jokerswildio, *** WARNING: SERIES SPOILERS FOLLOW: *** As the series progresses we get little glimpses of Animal that run counter to type. He studied at the Sorbonne for two years, I believe, and speaks fluent French; his actual name is Dennis Price, of which he’s embarrassed; he paid for the last two years of law school for his brother to attain a law degree, etc.
For whatever reason, THIS is the episode of Lou Grant that I always remember from watching the series in its original network run. This episode aired in March 1981, when I was 12 years old. The story just captured my attention.
It is memorable for the appearance of prolific TV actor, Frank Aletter, who some claim is "The Poor Man's Paul Picerni", and whose only starring roles were in the 1960s sitcoms, "Bringing Up Buddy" and "It's About Time" [give him an award for survival, at least]. He was married, for sixteen years, to Lee Meriwether, Miss America of 1955, and a prolific actress in her own right. Sadly, Mr. Aletter died at the age of 83. That is [in most countries] a long life. However [comma], the way in which he died is what makes it sad.
Maybe it's because of the involvement of Gene Reynolds, but I've always thought Rosenthal was something of a reference (in all but name) to a certain character on "M*A*S*H", Tuttle, Hawkeye's imaginary friend. No one ever saw him, but everyone sure acted as though they, not only knew him, but actually had been with him.
Art Trombley, TV became more daring in the 1970s, ushered in with “All in the Family,” which was to television what the Beatles were to music. When the Reagan years and the conservative cultural “counter-revolution” hit in the in the 80s television became more conservative around controversial matter and social and political issues. For instance, originally the title character in the sitcom “Love, Sydney” starring Tony Randall was written as gay - presumably the trope of the neutered, asexual, homosexual “mammy” - yet NBC folded to the pressure from conservative groups like Jerry Falwell’s Moral Majority and wrote his sexuality out of the script entirely.
A few hours ago, I read the obituary for Patt Shea, the woman who co-wrote this episode. I was quite saddened to hear of her death, as I always wanted to tell her how much I admired her work. When I first watched this episode, I thought, "I want to do this. I want to write something this moving." In addition to great writing, "Venice" had so much going for it - great location photography, a Chinatown-esque music score, and great performances, especially the tour de force from Daryl Anderson. One last note: At the 25.44 mark, Mrs. Pynchon mentions Vasquez Rocks, just off of the Antelope Valley Freeway. Vasquez Rocks is the site of the Star Trek episode "Arena," where Captain Kirk fought the Gorn.
I worked for a company that owned a chain of free distribution newspapers here on Long Island. I was a general assignment reporter who also took photos. The communities we covered had they own weekly newspapers often edited by former reporters from metropolitan dailies as well as chamber of commerce members. We had our own printing plant and we-that is the reporters, copy editors and photographers-gained enough skill and notoriety to get Newspaper Guild representation. Management did not welcome the Guild with open arms. A salary list did circulate in the office when Negotiations were going on. None of us were journalism school graduates and the learning curve was really steep. I don’t remember the figures but I knew no one wasn’t working as hard as everyone else. By the way Te company folded.
** POTENTIAL SPOILER ** One can only speculate, because we have nothing more to go on than what the script provides, but I would guess that the relationship that is revealed at the end was, at least at one time, more mutual and deeper than the surviving character is willing to admit, perhaps even to him- or herself. IMO, it’s an indication what a good show “Lou Grant” is. One of the marks of a well-written and well-told story is that you go on wondering about the characters or the story after it is finished.
I agree however I think it would have been stronger that it not be resolved at all. I think they went for what at the time was a surprise end when the reality is the subject is never simple.
I'm more intrigued by Animal's feelings about this person he never met than about the resolution of her story. I'm curious how this might have been received in 1980.
From what I can see in the credits, neither the photographer or the model used in the photographs is credited. Usually actors are only credited (and are must be) if they have a spoken line. However, creative works such as original paintings and photos often are.
