great TV and film stars, lots of great costumes, and lots of great people to hang with. Look for coverage of the event on upcoming episodes of the "Fantastic Forum" TV show (IMDb), which this chick is blessed to be a part of. We had a great set overlooking the convention floor, and we shot a ton of wonderful stuff (three episodes and several interviews) under the direction of producer Ulysses E. Campbell and a sterling camera and talent crew. What a great experience!!!! Magnificent weekend with true professionals, says BRB!

One of the folks we got to see was Ernie Hudson of "Ghostbusters" fame, who us "Dukes of Hazzard" fans remember from the 1982 episode "Dear Diary." (You know, the one where the adorable Flash buries Rosco's diary at the Duke farm.) Hudson played Avery in the episode. Fellow author Brian Lombard (who wrote the "Bradypalooza" guide to "The Brady Bunch") is an avid "Dukes" fan and asked Hudson about the episode during the actor's panel discussion. In particular Brian wanted to know about that moment when the car went off the cliff and exploded in mid-air -- was that an accident or planned that way?

 From last weekend's Awesome Con: Ernie Hudson in a discussion panel
moderated by Ulysses Campbell, producer of the "Fantastic Forum" TV show.

At first Hudson quipped that he didn’t know because he hadn’t seen the episode. As the laughter died down in the vast convention room, and it seemed this was the only answer there would be, the actor graciously continued: “I don’t watch everything I do. I’m not embarrassed to say that. Well, the part I wanted to play was the bad guy. I found out great, I got the job. And then they handed me the script. I thought, oh no. And the guy who was playing the part wasn’t really an actor, so I was kinda disappointed. Then when I got there, they had a tank top and some baby oil for me. I don’t think I had hardly any lines. Maybe one line or something. So they wanted me to oil up. I’m thinking, this is ‘Dukes of Hazzard,’ and I've got my head oiled up! And I was like, no, no. First off, the day I was working, I drove to the set, and as I was coming in to the driveway, there was a Confederate flag. It didn’t start the day off right.” (Audience laughs)

“Then I get there and I see the baby oil and the tank top.Then I go, ‘No, I want to see the director.’ I went, ‘No, no. This ain’t gonna happen.’ I’m walking to see the director and I go past the one other black guy in the entire room, and he’s telling a black joke." (Laughter) "So now I’m like, OK, this is getting bad. So now I’m going to see the director, I’m going to say I’m not wearing this thing. And he’s going to say something, and I’m going to knock him up. You know how you’re thinking in your head, when he says this, I’m going to say that. Then something said, just let it go, whatever happens. You can deal with it. And then I just …” (spreading hands) “And I saw the director, and I said listen, and he said, no, it’s OK, it’s over. And then I did show up in one of the funniest experiences I’ve ever had. With Tom (Wopat), and in fact I just worked with John Schneider again. That was a really big learning experience for me. Because sometimes you’re acting on the emotion of what you’re expecting to happen. And none of that happened. It actually turned out nice.”

We're kinda thinking that with the tremendous body of work he's had over the years, Ernie doesn't get many questions about our beloved "Dukes"!


Photo by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Catch the brand-new video series from BRBTV: Terrific TV Toys!!!!

The rest of the world may know her as an action figure, but to a little girl, she's a doll. And to this little girl, she may have been the very first doll she ever owned. We're talking the 8-inch Batgirl figure by Mego, part of a large collection of what we're affectionately terming Terrific TV Toys (*of a vintage nature) owned by Billie Rae Bates that you'll see in a new video series from BRBTV.

Step back in time as BRB shows you up-close and personal these items from her childhood that celebrated or accompanied great classic TV shows such as the "Batman" -- in '60s live action or in '60s-'70s Filmation -- and various incarnations of the "Super Friends" of Saturday morning. Future installments of the series will look at the official licensed (vintage!) toys from "The Six Million Dollar Man," "The Bionic Woman," "Charlie's Angels," "The Dukes of Hazzard" and more. There's lots of great stuff here to examine, and it's all there in brilliant color, though often worn and well-played-with!


Sunday, April 20, 2014

Happy Easter from BRBTV!!!


