Catch up with ‘Downton Abbey’ and start the New Year with the Crawleys

Posted on December 6, 2021 by Francine Brokaw

MASTERPIECE on PBS has announced that it will broadcast the first Downton Abbey movie on Christmas Day, and again on January 2 following the premiere of Around the World in 80 Days starring David Tennant.

“We are so happy to offer our viewers the chance to spend the holidays with the Crawleys,” said MASTERPIECE EP Susanne Simpson. “For Downton Abbey fans, this movie is the perfect treat everyone can enjoy.”

“We are so happy to offer our viewers the chance to spend the holidays with the Crawleys,” said MASTERPIECE EP Susanne Simpson. “For Downton Abbey fans, this movie is the perfect treat everyone can enjoy.” MASTERPIECE is presented on PBS by GBH Boston.

“PBS is proud to have been the home of Downton Abbey on MASTERPIECE for six incredible award-winning seasons,” said Maria Bruno Ruiz, Vice President of Program Scheduling at PBS. “Since its debut in 2011, Downton Abbey has been a runaway hit with fans, and we are thrilled to welcome the Crawley family back to PBS.”

‘Alma’s Way’ comes to PBS

Posted on September 21, 2021March 14, 2023 by Francine Brokaw

When you first hear there is a show about Puerto Ricans living in the Bronx, you might think about the Jets and the Sharks from West Side Story. Well, if you think this new PBS Kids show is anything like the atmosphere in that film, you are way off. While the central character, Alma, is Puerto Rican, her Latin heritage does comes into play (like the Alaskan heritage does in Molly of Denali) however the main focus is on learning to solve problems.

As Linda Simensky, Head of Content at PBS Kids, said, “In each story, Alma uses ‘Think-Through’ moments to stop, listen and process in the face of a tough decision and reflects and takes action while demonstrating social awareness.” Simensky added, “We hope this inspires kids to find their own answers to problems, express what they think and feel, and recognize and respect the unique perspective of others.”

Although Alma is the central character, there is a diverse cast that plays and solves problems along with her. They are made up of all backgrounds and ethnicities.

Alma’s Way is the brainchild of Sonia Manzano who based it on her own childhood growing up in the Bronx in a Puerto Rican family. Although she has Puerto Rican heritage, Manzano considers herself first a New Yorker and wanted to show the diverse borough of the Bronx in a way that entices love and understanding among neighbors. “I was always walking that bicultural tightrope that is America, that is the Bronx.”

“All of the characters on the show are based on my real relatives,” Manzano explained, “and I had a cousin Eddie …” Her cousin had polio however she adjusted that in this show. “So our character on the show has cerebral palsy, …”

The Executive Producer, Ellen Doherty, explained that they worked with doctors from Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh to advise them on this character. According to one doctor, who was consulted about the Eddie Mambo character, “If he’s walking a short distance or around the house, he might not need his crutches, but for a longer distance he would need his crutches. So it is really a choice based on what kids would do.” In that they are able to accurately portray this sweet little boy.

Summer Rose Castillo, who voices Alma, claimed, “I’m a lot like Alma because she’s a little girl and she’s from the Bronx. She’s Puerto Rican, and I’m Puerto Rican. And she loves to explore her world, and I do too. I love to go hiking with my family, and I also like to figure stuff out as well.” When asked what she learned from being part of the show, she quickly replied, “So what I have learned from doing the show is that I could believe in myself, trust in myself and never be afraid to dream big.” And that, in a nutshell, is the goal of Alma’s Way.

Alma’s Way is geared for ages 4-6 and premieres on PBS Kids October 4. Thinking for themselves is what the show aims to impart on kids, and that is a lesson worth learning.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Hindenburg: The New Evidence’ settles an unsolved mystery

Posted on May 15, 2021March 14, 2023 by Francine Brokaw

In 1937 the airship Hindenburg burst into flames while landing in New Jersey. The new NOVA documentary, Hindenburg: The New Evidence, uses modern technology to finally put to rest the reason for this disaster.

