X-E's 2008 Halloween Countdown is capable of soul-eating.

09/26/2005: Rue McClanahan in… The Wickedest Witch!

She's only gonna sit in an inch of water?Got a good one for you tonight.  In 1989, Rue McClanahan fulfilled the naughtiest clause in her Golden Girls contract by starring in NBC’s The Wickedest Witch, a very rare Halloween special that only aired once, maybe twice.  It’s thirty minutes of Blanche dressed as a bitch witch hag, fiddling around with little reptilian Muppets as she quests to take over the universe.  The silly but inoffensive special is a must for Rue fans, and since you’ve got no chance of seeing the thing if you haven’t already, the review includes several video clips.  Enjoy.

Posted by Matt. E-mail me!


Discussion Thread: 113 comments

I remember watching this. I have no idea why but I do. Great review!!!

Ghosted by Weredog @ 09/26/2005 8:08 PM EDT


baaaaaaaaaahahahahahah! I used to have that on tape once hahaha. i remember it cuz it would be RIGHT after Garfield’s Halloween Special and i’d turn it off cause it was boring haha.

Ghosted by Willem @ 09/26/2005 8:09 PM EDT


Geez, now I wish I wasn’t devoted to ABC back in the day. This sounds like fun, if unmemorable, Halloween entertainment.

Ghosted by starwenn @ 09/26/2005 8:19 PM EDT


best show ever

Ghosted by the80sruled @ 09/26/2005 8:29 PM EDT


Anyone else questioning whether or not Schtick is related to Jambi in any way?

Ghosted by WonKa @ 09/26/2005 8:45 PM EDT


Wow, those clips were pretty good quality, considering.  I wonder if this still sits in NBC’s vaults, locked up Animaniacs-style?

Ghosted by Jeff Mack @ 09/26/2005 8:49 PM EDT


I remember this, barely, it’s in the fuzzy part of my memory.  The pic’s n the review remind me of the Fraggle Rock halloween special from the 80’s.

Ghosted by kb @ 09/26/2005 9:14 PM EDT


Good ‘ol Rue.

You know, she played the biology teacher in Starship Troopers, one of my all-time favorite movies.

God, I’ve seen it so many times… lol

Ghosted by Chilipeppers @ 09/26/2005 9:18 PM EDT


I have to admit, when I saw the article on the front page, I kinda hoped the article was about a previously unheralded sequel to "The Worst Witch."  But then I felt terrible, because wishing for a sequel to such a bad, awful movie is against all common decency and sense.  Much like "The Worst Witch."

Ghosted by Jedoc @ 09/26/2005 9:25 PM EDT


Seeing that little Grievel get turned to stone made me cry. Why couldn’t you just let this special be forgotten by humanity? Poor little Grievel. Poor poor little Grievel.:(

Ghosted by Darth Poop @ 09/26/2005 9:31 PM EDT


Wowee.  That looks like one shitty movie, but prob. better than The Hogan Family by far!!

I too am a big Rue mark, so this is a great article!!  As cool, if not more so, than Bea doing the Urkel!!

Ghosted by kidneyboy @ 09/26/2005 9:56 PM EDT


Cool.  Being three years old when that came out there’s no way I’d remember it even if I did watch it.  But i’m glad that I now know about it. Thanks!  And that kid looked like a jack-ass in the last clip.  Hahaha, I can’t stop the laughter… Good Stuff.

Ghosted by Mattman @ 09/26/2005 10:02 PM EDT


I wish they would’ve found a way to insert this into Golden Girls continuity.

Ghosted by The Wukong Effect @ 09/26/2005 10:08 PM EDT


I can’t believe with my love of muppets and Golden Girls and holiday specials in general during the late 80s, I didn’t see this one… Frig!
Musn’t have been carried by the US station the local cable provider carried.
I do remember seeing that stupid one with Judd Hirsh far too many times.

Ghosted by AlphaCentaurian @ 09/26/2005 10:09 PM EDT


OK, it wasn’t that stupid, but seeing something 12 times in one season dulls things

Ghosted by AlphaCentaurian @ 09/26/2005 10:10 PM EDT


Gotta chime in and say, this has been a great countdown so far.  I can’t believe how much great stuff has been tackled, and it’s not even October.

