I don't want to go too deeply into this because this is still merely speculation, rumors, or hearsay. But one thing that caught my eye the other day, is that there is currently a "blind item" (http://www.agcwebpages.com/BLINDITEMS/2020/AUGUST.html) floating around that may or may not be about The Facts of Life. Again, I don't want to discuss too heavily what I read at the moment because I'm worried that it may actually not be true and I might be slandering somebody. But I'll just say that this "blind" (https://www.crazydaysandnights.net/2020/08/todays-blind-items-groomed.html) suggests that a supposedly wholesome show that was a network stable for a decade had a lot of inappropriate shenanigans behind the scenes. And one of the actresses (again assuming that this is The Facts of Life) that stayed the entire time (either Lisa, Mindy, or Kim in this case) deluded themselves into thinking this was OK and because the show itself was a good compass for society.

This is just a tin foil hat website that has no evidence. They won't name the show. The probably believe in the lizard people too.

As for the show, anyone who watched the show from the beginning or on DVD instead of Nick at Night (where several shows were banned) know this show was not always a wholesome family oriented show. It dealt with serious issues and they were not afraid to take it on. If you want to watch a syruppy family show, go see Different Strokes. But we all know what became of those kid actors.

I don't want to go too deeply into this because this is still merely speculation, rumors, or hearsay. But one thing that caught my eye the other day, is that there is currently a "blind item" (http://www.agcwebpages.com/BLINDITEMS/2020/AUGUST.html) floating around that may or may not be about The Facts of Life. Again, I don't want to discuss too heavily what I read at the moment because I'm worried that it may actually not be true and I might be slandering somebody. But I'll just say that this "blind" (https://www.crazydaysandnights.net/2020/08/todays-blind-items-groomed.html) suggests that a supposedly wholesome show that was a network stable for a decade had a lot of inappropriate shenanigans behind the scenes. And one of the actresses (again assuming that this is The Facts of Life) that stayed the entire time (either Lisa, Mindy, or Kim in this case) deluded themselves into thinking this was OK and because the show itself was a good compass for society.

TMC, why do you read these things from those websites? It's just like reading those fake gossip magazines at the checkout isles in stores. None of these things are real. If they were, they wouldn't blind item the gossip and tell everyone what it is they're talking about by providing factual sources to prove it. Since they don't, it's because they're making the crap up for people to spread rumors about anyone that fits the description. It's total BS.

As for the show, anyone who watched the show from the beginning or on DVD instead of Nick at Night (where several shows were banned) know this show was not always a wholesome family oriented show. It dealt with serious issues and they were not afraid to take it on. If you want to watch a syruppy family show, go see Different Strokes. But we all know what became of those kid actors.

Syrupy family show or not, Diff'rent Strokes dealt with a lot of serious issues too.

racism
drug use
teenage drinking
the dangers of smoking
the dangers of hitchhiking
child molestation
kidnapping
bulimia

There's probably some others that I'm forgetting.

Both shows: FOL and DS dealt with serious issues and that's why makes them so special than all the other sitcoms!!!!!

Yeah, both shows have several very special episodes. The problem with DS is, you watch the show and you immediately think about the three young stars and their problems after the show's end. I feel sorry for Gary Coleman in particular

Yeah, both shows have several very special episodes. The problem with DS is, you watch the show and you immediately think about the three young stars and their problems after the show's end. I feel sorry for Gary Coleman in particular




Sometimes i think that if CHARLOTTE RAE had remained around those 3 kids, they wouldn't have gone into any mischief (but she was already committed to the FOL girls and her life had taken on a different direction).

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

All of the Facts of Life kids came from strong families. The same could not be said of the Different Strokes kids.

Sometimes i think that if CHARLOTTE RAE had remained around those 3 kids, they wouldn't have gone into any mischief (but she was already committed to the FOL girls and her life had taken on a different direction).

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

Unfortunately the problems on the DS set started when Charlotte was on Facts.

All of the Facts of Life kids came from strong families. The same could not be said of the Different Strokes kids.

Yeah, I think this was the real difference. Even Lisa said they had strong and supporting families

Syrupy family show or not, Diff'rent Strokes dealt with a lot of serious issues too.

racism
drug use
teenage drinking
the dangers of smoking
the dangers of hitchhiking
child molestation
kidnapping
bulimia

There's probably some others that I'm forgetting.


Teenage pregnancy
Junk food
Adoption
The first time

Teenage pregnancy
Junk food
Adoption
The first time

Yeah, I thought about a couple of those episodes after I made that post.

They also did an episode about epilepsy.

Unfortunately the problems on the DS set started when Charlotte was on Facts.



Exactly my point lol!