The mysterious crane avenger has been at it again, liberating poor hapless stuffed critters from claw machines all over southeast Michigan. Scoobies are his specialties, and you can see the fruit of his rescue missions above. My, how the Doo family has grown since our Halloween, Christmas and even Valentine's Day photos.

So to give each Doo his (or her) due ...

Middle (Easter!) row, from left: Sweety-Doo, Scooby-Boo, Grampa-Doo in front and Snotty-Doo behind him, then the recently rescued Delivery-Doo, with Pinky-Doo and Apple-Doo in front of him, then in the center it's Bunn-Ana-Doo with Bunny-Doo and Hoppy-Doo, with Squirty-Doo in front in the basket, Bucky-Doo in back and Spotty-Doo in the basket, his sister Dottie-Doo behind, Scrappy-Doo in front (yep, we've got one of those, too), Smiley-Doo in the back, then Hearty-Doo and Lovey-Doo.

Bottom row: Limey-Doo, Justice-Doo, Blue-Doo, My Big Boy, Papa Marley and his two boys, Marley-Doo and Doobie-Doo, Courage-Doo and Valor-Doo.

Top row, the Christmas Doos: Candy-Doo, Antler-Doo, Santa-Doo, Santa-Too, Rudy-Doo, and Candy-Too.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Catch Byron Cherry and Don Pedro Colley in Ohio on July 4

The Northeast Ohio Dukes are serving up a stunt show and lots of fun on July 4 and 5, and that will even include Byron ("Coy Duke") Cherry and Don Pedro ("Sheriff Little") Colley of "The Dukes of Hazzard."


What a way to celebrate the birthday of the good ole U.S. of A.! Yeeeee-haaaaa!

Saturday, April 05, 2014

Spotted: Diahann Carroll

She's so glam and young and luscious, and this is several years before she took on the formidable Alexis Colby as Dominique Deveraux on our beloved "Dynasty." This is a first-season episode of "The Love Boat," and this is the lovely Diahann Carroll, playing true to form as a famous songstress.

Roxy Blue is her name, and she saunters onto the cruise (standing up Bob Hope, no less) to have a little get-away in this 1977 episode, which was the fifth in the show's inaugural season. That get-away involves a little get-down with Isaac the bartender, who becomes even more enamored with the singer (he was a big fan before, but even more so now). Isaac develops feelings for Roxy, but Roxy brushes it off as a fling. By the time she gets off the boat, though, you know she is going to miss Isaac dearly.

Carroll is sophisticated and accomplished but a little flirtier than our Dominique. She drinks her Kahlua on the rocks and thinks about life a little bit. And she's got a few nice '70s fashions in this episode, too.

Tuesday, April 01, 2014

Kate O'Mara dead at age 74

For the second time in just a few days, BRBTV learns sad news about one of the stars of the beloved TV shows we cover ... Ms. Kate O'Mara, whom we know as Caress Morell of "Dynasty," passed away on Sunday. She was 74.

O'Mara had a short illness, it's been reported (see the People story), and we have to say we are surprised, because O'Mara was out and about meeting and greeting fans at an autograph show just a few months ago. It was a hopeful sign to us that we might see her at more shows like this.

On "Dynasty" she was called in to be an evil challenge for her on-screen oh-so-evil sis, Alexis Morell-Carrington-Colby-Dexter-Rowan-whatever ... And sure enough, she had Alexis all nervous, with the threat of publishing a tell-all book about her (shades of Joan Collins' real-life sister Jackie Collins -- boy, do we miss those '80s). O'Mara was British-accented and elegant enough, despite the fact that her character had just been sprung from prison. She got her fair share of glorious gowns and bubbling baubles on the glittery primetime soap, and we enjoyed her performance. May she rest in peace, and thanks to Brian for the heads-up on this one.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Tom Wopat has tons of shows coming up this spring and summer

From the web crew of Tom ("Luke Duke") Wopat ...

Tom's up to a lot lately with a huge lineup of shows coming this spring and summer! Take a look below and see if he's coming to a town near you!  We also wanted to share this video of Tom rehearsing Frank Sinatra's classic, "I Fall In Love Too Easily," at Rockwell Table and Stage during sound check. Click HERE to watch and enjoy!
 
