Spotted: Lane Davies

Though it might be unwise for him to admit it in polite company, Lane Davies, our own original Mason Capwell of "Santa Barbara," once starred in a short-lived Fox sitcom called "Woops!" The premise of the 1992 show was the aftermath of a nuclear war, when six people -- seemingly the only survivors -- gather at a farm to try to carry on with their lives.

They're quite a mix, these six. Davies is magnificently Masonlike as Curtis Thorpe, a former powerful stockbroker, forever clad in suit and tie and appropriately arrogant and authoritative. He's joined by Fred Applegate of "Night Court" and "Growing Pains," a schlumpy former homeless guy; Evan Handler of "Sex and the City" (with hair this time), the level-headed schoolteacher who narrates the show; Meagen Fay, who as the "bleeding heart liberal" of the group is poorly defined even by early-'90s standards; Marita Geraghty as the sexy ditzy girl (though brunette instead of blond, which doesn't seem to make sense, given the show's overuse of cliches); and Cleavant Derricks, patient pathologist and (even more patient) token black guy.

We had a special BRBTV viewing of four "Woops!" episodes (thanks, Tracy!). Despite the fact that it's vintage television, the show gives new meaning to the notion of absurdist comedy. Right away in the first few moments you're almost subconsciously suspending disbelief (the disbelief that the show actually aired, that is), though the more you watch, the more the initial blow is softened. Does it grow on you? Well ... ummmm ... maybe if you find one of its stars continually fascinating ...

Of the four eps, the most enjoyable was the one giving the best screen time to Davies. In it, he's assigned the chore of cleaning the farm's septic tank. He's truly traumatized, especially after losing his tie (read: corporate identity). He slips into a delusional state where he believes he's back in the mid-'80s, before this nuclear holocaust, and he's once again commanding his empire. (Sorry, no flashbacks featuring C.C. or Eden!)

Given the "Gilligan"-esque premise, we can kinda understand the fact that the characters always wear the same clothes, but really -- they have a whole world of clothing at their disposal! Are you telling us it's all radioactive or something? There have to be closets of clothing upstairs at the farmhouse!

OK, sorry. Thinking too much.

Josie and the Pussycats are purring again

OK, we don't make a practice of copying others' headlines (we used to write headlines ourselves for a living, once, ya know!), but this one was a good one. And along with the PR from Archie Comics, we got a line on the Hollywood Reporter's coverage of exciting news for Archie fans, and specifically fans of Josie and the Pussycats!

From Archie Comics

New York, NY -- Archie Comic Publications Inc. is excited to announce a partnership with entertainer and multimedia mogul Nick Cannon’s NCredible Entertainment to develop a scripted and nonscripted television series based on Josie and the Pussycats.

As part of Cannon’s vision to revive the famed rock trio, a worldwide search for the new Josie, Melody and Valerie will be chronicled on a potential reality competition series. The plan also includes a possible Josie offshoot, a dramedy scripted series starring the new band members. In addition, Archie plans to launch several new and exciting publishing projects for Josie and the Pussycats to coincide with the new series.

“We are thrilled to be working with Nick Cannon and the NCredible Entertainment team,” states Archie Comics Co-CEO Jon Goldwater. “His relentless passion and compelling creative vision is exactly what Archie Comics is all about. Through this partnership we envision endless possibilities with Archie’s vast library of intellectual properties married with Cannon’s range of interests and talents.”

"Archie Comics and Josie and the Pussycats are both iconic brands that I am excited to be working with," Cannon says. “It is my vision to create a multiplatform campaign to bring the Josie and the Pussycats brand to life. I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to experiencing huge success together."

Josie and the Pussycats, created at Archie Comics, is the first all-girl rock ‘n’ roll group in history and is an innovation that changed the face of music.

"Dallas" cast event postponed

On September 27, we reported on a fab New Year's Eve event planned with a dozen "Dallas" castmembers in Naples, Florida. Well, unfortunately the event has been postponed, BRBTV has learned from Jeanne Jackson, director of the J. Timothy Hogan Foundation, which is hosting the event. We'll let you know when we hear the new date and any other details.

"Dukes" fans celebrate a special VIP

You know, there's a reason we so dearly love our friends in "The Dukes of Hazzard" world. There's a reason we call them our very best friends.

A couple weeks ago, a special person in the "Dukes" world had a birthday. She's Miss Jo McLaney, fervent "Dukes" fan and preserver of precious "Dukes" collectibles at her former flower shop on the square in Covington, Georgia, a filming site of the first five "Dukes" episodes. We profiled Miss Jo in "Them Dukes! Them Dukes!", and we are privileged to call her a friend. Chad Fullerton, another longtime "Dukes" fan also featured in the book, decided to honor Miss Jo on her big day in a very public way. So we're including here, for your perusal, some images from that blessed day on the Covington Square ...