:violin::violin::violin::violin::violin::violin::violin::violin::violin::violin::violin::violin:

I don't believe one word of that "blind item" about Lisa Whelchel. This was the exact opposite of who Lisa actually was.

Thats disturbing but theres no proof of this even being about FOL

I don't believe one word of that "blind item" about Lisa Whelchel. This was the exact opposite of who Lisa actually was.



What do you mean by 'blind item????' (i have no idea what you're talking about)

orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly

What do you mean by 'blind item????' (i have no idea what you're talking about)

orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly:orly

The first post in this thread has a "blind item" (which really just means unsubstantiated gossip). If you click the link (I don't recommend it), you'll see what they wrote, but I don't believe a word of it.

The first post in this thread has a "blind item" (which really just means unsubstantiated gossip). If you click the link (I don't recommend it), you'll see what they wrote, but I don't believe a word of it.

Exactly. It's like reading those gossip magazines that contain false news about celebrities just to get people hooked into buying. The websites TMC constantly refers to on these boards with majority of their posts is just trying to stir the pot with fictitious rumors to ruin a celebrity's reputation.

Valentina, remember The Facts of Life did multiple episodes on rumors and gossip. Never believe anything until the person themselves is discussing the issue at hand that seems questionable :) There's too many Mr. Gideon's and Professor Katt's in the world that get ruin because people like to start stuff for their own entertainment. Those people should just get a hobby like knitting or exercise.

Exactly. It's like reading those gossip magazines that contain false news about celebrities just to get people hooked into buying. The websites TMC constantly refers to on these boards with majority of their posts is just trying to stir the pot with fictitious rumors to ruin a celebrity's reputation.


I'm very glad you see right through this "blind item" website.

I actually think those "blind item" websites are worse than the tabloids. At least with the tabloids, there are actual named reporters and photographers, and the photographers actually have to go out to locations to get photos. The tabloid stories are often fictional, but it's possible there may be a grain of truth to some of the stories they report. Even though many tabloids have been successfully sued for false reports.

That "blind item" website lists no staff, no sources, and there's no way to get ahold of a named person responsible for the site: the only contact info is an anonymous AOL email address. There are no photos, so no photographers are employed, which would help verify some of the stuff being said. Notice the prominent "donate" button on every page; this isn't a site dedicated to revealing truths. The owner is trying to make money by distributing made-up gossip, all completely anonymously.

This is a conspiracy website by the same people who believe in Pizzagate and the Lizard People.

Thank you both Christopher and Retro for the full explanation!

.

.




I didn't like CINDY and SUE ANN at all in season 2: they became the mean girls, and gone were the sweet and kind best friends from season 1.

:crysoup::crysoup::crysoup::crysoup::crysoup::crysoup::crysoup::crysoup::crysoup:

I'm very glad you see right through this "blind item" website.

I actually think those "blind item" websites are worse than the tabloids. At least with the tabloids, there are actual named reporters and photographers, and the photographers actually have to go out to locations to get photos. The tabloid stories are often fictional, but it's possible there may be a grain of truth to some of the stories they report. Even though many tabloids have been successfully sued for false reports.

That "blind item" website lists no staff, no sources, and there's no way to get ahold of a named person responsible for the site: the only contact info is an anonymous AOL email address. There are no photos, so no photographers are employed, which would help verify some of the stuff being said. Notice the prominent "donate" button on every page; this isn't a site dedicated to revealing truths. The owner is trying to make money by distributing made-up gossip, all completely anonymously.


Well said, Retro. I couldn’t agree more.

I didn't like CINDY and SUE ANN at all in season 2: they became the mean girls, and gone were the sweet and kind best friends from season 1.


It wasn't just Cindy and Sue Ann: Nancy disparages Natalie in "Sex Symbol", and Molly doesn't stand up for Jo in "The New Girl", when Social Justice Warrior Molly would normally have stood up to snobbery.

The writers wrote the Lost Girls in a more adversarial way: they wanted to make sure that the Core Four stuck together, and they did so by making other girls, including the Lost Girls "the competition" in different ways. That's why we saw Margo call the Core Four the "Four Stooges"; that's why we saw Nancy and Blair competing for Roger/the photographer; that's why we saw Cindy, Sue Ann, and Nancy mocking Natalie.

I do like that they showed the Lost Girls still on campus, and that they still hung out with Tootie, Natalie, and Blair sometimes. I like the fact that Cindy invited Tootie up to her and Sue Ann's room. I like that Nancy apologizes for inadvertently calling her a nobody, and that she hangs out with her at Cooper's Rock.

It's true that the Lost Girls are sometimes now somewhat Mean Girls (or in Molly's case, no longer stand up for what is right), but I console myself with the thought that after "Gossip" and "Sex Symbol", Mrs. Garrett had a long talk with them, off-camera, and they apologized to Mrs. Garrett, Natalie, and Home Run Helen.