Up until relatively recently, all the film footage of the crash was from one angle. But a newly discovered piece of film shows the incident from a different side. “Thanks to this stunning new footage, we were able to revive a cold case investigation surrounding one of the most iconic disasters of the 20th century,” said Hindenburg: The New Evidence Executive Producer Gary Tarpinian.

While many thought it was sabotage that destroyed Germany’s popular airship, there were others that thought there was a more natural reason for the disaster. The ship was filled with hydrogen gas. Helium would have been preferable since it does not explode, however it was limited to the United States and not allowed to be sold outside of the country. So the Germans stayed with their standby modus operandi – hydrogen gas. Although other Zeppelins had exploded, for the most part the country had a good history when it came to their airships.

So, what exactly happened on that fateful day?

With careful examination of the new footage as well as technological experiments with recreations of the material that was used on the Hindenburg, the conclusion is clear. They finally put to rest the mystery surrounding the explosion of the Hindenburg. And it is really quite simple, when looking at it from today’s perspective. A confluence of circumstances took part in this historic disaster.

“For over 80 years, experts have debated how and why the fire began,” added Writer/Producer Rushmore DeNooyer. “Using the tried and true scientific method, we were able to unravel a key part of one of history’s most famous and captivating unsolved mysteries.”

I could go into detail and thoroughly explain what the conclusion is, however you should watch the film for yourself and see how they came to solve the mystery.

“We went to a lot of places in search of answers—from the crash site in Lakehurst, New Jersey, to the Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen in Germany,” said Director Kirk Wolfinger. “This film not only reveals new insights into how this tragic event unfolded, but also illustrates the enormous scale of the disaster.”

Hindenburg: The New Evidence premieres May 19, 2021 on PBS.

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Mr. Poldark goes to Westminster – Adventures and ordeals of a man who sold his soul to become a politician

Posted on September 27, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

Poldark Season 4 explores the three prominent couples in Cornwall in the 18th century. Disenchanted with each other one way or another, Ross & Demelza Poldark, George & Elizabeth Warleggan, and Dwight & Caroline Enys sail out on rough seas called ‘adult life.’

Captain Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner) cannot compete with a ghost of Hugh Armitage (Josh Whitehouse), Demelza’s (Eleanor Tomlinson) paramour, while she has always been in competition with an ideal named Elizabeth (Heida Reed), The One That Got Away. Totally unaware of his pent-up frustrations, jealously, and resentments, the Man of Principle embarks on a new career and heads into uncharted waters of politics. As always, he’s on a noble mission to help the poor, but the Parliament is not impressed. How does an idealistic, inexperienced, and reluctant Old Money Poldark navigate the corrupt world of politics where the likes of New Money George Warleggan (Jack Farthing) could cheat his way in and thrive? Ross’ enthusiasm for the Parliament evaporates into a more cynical disillusion and frustration. You know what they say, “If you like laws and sausages, you should never watch either one being made.”

George is blinded by his own megalomania and in relentless pursuit for historic recognition at any cost, but he has a sneaking suspicion that Elizabeth and Ross might have the last laugh after all. Luckily for Elizabeth, there is no way to determine paternity of Valentine (Raphael J. Bishop) and it torments George to no end. He believes his life would be complete and perfect when he is knighted. Not so fast. Elizabeth cooks up a scheme to put an end to George’s mistrust of her devotion, but it backfires on her. Be careful what you wish for, George.

Dr. Dwight Enys (Luke Norris), the only sensitive soul of this series, has his shares of heartbreaks and losses. Caroline (Gabriella Wilde) hesitantly ventures into parenthood, but it doesn’t end well. Too proud to admit her ‘failure,’ Caroline makes a bolt for London. When an entitled and privileged socialite marries a poor doctor with a heart of gold, there’s no doubt who wears the pants. Can this fragile relationship survive the tragedy? We shall see.