Both of these folks are lookin' good ... Here's Chad with Miss Jo, and the special plaque she received at her birthday celebration.

Can you believe that ole Boss Hogg had the nerve to show up? Turns out, he's a fan of Miss Jo, too! Who woulda thunk it?

Many thanks to Chad Fullerton and Denise Crews for the fine photos.

Also, check out the special video Denise put together for the birthday celebration, complete with a one-of-a-kind message from Bo Duke, John Schneider!

Coming up in Archie Comics

ARCHIE #604
The aftermath of the Archie story of the century continues! What could possibly happen next? The answers may astound you!
SCRIPT: Michael Uslan
ART: Stan Goldberg
On sale at comic shops December 23, 2009
On sale at newsstands January 5, 2010
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #138
THE THRILLING CONCLUSION TO A TWO-PART STORY REINTRODUCING SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE CHARACTERS ARCHIE EVER PUBLISHED!
"Cosmic Cosmosis Part Two": The comic book characters unleashed through the inter-dimensional portal in the previous issue have moved out of the Pep Comics shop and into Archie's world! It's up to Chuck, Archie and their friends to retrieve the characters before they cause too much havoc... but it's not easy to contain a comic book character! However, the comic characters soon realize they aren't a perfect fit for the world of Riverdale. Cubby the Bear finds that the bears of Riverdale are kept in a zoo and don't talk. Cosmo and Orbi discover that most people either don't believe in life on Mars or fear the idea of extraterrestrials. The various monsters of Mad House cause a panic. Captain Sprocket gets in trouble for interfering in police business. And on and on it goes... Will these classic characters from comics' past ever go home, or will they lay down permanent roots in Riverdale? Will Archie and his friends manage to control the four color frenzy, or find themselves trapped in another dimension as well? The answers await you in this thrilling conclusion! And remember: anything can happen in a comic book... especially a comic book about comic books!
SCRIPT AND ART: Fernando Ruiz
On sale at comic shops December 9, 2009
On sale at newsstands December 22, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

ARCHIE & FRIENDS ALL-STARS VOLUME 2: BETTY'S DIARY
Originally appearing as a feature in Archie's Jokebook, then later in its own series as well as in the pages of BETTY, the "Betty's Diary" stories are among the most fondly remembered of all Archie tales, with a tremendous following that exists to this day. Told with first person narrative by Betty herself, the stories focused on the day to day events in her life as she truthfully related them in her diary. Warm, funny, touching, thought provoking, occasionally heartrending, but always told with a down to earth realness, Betty's "diary entries" made fans smile, cheer and think about life. Now readers can relive these oft-requested tales in this upscale edition!
SCRIPTS: Kathleen Webb, Frank Doyle, Rod Ollerenshaw
ART: Stan Goldberg, Bob Bolling, Dan DeCarlo
On sale at comic shops December 31, 2009
On sale at newsstands January 12, 2010
96-page, full-color trade paperback
$9.95 U.S.

ARCHIE DIGEST #260
"The Snow Ball": Archie is determined to take Betty to the big dance, and he won't let little things like inclement weather, a car in need of repair and lack of funds get in the way... or will he?
SCRIPT: John Rose
ART: Pat Kennedy
"The Joke's on Who?": When Reggie unleashes a practical joke spree, the teachers enlist the other students to fight--er, prank--back!
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher
ART: Tim Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops December 31, 2009
On sale at newsstands January 12, 2010
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA #245
"Now THAT Was a Mistake": When Archie wins not one, not two, but FIVE bouquets of roses from the local florist, he has to send them somewhere... and Betty and Veronica sure aren't happy about the other three!
SCRIPT: Kathleen Webb
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Eat Those Words": Veronica enters a world she doesn't understand: the supermarket, where items marked "cheap" are desirable, you have to pick a number and wait in line for cold cuts, and you scan and bag your own items!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Good Old Days": A senior from the retirement home tells Betty and Veronica what it was like to be in the middle of a "love triangle" in an age without cell phones, texting and the internet!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
"Snow Daze": The girls would never be so immature as to participate in the boys' snowball brawl... unless they got hit, of course!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
On sale at comic shops December 16, 2009
On sale at newsstands December 29, 2009
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #200
MILESTONE 200th ISSUE CELEBRATION!
In honor of the 200th issue of BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST, intrepid reporter Ginger Lopez makes Betty & Veronica relive all their past dates in game show setting, just like "This is Your Life" - complete with silhouettes of ex-boyfriends behind dark screens! And just who are these exes? The answers will astound you... they include a few hunks making surprise guest-appearances!
SCRIPT AND ART: Dan Parent
"Friendly Competition": When Betty and Veronica volunteer to help out with the grammar school after-school program; they encounter a trio of kids embroiled in a pint-sized love triangle of their own!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Bob Bolling
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops December 23, 2009
On sale at newsstands January 5, 2010
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #177
"NOT Second Best" Veronica is unfazed that Betty is better at winter sports - as long as there's a line of cute boys willing to help her at the ski lodge, she doesn't mind at all!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Pat Kennedy
"Going Around in Circles": Mr. Weatherbee introduces the new teacher to all the various circles of friends that populate Riverdale High, not to mention its famous triangle of love!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Tim Kennedy
"It's Shoe Time": If the shoe fits, wear it... but whatever you do, don't go shoe shopping with Betty & Veronica!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Jeff Shultz
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops January 7, 2010
On sale at newsstands January 19, 2010
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

