Bits 'n' Pieces: Tom Wopat generates some ink

Boston Herald, Calgary Herald ... our own buddy Luke Duke doesn't have to travel far beyond Hazzard County to get the newspaper reporters' keyboards a-clickin'. Tom Wopat's current role as Billy Flynn in "Chicago" has been making a splash, for sure:

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/entertainment/story.html?id=fe9c47e8-ebf3-4b42-b59a-7d6e21255681

http://news.bostonherald.com/entertainment/arts_culture/view/2008_12_08_Duke_of_%E2%80%98Chicago_:_%E2%80%98Hazzard__made_Tom_Wopat_famous__but_music_was_always_his_driving_passion/srvc=home&position=6

http://www.wickedlocal.com/halifax/fun/entertainment/arts/x1049852478/Tom-Wopat-stars-as-Billy-Flynn-in-latest-Chicago-tour

Over in Denver, our former "Dynasty" diva Dominique Deveraux, known to the rest of the world as Diahann Carroll, got a nice write-up, herself, in the U.K., as she's out and about promoting her new book:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3793410/Diahann-Carroll-viva-la-diva.html

Michael Durrell joins a jam-packed cast in "Barry Munday"

On "Santa Barbara," Michael Durrell was Alex Nikolas, an accomplished scientist who was just a bit of a thorn in the side of the Capwell family. Before that, in 1986, he was Sgt. Landers on "Dynasty." Since "SB," Durrell has been popping up here and there, in stuff like "Matlock," "Beverly Hills, 90210" and more recently, "Without a Trace." Now Durrell has a new project on tap for next year.

"Barry Munday" is classified as in postproduction and features Durrell in the role of Father Walsh. It's a comedy with the title role played by Patrick Wilson, who will be portraying Nite Owl in the "Watchmen" movie coming in March. Written and directed by Chris D'Arienzo, "Barry Munday" also includes Colin Hanks, that son of Tom whom we loved in "Roswell," as well as Malcolm McDowell, Chloë Sevigny, Cybill Shepherd and Emily Procter, whose line delivery we so enjoy on "CSI: Miami."

Billy Dee Williams of our beloved "Dynasty" has the role of Lonnie Green, as we reported last year. It's certainly not the only thing Williams has going on right now: see "This Bitter Earth" and "The Perfect Age of Rock 'n' Roll."

BRBTV News Blog Blip: John Schneider, our own Bo Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard," issued some kind Christmas greetings to fans via email last week, and he also gave a tipoff to what's next on his agenda: directing an episode of ABC Family's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," in which he also portrays Marshall Bowman. "It's a great episode that will answer lots of the questions you may have had about the show over this last year," he says, then adds teasingly, "Nope ... Can't tell you!"

Harley Jane Kozak makes "A Date You Can't Refuse"

The adventures continue for Wollie Shelley, the protagonist who emerged from the brain of Harley Jane Kozak, our own Mary Duvall of "Santa Barbara." Our favorite novelist is now all set to release the next book in the Shelley series, "A Date You Can't Refuse."

The book's plotline from Amazon:
"Serial dater and greeting-card artist Wollie Shelley goes undercover in a media-training company suspected of video piracy, but when a dead body appears on the company’s property, she’s caught up in a conspiracy that goes way beyond some stolen DVDs. Wollie Shelley isn’t happy about taking the job as a “social coach” at MediaRex, but the FBI makes her an offer she can’t refuse. If she agrees to infiltrate the company, they’ll guarantee that her schizophrenic brother will have a home at the federally subsidized halfway house he’s come to love. So Wollie launches into teaching three foreign celebrities how to cope with the customs of Beverly Hills, improve their English, and become Oprah-ready. And when a coyote-chewed corpse appears in the MediaRex compound, Wollie realizes that her colleagues are concealing some serious secrets of their own."

The book is published by Broadway and releases on March 17, 2009. You can order it now for $16.47 from Amazon.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Isn't it ironic that a talented songstress whose trademark tune was "Santa Baby" would choose Christmas as the day she departs ... Ms. Eartha Kitt, who lived a good full life of 81 years, died of cancer yesterday. As Catwomen go, Kitt had not only the fab last name to recommend her -- she also had a considerable more snarl, a seething sultriness, and the slinkier feline mannerisms we're quite sure future Catwomen such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Adrienne Barbeau and even Halle Berry drew heavily from.

Merry Christmas from BRBTV!

(That's all, actually.)

Oh, and check this week's installment of the My Mother's Clothing yearlong photo project. We're almost to the end of the year!

Gina Gallego goes from the "Periphery" to "Duress"

Each of the actresses who portrayed Santana Andrade on our beloved "Santa Barbara" were just a little different. While we must admit that we've always been partial to the original, Ava Lazar, in Gina Gallego's take we saw quite a lot of spunk, and some lovable insecurity. What's Gallego up to right now? Several projects, actually, two of which we mentioned on this blog a year ago ...

"Periphery," which is in postproduction, is a drama written and directed by Phoenix filmmaker Duane Allen Humeyestewa. Gallego portrays Carmelita in the movie.