It’s fascinating to observe and analyze the three passive aggressive marriages in the 18th century England. Naturally, those in superior positions (Ross, George, and Caroline) impact their spouses’ self-esteem and the subordinate partners (Demelza, Elizabeth, and Dwight) develop a progressive feeling of isolation and being left emotionally depleted. No wonder the passive partners resort to every trick in the book. Playing coy and then crying foul gets old quickly, Demelza. You’ve done that one too many times; it’s not cute any more. “You never solve problems in a relationship by turning away from your partner,” says Dr. Phil. I realize that his advise might be a foreign concept to unequal partnerships in the 18th century, but you act like Ross’ equal partner yet resort to your usual tricks as you see fit. That doesn’t sit well with me. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

Poldark returns Sunday, September 30, 2018 for the fourth season on PBS’ MASTERPIECE.

About the Author

Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of thought-provoking and paradigm shifting human drama worth our precious time. She is a member of Television Critics Association.

‘Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story’ unveils a feminist way ahead of her time

Posted on May 3, 2018May 4, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

Can you name some Old Hollywood Glamour? My picks would be Hedy Lamarr, Ingrid Bergman, Vivien Leigh, and Grace Kelly. I’ve seen Bergman, Leigh, and Kelly in action, but I’ve never seen Lamarr’s works. According to PBS’ American Masters – Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story, Lamarr never had her Casablanca, and surprise, surprise, Leigh was one of Hedy Lamarr wannabes!

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story is literally a bombshell of fascinating eye-openers. You’ll be shell shocked at one alluring tidbit after another. Who would have thought? Hedy Lamarr (1914 – 2000) is the Hidden Figure behind secure WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth technologies, yet she never publicly talked about her acute interest in inventing a wide range of things from compressed Coke cube (although she admitted this attempt was ‘one of my boo-boos’) to revolutionary frequency hopping. What makes this documentary so intimate and endearing is that Lamarr herself gets to tell her untold story thanks to journalist Fleming Meeks who kept his phone interview tapes for 25 years.

The show opens with her quote: “Any girl can look glamourous. All she has to do is stand still and look stupid.” Lamarr’s astute observation embodies not only Hollywood but also the universal culture toward women. She desperately wanted to make her mark, but did not get the R-E-S-P-E-C-T she craved as someone who contributed to the wellbeing of humankind. Instead of accepting her secure communications system, the Navy told her to sell kisses for war bonds. MGM Studios used Lamarr as a money-making distraction for the troops. How humiliating and demeaning that must have been! We’ve been there more or less, haven’t we, ladies? But we’re talking about the most recognizable face of her time being ‘handled’ and never seen for who she was.

I don’t think I’m reading too much into her remarks; I certainly detected disappointment and resigned sadness in her voice. The saving grace of this documentary is that Lamarr seemed to have come to grips and made her peace with the grim reality of the patriarchal society. Dim our lights. Dumb ourselves down, way down. We don’t want to be labeled as ‘difficult,’ do we now?

They say “beauty knocks many doors.” Lamarr innocently walked into the first door that opened wide for her, but the Studio System did not appreciate her ‘being herself.’ She had too many faces to fit the traditional Hollywood Glamour mold. So she jiggled many more doors, but unfortunately her stunning beauty held her back in the doorways. Lamarr was a trailblazer for feminism; ingenious inventor and fiercely independent problem solver who refused to be just a pretty face. I wish I could tell her things have changed, but regrettably not much.

PBS’ American Masters – Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story premieres on Friday, May 18, 2018.

About the Author

Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of human drama worth watching. She is a member of Television Critics Association as well as Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

‘Mister Rogers: It’s You I Like’ on PBS

Posted on February 21, 2018February 23, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

Michael Keaton hosts this extraordinary documentary examining the career and contributions of Fred Rogers. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood ran from 1968 -2001 and over the years brought joy, entertainment, knowledge, support, and love to kids through his imaginative storytelling and impressive guests.

