stfrsc Reviews

Steambath (1973 TV Movie)

Original PBS version is superb, censored DVD is useless

[10/10 · 11 September 2017]

I was amazed by this production when it originally aired on Los Angeles PBS affiliate KCET in 1972, and for years afterward as they would drag it out at fund raising time. Then it disappeared down a black hole!

The reason IMO is the portrayal of the unison-speaking gay guys, with perhaps some Perrine nipples mixed in. In this oh so politically correct era we can't have any of that, now can we? Steambath retains its relevance in that it highlights how much less freedom of expression we enjoy today compared to the early 1970s.

Beverly Hills Buntz (1987–1988)

A much maligned little peach of a show

[9/10 · 3 November 2008]

My thoughts on BHB differ greatly from most others' dim recollections. I was fortunate to have taped two episodes on the sole occasions they aired. Sure wish I had grabbed the other ones.

I'll spare you the details of the shows since they are unavailable anyway. They are good enough for me to have watched several times, though. The writing is excellent, the characters are well drawn (for a 30 minute show) and the casting just about perfect. Dana Wheeler-Nicholson is fabulous, beautiful beyond description and with much subtlety brought to her character. Joe Pantoliano (missed completely by IMDb) puts in a fine performance as a corrupt P.I. who tries to hire Buntz for a job he soon walks away from.

Dennis Franz and Peter Jurasik are superb in their lead roles. These reviews of the Buntz character as ethically or morally corrupt are WRONG in my opinion. Though rough around the edges and willing to cut a few corners, ultimately Buntz is good hearted with a strong sense of fairness. The best comparisons I can make with the Norman Buntz and Sid Thurston characters are to the Jim Rockford and Angel Martin characters in The Rockford Files. Could one say that either are morally corrupt? Okay, maybe a little with Angel, but you get my drift. In the end, Norman and Sid see to it that the good guys win and the crooks end up in jail.

This poor show never had a chance, the way it got jerked around in it's time slot and canceled before the audience had a chance to catch up and appreciate it. That's too bad for all of us.

EXTRA EXTRA! As of November 2017 several Buntz episodes are available on YouTube! I just watched the pilot and cannot wait to see the others, especially the ones I never saw before. Yes!

My Name Is Earl (2005–2009)

Derivative TV writing

[19 October 2005]

The show is funny, and shows promise if the writers can keep it fresh. I am bothered however, by the gag of Earl landing on the car hood. His face is pressed to the windshield, he makes a contorted face, and the vehicle driver screams. This is lifted directly from Raising Arizona.

The show creators are apparently not bothered by their outright theft of this gag from the Coen Brothers' movie. They are using it in all the promo spots. Gone are the days when TV shows innovated ideas instead of endlessly recycling them.

Jeez, why must my comment contain ten lines of text? I've absolutely, positively, no doubt about it said everything I wanted to say in the above two paragraphs!