"Murder World" (renamed from "Pearblossom") is written and directed by Ron Carlson and scheduled for release next year. The plotline from the IMDb: "New Year's Eve, 1968: While driving on the Pearblossom Highway, a lesbian couple encounters the creator of the universe. Laid to rest for 40 years, the women wake up on New Year's Day as reborn creatures."

"Duress" is listed as filming in L.A. right now. Gallego plays the character Rosa. The plotline from the IMDb: "Haunted with nightmares of his wife's recent suicide and struggling to mend the relationship with his only daughter, Richard is caught as a witness to the violence of Abner Solvie. He finds himself at the mercy of a charismatic killer and plagued by his involvement in the city's recent murders. As Abner's new found protégé, Richard is forced to adopt the mind of his sociopathic mentor in order to protect the one he loves. Richard must decide if he's willing to kill in order to keep his daughter alive."

Ray Wise moves on from "Reaper"

You might have wondered what Ray Wise was going to do after that fairly plum role on the CW's "Reaper." Well, we can answer that question for this enigmatic former Blair Sullivan of "Dallas" and Spiros Koralis of "The Colbys" whom we adored on "Twin Peaks."

"Iodine" is a drama that filmed in Ontario and is scheduled for release in 2009. The plotline from the IMDb: "John Clem heads north to investigate the disappearance of his father and follows in his footsteps." Wise portrays Avery.

"Stuntmen" gets Zachary Levi, the star of NBC's "Chuck," out onto the big screen. Eric Amadio writes, directs and appears as a cameraman. The plotline from the IMDb: "When the industry's two biggest stuntmen are nominated for Stuntman of the Year, an over-ambitious documentarian reignites a dormant rivalry between the two men that results in an all-out press war." Wise appears as Jack Strongbow.

In "Infestation," Wise is Ethan - Cooper's father, and the plotline is intriguing, to say the least: "A slacker awakes to find himself weak and wrapped in a webbing; after realizing that the world has been taken over by giant alien insects, he wakes a ragtag group of strangers and together they fight for survival." It has filmed in Bulgaria.

"Pandemic" is due out any time. Wise is Gen. Matthews in this drama directed by Jason Connery and written by Aaron Pope.

Sonny Shroyer is looking at a good 2009

When we're weren't looking, Sonny Shroyer, our sweet ole Enos Strate of "The Dukes of Hazzard," snuck himself in a bunch of new projects ...

"Fast" is scheduled for release next year and is currently filming. Shroyer portrays Sam Right, and Ritchie Greer is writing, directing and starring in the movie.

"Opening Day" is due for release on April 4 of next year. It comes from Film Systems International and was shot in Mobile, Alabama. Shroyer is Ray Hampton in the flick. The first part of a quite-long plotline on the IMDb: "The War on Terror grinds slowly forward. Gavin Wallace does his part, serving with his National Guard unit; performing his tedious, dangerous duty in the hot gritty deserts and dirty streets of Iraq. The daily exposure to physical and psychological hazards so far from home takes its toll - even in the company of brothers in arms. Finally Gavin received his orders for discharge and heads stateside for clearing."

"Our Child Is Missing" also features Dean Cain, which makes us wonder ... ummmmm, is it one of those Sci Fi Channel Saturday-night creature features we love so much? Probably not. it's written and directed by Lance W. Dreesen and due out next year. Shroyer is Ed Walker.

"Van Wilder 3" is another 2009 project, and it's classified as completed. This one's a comedy, and Linden Ashby is also on board.

Digest offers Jughead fans a chance to see "what if"

From Archie Comics

Have you ever wondered to yourself, “What would have happened if I’d only done this differently?” Or, “This could have gone in a totally different direction if only I had said…”

Well, here’s your chance to put that “what if” concept into action by choosing the direction of the lead story in January’s JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #31!

That’s right: “Banana Split Decision” is decided by you, the reader! Jughead simply doesn’t want to pay up on the empty promise he made to Ethel to take her out on a date.

That’s where you come in. As you read the story, you can alternate between pages depicting two separate directions: one where Jughead ducks into Dilton’s laboratory to avoid Ethel; the other where Jughead toughs it out and actually goes on the date with Ethel! Each choice leads to another and another… and is of course packed with laughs and adventure! Best of all, you can read the story more than once and not come up with the same story twice! How’s that for double the fun?!

JUGHEAD & FRIENDS DIGEST #31
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 21, 2009
On sale on newsstands: February 3, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.

"Church Lady"? Should Harley Jane Kozak worry if that's typecasting?

She's indulged her love for writing mystery novels in recent years, but to us "Santa Barbara" fans, Harley Jane Kozak will always be the sweet but sensible nun who left the convent, Mary Duvall.

Now Kozak has stepped back into the acting world with "The Red Queen," scheduled for release this year. Shooting in Texas, the movie is written and directed by David Carren, and it features Kozak as the "Church Lady." Hmmm ....