The documentary interjects interviews with many people who discuss the effects the show had on them and on the viewers. Judd Apatow, Joyce DiDonato, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Kratt, John Lithgow, Yo-Yo Ma and son Nicholas Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Sarah Silverman, Esperanza Spalding and Caroll Spinney talk about how Mr. Rogers gently helped kids expand their worlds and learn about others who influenced people with their talents and disabilities. Keaton had first hand knowledge of Fred Rogers and the show, having worked at the studio during the time and describes some of his duties on the series.

Over the years guests of all kinds came to the neighborhood, including Big Bird. There were the regulars, like Mr. McFeely The Speedy Delivery Man, Officer Clemmons, and the puppets Daniel Striped Tiger, X the Owl, Henrietta Pussycat, Lady Elaine Fairchilde, and others who appeared regularly to add continuity and contentment to the series. When kids turned on the show, they felt like they were visiting friends.

The trolley took them to the Neighborhood of Make Believe, where anything was possible. Picture Picture took viewers to various factories where they learned how items were made. Many different styles of music, including Jazz, were explored on the show as well. This series broadened the minds of young viewers while not preaching at them, but inviting them into the comfortable neighborhood.

And speaking of comfortable, who can forget the tennis shoes and cardigan Mr. Rogers wore during the show? These trademark items impressed on young minds that Mr. Rogers was there to be with them and not instruct them, as a teacher would, dressed in a suit and tie. Everything about the show was designed with young minds in mind.

Songs added to the continuity and education while giving kids a foundation on which to build their lives. All kinds of topics were explored through discussions, guests, and music. When a kid entered the neighborhood, he or she knew she was among friends.

Fred Rogers’ wife Joanne also appears on this documentary as well as Angela Santomero who created the animated series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. This series debuted in 2012 and continues with the themes and characters of the original show, with Daniel taking viewers through the neighborhoods and into his home.

The legacy of Fred Rogers lives on. Mr. Rogers: It’s You I Like takes a look back at the show and how it influenced a generation of young viewers. The documentary celebrated the 50th year anniversary of the show. It premieres March 6, 2018 on PBS.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

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‘Best of Enemies’ on PBS

Posted on October 3, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

With today’s 24-hour news cycle with countless cable networks, we don’t think of the past when we had just the three main networks: NBC, CBS, and ABC. Today we take political commentaries and insolent attacks against others and their political views as the norm. But that really didn’t start until the late 1960s. And the two men who started this format were William F. Buckley and Gore Vidal, two gentlemen who had very different ideas about life and politics and both had superb knowledge of the English language.

In the Independent Lens documentary Best of Enemies, the rivalry between these two men and their imprints on today’s political landscape are examined. Back in the 1960s, ABC was third among the three networks. They didn’t have the finances to cover the political conventions gavel to gavel, as the other two did. So they reverted to employing Buckley and Vidal to debate the candidates and issues. This was a new tact and one that turned out to be successful for ABC.

What ultimately happened is that name-calling turned the tide and took a toll on Buckley. Both men were well versed in the language and could talk circles around anyone else, but when you put them together in a head-to-head matchup, the explosion was heard around the world, so to speak. Well, at least around the country.

This is a very interesting documentary. “In the focused light of the 1968 national television camera, the seeds were planted for our present media landscape, when the spectacle trumps the content of argument,” says director Robert Gordon. “Each side today, like these two men, sees the other as malignant, promulgating views catastrophic for America; strident partisanship is understood as virile patriotism and compromise is castration. These Vidal-Buckley debates forecast the present state of civic discourse, heated by camera lights and abbreviated by corporate sponsors.”