Ghosted by James @ 09/26/2005 10:19 PM EDT


man…rue looks totally hot with her hair down like that…

Ghosted by gerv @ 09/26/2005 10:20 PM EDT


I’m waiting for the day to arrive when that whole trend of making real-world references in fantasy movies will be funny again.  "Create and destroy matter… buy anything wholesale."  What? No.

Was it just me, or did Rue’s underground lair look like a warped version of Beast’s castle in the Disney movie?

Ghosted by Jessica Marie @ 09/26/2005 10:37 PM EDT


Rue tried so hard with the "wholesale" line, too.  She really wanted to make it work.

Ghosted by Matt @ 09/26/2005 10:38 PM EDT


I would have prefered a Hogan Family Halloween Special where good old Val comes back from the dead to slaughter her annoying family…including Miss Pool!

Ghosted by Kevin @ 09/26/2005 11:08 PM EDT


Matt, you never cease to amaze me.  You are able to reconstruct every piece of my holiday memories.  Growing up, my family was big into recording every holiday special that ever aired, and watching them year after year.  This one was in heavy Halloween rotation.  I had forgotten it even existed until I clicked onto X-E tonight.

Amazing job at bringing everyone back to a time when holidays made us even more giddy than they do now (if that’s possible)!

Incidentally, I’d give up a testicle for one of those wishing rocks ;)

Ghosted by Mr. Boligarky @ 09/26/2005 11:08 PM EDT


Oh man poor Rue. This thing sounds terrible.

Ghosted by squee4242 @ 09/26/2005 11:18 PM EDT


Wow.

Those clips were amazing.

I think it’s possible Rue paid someone to destroy all copies of that video.  She acted her ass off but… those clips prove it would have been a wise investment on her part.

Ghosted by Night_Trekker @ 09/27/2005 1:21 AM EDT


I’m torn between being kind of glad I don’t really remember that, and wishing I’d seen it in it’s entirety.

Ghosted by Diana @ 09/27/2005 3:22 AM EDT


I have to admit, when I saw the article on the front page, I kinda hoped the article was about a previously unheralded sequel to "The Worst Witch." But then I felt terrible, because wishing for a sequel to such a bad, awful movie is against all common decency and sense. Much like "The Worst Witch."

Did you know there was a "Worst Witch" TV SERIES?? Matt hasn’t gotten to that yet, I guess…..

Ghosted by Mars @ 09/27/2005 3:28 AM EDT


HOLY CRAP…I remember this TV special! O_O!

I saw it, like once when I was a kid & remembered it years after but didn’t know the name of it.

Thanks for finally shedding light on that mystery for me duder. :-D

-Boglin

Ghosted by Boglin @ 09/27/2005 3:55 AM EDT


Yup, I saw this, had to been right after my first highschool dance. Return of the Living Dead showed after this and I swear Rue was beggin for brains!

Ghosted by Dragula @ 09/27/2005 4:24 AM EDT


best clip: the hogan’s family one.  And no I don’t remember this special.  And why do they think it’s amusing when they take a clip out of a show to go with what the narrator is talking about.  It’s like trying to get a celebrity to endorse your product by filling in holes with words taken from the person’s mouth.  Very tacky.  It’s not amusing at all.

Ghosted by Goob @ 09/27/2005 4:38 AM EDT


The review is just wonderful. I just love this!!!

Ghosted by garry @ 09/27/2005 7:57 AM EDT


I echo anyone’s sentiments that this is the best countdown ever.  Holiday anticipation is all about the camaraderie, so when I come here and know that everyone else is getting geeked about Jones Halloween soda and perhaps popping in their Halloween special tapes just a bit early, it makes the anticipation all that much juicier.  I love it, Matt!

Ghosted by Jessica Marie @ 09/27/2005 8:58 AM EDT


About that Worst Witch Tv series: They used to show that on YTV(Canada’s Children’s network) all the time. I remember because I was systemically tortured with forced watching of it. I hate my sister. I’m pretty sure that Tim Curry starred in the TV version as well. Or at least some poor bastard who looked like Tim Curry who was put under devious Britsh Government hypnosis, forced to star in the world’s shittiest show ever……I need to lay off the drugs.

Ghosted by TheJuggalo @ 09/27/2005 8:58 AM EDT


Did anyone ever see the computer animated Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow that was on about a decade ago?  I always thought that it was good enough to be a yearly special.  It was when CA was new and I thought it was so bad ass, now it probably looks like shit in a sugarcone.