The plotline from the IMDb:
"Gabriella Salinas has spent her entire life yearning for a connection with her mother, who died during childbirth at the remote St. Amelia's Mission on the muddy banks of the Rio Grande. Desperate to know where she came from, Gabby has been pressing her father, Jose Salinas, for details all her life. But the man refuses to tell his daughter anything more than her mother was a poor immigrant from Nicaragua and that he's a foster kid from Santa Fe. When Gabby uses the Internet to search for information on her maternal heritage, she sets in motion a series of events that transforms her life and upends her world. As Gabby reels from learning her entire life is a lie, she still continues her pursuit of the truth. Despite many trials and obstacles, and determined and dangerous opponents, Gabby Salinas finally gains the connection with her mother that she has always desired."

GSN brings on all of our classic TV stars in New Year's Eve marathon

It's the "$100,000 Pyramid" all the time, all day long, on the Game Show Network for New Year's Eve. And while we're anticipating the new year, we'll be seeing a lot of stars from the BRBTV shows.

Audrey Landers and Ken Kercheval of "Dallas." Terry Lester, our middle Mason Capwell of "Santa Barbara." LeVar Burton and Ed Begley Jr., who worked on "Batman: The Animated Series" and "Batman Beyond."

The schedule, from Brandon's TV Blog:

9:00 a.m. - #26: Florence Henderson and Ed Begley Jr.
9:30 a.m. - #171: Ken Kercheval and Rita Moreno
10:00 a.m. - #145: David Graf and Mary Cadorette
10:30 a.m. - #65: Nipsey Russell and Teresa Ganzel
11:00 a.m. - #432: Soupy Sales and Shelley Smith
11:30 a.m. - #68: Howard Morton and Didi Conn
12:00 p.m. - #457: Audrey Landers and Nathan Cook
12:30 p.m. - #87: Vicki Lawrence and Dick Cavett
1:00 p.m. - #378: Betty White and David Graf
1:30 p.m. - #414: Brian Mitchell and Markie Post
2:00 p.m. - #121: Annie Bloom and Jamie Farr
2:30 p.m. - #186: Terry Lester and Florence Henderson
3:00 p.m. - #56: LeVar Burton and Markie Post
3:30 p.m. - #469: David Graf and Patty Duke
4:00 p.m. - #5: Brian Mitchell and Vicki Lawrence
4:30 p.m. - #389: Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight
5:00 p.m. - #11: Betty White and Nathan Cook
5:30 p.m. - #99: Brian Mitchell and Markie Post

Tom Wopat releases new album

Sheri, the web gal of Wopat.com, offers this news from the Luke Duke front:

"You've been waiting patiently (some of you, maybe not so patiently…) for new music from Tom Wopat, and we've got great news! Tom has just finished his latest album, which is sure to please! We have a limited supply available of this limited pre-release edition of 'Consider it Swung.' This is most definitely his most exciting release to date and features all the best of Tom Wopat's vocal qualities you've come to love, plus some exciting new surprises. On this CD, you'll find 14 of your favorite tunes, including 'Ode to Billie Joe,' 'But Not For Me,' 'Spinning Wheel' and Tom's own 'Thailand Sea.'"

"I've managed to snag some for you, but I only have a very limited supply. The CDs are $25, including shipping (inside the U.S.) and $35 (international orders), payable in United States currency. To order, click this link through PayPal for fastest processing (to ensure it arrives in time for gift-giving)."

See the payment link at Wopat.com, or send your check/money order to:
Tom Wopat Fan Club
P.O. Box 1302
New Bern, NC 28563-1302

"Remember," Sheri says, "this is a limited pre-edition release of the official release scheduled for sometime early 2009. This is already a collector's item and one you don't want to miss.
Give the best this holiday season for your Tom Wopat fan … the gift with something for everyone. Wishing you and yours the happiest of holiday seasons!"
:) Sheri

Archie Comic Publications Inc. announces new management team

From Archie Comics

Mamaroneck, NY -- Archie Comic Publications Inc. is pleased to announce the following promotions: Victor Gorelick to co-president/editor-in-chief and Fred Mausser as co-president/director of circulation. Michael Pellerito has been named vice-president/managing editor. In addition to running the day-to-day operations of Archie Comic Publications Inc., the new management team will review all areas of the company’s properties and operations in order to broaden the legacy of Archie Comics as a leader in the field of humor and family friendly entertainment for untold decades to come.

Gorelick and Mausser indicated they are extremely confident in the continuing success of these true American icons (Archie, Betty, Chuck, Jughead, Veronica and friends), and are developing plans to bring additional projects to fruition in the near future. The potential of the Archie Comics’ stable of properties has never been brighter.

“We’re very thankful for the trust placed in us by the Estates of Richard Goldwater and Michael Silberkleit. We’re also extremely confident in the future of Archie and his friends and will strive to bring these properties to new heights,” stated Gorelick, Mausser and Pellerito at a recent office presentation.