“Ultimately, this is a story about something I care about deeply; how the way we now ‘talk’ and ‘listen’ to each other through media is in fact corrosive to our society,” says director Morgan Neville. “Sometimes I look around and wonder, ‘What happened to the adults in our culture?’ This film, I hope, offers some clues.”

Once you see this and learn about the Buckley/Gore debates, you won’t look at today’s talking heads the same way.

Best of Enemies premiers October 3, 2016 on PBS.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Arthur’ turns 20

Posted on October 1, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

The beloved character and star of the PBS series Arthur is turning 20 this month. The little aardvark has been a popular character on TV for two decades and in his animated series continues to bring in new fans for his aardvark antics.

The series began in 1996 and has been broadcast in over 80 countries bringing in 7 million viewers each month. With 7 Emmys, a big presence on Facebook (1 million followers), and ranked as one of the “50 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time,” Arthur has a loyal fan base that now encompasses several generations of viewers who have stuck with the little guy year after year and introduced him to their own children.

With the books based on Arthur’s adventures by Marc Brown, Arthur and his friends help kids with problem solving and issues that are part of their lives. “I could never have dreamed, 20 years ago, the wonderful adventure I was about to have with Arthur,” said Marc Brown, creator of Arthur, “It’s been so much fun working with the many talented, smart people who make Arthur happen. I think what’s most rewarding for all of us is using the medium of television to try and make children successful.”

Besides the books and the long-running TV show, PBS has created an Arthur App which contains several games, each focusing on different skills and fun. With over 15 levels, there is always something new and exciting to keep kids occupied as well as help them develop teamwork skills.

“PBS is committed to using the power of digital media to educate and inspire,” said Ira Rubenstein, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Digital, PBS. “As part of fulfilling this mission, PBS offers more than 40 apps for kids and parents. With engaging games and popular ARTHUR characters, Arthur’s Big App leverages the educational potential of touchscreen technology to help children develop the teamwork and collaboration skills that will prepare them for success in school and in life.”

“Arthur has reached generations of fans through engaging characters and compelling storytelling,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “Arthur embodies PBS Kids’ commitment to help children learn important social-emotional skills, such as managing their emotions, building friendships and developing self-esteem.”

The new season of Arthur premiers October 10, 2016. Join Arthur and all the characters (Buster, Francine, D.W., Alan, Muffy, Binky, Kate, Sue Ellen, George, Fern, Emil, and the rest of the loveable little guys) for new fun and adventures. Even Buster has a podcast, which adds to the relevancy to this day and age. Helping kids deal with issues, problems, and acquire skills to focus on life and goals is what Arthur is all about.

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‘Ready Jet Go!’ Premiers on PBS Kids

Posted on February 2, 2016February 2, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Ready Jet Go! is the newest series for 3-8 year-olds on PBS Kids. This animated show revolves around a group of neighborhood kids who have all kinds of adventures, thanks to the new kid on the block, Jet Propulsion. Jet is an alien from the planet Bortron 7, and he and his parents introduce the earth kids to some out-of-this-world exploits while the local kids teach their new neighbors about life on Earth. The Propulsion’s pet is a combination
cat/dog/raccoon/kangaroo/ rabbit named Sunspot who joins in the adventures.

Every episode includes some interesting question about space, like why isn’t Pluto still considered a planet? Each episode has two 11-minute animated stories as well as a live-action interstitial that educates viewers about various things like the Space Shuttle. Dr. Amy Mainzer, an astronomer with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, hosts these little interstitials.

Dr. Mainzer is excited about being part of this program and sparking kids’ interest in space and space exploration. Her own interest began when she was 6 and she has followed the stars ever since.

The show focuses on teamwork, and as Dr. Mainzer explained to the media, “Science is about teamwork. Science, there’s a kind of a misconception that it’s a lone scientist alone in a dark laboratory with a lab coat and big glasses and all that, and nothing could be further from the truth in my experience.”