Ghosted by Funky Boo Berry the 70's Ghost @ 09/27/2005 9:16 AM EDT


Great.  Now I’m going to have Evil Blanche calling out "I-17!" in my head all damn day.

Ghosted by Mike Fireball @ 09/27/2005 9:24 AM EDT


holy crap I totally remember watching this as a kid. What a way to bring back the past heh. Ill probably be reminising about this friggin show for the next 2 hours.

Ghosted by erik @ 09/27/2005 9:36 AM EDT


I only wish I could’ve seen "The Wickedest Witch", even if it’s only a half-assed attempt at a halloween special. My family would watch re-runs of the crappy "Saturday the 14th" movie, "Friday the 13th’s" evil twin sister. My parents felt that the classics "Halloween", Texas Chainsaw Massacre", "Friday The 13th", were way too violent for me and my brother to see. Oh well, I guess we all suffer in one form or the other.

Ghosted by Texican @ 09/27/2005 9:36 AM EDT


That kid looks like someone I should know, but I checked him out on imdb and I don’t see anything there that I would have recognized him from. One thing’s for sure, that guy is doing something else to pay the bills. There is an updated picture, though, if anyone’s interested.

I agree that, even at 26, the scene where she turns that sweet little Grievel to stone was really sad. At 10 I would have never made it to the end of the special. That would have been it for me.

Oh, and that music in the third clip wants SO badly to be "Phantom of the Opera".

Ghosted by Lori @ 09/27/2005 10:02 AM EDT


I don’t know much about this Rue , but in re: to a previous entry on Pitch Black II. . .ugh!  Not a fan.  I’m only halfway through my first bottle, though.  Maybe it will grow on me.

Ghosted by Chris Martin @ 09/27/2005 10:34 AM EDT


Excellent as always Matt! heh

I love the countdown, I love that you start absurdly early and hit it hard. Nice to know I aint the only one out early looking for new Halloween thrills. And your countdown is da thrillz baby. Da thrillz.

Ghosted by dj BC @ 09/27/2005 11:30 AM EDT


-?-
I can’t believe I know not of this special!  Even if it aired only once, how could I have missed it?  My Hallow-world is shattered.  Where’s my bucket of candy corn….

Ghosted by kingklash @ 09/27/2005 11:54 AM EDT


Not to nitpick (well, a little), but in the third paragraph, shouldn’t it be members of her own coven, not cove?

I’m sorry, I’m sorry; I’m a copy editor and can’t help myself!

Ghosted by purplegirl247 @ 09/27/2005 12:14 PM EDT


Since this subject has *however tenuous) ties to the word Muppet, I thought I would share that I just discovered that they’re making a new Fraggle Rock movie to be released in 2006.

Or perhaps everyone already knew this, and I’m a Johnny Come Lately.

But I refuse to be one of those.

Ghosted by The Wukong Effect @ 09/27/2005 12:21 PM EDT


FRAGGLE ROCK MOVIE!!! OMFG!!

Seriously, I didn’t know that, and it is cool.  That is one cool ass show, I remember when we first got cable, and watching it on HBO was one of the first shows my family got into!  I also remember the little cars from Happy Meals with the Fraggle Rock characters.

I might be jaded, but Skinemax just doesn’t do it for me anymore. ;)

Ghosted by kidneyboy @ 09/27/2005 12:26 PM EDT


Ima kinda ghosted :0 :) :( arr :( :)

Ghosted by kidneyboy @ 09/27/2005 12:29 PM EDT


If it’s half as good as The Worst Witch than it can’t be that bad.

Ghosted by Review the World @ 09/27/2005 12:40 PM EDT


I don’t remember this one, but I have vauge memories of a show that was on probably 1990-1992.  It was a sitcom and only aired on halloween or a day or two before.  I remember a family, a house…a haunted house and bats, skeletons…etc.  I thought it would become a regular show, but sadly it was just a one time show.  I have been haunted by the name of this show.  HELP ME INTERWEB!!!

Ghosted by tikihunter @ 09/27/2005 12:48 PM EDT


Great to see you did an article on this ‘un, Matt!  It is truly one of the oddest made-for-T.V. Halloween specials I’ve ever seen.  Excellent article!

