Sunday, February 22, 2026

From Primetime to Daytime: Sibling jealousy leads to trouble (I Dream of Jeannie, 1967)

 From season 3 of I Dream of Jeannie:

Jeannie (Barbara Eden) is deceived by her twin sister (Eden in a black wig), who tells her she's a jinx, and needs to leave Major Nelson (Larry Hagman) for 14 years. It's all a ruse, since Jeannie II covets Nelson for herself.

Shannon Farnon, in one of her first face acting roles, appears as a prospective "alternative" for Nelson.



Saturday, February 21, 2026

Getting Schooled: Mighty Moose & The Quarterback Kid (ABC Afterschool Special, 1976)

 Yeah, the Super Bowl was 2 weeks ago, and the UFL will start play next month. Still, I thought it'd be a cool idea to scope this Afterschool Special entry, "Mighty Moose & The Quarterback Kid". Alex Karras ("Blazing Saddles") not only gets a guest star credit, but doubles as executive producer, co-starring with Brandon Cruz (ex-The Courtship of Eddie's Father) and Dave Madden (ex-The Partridge Family, Camp Runamuck). Joseph Mascolo would later enjoy a lengthy run on Days of Our Lives.


No rating. Just a public service.

Friday, February 20, 2026

From Comics to Toons: The Archies & Sabrina meet Merlin! (1977)

 From what is known online as The Archie & Sabrina Surprise Package:

The gang visits a medieval fair, and Carlos (Jose Flores, fresh from Ark II) is Sabrina's date, if you will, since Harvey is in absentia. Carlos is also an artist, and drew King Arthur and members of his court as embodied by Jughead, Archie, Sabrina, & Moose. But, he doesn't think Merlin actually existed, and that brings Merlin to 1977 (Howard Morris recycled his Mummy/Mayor McCheese voice).....


Carlos did appear in the comics, albeit briefly, but the design was not the same as it was on TV. No wonder he didn't last.

No rating. Just a public service.

An emotional rollercoaster in real time (Kim Possible, 2004)

 A scientist, wise & bold, developed a device to, ah, regulate emotions. However, an accident results in control discs being attached to Kim Possible (Christy Carlson Romano, Even Stevens) and Shego (Nicole Sullivan, MadTV), resulting in both Ron (Will Friedle) and Dr. Drakken (John DiMaggio, Futurama) being left confused.....

Here's "Emotion Sickness":


Yes, this would be the start of a side arc leading to Ron & Kim becoming a couple.......

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Toons You Might've Missed: Cupid Gets His Man (1936)

 Ah, yas. Valentine's Day was just four days ago, but we couldn't resist this entry from the Van Beuren studio back in '36. "Cupid Gets His Man" casts the cherub and associates as Mounties. Oh, the absurdity of it all. Ulysses Cupid, the head cherub, takes it upon himself to coax neighbors into falling in love, ending what seems like an eternity of bickering.

Seems so odd that the gentleman bears a resemblance to one of the most often parodied Hollywood stars of the day, W. C. Fields.


As today's kids say, weak sauce.

Rating: C-.

Getting Schooled: Assertiveness training for kids (Sesame Street, 1971)

 From season 3 of Sesame Street:

Rev. Jesse Jackson made a guest appearance on the show, and taught some kids the verse of his poem, I Am Somebody. At the time, Jackson & the Children's Television Workshop were working together on projects.


In memory of Jackson, 84, who passed away on Tuesday.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Saturday Morning's Greatest Hits: I Can't Wait (1986)

 Nu Shooz peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 in 1986 with "I Can't Wait", which merited an appearance on American Bandstand. Dick Clark interviews the band after the song.