Television Q&A

Television Q&A

By Rich Heldenfels

Q. I have wondered why an excellent program never made it back to TV. It was on about 1971 and called “The Bold Ones.” It usually had a story of some ethical nature that involved either a lawyer, a doctor or a politician. The stories were quite good and dramatic and made one think. It was canceled suddenly and everyone suspected that one or more of the stories had hit a nerve with someone or group and it was decided not to upset the public.

A. According to “The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows,” the history of the NBC anthology drama “The Bold Ones” is more complicated and longer than you remember.

Beginning in 1969, it rotated several self-contained shows with different stars from one week to the next. The first season, 1969-70, consisted of “The New Doctors,” with E.G. Marshall and David Hartman; “The Lawyers,” with Burl Ives and James Farentino, and “The Protectors,” a police drama starring Leslie Nielsen and Hari Rhodes. The second season dropped “The Protectors” but added its most acclaimed segment, “The Senator,” starring Hal Holbrook.

An award winner for its thoughtful tackling of political issues, “The Senator’s” topicality caused controversy. The series’ issues included a Kent State-like shooting, and one reference says it was “virtually pressured off the airwaves.”

In 1971-72, “The Bold Ones” was down to “The New Doctors” and “The Lawyers,” and the final season consisted solely of “The New Doctors.” All four titles in the program have been released in separate “Bold Ones” DVD sets, although the picture quality in them is not always great.

Q. Could you please tell me if the show “Home Free” on Fox will be back for another season? As far as “reality” shows go it is one of the best.

A. The series begins a second season on Fox on June 16. Tim Tebow joins the show, co-hosting with Mike Holmes. And it promises an “all-new, gargantuan twist.”

Q. What has happened to Andrea Tantaros of Fox News Channel? She used to appear often and now I have not seen her for quite some time.

A. Here’s a statement that TVNewser got from the network in late April: “Issues have arisen regarding Andrea’s contract, and Fox News Channel has determined it best that she take some time off. She is still under contract with the network.”

She has continued to write for Dailycaller.com, to post on Facebook and tweet. She also has a new book, “Tied Up in Knots: How Getting What We Wanted Made Women Miserable.”

Q. Reading the credits of the movie “Dirty Harry,” I noticed the actor playing a heavy-set cop was named John Mitchum. Is he related to Robert Mitchum, the famous actor I remember in the ’60s and early ’70s? Thanks!

A. John Mitchum, who appeared in three of Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry films as well as other productions, was a younger brother of actor Robert Mitchum. John died in 2001, Robert in 1997. As you continue to look at movie and TV credits, you may notice still more Mitchums, such as Robert’s sons Christopher and James.

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