Dr. Mainzer said, “Basically, you’re working with a big group of people that try to solve some really complicated problems, and you’re joking around and you’re laughing. And the sense of humor is what allows you to survive the tough times, right? So that’s, I think, one of the things we want to convey through the show, is that science is about teamwork, cooperation, working together, trying to solve hard things. And if you do that, you can actually find solutions to some really difficult problems.”

When she was a kid, Dr. Mainzer researched on her own and admitted, “This is the show that I would have wanted to have when I was a kid. This was the show I was looking for but couldn’t find. And it was really lucky that I had a very supportive mom. As I like to say, my mom knows probably more about liquid helium than a lot of physics graduate students do, because she was a great listener. And it just goes to show, you don’t have to have parents and family who are in the sciences, who are in engineering, to produce somebody who goes on to become a STEM professional science, technology, engineering, and math.”

Jet is a hero to earthlings Sean, who is really into science, and Sydney, who is into science fiction. And another earth girl is little Mindy, a 4-year-old who isn’t allowed to go farther than the neighbor’s backyard, so she has to stay on Earth when the others take off in the flying saucer. But she’s OK with that. However she might be in for some out-of-this-world adventures in the second season. (A little tidbit from the producer.)

And yes, while the kids work together they have fun too, and there are plenty of great songs in the show as well. Plus, each episode has a curriculum like the sun is at the center of our solar system, failure is not he opposite of success but is a stepping stone to success, there are different kinds of stars, etc.

Ready Jet Go! premiers Monday, February 15, 2016 on PBS. Blast off with this new series filled with fun characters and interesting facts. This is something parents will enjoy watching with their kids – and might learn something too!

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Downton Abbey – The Final Season

Posted on December 25, 2015December 25, 2015 by Francine Brokaw

The final season of Downton Abbey begins Sunday, January 3, 2016, with the series finale airing on March 6. This final season has storylines for every main character, both upstairs and downstairs.

Believe it or not, the wedding of Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes is finally here. They were engaged last season. Viewers see how this couple copes with being newlyweds, with some very amusing consequences.

Tom Branson, who left last season for Boston, returns and is now fully ensconced in the Crawley family. Mary becomes even bitchier, if that’s possible. She has a personal conflict to resolve, as does Edith who has the most interesting storyline this season. She is dealing with her secret daughter Marigold and her love life. But she also shows what a good businesswoman she is when it comes to handling the magazine she inherited.

The service staff also finds themselves in changing situations. Anna and Mr. Bates have an especially trying personal situation but their love sees them through. And Mrs. Patmore is confronted with a moral dilemma that blindsides her and puts a damper on her future plans.

The entire household is confronted with the changing world. The service staff dwindles, other estates in the area are being sold, the modern post-WW I world is changing attitudes. Women are taking more control, households are thinning down, and attitudes are changing at a quick pace, which is something that would have appealed to Sybil.

While fans have enjoyed the situations both upstairs and downstairs and in the town, this seems like the best time to bring the series to an end. Yes, viewers have been devoted to the characters through the years, but with the change in the world (1925), the changes in their personal lives just are not as conducive to this program.

The stock market crash is just around the corner, and as Executive Producer Gareth Neame explained, “I don’t know if I could bear to see Robert Grantham go through (another) financial (disaster).”

This season leaves the characters in a way that will not be disappointing to the loyal fans of the series. And there still might be a Downton Abbey movie in the future. The powers that be have not ruled that out.

What – or who – will you miss when Downton Abbey ends? Penolope Wilton (Isobel Crawley) admitted, “I never thought I’d say this, but I got to enjoy wearing those wonderful hats.” Joanne Froggatt (Anna Bates) and Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary) both admit they will miss all the people, both in front of the camera and behind the camera. And Elizabeth McGovern (Cora Crawley) had the best answer. “I’ll miss being in a hit TV show.”

The final season of Downton Abbey runs on PBS January 3, 2016 – March 6. Enjoy the ups and downs of this popular show for the last time.

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