ericocean

I loved this series, and I do not like television series in general. The cast was perfect: Corey as tough, worldly-wise chief of "Checkmate" and mentor to partner Doug McClure, who here was able to get away from the grinning, pretty-boy roles that would dog his career, playing the younger detective with (for him) a subdued grittiness. And then there was Sebastian Cabot--vested suits, walking stick, sparkling eyes, he stole every scene he was in. The writing was excellent, and yes, the opening was way ahead of its time. An all-around classy show with terrific guest stars...naturally it is not available on VHS or DVD. Another reason that even at that age I was in agreement with Newton Minnow's description of television programming as a "vast wasteland." And the waste is the stuff that makes it to TVland and DVD. Which would be fine if shows like "Checkmate" were not lost forever.

I watched "Blood Feud" when it first aired, do not recall it being a made-for-TV special, it was so good. Robert Blake gives a first-rate performance, superior to that of Nicholson's somewhat too-studied take in "Hoffa." At one point Blake/Hoffa is making a call from a phone booth (yep, a booth, where the doors close) and his rage is memorable--not mere screaming...restrained enough to make it compelling. At least for one viewer.

Aside from "In Cold Blood," this likely is Blake's best film work. The supporting cast is superb: Aiello, Dennehy, Hendrikson, Borgnine, Ferrer. "Blood Feud" may have been a two-parter shown on consecutive nights. I would love to buy this movie but can't find it.

Speaking of Hoffa films, Stallone's "F.I.S.T." was a fine but unappreciated effort. It did lousy business; at the time nobody seemed to want to see "Sly" as anything but R. Balboa. And that title didn't help; sounds like another fight movie. But "F.I.S.T." is available and often appears on TV movie subscription channels, unlike "Blood Feud," which is better.

Of all the ancient up-from-the-dead lame TV shows on cable today, why has this show not found a place? If every episode of "The New Steve Allen Show" were on DVD, I would buy it instantly. This show helped save my life.

I was wiped out by a blood disease at age 17 in the summer of '61 but every weeknight at 11 p.m. on WOR Channel Nine out of New York City came "The New Steve Allen Show." It was better than the earlier version on NBC, wilder and more unscripted, absolutely off the wall.

You could tell when Allen was a little tired or bored--then watch out. He was quick, very very quick. And he had one of the most infectious laughs I've ever heard. You hoped something would go wrong so he would crack up. When he began that high-pitched cackle, you had to laugh along with him.

Most of the old NBC gang was there, although Tom Poston is not listed in the credits. Steve's forays into the street to talk to passersby or perform some rather risky stunts were electric. Dave Letterman, Jay Leno, thank Mr. Allen. But it was Allen's wonderful way with words and comic subtlety that kept me watching.

As a talk show host, Allen was incomparable. Laughter does heal...when it flows from the comedy of Steve Allen. And it inspires--I later published a comic novel. Should have dedicated it to this man. I loved him and I miss him.