GravediggerMark Reviews

The F.B.I.: The Enemies (1968) Season 4, Episode 6

Cicily Tyson's Performance was Worthy of an Emmy

[10/10 · 19 February 2024]

While Jeffrey Hunter does a good job of portraying a man who threatens the friends who helped him in his time of need, Al Freeman Jr does an excellent job of showing just how annoyed he is at Hunter's character for the act of betrayal.

But, the award must go to Cicily Tyson for one of the best facial expressions I have seen on any TV show ever. Before she says anything, you can see her face go from joy to anger to disgust to utter contempt. And then, when she does speak, watch out! Her delivery of the words are short and to the point; the tone tells us, in no uncertain terms, just how she feels- without overacting.

I have seen some great guest star acting in many TV shows, but if I was in charge back then, I would have called this an Emmy winning performance. Cicily has gone up many notches in my book.

The F.B.I.: The Hiding Place (1966) Season 1, Episode 32

An Amazing Character Study of Fear and Distrust

[10/10 · 7 February 2024]

Loved this episode. The fact it had a Japanese theme is somewhat irrelevant. Take out the politics and it is a wonderful character study. The real issue is how rumor and innuendo can cause fear and distrust among friends and neighbors within a community. Similar theme to the 1960 Twilight Zone Episode, The Monsters are Due on Maple Street. You could take this theme and place it anywhere at any point in time and it would still be relevant.

I also loved the fact it had 4 veterans of the old Charlie Chan movies: Philip Ahn from 1938's Charlie Chan in Honolulu; Key Luke, who was son Lee Chan in the 1930's; Benson Fong, who was son Tommy Chan in the 1940's, and Victor Sen Yung, who was son Jimmy Chan in the 1940's. It was wonderful seeing them all together.

Tales of Wells Fargo: Dr. Alice (1958) Season 2, Episode 25

A Bit Hypocritical

[5/10 · 14 February 2023]

Towards the end of the episode, Jim Hardie shames Dr Alice into taking a bullet out of outlaw Dobie Edwards BEFORE delivering a baby whom they knew would be a difficult birth. Ironically, it was Jim who shot the outlaw when he tried to murder Jim and Dr Alice earlier in the episode. I found Jim's priorities way out of whack, jeopardizing the life of a mother and her baby for that of an outlaw. Maybe the writers thought this was a good idea, but I found it revolting. I would have preferred Dr Alice saved the baby first.

Other than that, the episode was pretty good, but this ending was just too much for me to handle, hence the lower rating.

Snow Trail (1947)

An Amazing Character Study of 3 Bank Robbers

[10/10 · 22 November 2022]

I saw this film for the first time in 2022, some 75 years after it was made, and thought it was amazing. The character study of the police, the bank robbers, and the people who were affected by the crooks' actions was very well done and so believable. This movie was about trust, betrayal, and revelation. I am thankful there were not any car chases or shootouts; those would have ruined the movie. The copy of the print I watched had a few flaws / glitches in it, but that did not distract from the film itself. I would put this film up against any other crime drama where the criteria were trust, betrayal, and revelation. It had me on the edge of my seat. Loved every minute of it.

And yes, my review does not include any plot lines - that would ruin it. You have to watch it yourself, not knowing what will happen next. That is the real pleasure in watching this film.

The Big Bang Theory: The Property Division Collision (2016) Season 10, Episode 10

Hated this episode more than any other episode ever

[1/10 · 21 August 2022]

Up until now, Sheldon's idiosyncrasies were amusing, and his revenge tactics were tolerable and forgivable. What the writers had Sheldon do to Leonard in this episode was inexcusable and very upsetting. His revenge was mean, spiteful, and unforgivable. I have rated all episodes up until this one as 8, 9, or 10. I joined many others and gave it a 1. I was not sure I wanted to continue watching the series, but I did and found myself not caring about the Sheldon character anymore. This was a major error in character development because they lost me as a fan.

Impractical Jokers: Space Oddity (2021) Season 9, Episode 8

One of the Funniest Punishments Ever

[10/10 · 3 July 2022]

As of today, my favorite punishment was Strange Town Makeover for Sal. This one with Murr ties it. It was so well done, even when we knew Murr was upside down, it looked like he was right side up. Every time I watch this, I see things I did not see before. A Ten in my book.

Hogan's Heroes: The Safecracker Suite (1966) Season 1, Episode 27

Walter Burke is a Gem

[10/10 · 1 July 2022]

Quite often, it is the guest star who makes the episode, and this one is no exception. In my opinion, Walter Burke's portrayal of Alfie the Artist is wonderful. His tone, facial expressions, and quick wit really makes his character come alive. He doesn't just say his lines, he acts them. As Colonel Hogan said about Alfie after Alfie describes the safe after just looking at a key, "Hats off gentlemen, we are in the presence of a genius." The same can be said for Walter Burke. I love this episode.

Charlie's Angels: Angel on a Roll (1981) Season 5, Episode 14

Good Story; Hrrible Dialog

[3/10 · 29 May 2021]

I enjoyed the story itself, but not the way it was presented. It was just another Kris-centric episode written by Edward J Lakso. The series was titled Charlie's Angles, as in plural; not Charlie's Angel and her associates. I enjoy the episodes where they all work together to solve the crime much more than the episodes where Kris is the primary character and all the others are relegated to supporting roles. Some of the back and forth dialog was terrible and very contrived. While I liked the story idea and the story itself, I just think they ruined it with terrible dialog. It had the potential to be so much better; too bad the producers could not see that.

Laverne & Shirley: The Wedding (1979) Season 5, Episode 7

Best Wedding on TV

[10/10 · 22 April 2021]

The first half is okay, but the wedding during the second half is fantastic. Don Bexley is great as Reverend Larry, the church choir is wonderful, and the comedy timing was perfect. I laughed so hard - watching the choir members trying not to laugh during Laverne and Shirley's antics. Even though there was much comedy during the wedding, it was very tastefully done.

Gilligan's Island: Topsy-Turvy (1966) Season 3, Episode 10

Gilligan Finally Saves the Day

[9/10 · 18 April 2021]

This is one of my favorite episodes because Gilligan comes up with a plan to save everyone, instead of messing everything up as usual. He has saved the day a few times before, and each time he has that quirky smirk at the end.

The Jack Benny Program: The Bob Hope Show (1962) Season 13, Episode 10

Great Homage to Vaudeville

[10/10 · 16 March 2021]

The skit after the opening monologue is hilarious. Jack and Bob go to their theatrical agent's office were we see some great juggling by Duke Johnson. Then, Jack and Bob do their schtick in front of Jesse White, the theatrical agent. Jesse keeps a straight face through most of it, but looses it when Jack flubs one of his lines. It is actually just as funny watching Jesse trying to regain his composure than it is watching the act. It doesn't help when Bob Hope capitalizes on the flub and makes Jesse laugh even more. Classic.

Laverne & Shirley (1976–1983)

Timeless Classic Comedy

[10/10 · 10 March 2021]

I was 15 when this series aired and did not understand it then; I was too young. I don't remember watching any reruns until now. Now, 45 years later, I fully understand it. I'm watching the series starting with Season 1, Episode 1, watching how the characters grow. This show is hilarious. Penny and Cindy's timing are perfect, the dialog is great, and the facial reactions are priceless, something I miss in current comedy series. Bottom line: I love this show. Gotta thank LOGO for showing it again.