Zoomer30, it is never explained so far as I’m aware. It is likely just a habit added by the writers or actor to help round and flesh out the character.
He did drink and spoke about it in the previous episode “Survival” up at Donavan’s house. They raided his cabinet and Lou found Vodka or something and Rossi commented he didn’t drink much. Incidentally, the show has had a few Irish connections and I’m here in Dublin and Rossi / Rossy is a slang term used usually for a woman who would act like Joe Rossi, with a little more of trying to boss people around. It’s more a rem from grandparents generation rarely used today, I’d suspect it’s derived / anglicised via some old Irish language word. But it was common to hear people say then, “oh she’s acting like a Rossy”
@@bernardevans1 Also, Rossi shares the fact that his father is a recovering alcoholic. In the episode, Influence, Lou meets Rossi's father. They don't want Lou to enable Adam. I think the orange soda makes it look non-alcoholic.
Cool to see an "Animal episode". He was always my favourite character.
The second or third Animal episode in my memory, since I started watching a couple months ago.
Rossi is the most entertaining character, but Animal is the coolest. Really well done episode!
jokerswildio, *** WARNING: SERIES SPOILERS FOLLOW: *** As the series progresses we get little glimpses of Animal that run counter to type. He studied at the Sorbonne for two years, I believe, and speaks fluent French; his actual name is Dennis Price, of which he’s embarrassed; he paid for the last two years of law school for his brother to attain a law degree, etc.
I know what you mean. Animal was always my favourite, both as a teen and now.
For whatever reason, THIS is the episode of Lou Grant that I always remember from watching the series in its original network run. This episode aired in March 1981, when I was 12 years old. The story just captured my attention.
Thanks, I am now 60. Its funny how some old memories endure.
It is memorable for the appearance of prolific TV actor, Frank Aletter, who some claim is "The Poor Man's Paul Picerni", and whose only starring roles were in the 1960s sitcoms, "Bringing Up Buddy" and "It's About Time" [give him an award for survival, at least]. He was married, for sixteen years, to Lee Meriwether, Miss America of 1955, and a prolific actress in her own right. Sadly, Mr. Aletter died at the age of 83. That is [in most countries] a long life. However [comma], the way in which he died is what makes it sad.
I was 12 too..... I love rewatching this series
Maybe you were a fan of Animal? I was. There were few episodes where he played the main role.
This show has one cute novelty that always makes me smile: Nobody has ever seen the reporter Rosenthal.
They just asked about him in the Jazz episode ...." What do we keep that guy Rosenthal around for , anyhow ?" Lol
@@georgeelmerdenbrough6906 Thanks.
@@dalereynolds7638 I just watched it last . Kind of stuck out to see Rosenthal brought up here .
Maybe it's because of the involvement of Gene Reynolds, but I've always thought Rosenthal was something of a reference (in all but name) to a certain character on "M*A*S*H", Tuttle, Hawkeye's imaginary friend. No one ever saw him, but everyone sure acted as though they, not only knew him, but actually had been with him.
Pretty deep stuff for a weekly TV show. I was to busy for TV when this was new, thanks for posting them here.
Art Trombley, TV became more daring in the 1970s, ushered in with “All in the Family,” which was to television what the Beatles were to music. When the Reagan years and the conservative cultural “counter-revolution” hit in the in the 80s television became more conservative around controversial matter and social and political issues. For instance, originally the title character in the sitcom “Love, Sydney” starring Tony Randall was written as gay - presumably the trope of the neutered, asexual, homosexual “mammy” - yet NBC folded to the pressure from conservative groups like Jerry Falwell’s Moral Majority and wrote his sexuality out of the script entirely.
@@inkyguy I vaguely remember a woman asking Sidney "who hurt you this way?" or something like that, and he looked at a framed picture of a man.
