CSI

Jun 2015 20

TV Wrinkles – New and Old

2015 Articles, Deborah Harter Williams, Mysteryrat's Maze, TV

by Deborah Harter Williams

Jane and Lily as seniors? Seriously funny.
The success of the Netflix show Grace and Frankie starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin might have audiences rethinking the nature of old on television. Comedy is a time-honored way to challenge assumptions and G & F take on age and same sex marriage right out of the box. Add on interracial adoption and any number of semi-sacred cows with just enough I-can’t-believe-they-said-that to remind us that we’re not watching your grandmother’s broadcast television.

Jan 2014 25

Medical Examiners Make Good TV

2014 Articles, Deborah Harter Williams, Mysteryrat's Maze, TV

by Deborah Harter Williams

It started with Quincy, M.E. (1976-1983). The medical examiner (aka forensic pathologist) came out of expository cameos and into a starring role. With Jack Klugman as the lead, Quincy started as part of the classic NBC Sunday Mystery Movie wheel, rotating with Columbo, McCloud and McMillan & Wife. By mid-season it was clear the show was a hit and became a weekly series.

Aug 2011 22

Mystery TV Fall Preview

2011 Articles, Books & Tales, Deborah Harter Williams, TV

by Deborah Harter Williams

Fall is in the air, at least in my imagination. The advent of Labor Day turns my mind to thoughts of fresh pencils and notebooks, new shoes and the TV Guide fall preview issue. I can almost feel the heft of the glossy pages as I set out to plan my TV life back in the day - a time when there were only three networks, you had to hurry home to watch your favorites, and sometimes faced painful choices when two were on at the same time.

Apr 2011 9

Forensic Science: The Crime Lab Project

2011 Articles, Helping Hands, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Jan Burke

Almost all Americans know something about forensic science, or think they do. What they may not realize is that in the U.S. forensic science is at a critical crossroads, and needs our attention, concern, and support.