Ghosted by EtHM @ 09/27/2005 12:59 PM EDT


I remember that the Hogan Family did an Halloween episode that for some reason gave me nightmares.

I also remember there was a short-lived Jim Henson HBO show that was set in an haunted house or castle "The Ghost of" is all I remember.

Anyone else remember the short-lived Munsters revival "The Munsters Today"  That was a fun show.

Ghosted by JLAJRC @ 09/27/2005 1:08 PM EDT


I thought "The Munsters Today" was all right.  Good casting picks for Herman, Lily, and Grandpa.
With long hair, Rue looks kinda like Susan Sarandon.
Matt, you ever review that Addams Family Hallowe’en special?  The one about Cousin Shy?

Ghosted by kingklash @ 09/27/2005 1:15 PM EDT


Matt,

Have you had any good encounters with Advertising Week in NY this week?  I love the creepy looking Burger King character.

Ghosted by King Chachi @ 09/27/2005 2:14 PM EDT


If I had a magic wishing rock I’d make Matt program director of holiday lineups for a major cable company.

Good article.  Either I didn’t watch this or forgot all about it.  Maybe someday it will air again.

Ghosted by Carri @ 09/27/2005 2:24 PM EDT


A Halloween special so breath taking, it brings a tear to Sandy Duncan’s glass eye.  Oh man, you gotta love the nerdy kid who mentioned something about "the secret body language of cats."  It’s strange becasue I remember watching The Hogan Family on a regular basis but i don’t remember specific episodes except for one where Jason Bateman’s character painted himself into a corner.  And maybe I’m not remembering that one exactly either…Rue is always great no matter what she does.  i always loved how in the opening sequence to The Golden Girls the synched up her shoulders swinging when she was walking towards the camera to the theme music for that split second.  She was alright in Mama’s Family but nothing will ever touch her work as Blanche Devereaux.

Ghosted by phunqsauce @ 09/27/2005 2:36 PM EDT


I’ve been watching snippets of Mama’s Family lately (it’s on before SBTB, gimme a break) but I’ve only caught occasional glimpses of Rue.
Never watched Hogan Family, but I’m actually interested in seeing it now. Hopefully it’s not FOR BRITISH EYES ONLY. (Somewhere an Arrested Development fan just fell off their chair laughing if they’re anything like me).

Ghosted by squee4242 @ 09/27/2005 2:58 PM EDT


That the my worst hello ever. You have to admire a man you can keep going after something like that.

Ghosted by RAS @ 09/27/2005 3:12 PM EDT


Once again, Matt get a mention on FARK!  There someone mentioned the Paul Lynde Hallowe’en Special.  How can you not admire a man who has Margaret Hamilton, Billie Hayes, and KISS star on his special?

Ghosted by kingklash @ 09/27/2005 3:23 PM EDT


You know, I bet anyone who signed a contract for any NBC show in the 1980s probably had to do at least one of these specials, from "normal" to bizarre and outlandish.  This likely falls into the bizarre and outlandish category.  I liked that "Hogan Family will return next week" promo.  I was 7 in October 1989, but I don’t remember this special, though I DO remember "The Hogan Family."  My boyfriend is attempting to find a tape with "Hogan Family" on it.  He’s also searching for "Growing Pains," another show I miss.  They used to show reruns, but not anymore.  Also, glad to see they were using the current NBC Peacock logo–I believe there was a different one in the earlier part of the 1980s.

Ghosted by Allison @ 09/27/2005 4:02 PM EDT


King Chachi, I’m scared of the Burger King, he’s so creepy.  My boyfriend says he has an amazing resemblance to King Friday from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.

Blanche: I treat my body like a temple.
Sophia: Yeah.  Open to anyone…day and night!

Ghosted by Allison @ 09/27/2005 4:06 PM EDT


I remember an NBC Disney special that Bea Arthur and Betty White hosted in the 80’s.  Probably for Disney’s birthday or something.  It also featured Jim Varney, Emmanuelle Lewis, Harry Anderson, Dolly Parton, and the female supporting player from Moonlighting.  Bea Arthur sang. Betty White basically acted like Rose.

