Khan

I've heard that said about other African-Americans in the past: so-and-so "didn't grow up black." Which means...what, exactly? They weren't raised in "da 'hood"? As if that's the only way you can/should raise a black child. I grew up in the suburbs and attended predominantly white public schools. Does that mean I've never encountered racism, or that I'm not qualified to offer an opinion on the subject? I'm not directing these questions to you, by the way, @JaneAusten. I'm just upset, because this strikes at the heart of an issue that I've had to carry with me since childhood: the fact that some will automatically hate me because I'm black, while others will dismiss me and/or my perspective because, to them, I'm not the "right kind of black."

Yet, if William and/or Kate were to come out publicly against "the Firm," you, and others like you, would believe them automatically, without ever questioning whether there was another side to their story. And that is part of Harry and Meghan's overall point: that the media and the public (whose opinions have been colored largely by the media) afford William, Kate and everyone else within the BRF a luxury (the benefit of the doubt) that they refuse to afford Harry and Meghan; and that instead of defending the two from the terrible tabloids, the royals, for whatever reason, would rather hang them out to dry. It doesn't matter whether Meghan is, in fact, a money-grubbing b***h. I'm sure there are nefarious folks a-plenty in that family. Yet, the family seems more willing to protect the other ne'er-do-wells than they are willing to protect Meghan...and now, more than ever, it's painfully obvious why. Exactly.

And let's not forget THIS little chestnut from the '80's:

Don't forget the persistent rumors that James Hewitt is in fact Harry's bio dad. I think it was either William, or that ghoulish-looking Prince Philip.

As it should. They've received so many passes on so many other things: Diana, Andrew, Fergie, Phillip, etc. But no one, not even the royals, should get a pass on insidious racism.

What is *that* supposed to mean? Meghan can be (and probably is) a c-u-next-Tuesday, but should that invalidate her and Harry's claims of racism within the British royal family? Until I see/hear incontrovertible proof that the monarchy hasn't been unkind to the two on account of her (and Archie's) mixed racial heritage, I'm inclined to believe Meghan, thank you.

Wow, I didn't know that. Marsha Mason was great as Nora, but Tyne Daly would've been great, too.

Okay, so you don't want to wear a mask (and keep yourself and others from getting sick and dying). Fine. But why BURN perfectly good masks? What point are you making besides that you are too stupid to live? Instead of tossing away or burning masks, I say, just hand them over to people who don't mind wearing masks. It's being selfish without being a moron to boot.

Truthfully, @Vee, I'm not a big "Becker" fan either. (Sorry, Ken.) I've always thought the series' premise (of a cantankerous doctor who gripes about everything, especially political correctness, but who also displays compassion for his patients, co-workers and friends) was great, but some of the casting choices baffle me to this day. Well, I can't say I blame her for being tempted to work on the series. Nia's career was going very strong after the movie became a massive box-office hit. She needed to strike while the iron was hot. Unfortunately, the one-two punch of the series and the dismal "Connie and Carla" cooled her career considerably. Speaking of William Hurt, I don't think I liked him more than when he was doing a guest-shot as a therapist on (of all shows) "The King of Queens." It totally surprised me to see how well he did on a sitcom.

"Ink" had the makings of a good, if not great, sitcom, but it's rare for any series that starts out troubled to turn into something worthwhile. Just ask NBC and "Madman of the People." Moreover, the fact that "Ink" didn't make it to a second season turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it freed up Ted Danson for "Becker," a series that (until "The Good Place") was his best effort in moving past "Cheers."

Exactly. The fact that Marlena took his job offer seriously tells me they were dumbing down that character long before JER entered the picture, lol.

I must confess that I've never seen one minute of "The Ellen Burstyn Show." I've heard about it, but I've never had the interest to check any of it out on YouTube. Maybe. But, you know, she also tried an hour-long variety show in the '70's, and that didn't last long either. Another addition to the list: Christine Ebersole. She's had more success in musical theatre than she's ever had in TV. IIRC, "Ink" was troubled from the start. The network didn't like the original pilot, so they brought in Diane English ("Murphy Brown") to overhaul the series. There was even an "Ink"/"Murphy Brown"/"Love & War" three-way crossover, I think, and guest appearances from some of Ted Danson's former "Cheers" co-stars to help boost the ratings, but nothing worked.

What I remember most about "My Big Fat Greek Life" was Steven Eckholdt, an actor whom the TV industry had tried very hard (God knows how many failed pilots and short-lived series) to make happen.

Why on earth would they have fired T.C. Carson? His love/hate chemistry with Erika Alexander was one of the best things about the show. Either he was a bastard BTS, or the producers/production company/network were idiots.

They're not exactly "failed series pilots." They all went to series. It's just that the series themselves didn't last long.

IA. "Four Corners" had some rough spots in its' abbreviated run, but I thought it had potential -- more potential than anything coming from Lynn Marie Latham and Bernard Lechowick at that point. I think CBS was just looking to get out of the primetime soap game. More about "Millie"/"Julie": Putting Julie Andrews with children makes sense, given her legacy. But I'm not sure it'd have been something I'd want to see every week. An addition to the list: Ellen Burstyn. As much as I can recall, she's been a lead or co-lead in two series, "The Ellen Burstyn Show" (an '80's sitcom) and "That's Life" (a '90's hour-long dramedy), and neither lasted for very long.

ICAM. I wouldn't say Faye Dunaway can't do (television) comedy, but I do believe, as I did back then, that she was all wrong for that type of comedy. Of course, considering what a nightmare she is BTS, it was likely for the best that that show died a quick death. All these years later, it's still very painful to watch. I wish I didn't remember this...but I do. You know you're in danger, girl, when the theme song puts you to sleep. And James Farentino is a comedy black hole, AFAIC. (See: "Mary".)

I guess you could add Dustin Hoffman to the list, since HBO's "Luck" ended up stalling at the gate (pun not intended).

I wouldn't be surprised if it were T.C. Carson or John Henton.

As a maniacal serial killer sits across from you in the dark.

Don't worry, @Soapsuds, I'm sure they will eventually.

It was "Something So Right," composed and originally sung by Paul Simon:

Agree! Also, she, like Susan Seaforth Hayes, has the ability to light up the screen with just her face. All any director or camera person has to do is put the camera on her and the rest takes care of itself.

That's right: "Related by Birth." Unfortunately, neither Marsha Mason nor Alex Rocco appeared in the retooled version.

I wouldn't say the GOP is still in control -- if they were, I don't think they'd bother picking stupid fights over potato genitalia -- but I do think the time has come for Chuck Schumer and others to start applying pressure to Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, especially as we turn our full attention to the VRA.