TV Observer Utica NY
Knots Landing a Good Spot on CBS by Charles Witbeck
HOLLYWOOD — . Tired of all the "Dallas'" hype-on who shot the skunk J.R.? - Think of how the cast of "Knots Landing" feel, the CBS Thursday night soaper on modern marriage in California-last spring's spin -off from "Dallas" Overshadowed by those wild haired rich Ewings of "Dallas," the Wards, the Fairgates. the Averys and the Ewings of "Knots Landing" need a pact with the Devil to catch-up with the high -rolling Texans.
James Houghton, the handsome youngster who plays amorous Kenny Ward, a youthful husband with an uncontrollable urge to stray, admits there is no way "Knots Landing" can compete at this stage with big brother "Dallas." The spin -off is just working out the kinks after a spring run, etching out marriage problems and character weaknesses,
So far, lawyer Richard Avery (John Pleshette) is the top rat of the California cul-de-sac. A pushy type, Avery instinctively goes for the sneaky ploy, a guy who will never pay his debt, for starters. J.R.'s . younger brother Gary Ewing (Ted Shack elford), a weak one hoping to start life anew far away from Texas, turned out to be an alcoholic just before reruns, saved by the bell when he joined AA. This faII, Gary expects to be tested as an AA, ready, willing and prepared to help a fellow drinker in distress. Lead Don Murray (Sid Fairgate, the auto dealer] has written a two -parter for September in which Sid gives a lady hitchhiker a tide, only to be hit for a $100 or the charge of rape. Lawyer Avery botches Sid's defense in court and when canned is ready to set fire to the neighborhood.
Sid Fairgate's sister Abby Cunningham, a divorcee with two kids, becomes the latest addition to the cul-de-sac this fall adding to the plot by playing a lady on the loose. As Abby, blonde Donna Mills expects to keep slim with her free live approach, a threat to jumpy wives. And the babies of the block, Kenny and Ginger Ward (Houghton and Kim Lankford) background characters last Spring, are treated like equals in the neighborhood. Kenny professes to love Ginger, and he does; but tempted, he plays around, has the guilts, and plays around some more. A good kid deep down, low in the will department, piling up remorse while sowing those wild oats.
"Kenny wants to do the right thing", says Houghton, "but he's too young for the suburban life. Kenny and Ginger should be living in town close to the action. But Ginger wanted the suburbs and Kenny went along, making the payments, trying to fit in. He can't talk to the neighbors, and doesn't share in their interests. His heart lies in carousing." According to Houghton, the Thursday night soaper will employ the linear, or serial, technique, one chapter leading up to another. It's actors have become involved to the extent of writing scripts to fit the show format .Richard Avery -John Pleshette sold one Iast spring, and has one due in the fall. Don Murray will add to his two-parter, and James Houghton, teaming with sister Mona, has one to fit the factory line.
In more ways than one, actor involvement seems wise move for "Knots Landing." Lorimar, the production company, must supply four hours a week this fall, all at 10 -so writing staffs can't be juggled. There's the-kingpin "Dallas"-on Fridays, 'Knotts Landing on Thursday, the new CBS Saturday entry "Secret of Midland Heights" (powerhouse family in a college town), and NBC's Tuesday night "Flamingo Road" on Florida small town life.
Although he hasn't played Greg on The Young and Restless" for a couple of seasons, young Houghton — ("Twilight Zone," 'Richard Boone Show, Francis Ford Coppola's current movie "Escape Artist"), is still remembered by fans for the daytime show. The Young and the Restless was lust beginning , - and Houghton remembers how the cast, brand new to soap production, dug in.
By
Paul Raven ·
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