A few hours ago, I read the obituary for Patt Shea, the woman who co-wrote this episode. I was quite saddened to hear of her death, as I always wanted to tell her how much I admired her work. When I first watched this episode, I thought, "I want to do this. I want to write something this moving." In addition to great writing, "Venice" had so much going for it - great location photography, a Chinatown-esque music score, and great performances, especially the tour de force from Daryl Anderson. One last note: At the 25.44 mark, Mrs. Pynchon mentions Vasquez Rocks, just off of the Antelope Valley Freeway. Vasquez Rocks is the site of the Star Trek episode "Arena," where Captain Kirk fought the Gorn.
I worked for a company that owned a chain of free distribution newspapers here on Long Island. I was a general assignment reporter who also took photos. The communities we covered had they own weekly newspapers often edited by former reporters from metropolitan dailies as well as chamber of commerce members. We had our own printing plant and we-that is the reporters, copy editors and photographers-gained enough skill and notoriety to get Newspaper Guild representation. Management did not welcome the Guild with open arms. A salary list did circulate in the office when
Negotiations were going on. None of us were journalism school graduates and the learning curve was really steep. I don’t remember the figures but I knew no one wasn’t working as hard as everyone else. By the way Te company folded.
** POTENTIAL SPOILER ** One can only speculate, because we have nothing more to go on than what the script provides, but I would guess that the relationship that is revealed at the end was, at least at one time, more mutual and deeper than the surviving character is willing to admit, perhaps even to him- or herself. IMO, it’s an indication what a good show “Lou Grant” is. One of the marks of a well-written and well-told story is that you go on wondering about the characters or the story after it is finished.
I agree however I think it would have been stronger that it not be resolved at all. I think they went for what at the time was a surprise end when the reality is the subject is never simple.
I'm more intrigued by Animal's feelings about this person he never met than about the resolution of her story. I'm curious how this might have been received in 1980.
The sense of longing in this episode is so strong!
Frank Aletter was the costar of the "Cara Williams Show"! I'm amazed I remembered his name right away when I saw him in the credits.
From what I can see in the credits, neither the photographer or the model used in the photographs is credited. Usually actors are only credited (and are must be) if they have a spoken line. However, creative works such as original paintings and photos often are.
Isn't that Hector from Hill Street Blues? "Yo, Frankie!"
Jesus.
please keep going .....season 5 too
+Foxeema TV coming soon!
thank you
Again,:) a favorite of mine
Don´t know for shure but I guess the Seventies were the time Venice was found as a local location for filming
This show is so engaging ....whats happened to TV ?
Reality shows 🙄
@@Teobi1 With a big shot on Social Satire
😢😮TV is Now LCD-TV!💩🧠 Intended To Appeal To Lowest👎 Common Denominator👀 Audience💔‼️🧐👎💥🙄🤑😈🧟
Those guys read so fast. They glance at a paper and they have read it. I have noticed that on a few episodes.
Terry McGovern pretending to Be Cool
Is there some reason that Rossi only drank Orange Crush?
Zoomer30, it is never explained so far as I’m aware. It is likely just a habit added by the writers or actor to help round and flesh out the character.
He did drink and spoke about it in the previous episode “Survival” up at Donavan’s house. They raided his cabinet and Lou found Vodka or something and Rossi commented he didn’t drink much. Incidentally, the show has had a few Irish connections and I’m here in Dublin and Rossi / Rossy is a slang term used usually for a woman who would act like Joe Rossi, with a little more of trying to boss people around. It’s more a rem from grandparents generation rarely used today, I’d suspect it’s derived / anglicised via some old Irish language word. But it was common to hear people say then, “oh she’s acting like a Rossy”
Cuz ots good stuff ?
In an earlier episode it was revealed Rossi’s dad is an alcoholic. That’s why Rossi generally prefers not to drink
@@bernardevans1 Also, Rossi shares the fact that his father is a recovering alcoholic. In the episode, Influence, Lou meets Rossi's father. They don't want Lou to enable Adam. I think the orange soda makes it look non-alcoholic.
Ew ...roller boogie ....and mimes ....blech