Ghosted by JLAJRC @ 09/27/2005 4:16 PM EDT


"I remember an NBC Disney special that Bea Arthur and Betty White hosted in the 80’s. Probably for Disney’s birthday or something. It also featured Jim Varney, Emmanuelle Lewis, Harry Anderson, Dolly Parton, and the female supporting player from Moonlighting. Bea Arthur sang. Betty White basically acted like Rose."

They should’ve given that a theatrical release and just called it Star Wars Episode 3.

Because that rocks.

Ghosted by The Wukong Effect @ 09/27/2005 4:25 PM EDT


Those Burger King ads are horrifying!!!  Especially where the guy wakes up and the King is in bed with him.  WTF!!!!  I don’t know what the more disturbing image is: the King pitching or catching!?!

Ghosted by Funky Boo Berry the 70's Ghost @ 09/27/2005 4:33 PM EDT


What a treat for me today on XE! I hear about a horrible/excellent Halloween special starring Rue….and I learn about a potential Fraggle Rock MOVIE?? Excellent! "Dance your cares away, worries for another day, let the music play, down in Fraggle Rock" Yeah! I always used that song to de-stress in University, and looks like I still need it (perhaps even more so) for teaching.  Fraggles make me happy. :)

Ghosted by Muppet Baby @ 09/27/2005 4:39 PM EDT


For those longing to see the Hogan Family once again, they ran a few episodes on TVLand this summer.

Ghosted by Carri @ 09/27/2005 4:47 PM EDT


Maybe I’m just strange but i really dig the "king" ad campaign.  Yeah he’s freaky but i think that’s what makes it work.  He may seem freaky but he just wants to provide you with a croissandwich to warm your heart.  And now apparently he plays on defense for the Baltimore Ravens and offense for the Minnesota Vikings so I guess that’ll distract him from staring in your window in the morning or ending up in your bed.  I just know one night when I’ve had too many….hehehe ::shudders::

Ghosted by phunqsauce @ 09/27/2005 4:48 PM EDT


Those Burger King ads are really quite brilliant.  They’re hilarious but disturbing as all hell at the same time.  I hope they do a Halloween-themed commercial with the "King."

Ghosted by Monte @ 09/27/2005 5:20 PM EDT


One of my favorite ads was the one where the guy looks out the window to see the King standing in the yard, glances away for a moment, then turns around to find himself FACE TO BIG FIBERGLASS NOGGIN with the dude!  AAAHHH!!  The phone calls are coming from inside the head!

Ghosted by kingklash @ 09/27/2005 6:20 PM EDT


I’m digging the new one with the lumberjack cutting down a tree, only to find The King standing behind it and offering him artery blockage on a bun.

Ghosted by The Wukong Effect @ 09/27/2005 6:26 PM EDT


What about the add when The King confronts Darth Vader and they just look at each other. After seeing that I had to have all of the Star Wars kids meal toys :)

Ghosted by Darth Poop @ 09/27/2005 6:36 PM EDT


You are all off. "He did not come correct for breakfast!" with Bentley Farnsworth is the best new school BK commercial, followed by the one where Darth shows up at that dude’s door. The King is interesting, but I don’t find him as funny or unsettling as they seem to want me to. The Burger King, I mean. The Klash King is always funny and unsettling.

Ghosted by squee4242 @ 09/27/2005 7:30 PM EDT


Has anybody ever checked out the nutritional specs on that omelet-sandwich thing that Burger King peddles? Grab hold of your aorta and get a load of these figures:
-740 calories
-46 grams of fat
-16 grams of saturated fat
-330 milligrams of cholesterol
-1950 milligrams of sodium
YIKES! Needless to say, I’ll be stopping by BK tomorrow morning on my way to work to scarf down one of these bad boys along with a handful of hash-browns and a stack of griddle-cakes, and then I’ll chase it all down with a chocolate shake and four shots of bourbon.

Ghosted by The Yeti @ 09/27/2005 7:56 PM EDT


The King confronts Darth Vader and they just look at each other.

Not to mention breathing through their respective masks. *jibblies*

Ghosted by Invader Norbert @ 09/27/2005 8:03 PM EDT


ooo!  Sister Act is on!!  Righteous!

The Fraggle Rock theme song really does indeed rock.  That’s one pumpin’ bass line, right up there with the bass from "Night Court"!@

Ghosted by kidneyboy @ 09/27/2005 8:09 PM EDT


Matt! Check out some of your countdown 2003 pages, there’s things chucking shit at my computer. It was a banner ad at the top of the page having little javascript windows trying to get me to install something called "winfixer." Yeah, anyone else see that?