JUGHEAD'S DOUBLE DIGEST #156
"Spaced Out": Reggie imagines that Jughead is an alien from another planet... at least he thinks he's imagining it!
SCRIPT: Mike Pellowski
ART: Tim Kennedy
"Horseplay": Ethel visits her cowgirl cousin Claudine in Oklahoma and has a rip-roaring good time at the rodeo - especially when a cute cowboy offers to show her around!
SCRIPT: Tim Kennedy
ART: Pat Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops December 16, 2009
On sale at newsstands December 29, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

PALS 'N' GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #137
DON'T MISS PART THREE OF THE LATEST "NEW LOOK" SAGA THAT TRANSFORMS REGGIE FROM WISE GUY TO ROMEO!
"A Funny Kind of Love Part Three": The gorgeous new girl in town has Reggie's eye... but for how long? Bernadette Brownlee is beautiful and bright, and finds Reggie amusing despite her dislike of comedians. She promises to go to Reggie's performance as he competes in a major stand-up comic search... if he promises to try out for the debate team in return! No one is surprised at how Reggie's comedy act goes over... but are they prepared for seriously effective debating from the master prankster? It all leads to a dramatic turning point... and a decision that's neither a laughing matter nor up for debate, as far as Reggie is concerned! It's the most unexpected "New Look" story yet , rendered in the "realistic" art style that made Betty and Veronica's "Bad Boy Trouble" and "My Father's Betrayal," Jughead's "The Matchmakers," Moose and Midge's "Break-up Blues," and Archie and his friends' "Goodbye Forever" some of the most talked-about Archie stories in recent years!
SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan
ART: Tod Smith and Al Milgrom
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops December 9, 2009
On sale at newsstands December 22, 2009
176-page, full-color digest
$3.99 U.S.

TALES FROM RIVERDALE DIGEST #36
"No Time for History": The new exchange student is out of this world... way out! Summer Madison has been sent from the future to witness 21st century life first-hand... and to meet Archie Andrews, who apparently is quite the hero in the history books of the future! But when Riverdale's teens grow suspicious of her, it could lead to full-blown space-time continuum chaos! You haven't got "time" to waste - reserve this issue today!
SCRIPT: Bill Golliher
ART: Fernando Ruiz
"What's in a Name": Rotten Reggie excels at calling people names - especially when an unusually named family moves into Riverdale!
SCRIPT AND ART: Tim Kennedy
PLUS: Other new and classic tales!
SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents
BONUS: Puzzles, games and pin-ups!
On sale at comic shops December 16, 2009
On sale at newsstands December 29, 2009
88-page, full-color digest
$2.69 U.S.

VERONICA #198
"Show me the Monet": An art student decides to make Veronica his muse... but is the world ready for Veronica to show up in every classical painting he does?
"Your Space or Mine": When Veronica introduces her father to the "Spacebook" social networking website, she ends up running "interference" between her dad and her friends!
"Star Treatment": A sci-fi star from the past uses Marcy to get close to Veronica... how long before he's "seeing stars"?!
SCRIPTS AND ART: Dan Parent
On sale at comic shops December 31, 2009
On sale at newsstands January 12, 2010
32-page, full-color comic
$2.50 U.S.

"Dallas" project gets a(nother) new approach

For years BRBTV has been of the opinion that the only real way to revisit the "Dallas" property -- and give it fresh life, great continuity, honor, respectability and a whole new generation of fans -- is to center it around the boys, John Ross and Christopher. Throw in some Pamela Rebecca Cooper, too, of course. We've been dyin' to know what those kids have been up to, after all! And so much time has elapsed that nobody has to pull one of those cheesy daytime-soap manuevers and hyper-age the kids too rapidly. John Ross just turned the big 3-0, Christopher is 28, and cute little Pammie is 25. Perfect prime age for cuttin' a few corporate deals, cheatin' a few poor widows, runnin' a ranch, hostin' a few barbecues or rodeos, and throwin' all kinds of people into the Southfork pool! Heck, even Margaret Krebbs and Lucas Ewing are 22 -- fresh out of college, ready to attack the world! They're half-cousins, so we can picture them as good friends, despite the complicated relationships of their parents. And twins Bobby and Betsy Ewing -- they're at a nice, prime age, too. Even little Jimmy Beaumont is probably around 20.