About Archie Comic Publications Inc.
Archie Comic Publications Inc. was founded in 1941 and remains one of the purest brands of family entertainment for almost seven decades of readers. Appealing to kids, tweens, teens and the young at heart, the company features such well known characters as Archie, Betty, Chuck, Jughead, Veronica. Other famous properties such as Josie and the Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Little Archie, The Shield and a myriad of other characters are also owned by Archie Comics. The company has also been successful in the publishing of licensed properties, namely Sonic the Hedgehog from Sega and other properties such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. For information about Archie Comics, please visit www.archiecomics.com

Jughead's new look epic "The Matchmakers" is now available in one collection

From Archie Comics

Back in the spring of 2007, the world of Archie Comics was rocked by the publication of BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #151, featuring the first installment of "Bad Boy Trouble," an epic tale spanning four issues that found Riverdale's favorite teens rendered in a realistic style!

The "new look" inspired months and months of debate and media coverage... and was so intriguing to fans that it led to further "new look" sagas. The most recent is the "Breakup Blues" saga currently concluding in the pages of PALS-N-GALS DIGEST... but in between, the crowned one got a taste of reality, too!

That's right: not only did Jughead get a "realistic makeover," but the intriguing tale he starred in led to a bit of a personality makeover as well. It all started when Archie, Betty, Reggie and Veronica agreed that Jughead needed a break from his "fifth wheel" status. They hatched a scheme to find a girl who would interest Jughead more than food and sleep… never realizing they would actually succeed! Or did they?

Comic book legends Joe Staton and Al Milgrom brought their years of experience to the Archie "new look," handling pencils and inks respectively, giving this story an extra-special touch.

Now, all four installments of this heralded tale from JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #139 through #142 are available in one convenient, affordable edition. The special 6 x 9 inch format contains 112 full-color, thrill-packed pages, with a low cover price of only $9.95 US! Whether reading it again or discovering it for the first time, don't miss the most talked about Jughead story of 2008!

ARCHIE NEW LOOK SERIES VOLUME 2: JUGHEAD
"THE MATCHMAKERS"
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan. ART: Joe Staton.
On Sale at Comic Specialty Shops: January 21, 2009
On Sale on Newsstands: February 3, 2009
112-page, full-color 6" x 9" squarebound paperback
ISBN #: 978-1-879794-38-2
OLD # 1-879794-38-1
$9.95 U.S.

Tom Wopat ventures off the stage for "Taking Chance"

You may think Tom Wopat's life is all about Broadway these days. Well ... actually, you'd be right. But that doesn't mean our own Luke Duke of "The Dukes of Hazzard" won't pick up a small movie role now and then.

"Taking Chance" is a story of military honor. The plotline from the IMDb: "Based on real-life events, Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, a volunteer military escort officer, accompanies the body of 19-year-old Marine Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyoming." Kevin Bacon stars, and Wopat's character is Phelps' father. Paige Turco of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" movies and the '90s TV show "American Gothic" also appears.

Directed by Ross Katz, who also shares writing duties with Michael Strobl, the movie is scheduled to air in February 2009. It made the Sundance Film Festival for next year, too.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: What does the number 13 mean to you? The number meant a lot to BRB's mom, in this week's installment of the yearlong My Mother's Clothing project, now in its final four weeks.

Coming up in Archie Comics

THE ARCHIES: GREATEST HITS VOLUME ONE

Everyone's heard the hit song "Sugar Sugar" and children of the 1970s remember The Archies band from Saturday morning cartoons, but did you know the band actually started in comic books? Now fans can relive that history with some of The Archies' most tuneful tales. Features painstaking restoration from original publishing elements, and a special foreword by Ron Dante, the famed singing voice of Archie and a successful singer-songwriter, musician and producer of such multi-platinum acts as Barry Manilow, Cher and Pat Benatar.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 10, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 23, 2008
96-page, full-color squarebound paperback
ISBN #: 978-1-879794-37-5
Old ISBN #: 1-879-794-37-3
$9.95 U.S.