Ghosted by Tom No Like @ 09/27/2005 8:45 PM EDT


It’s adware/spyware. Run whatever adware remover you’re using and see if that helps.

Ghosted by The Wukong Effect @ 09/27/2005 9:22 PM EDT


It would be an ugly scene if i ever came face to face with someone who creates spy/ad ware for a living…..So much built up hatred…

Ghosted by D-Roc @ 09/27/2005 10:16 PM EDT


I think I remember that some professional spammer got shot a while back.

Ghosted by The Wukong Effect @ 09/27/2005 11:04 PM EDT


Allison: How in the HELL have they gotten away with not putitng Growing Pains on DVD yet?  It’s criminal…

phunqsauce: I love the King, he kicks ass :)

Ghosted by Night_Trekker @ 09/28/2005 1:35 AM EDT


Dammit, should preview my posts before submitting :(

And I wanted to see that the Halloween "frown" was, also

Ghosted by Night_Trekker @ 09/28/2005 1:37 AM EDT


I’m not the worlds biggest NFL fan, but if the Packers had the King as wide receiver, they might be better than 0-3!

One copy of Corey Haim: Me, Myself & I on Amazon, used for $39.99!!  Holy sheeyat!@

Ghosted by kidneyboy @ 09/28/2005 1:43 AM EDT


Are you suprised at the Haim video’s price or that one is available?

Sorry I haven’t posted lately guys, volunteer coaching for high school football, a newborn son, college work, and an unhealthy Newgrounds Numa Numa fetish…I’ve been alittle preoccupied.

Semper Fi,
Erik Majorwitz

Ghosted by EMajorwitz @ 09/28/2005 5:15 AM EDT


Are you surprised at the Haim video’s price or that one is available?

Sorry I haven’t posted lately guys, volunteer coaching for high school football, a newborn son, college work, and an unhealthy Newgrounds Numa Numa fetish…I’ve been alittle preoccupied.

Semper Fi,
Erik Majorwitz

Ghosted by EMajorwitz @ 09/28/2005 5:15 AM EDT


Hey Matt and everyone else,
Thought you might find this interesting:

http://www.nature.com/news/2005/050926/full/050926-7.html

In short, they have a picture of a 26′3" giant squid in the wild. Crytpozoologists unite!

Ghosted by the Danimal @ 09/28/2005 5:23 AM EDT


I have traveled to 14 states this year and I am finding Burger King’s increasingly rare, especially in Pittsburgh where there are literally like 2 left!  Why is this do you think!?!?  Its alarming that people choose McDonald’s crap over the King!  Even in Disney World all the fries are McD’s, that’s weak as hell!!!!!  They need a BK commercial with a guy in a stall and he needs TP and the King’s hand reaches under from the next stall with some TP and then reaches under again with a whopper and then the guy opens the stall door and the King is standing there with hands on hips.  That’d be awesome.

Ghosted by Funky Boo Berry the 70's Ghost @ 09/28/2005 9:30 AM EDT


kidneyboy: I’m not the worlds biggest NFL fan, but if the Packers had the King as wide receiver, they might be better than 0-3!

Ugh - they’re so bad this year.  Oh well.  At least the Badgers don’t need the king - they’re ranked #17 now!  Maybe it’s really Calhoun under the king costume….

Ghosted by Gozer @ 09/28/2005 10:41 AM EDT


I remember an NBC Disney special that Bea Arthur and Betty White hosted in the 80’s. Probably for Disney’s birthday or something.

You’re right! I had totally forgotten about that. I watched it a couple of times, so it’s probably in my parents’ video tape vault. It’s times like these that I hate having them so far away.

You know, I bet anyone who signed a contract for any NBC show in the 1980s probably had to do at least one of these specials, from "normal" to bizarre and outlandish.