Yea, we're likin' this. We're likin' this a lot. And we would look forward to seeing how the city of Dallas itself has changed since the oil-rich '80s. How would this fresh set of faces wear their 2010 Texan surrounds? Hmmm ...

So bring it on, man! Tell us their story!!!! Hire on the original actors to play 'em, if possible, and bring on a Hagman or a Duffy every other episode or so!!! Sounds like heaven!!!!

Well, we're encouraged by what we just read in the Hollywood Reporter. The rumors have been swirling for a couple months about TNT's "Dallas" project, such a long way, it seems, from the whole big-screen John Travolta thing. Now TNT has tapped Cynthia Cidre to write the script. She has some experience with primetime dramas; she created 2007's short-lived "Cane."

"The initial idea was to have the series revolve around J.R. and Sue Ellen's son John Ross and Bobby and Pam's adopted son Christopher," THR says, "but the studio and the network are waiting for Cidre's take on the Ewing clan and want to read her script before making a decision."

OK, if we say pretty please with sugar on top??????????????

Dreaming of an orange Christmas? Here are a few things to put a "Yeeee-haaaa!" in your stocking

Ahhhh ... Christmastime. And we do mean CHRISTMAStime, here at the BRBTV News Blog, being firm supporters of Christmas and all. Heck, we're even firm supporters of keeping this economy alive! And on our Black Friday daytrip up to the Big Apple, we were fairly sure that the flagship Macy's store on 34th Street was doing that all by itself!!! But we know the economy needs you, too. So in that spirit -- and certainly in the spirit of giving -- here are a few shopping ideas to wave under your "Dukes of Hazzard"-loving nose ...

"Dukes" tote bag

It's a John-John exclusive, found only on the official site of our own Bo Duke. We've seen similar totes a-totin' around at events like Dukesfest over the years, but this design is just too cute. In fact, it's what precipitated this blog post in the first place -- we get the cast members' e-newsletters on a regular basis, but when we saw this little cutie, let's just say game over! We had to pass it along! And the price is reasonable, too!

$7, buy here

Acoustic Christmas CD

Christmas music is something we can't get enough of this time of year, but Christmas music sung by John Schneider? And recorded in his personal studio? Sign us the heck up!

$12.99, buy here

James Best original art

You've been seeing it at "Dukes" events for a few years now -- have you gotten yourself one yet? This is nice stuff, not just the "Dukes"-themed pieces. You can get one of his originals, some acrylic and some oil, or snag yourself a print for a little break on the pocketbook.
$50 - $1,200, buy here and here

"Best in Hollywood: The Good, The Bad and the Beautiful" by James Best

Anyone who's frequented the Confederate General Lee Fan Club message board in the past few years knows that James Best can write up a story like nobody's business. He's got all kinds of great nuggets from his early days in Hollywood. This book is new this year, and he even employs his beautiful beagle to help in the promo video! "The Good Lord really blessed me," he says. Amen.

$25 signed, plus shipping, buy here

BRBTV birthdays for December

- Forry Smith, the dashing Reese Walker on "SB," turns 57 on December 1.
- Charlene Tilton, little Lucy Ewing of "Dallas," turns 51 on 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 76 on 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 58.
- 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 51 on December 12.
- Thaao Penghlis, who was Dr. Micah De Angelis in the tail-end of the run of "Santa Barbara," turns 64 on December 15.
- Helen Slater, who voiced Talia on "Batman: The Animated Series," turns 46 on December 15.
- Christopher Cazenove, rugged and angry bro to Blake Carrington as Ben Carrington on "Dynasty," turns 66 on December 17.
- Brad Pitt, who was a very youthful Randy, boyfriend to Charlie, in one of his very first roles, on "Dallas," turns 46 on December 18.
- Karen Moncrieff, who played Cassandra Benedict on "Santa Barbara," turns 46 on December 20.
- Jared Martin, our own Dusty Farlow of "Dallas," turns 68 on December 21, according to the IMDb, although sources are conflicting.
- John Callahan, who was Craig Hunt on "SB," turns 56 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 63.
- Dane Witherspoon, who originated the role of Joe Perkins on "Santa Barbara," turns 52 on December 27.
- Terri Garber, who was the feisty Leslie Carrington on "Dynasty," as well as Suzanne Collier on "SB," turns 49 on December 28.
- Barbara Carrera, who played the evil Angelica Nero on "Dallas," turns 64 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???)