ARCHIE #592
"The Demo": A salesmen tries to sell Archie and Jughead an interactive sports video game, but the teens consider acting out the action with the wireless device as just "going through the motions" compared to their real life memories.
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Snow Woe": Will Archie and Chuck's entries in the winter photo contest wow the judges or be met with a "chilly" reception?
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"Trouble by the Foot": Klutzy Archie's clodhoppers have trampled everything in Lodge Mansion... including Mr. Lodge's feet!
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"A Touchy Subject": The gang contemplates what life would be like if everything could be accessed via touch screen.
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 24, 2008
On sale on newsstands: January 6, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #126
FAN-FAVORITE WRITER ALEX SIMMONS RETURNS FOR A FUN-FILLED, FOUR-PART TALE!
"The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton, Part One: Gnomes & Stick Figure Funnies": Chuck Clayton takes center stage in this special storyline. Chuck is asked to teach an after-school program in cartooning to elementary school kids... and it isn't long before he learns the kids can be more hyperactive than his doodles! Can Chuck ultimately connect with the kids and help them create the next comic book classics? Will his temporary teaching gig lead to bigger and better things, or is his tenure soon to be terminated? The answer's just a splash panel away! This new multi-part epic comes courtesy of someone who knows his way around both creating and teaching comics, namely acclaimed writer, children's art advocate, and organizer of the world's only "Kids' Comics" convention, Alex Simmons.
SCRIPT: Alex Simmons.
ART: Fernando Ruiz.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 10, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 23, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #250
"The Archies in Beverly Hills": When pop star Jessica Simmers asks The Archies to play her high school reunion, the teens are headed for the California sun! While there, they partake of the many Hollywood sights and meet other celebrities, too! This star-studded story comes courtesy of famed "pop archaeologist" and celebrity news columnist Hal Lifson.
SCRIPT: Hal Lifson.
ART: Rex Lindsey.
"Any Port in a Storm": It's a cold winter night, and Archie must choose between the chewy, warm cookies at Betty's house, or the toasty, warm fireplace at Veronica's mansion!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb.
ART: Pat Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
SCRIPT AND ART: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
Cool-ifornia cover by Rex Lindsey, inspired by the famous Beatles' "Abbey Road" album cover!
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 24, 2008
On sale on newsstands: January 6, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #239
"Good Bye Paparazzi!": The paparazzi follow Veronica home to Riverdale from a movie premiere, and it isn't long before most of her friends are vogue-ing for the cameras, too!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Scrap Flap": Veronica has no interest whatsoever in Betty's new scrapbook hobby... until she meets the hunky scrapbook expert at the craft shop!
SCRIPT: Craig Boldman.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Dancing Fool": Inspired by a classic beach party movie, Veronica comes up with her own dance step guaranteed to make you flip... literally!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 17, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 30, 2008
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #190
"Coming to the U.S.A.": This poignant tale details Kumi and her family's arrival in the United States and their introduction to American life and culture. Not to mention Kumi's first day at Riverdale High and how she met Archie and his friends. It's a very special day for Archie Comics' newest superstar!
SCRIPT: Misako Rocks!
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Bedtime Story": A boy's camping trip leaves the girls without plans for the weekend... until they decide to have a slumber party! Of course, true to form, the party will involve every activity but "slumbering!"
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
SCRIPT AND ART: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 17, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 30, 2008
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #167
"Get Out of Town": You can take Cheryl out of Riverdale, but you can't take Riverdale out of Cheryl... especially when Archie visits Pembroke to remind her!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent.
"Lucky Charmed Life": When Betty removes her "lucky" leprechaun figure from its safe hiding place, will it bring good fortune or misfortune?
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
"The Staff": Veronica has a new chauffeur, and it isn't long before her friends "drive" him crazy!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Fernando Ruiz.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 7, 2009
On sale on newsstands: January 20, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #146
"Worry Flurry": Mrs. Jones worries that her husband and Jughead aren't getting enough physical activity... and then worries some more over all the injuries and trouble such activity could cause!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Jeff Shultz.
"Dishing It Out": A competition between school cafeteria managers allows Jughead to see Miss Beazly in action. Can her rival take the heat, or will she get out of the kitchen?
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher.
ART: Stan Goldberg.
"The Recycling Game": The gang figures out the perfect way to battle the recession and help the environment at the same time: recycle their cans and bottles for cash!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Randy Elliott.
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 17, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 30, 2008
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.

PALS-N-GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #127
THE THIRD PART OF A NEW FOUR-PART STORY IN THE "REALISTIC STYLE" - AND THIS TIME, MOOSE & MIDGE'S ROMANCE HANGS IN THE BALANCE!
"Breakup Blues, Part 3": The unbelievable has happened: Midge and Moose have broken up! Now Midge is seeing Reggie while Moose is dating Judy Johnson. Needless to say, the status quo of Riverdale High's circle of friends has been shaken, but the former couple's friends aren't giving up hope. In this latest installment, Betty and Archie have a plan to get Midge and Moose talking again. Will it bring the former lovebirds back together or drive a further wedge between them? They say the road to regret is paved with good intentions... are Betty and Archie just what the doctor ordered or have they gone too far? Now the stakes are higher, as not just romantic relationships but lifelong friendships hang in the balance! It's romantic intrigue served up in the "realistic" art style that made both Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble" and Jughead's "Matchmakers" some of the most-talked about Archie stories in recent years! Veteran penciller Tod Smith and journeyman inker Al Milgrom carry on that popular style in what is sure to be the most explosive Archie Comics story of the year!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan.
ART: Tod Smith (pencils) and Al Milgrom (inks).
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 10, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 23, 2008
176-page, full-color digest
$3.69 U.S.

SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #99
"The Final Battle, Part 2 of 3": The countdown to issue #100 continues! With the aid of their new allies, the Four Blades, Sabrina and her friends set out to battle the villainous Vosblanc. They journey to the main plaza of the Magic Realm only to find that the source of all magic, the Mana Tree, is dying. Not very good timing as the first wave of Vosblanc's followers attack! And just as he did before, Vosblanc tries to turn the entire Magic Realm against Sabrina and her friends. Their only hope is to convince everyone of the withered Mana Leaf's existence, but Vosblanc has other plans. With the situation more desperate than ever, it's up to Sabrina, now one of the most powerful magic users in the realm, to do the unimaginable to save it. Can she save the day or will life as she knows it be changed forever?
SCRIPT: Tania del Rio.
ART: Lindsey Cibos (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks).
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 7, 2009
On sale on newsstands: January 20, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #31
"Not Home Alone": Mr. Andrews can't wait to start working from home... but his work won't start until his distractions stop!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz.
"Money Matters": Archie, Reggie and Moose fantasize what it would be like to be rich... but after observing Mr. Lodge they soon learn that the reality (namely, hard work) outweighs the fantasy!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski.
ART: Tim Kennedy.
On sale at comic specialty shops: December 10, 2008
On sale on newsstands: December 23, 2008
88-page, full-color digest
$2.49 U.S.