Personally, I miss those days. Remember all the cool stuff…Battle of the Network Stars (that new one with reality stars doesn’t count. It misses the whole point.), Circus of the Stars (which I miss terribly)… Remember when it was commonplace to see any number of network personalities "singing" on a float at the Macy’s parade? Nowadays you’d only get one if they were cross-promoting an album. The other day I was going through some of my tapes and I watched the NBC 60th anniversary special. All I could think when I watched the finale is that there’s no way you could get the actors to do that these days. I made a RealVideo file if anyone wants to watch it. Just click on my name. Granted, it’s a lot of "golden era" stars, but if you have patience (and can tolerate the buzzing), you can catch a glimpse of Estelle Getty (sans Sophia getup) as they roll the credits. For me, though, the money shot is Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas. (Ahhh…80’s NBC…THAT was TV.) I also enjoy seeing how many people don’t know the words (and don’t care.) Lastly, props to Carl Reiner for throwing his heart into everything he does.

Ghosted by Lori @ 09/28/2005 11:38 AM EDT


Gozer-
I am going to Madison again this weekend to visit my sis.  I’ll be the one without the red shirt on.
I now feel prepared having seen the craziness that occurs in Wisconsin when there is a foot ball present.  You guys are amazing superfans.

Ghosted by kb @ 09/28/2005 11:41 AM EDT


FBBT70’sG:
Hands on hips, pantaloons around ankles, and Ronald bound and gagged in the next stall over.  While "Driver’s Seat" by Sniff N’ The Tears plays.  Then Jack in the Box, over drying his hands under one of those blowers, says, "My head’s bigger."
Or is that just another one of my nightmares?

Ghosted by kingklash @ 09/28/2005 11:47 AM EDT


Another NBC Disney special I remember was called "Totally Minnie" which had Robert Carradine doing his nerd thing, the cast of Cheers and Family Ties, Elton John, Phylisha Rashad, and Cheech Marin singing or reminiscing about Minnie Mouse.

A couple of years ago ABC and NBC did anniversary specials where they had cast members from various shows past and present in an auditorium setting doing reunions, clips, bloopers, etc.  SNL did one too.  They still do them, but their VERY rare.

Ghosted by JLAJRC @ 09/28/2005 12:13 PM EDT


Thanks Lori, that NBC clip ruled!

Ghosted by Carri @ 09/28/2005 12:48 PM EDT


what realy bugs me is when they show commercials for fast food places that don’t even exist in my part of the world.  i keep seeing commercials for Sonic, and there isn’t one within a 200 mile radius of me!  ok, maybe i’m exaggerating, but there aren’t any in the greater Pittsburgh area and they look really tasty!  you don’t see eat n park advertising in Florida, do you??

Ghosted by bitchpants @ 09/28/2005 1:08 PM EDT


HEY bitchpants where are all the BKs in Pgh going?

Ghosted by FBBT70G @ 09/28/2005 1:22 PM EDT


FBBT70G–I honestly don’t know.  there are still a few around.  there’s one in the southside, one in Bridgeville and a couple in Robinson.  i’m a little bummed that they are vanishing from all other parts though because i LOVE whoppers!

Ghosted by bitchpants @ 09/28/2005 2:18 PM EDT


Lori-
That clip was the best.  Kinda sad how many of those people have passed on though.  It desn’t seem like it could really be 20 years old.

Ghosted by kb @ 09/28/2005 2:26 PM EDT


FBBT70G, bitchpants -

The only one I can think of is on the Southside, that old-timey one that I love but have never visited.  Where are the ones in Robinson?

Ghosted by Jessica Marie @ 09/28/2005 3:02 PM EDT


The BK Pittsburgh mystery:

I was skeptical of this thread.  I mean, BKs don’t just abandon major cities, but you guys are totally on to something.  Check out the BK restaurant finder for Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Cleveland.  Those three cities should be comparable as far as BK numbers go.  Buffalo and Cleveland have dozens of BKs which is normal while Pittsburgh has only five within a five mile radius.

What’s going on Pittsburgh?  Who’s usurping the King’s fast-food throne?

Ghosted by Carri @ 09/28/2005 3:13 PM EDT


Jessica Marie, the one in Robinson that I know of is at the Pointe all nestled in behind Petsmart by Best Buy.  Where’s the Southside one at?  How many people on here are from the Burgh anyways?!

Ghosted by Funky Boo Berry the 70's Ghost @ 09/28/2005 3:29 PM EDT


If there was a BK commercial of the King playing for the Steelers he’d put his arm up for a fair catch and get drilled so hard he’d soil his majesty’s britches and then get piled on and buried in Heinz field like Hoffa at Giant’s stadium….that’s what’d happen in that commercial.