Well said, Retro. I couldn’t agree more.

I guess we are all in agreement, then. That site is trash.

It wasn't just Cindy and Sue Ann: Nancy disparages Natalie in "Sex Symbol", and Molly doesn't stand up for Jo in "The New Girl", when Social Justice Warrior Molly would normally have stood up to snobbery.

The writers wrote the Lost Girls in a more adversarial way: they wanted to make sure that the Core Four stuck together, and they did so by making other girls, including the Lost Girls "the competition" in different ways. That's why we saw Margo call the Core Four the "Four Stooges"; that's why we saw Nancy and Blair competing for Roger/the photographer; that's why we saw Cindy, Sue Ann, and Nancy mocking Natalie.

I do like that they showed the Lost Girls still on campus, and that they still hung out with Tootie, Natalie, and Blair sometimes. I like the fact that Cindy invited Tootie up to her and Sue Ann's room. I like that Nancy apologizes for inadvertently calling her a nobody, and that she hangs out with her at Cooper's Rock.

It's true that the Lost Girls are sometimes now somewhat Mean Girls (or in Molly's case, no longer stand up for what is right), but I console myself with the thought that after "Gossip" and "Sex Symbol", Mrs. Garrett had a long talk with them, off-camera, and they apologized to Mrs. Garrett, Natalie, and Home Run Helen.




You're absolutely right in everything you said Retro!!!!

I suppose i never completely recovered from seeing SUE ANN being so distant and cold towards BLAIR (especially after being her best buddy in season 1) or the rest of the 'lost girls' drifting away.....

But I also like the idea that MRS G had a word with the 'Lost girls' about being mean, and somehow had them apologizing to Home Run Helen, and i also hope she straightened meanMARGO too!!!!

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

You're absolutely right in everything you said Retro!!!!

I suppose i never completely recovered from seeing SUE ANN being so distant and cold towards BLAIR (especially after being her best buddy in season 1) or the rest of the 'lost girls' drifting away.....

I reckon they were still good friends in "The Little Chill", so they must have had close moments off camera, during the silver Eastland Dorm Years. Sure, they had apparently fallen out of touch during the bronze Edna's Edibles period, but Sue Ann still considered these girls her friends in 1986.

So, they might have been a bit mean from time to time, but they were still nice enough to congratulate Jo on her newspaper story, root on Tootie in the school play, and hope that Mrs. Garrett got help for what they were told was her "drinking problem". I wish we had seen more of the Lost Girls, because they were part of the Eastland family, but even in the episodes we saw, there were still moments of kindness and friendship.

I like that moment in "Dear Me" where Mrs. Garrett and Nancy share a brief embrace. Nancy and Mrs. Garrett first met in May 1979, and "Dear Me" aired in December 1981, so for three years, they shared a nice bond, even though much of it must have been off camera. It's a shame we didn't see Nancy during her final year at Eastland.


But I also like the idea that MRS G had a word with the 'Lost girls' about being mean, and somehow had them apologizing to Home Run Helen, and i also hope she straightened meanMARGO too!!!!


I suspect that may be why Margo and Molly were hanging out: we know Mrs. Garrett was in charge of the dorm assignments that year, and she may have put them together, hoping that Molly's social justice would rub off on mean ole Margo.

As for the Lost Girls, I bet Mrs. Garrett could have changed their tunes pretty quickly.

Picture it: Dorm B, Interior. Evening. A knock on the girls' dorm room door.

GARRETT: Knock knock. Am I intruding?

CINDY: (excited) Hey!

NANCY: Mrs. Garrett!

SUE ANN: Oh wow! What brings you over to dorm B?

GARRETT: I had this warm plate of cookies with nowhere to go... (She sets the PLATE on the TABLE as the girls begin to munch on them)

GIRLS: (Ad lib. Great! Thanks! Awesome, etc).

SUE ANN: Mrs. Garrett, have a seat. We're so glad you came over. We've really missed you.

GARRETT: Cindy, Nancy, Sue Ann, it's so good to see all three of you. You know, I like to check in on you girls every once in a while. I miss having you under my roof.

CINDY: We miss you, too, Mrs. Garrett.

NANCY: Yeah! Even Roger says he misses you.

GARRETT: You've been seeing Roger for quite a while, now, haven't you, Nancy?

NANCY: Almost a year, now.

GARRETT: You two have become pretty serious.

NANCY: Very serious.

GARRETT: I'll bet the two of you have gone pretty far, by now...

NANCY: ...What do you mean?

GARRETT: I mean you're a very pretty girl, Nancy. You could have any man you wanted. And I'll bet you have....