UPCOMING PERFROMANCES: 
Apr 12 - Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts- Orange Park, FL
Apr 19 - Curtis Theatre - Brea, CA 
Apr 24 - Apr 26 – Universiry of Wisconsin Varsity Band – Madison, WI
May 2 - The Van Dyck (Early Show) - Schenectady, NY
May 2 - The Van Dyck (Late Show) - Schenectady, NY
May 9 - The Stage at Rockwells (Early Show) - Pelham, NY 
May 9 - The Stage at Rockwells (Late Show) - Pelham, NY 
May 17 - Ram's Head On Stage - Annapolis, MD - NEW SHOW! 
May 24 - Jonathan’s - Ogunquit, ME
July 9-10 - Crossroads Music Series - Nashville, TN

Jul 11 - Iridium (Early Show) - New York, NY 
Jul 11 - Iridium (Late Show) - New York, NY 
Jul 12 - Iridium (Early Show) - New York, NY
Jul 12 - Iridium (Late Show) - New York, NY
Jul 26 - Grand Marshall of Baraboo Circus Parade - Baraboo, WI
*Click the venue name for tickets or more information

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Dane Witherspoon dead at age 56

A Martinez has evidently broken the news on his Facebook page that nobody else out there has, that Dane Witherspoon, his "Santa Barbara" costar, has died. BRBTV offers condolences to Witherspoon's family and friends.

We loved him as the original Joe Perkins from the moment the show launched in July 1984, that blessed summer we were pinned to the TV to catch this new soap amid the summer Olympics where Mary Lou Retton and Carl Lewis reigned.

Martinez, who played Cruz Castillo to much acclaim on the soap, offered these words, which he kindly allows BRBTV to post:

"Dane passed this morning. People who watched Santa Barbara in its earliest days will remember him as Joe Perkins, a character to which he brought a quiet grace and deep, bittersweet sense of soul. He was a singular, standup guy, loved and admired by many. My first thought, upon meeting him in 1984: 'This is the most beautiful man I've ever seen.' That beauty went all the way to his core."

Witherspoon was born in December 1957 in Texas, as Richard Dane Witherspoon, according to the IMDb. He appeared on "The Waltons" and "Eight is Enough" before his "SB" days, and he kept a pretty low profile afterward. What a shame; we thought he was a natural talent and so wonderfully handsome.

He was married to his "SB" costar Robin Wright from 1986 to 1988, and yes, we saw those sparks in the Kelly and Joe storyline. They were just electric together; we were so bummed when Witherspoon was off the show.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Morgan Fairchild, John O'Hurley to appear in "Christian Mingle"

Corbin Bernsen making Christian films? Yes, the longtime actor who we've enjoyed on both "Psych" and "General Hospital" (Carly's dad, was it? and the other Carly, not this one ... oh, never mind!!!) Is not only making a Christian movie, but he's partnering with a well-known Christian dating service to do it.

Bernsen's Home Theater Films has planned "Christian Mingle" for release later this year, and yes, the movie does involve the online community in its plot, which centers around a 30-something female looking for love. Delightfully enough, the movie will include Morgan Fairchild, whom we know as the original Jenna Wade on the just-as-original "Dallas," and John O'Hurley, our own Stephen Slade of "Santa Barbara."

Read the movie's press release on PR Newswire. And read more about this budding moviemaker's other projects at CBN.com and Beliefnet.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Sheree J. Wilson has a new flick, Facebook fan page and more

It's got young blondes in skimpy clothes and other typical slasher flare. And a few zombies thrown in. Heck, it's even got William Shockley -- that's a plus in our book. It's "Dug Up," a recent project featuring Sheree J. Wilson, whom we know as April Stevens Ewing of "Dallas."

And trust us -- that Shockley thing is goooooooodddd. He was the only thing we could watch in every one of his scenes on "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," and he's really in his element in this movie's trailer. He looks great. Wilson looks great, too.

Wilson also has had a role on our favorite web series, "DeVanity," and a new project called "Jail Wagon," shot in Texas and scheduled for release this year.