VERONICA #192
"Kiss & Tell": Veronica's Aunt Lily gives her a necklace she claims is charmed... and it isn't long before Veronica is experiencing clairvoyant images while wearing it! Is the necklace merely magical, or is the magic all in Veronica's head?
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent. "Career Sphere": Career Day at the school leads Veronica to imagine what life in the workplace would be like... with her as the boss, of course!
SCRIPT: George Gladir.
ART: Dan Parent.
On sale at comic specialty shops: January 7, 2009
On sale on newsstands: January 20, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.25 U.S.

Charlene Tilton and daughter bring on "The Fish"

She may be traveling to the U.K. and dipping into panto, but Charlene Tilton is doing what she can to keep the projects going on this side of the pond, too. Our former Lucy Ewing of "Dallas" has a new TV series scheduled for next year.

"The Fish," billed as "not another reality show," will feature Tilton as "the Crazy One." She's joined by her daughter, Cherish Lee, in the show. Cherish, born in August 1982 (ironically, just after Lucy was dealing with the Roger situation, and just before the character learned she was pregnant), has done a little other acting.

Brigitte Nielsen also stars in this story of "what happens when actors and writers go on strike." The comedy is directed by Demetrius Navarro and written by Ryan Glasgow. See the promo video on YouTube.

New York TV show features Archie Comics writer Alex Simmons

Tune into New York City TV show "BronxTalk" with host Gary Axelbank tonight and you'll hear Alex Simmons of Archie Comics. The writer will be on the show live from 9 to 9:30 p.m.

"BronxTalk" airs on local channel 67, and fans can call in to (718) 960-7241 and ask Simmons questions. He will be talking about the fun and power of comics for kids, as well as his latest Archie & Friends miniseries, “The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton.” Simmons has worked on many comics characters over the years, including Blackjack, Batman, Tarzan, Superman and Scooby-Doo.

If you miss the live show, there will be replays on channel 67 the entire week at 4:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. The station also offers live viewing from its website; see the link below.

BronxTalk
Channel 67
Monday, December 8
9:00 - 9:30 p.m.
(718) 960-7241
http://bronxnet.org

John Wesley Shipp takes on the "Karma Police"

It's been quite a few years since he shared scenes with Kristen (Victoria Lane) Meadows as tennis hunk Martin Ellis on "Santa Barbara," but John Wesley Shipp is still looking good. At least that's what we read from anybody who's seen the latest film of "Dawson's dad," who is also quite well-known as ABC's '90s "The Flash."

"Karma Police" is a crime drama that's been making the rounds at film festivals in the past few months. The movie, directed by John Venable and written by Greg Beauchamp and Jay Gormley, is about "the world's largest secret organization, the Karma Police," which recruits all-around good guy Charles West as their newest agent, giving him the power to reward good and punish evil. Shipp plays Barrington Freeman in the movie.

The movie comes out on DVD in February. Learn more, and watch Shipp in the trailer at the movie's site, or visit the MySpace page.

Shipp is also involved in "Port City," scheduled for release next year: "Several stories interweave, chronicling the lives, loves and adventures of a group of diverse, inter-related characters in and around the port city of Wilmington, NC." Shipp is George in the film and shares the screen with former "Full House"-r Jodie Sweetin. It was shooting in Wilmington this summer; the local paper, the Star-News, covered it.

Finally, Shipp will be starring in the action-thriller movie "The Ninja," which will be filming in Geelong, Victoria, by Film Source Australia director Rob Baard. The local paper also has this one covered.

For Patrick Duffy, "Love Takes Wing"

Seeing our perennial "Dallas" hottie Patrick Duffy in this latest project is certainly incentive enough, but the fact that fellow hottie Lou Diamond Phillips is directing it -- and starring in it? Mega-hottie-wattage!

Based on a book by Janette Oke, "Love Takes Wing" also features Cloris Leachman and the quite-yummy Dale Midkiff, who played Jock Ewing in "Dallas: The Early Years."

Duffy is Mayor Evans in the TV movie, scheduled for release next year. The story revolves around a lonely, restless prairie girl, Belinda, who moves to the big city of Boston.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: We always knew that blazin' orange General Lee could do a lot of stuff, but can the unofficial star of "The Dukes of Hazzard" solve a crime, too? Evidently. The (Cookeville, Tennessee) Herald-Citizen has the story.

Joan Collins appears in Miss Marple mystery

Alexis Colby and Miss Marple may seem like rather mutually exclusive terms, but Joan Collins' latest project indeed centers around the famous detective created by British author Agatha Christie. We mentioned it briefly in September, but now we'll tell you a little more about this new TV movie.