Ghosted by FBBt7G @ 09/28/2005 3:33 PM EDT


let’s not cut up on the Steelers…

i was thinking of the one at the pointe in Robinson.  there was another one on steubenville pike near sheetz, but now that i think of it, that one might be gone too.
FBBt7G- the one in the southside is right on carson street, near fat head’s i believe.

jessica marie–why do i get the feeling that i know you…

Ghosted by bitchpants @ 09/28/2005 4:08 PM EDT


Here’s an animalia sidenote: a giant squid has been photographed:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/cpress.../ca_pr_on_sc/japan_giant_squid

Ghosted by AlphaCentaurian @ 09/28/2005 4:13 PM EDT


many of the burger king’s in the dallas area have closed, and it saddens my soul :(

i don’t eat carbs anymore but i still like those little flame broiled patties.. i’m sorry but mcdonald’s tastes like alien meat

Ghosted by diamondzdigidul @ 09/28/2005 4:30 PM EDT


speaking of burger king does anybody remember when they had those little white castle style burgers?

i used to luv those little flame broiled morsels of goodness

Ghosted by diamondzdigidul @ 09/28/2005 4:32 PM EDT


I’m not cutting up the Steelers, I’m commenting on BKs failings as a company in the Pgh region in relation to their football ads where the King is making big plays….cause he ain’t in Pgh., although I live in Greentree and will now be going to the Carson St. BK this weekend, I have a 2 for 1 triple whopper coupon and will revel in 6 patty flame broiled goodness and then promptly restart my heart a-beating with a jolt of electricity my wife will have standing by when I return home. and the little burgers were Burger Buddies.

Ghosted by FBBT7G @ 09/28/2005 4:42 PM EDT


Night_Trekker–thank you!  I share your sentiments!!  Growing Pains not on DVD IS criminal!!!!!

Ghosted by Allison @ 09/28/2005 4:43 PM EDT


FBBT7G–I live in Mt Washington.  drop me off a whopper on your way home!

Ghosted by bitchpants @ 09/28/2005 4:49 PM EDT


Lori–LOVED the video clip!!!  Is there anything about "Saturday Night Live" during the special?  If so, what?

Ghosted by Allison @ 09/28/2005 4:59 PM EDT


There is this meteorologist on WPVI-TV/ABC-6 in Philadelphia named David Murphy that bears an uncanny resemblance to Dana Carvey.  Here’s the link:

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/st...y?section=bios&id=3301334

If you’re questioning it, check around on the website to see if there are any video clips of him, and you could see what I’m talking about!!!  ENJOY!

Ghosted by Allison @ 09/28/2005 5:02 PM EDT


bitchpants - I don’t know, do you know me?  I just moved to Edgewood from Point Breeze. . . I had a job as a nanny out in Fox Chapel so I didn’t have much time for socializing until now.

It’s no wonder I didn’t know about the one in Robinson, if it’s hidden all the way out by Best Buy.  I don’t go out there much anymore since I’m so much closer to Monroeville.

Ghosted by Jessica Marie @ 09/28/2005 5:55 PM EDT


"There is this meteorologist on WPVI-TV/ABC-6 in Philadelphia named David Murphy that bears an uncanny resemblance to Dana Carvey."

It probably is him.  Had to move out of town and change his name after "Master of Disguise" was released.

Ghosted by Monte @ 09/28/2005 7:30 PM EDT


Allison - I’m sure there is, but I’ll have to check the tape again to see exactly what. Honestly, I skimmed through a lot.

Ghosted by Lori @ 09/29/2005 10:04 AM EDT


…I see no goofs added! I feel betrayed :(

Ghosted by FangsFirst @ 09/30/2005 1:48 AM EDT


Thanks Lori!

Ghosted by Allison @ 09/30/2005 5:09 PM EDT


Speaking of "The Hogan Family", anyone know if it is currently being aired anywhere? (Or "Valerie’s Family" the original title), or I can get tapes or DVDs or torrents or whatever?

Ghosted by Destro @ 09/30/2005 8:04 PM EDT


NO ONE WILL EVER READ THIS POST! AHAHAHAHAHA

Ghosted by me @ 10/05/2005 8:13 AM EDT


I read it.

Ghosted by Matt @ 10/05/2005 5:07 PM EDT


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