You can try to keep up with Wilson at her official website, and she's also got a new fan page on Facebook.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Next up for Jack Coleman: "Salvation"

Our own second Steven Carrington of "Dynasty," Jack Coleman, is set to appear in a pilot for a new series for NBC. Called "Salvation," the drama centers around the church culture in Texas. Ashley Judd will play the matriarch of the church family. Unfortunately, looks like Coleman has the role of Judd's husband, who dies. Rats. Still, we'll be curious to see how the series, if picked up, treats the ministry world.

Read more at ...
TheWrap.com
Hollywood Reporter
DigitalSpy.com

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

John Schneider's wife auditions for "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"

TMZ has posted an audition video made by John ("Bo Duke") Schneider of "The Dukes of Hazzard" and his wife, Elly Schneider. Elly's interested in filling a slot on the popular reality show "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." As of this post, the votes from TMZ viewers were 72 percent "no" on whether or not Elly's video makes the cut.

That's just all we'll say, frankly. Thanks to Brian for the heads-up!

Sunday, March 16, 2014

John Wesley Shipp will be "Flash"-ing once again, but as who?

OK, we have it on good authority that Mr. John Wesley Shipp, whom we know as Martin Ellis on "Santa Barbara" and who we talked to at an event in Nashville a couple years back will be appearing on the new "Flash" series. We have it on the same good authority that the pilot for said new "Flash," series, which will air on the CW network, possibly in the fall if it's picked up (which, really, it should be picked up), is being shot right now, as we type.

Sure enough, Shipp is credited for the pilot episode of the series, for a role not yet named. You can get a little more at TV Guide. Our good authority thinks it may be the main character's dad. That would be a fine tribute to Shipp's work on the original "Flash" series, which sadly only lasted a season but was good enough to go longer!


Grant Gustin plays the title character in the new series. He originated the role on the CW's "Arrow." See a photo of Shipp on the set with Gustin at JustJaredJr.com.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Spotted: Ted Shackelford

What do you get when you cross Daisy Duke with Gary Ewing? Well, from the "Young and the Restless" perspective, you get the character of Chelsea!. And while we've been enjoying watching Catherine Bach in her rather flamboyant role as Chelsea's mom Anita on the daytime soap (she's had more airdates since Christmas, with everything that's been going on in Chelsea's life lately), we were tickled earlier today to see Ted Shackelford sweep in as dear old Dad.

It wasn't so dear a reunion, really. He raided the closet of Chelsea's husband Adam (assumed dead right now, but they're hinting at a typical soaps return from the dead for this one), and in his dapper suit he just couldn't stop talking about his shortcomings as a father. Shackelford is handsome and rather stately in the role, though there's a touch of the down-and-out about him. Still, we're signed on. Bring on more! And while you're at it, Ted, come back to the new "Dallas"! Like all the other originals, you're just fab there.

And speaking of the return of the classics ... Donna Mills popping up today on "General Hospital" as Silas' former wife's mom? Seriously. That magic soaps lighting strikes again! Will these people age, already????

Thursday, March 06, 2014

Charlene Tilton talks about her time in the foster system

She went from a little girl in foster homes to a young actress hanging out at Southfork, and that's what Charlene Tilton, our own little Lucy Ewing of "Dallas," will talk about at a prayer breakfast next week.

"I am honored to be the keynote speaker with my talk "From Foster Home to Southfork," Tilton says on her Facebook fan page. Her daughter, singer Cherish Lee, will perform at the event, which happens March 13 in Glendale, California.



The actress also just did an interview with MyFoxLA on her time in foster care.

Tilton is returning to the new "Dallas" on TNT, by the way, for a wedding in the March 17 episode.

Sunday, March 02, 2014

Get ready to get your bourbon, J.R. style

You watched Sue Ellen grab the bottle in the final episode of Season 2 of TNT's "Dallas," and you watched J.R drink from it earlier. Now you can own it. Or something a whole lot like it. It's that fab square bottle of bourbon engraved with J.R. Ewing's name, so stately on his bar, next to glasses also so engraved, and about to be so stately on your own bar.

The J.R. Ewing Bourbon "private reserve" whiskey hails from Kentucky and will be coming around the South and Midwest (yay) by the end of this month, with other regions to follow. Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Warner Bros. Television Group are producing the licensed product with Southfork Bottling Co. and Glazer’s Inc., says official press release. We can't help but adore it.

See more at the Dallas News and Dallas Culture Map.

Photo from PRWeb