Scheduled for 2009 release, "Marple: They Do It with Mirrors" casts our "Dynasty" grand dame as Miss Maple's friend, Ruth van Rydock. The 1952 book the movie is based on also was adapted as a TV movie in 1985, then as part of a BBC series in 1991.

The plotline from the IMDb: "Miss Marple is requested to help her old friend Carrie-Louise, the loving wife of benign philanthropist Lewis Serrocold. Carrie-Louise is slowly poisoned by an unknown hand, and her husband and her sister Ruth want absolutely to save her from this dark menace."

"Joan still feels very young at heart, and she’s determined that she should still be taken as a serious actress," the UK's Daily Mail quoted from someone "close" to the actress. "She may be 75, but her acting days are far from over. Getting Miss Marple is a major coup for her – it’s primetime with a huge following and Joan is understandably thrilled."

BRBTV birthdays for December

- Forry Smith, the dashing Reese Walker on "SB," turned 56 yesterday, on December 1.
- Charlene Tilton, little Lucy Ewing of "Dallas," turned 50 yesterday, December 1, though reports sometimes conflict on her age.
- Nicolas Coster, the unforgettable Lionel Lockridge on "SB," as well as Lyle Sloan and Joe Morris on "Dallas," and even Ezra Bushmaster in "The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood" TV movie, turns 75 tomorrow, December 3.
- Morgan Brittany, who also was unforgettable as the Bobby-stalking Katherine Wentworth on "Dallas," and who played Mary Lou Pringle on a 1980 episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard," "The Hazzardville Horror," celebrates her birthday on December 5, this year turning 57.
- Gunnar Hellström, who not only played Rolf Brundin on "Dallas" but also directed some episodes, was born on December 6, 1928 and died on November 28, 2001.
- Tom Fuccello, who was Sen. Dave Culver on "Dallas," was born on December 11, 1936, and died on August 16, 1993.
- Sheree J. Wilson, our own April Stevens Ewing of "Dallas," is the same age as our little Lucy (apparently!), turning 50 on December 12.
- Thaao Penghlis, who was Dr. Micah De Angelis in the tail-end of the run of "Santa Barbara," turns 63 on December 15.
- Helen Slater, who voiced Talia on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 45 on December 15.
- Christopher Cazenove, rugged and angry bro to Blake Carrington as Ben Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 65 on December 17.
- Brad Pitt, who was a very youthful Randy, boyfriend to Charlie, in one of his very first roles, on "Dallas," turns 45 on December 18.
- Karen Moncrieff, who played Cassandra Benedict on "Santa Barbara," turns 45 on December 20.
- Jared Martin, our own Dusty Farlow of "Dallas," turns 67 on December 21, according to the IMDb, although sources are conflicting.
- John Callahan, who was Craig Hunt on "SB," turns 55 on December 23.
- Susan Lucci, the evil Hillary Taylor in the latter years of "Dallas," has a birthday on Saturday, December 23, as well, turning 62 (although one of our sources says 59).
- Dane Witherspoon, who originated the role of Joe Perkins on "Santa Barbara," turns 51 on December 27.
- Terri Garber, who was the feisty Leslie Carrington on "Dynasty," as well as Suzanne Collier on "SB," turns 48 on December 28.
- Barbara Carrera, who played the evil Angelica Nero on "Dallas," turns 63 on New Year's Eve, December 31, although sources have conflicted on that one, too!

Happy birthday to all, whatever age ya are!!!!! (It IS good to be alive, after all, isn't it???)

Catherine Bach and Ben Jones, out and about

Two of our "Dukes of Hazzard" stars have some dates coming soon on their appearances calendar.

Ben (Cooter Davenport) Jones will be in Lebanon, Tennessee, on December 11 for the Mature Lifestyles and MTEMC (Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Cooperative) Senior Extravaganza 2008. The event takes place at The Mill, 300 North Maple Street in Lebanon.

Hours of the event are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Jones will be signing autographs from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more info, call 615-444-6008.

Catherine (Daisy Duke) Bach, meanwhile, will travel to the 10th Annual Canton (Ohio) Hot Rod & Custom Bike Show, on January 23-25. Show hours are Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Bach signs Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 7 -9:30 p.m.

Find out more at CantonHotRodShow.com.

Tom Wopat, meanwhile, continues to reap the rewards of a successful Broadway career. The Raleigh (N.C.) News and Observer pays tribute to our own Luke Duke.

Gotta love it: Fandom certainly has its quirks

OK, we weren't going to post again until Monday, but how can you not pass this along? The worlds of "Dallas" and "The Dukes of Hazzard" couldn't seem more far apart, on the surface, but from BRBTV's perspective, they seem to cross quite often. At various "Dukes" events we attend, we meet lots of "Dallas" fans, since the shows once aired on the same night on CBS. And the two shows do seem to share a certain appeal to a certain kind of fan. That down-home country thing. Yea, there's a little of that.

Well, when we first learned that there would be a 30th anniversary reunion event at Southfork Ranch for the fans of "Dallas," a chance to meet and greet with the cast, we couldn't help but draw a parallel with the wildly popular DukesFest event. And NOW ... after years of seeing people worship and collect the famous blazin' orange kingpin car of "The Dukes of Hazzard," the General Lee, along with Rosco's sheriff's vehicle, Daisy's Dixie Jeep and Cooter's tow truck, we come across this little item ...

Charles Halt of Florida owns the 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL convertible that was driven by Patrick Duffy, our Bobby Ewing, on "Dallas." He went out of his way to snag it, as his wife is an avid "Dallas" fan. And pay attention, when you read the St. Petersburg Times' story on it, to that little bit at the end about fans of the show wanting to pose for pictures with it ...

Ummmm-hmmmmm .... Could Jock's Lincoln be far behind?????

Signy Coleman: Reminiscing about "Santa Barbara" and "Dallas"

Last Friday, we let you in on some highlights of BRBTV's interview with Signy Coleman, whom we remember so well as Celeste DiNapoli of "Santa Barbara," and who also did a 1987 episode of "Dallas." Today we take a look at a few of the things she has to say about her time on those shows.

"I was fortunate to be working with some great people," she tells us of "Santa Barbara." "Like working with Vincent (Irizarry), and that turned out pretty well, because we got married and had a beautiful daughter, Siena. Jill Farren Phelps was just tremendous, as well. She was just an amazing person to work with. In terms of cutting my teeth in the business, it was a beautiful experience. I feel very fortunate."

The role of Celeste struck a certain chord with her.

"I liked her in her strength," she says. "She was definitely a survivor. The circumstances that she found herself in -- I related to it on a very personal level, because when I was doing the modeling circuit and flew to Paris, there were so many girls in one room. The amount of girls that are brought in -- and to see who's going to stick and who's going to fall by the wayside. To see who's going to get eaten by the monster machinery. I saw a lot of girls very chewed up and spit out, and in circumstances that they never thought they'd be in. Fortunately, for whatever reasons, it didn't happen to me."

But the role of Celeste -- the former hooker with a heart of gold -- wasn't always a piece of cake.

"It was very difficult to play at times. There were times that I would leave the studio very uncomfortable, like I needed to go home and take a shower. But at the same time, what a great thing, to be able to experience the circumstances of that life without really experiencing the circumstances of that life. That's one of the great parts of being an actor -- you get to step into the life of the character without suffering the consequences."

There are similiaries between the role of Celeste DiNapoli and the one-shot role that Coleman stepped into for the "Tick-Tock" episode of "Dallas," where she was part of a cattle-call (for lack of a better word -- this is Texas we're talking about!) to find the new Valentine Girl for Sue Ellen Ewing's company, Valentine Lingerie.

"'Dallas' was one of my favorite shows at the time, and it was a tremendous treat to be in the company of actors like Larry Hagman, Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy," she says. "It was wonderful. I think I held my own. 'Dallas' was such a spicy show. I loved the diversity of the characters. Of course, what draws a person to a show? Conflict. They always had such great conflict to the show."

And to be spotted on-screen amid a line of girls, and remembered so many years later? As with the two Huey Lewis and the News music videos she appeared in, that's chick power!

Moving forward in her screen work, because even though she's been writing lately she still certainly wants to keep on acting ... Coleman did take a meeting a couple weeks ago with execs of a certain TV show we're quite familiar with. And that's all we can say about that!

You'll see the full interview with Signy Coleman (including how she got that unique name -- and it's pronounced "sig-ny," by the way) in the next edition of the BRBTV reference book "Send Me to Santa Barbara," the fourth edition, which we hope to publish in the next few months. (Keep in mind that the purchase of any e-edition of a BRBTV reference guide entitles you to all free future updates!)

Happy Thanksgiving from BRBTV, by the way!

And stay tuned ... we've got another "Santa Barbara" star on our radar ... He's wigglin' around a lot, but we're gonna pin him down, we swear we will ...

Morgan Fairchild on "Chuck"? That is so fun!

Morgan Fairchild, whom we know as one of the Jenna Wades on "Dallas," is hitting the spy circuit with a one-shot on NBC's "Chuck." Fairchild has a fun role -- mom to the wonderfully hunky-yet-ditzy fiance, Captain Awesome (believe it) of Chuck's sister Ellie. Another '80s fave, Bruce Boxleitner, joins her as the dad. The episode, "Chuck Versus the Sensei," is set to air on December 1. We'll be there!

Fairchild is also following in the footsteps of her "Dallas" costar Larry Hagman by guesting on this coming season of FX's "Nip/Tuck," premiering in January 2009.

Meanwhile, in the interest of keeping up with little Lucy, Charlene Tilton:
- See some photos on her site from the Southfork 30th anniversary reunion a few weeks ago.
- Buy tickets to see her on stage in "Cinderella" next month in Southsea, England.

BRBTV News Blog Blip: Fresh off the dance floor, Stephanie Beacham has lined up her next gig. Our own Sable Colby of "Dynasty" and "The Colbys" will be heading to the UK's "Coronation Street," The Daily Mail reports.