NANCY: Where did you hear something like that? You just can't jump to conclusions about people that way!

GARRETT: You mean like you three did to Natalie and Helen today in the cafeteria?

[...]

I reckon they were still good friends in "The Little Chill", so they must have had close moments off camera, during the silver Eastland Dorm Years. Sure, they had apparently fallen out of touch during the bronze Edna's Edibles period, but Sue Ann still considered these girls her friends in 1986.

So, they might have been a bit mean from time to time, but they were still nice enough to congratulate Jo on her newspaper story, root on Tootie in the school play, and hope that Mrs. Garrett got help for what they were told was her "drinking problem". I wish we had seen more of the Lost Girls, because they were part of the Eastland family, but even in the episodes we saw, there were still moments of kindness and friendship.

I like that moment in "Dear Me" where Mrs. Garrett and Nancy share a brief embrace. Nancy and Mrs. Garrett first met in May 1979, and "Dear Me" aired in December 1981, so for three years, they shared a nice bond, even though much of it must have been off camera. It's a shame we didn't see Nancy during her final year at Eastland.



I suspect that may be why Margo and Molly were hanging out: we know Mrs. Garrett was in charge of the dorm assignments that year, and she may have put them together, hoping that Molly's social justice would rub off on mean ole Margo.

As for the Lost Girls, I bet Mrs. Garrett could have changed their tunes pretty quickly.

Picture it: Dorm B, Interior. Evening. A knock on the girls' dorm room door.

GARRETT: Knock knock. Am I intruding?

CINDY: (excited) Hey!

NANCY: Mrs. Garrett!

SUE ANN: Oh wow! What brings you over to dorm B?

GARRETT: I had this warm plate of cookies with nowhere to go... (She sets the PLATE on the TABLE as the girls begin to munch on them)

GIRLS: (Ad lib. Great! Thanks! Awesome, etc).

SUE ANN: Mrs. Garrett, have a seat. We're so glad you came over. We've really missed you.

GARRETT: Cindy, Nancy, Sue Ann, it's so good to see all three of you. You know, I like to check in on you girls every once in a while. I miss having you under my roof.

CINDY: We miss you, too, Mrs. Garrett.

NANCY: Yeah! Even Roger says he misses you.

GARRETT: You've been seeing Roger for quite a while, now, haven't you, Nancy?

NANCY: Almost a year, now.

GARRETT: You two have become pretty serious.

NANCY: Very serious.

GARRETT: I'll bet the two of you have gone pretty far, by now...

NANCY: ...What do you mean?

GARRETT: I mean you're a very pretty girl, Nancy. You could have any man you wanted. And I'll bet you have....

NANCY: Where did you hear something like that? You just can't jump to conclusions about people that way!

GARRETT: You mean like you three did to Natalie and Helen today in the cafeteria?

[...]




Ha ha ha you're brilliant Retro!!!!!:clap::clap:

That's a pretty good scenario you wrote with MRS G and the 3 'Lost girls' (minus MOLLY): i can totally see her saying those exact words to NANCY (just the way she did with BLAIR a year earlier)!!!!!!!
It makes me wish it were true, and that our 'feisty red haired' would check up on the 'Lost girls'!!!!!!!:grouphug::grouphug:

That's why i treasure so much the Golden years (as you say when you refer to season 1)!
MRS G had so much interaction with the girls (especially with BLAIR & SUE ANN) and had a way of working on them: she was the voice of reason and they all worshiped her (even MR BRADLEY hee hee!):bighug::bighug:

Season 2 to season 4 were the Silver years indeed, and although MRS G's attention was mainly focused on the 'Core of 4', i'd like to believe that she'd still checked up on her other '4 lost girls' (let's not forget MOLLY) & even MARGO for better or worse....:nonono::nonono:

By the way: i don't remember MRS G hugging NANCY on the episode 'Dear me'? (i need to pay more attention next time).
I know they had some interaction/lines, and even though CHARLOTTE met FELICE on the 'pilot', they didn't seemed that close to me: in fact, she seemed to bond more with BLAIR and SUE ANN (in season 1 MRS G barely spoke to NANCY, or let's say they didn't shared that many lines).:wasntme::wasntme:

From what i read from the 'Lost girls': JULIE PIEKARSKI is the only one of them who kept in touch with CHARLOTTE, as well as the 'Core of 4' of course.:loveya::loveya:

:typing::typing::typing:

Ha ha ha you're brilliant Retro!!!!!:clap::clap:

Why, thank you, ma'am. I think you've done some good writing yourself!


That's a pretty good scenario you wrote with MRS G and the 3 'Lost girls' (minus MOLLY): i can totally see her saying those exact words to NANCY (just the way she did with BLAIR a year earlier)!!!!!!!
It makes me wish it were true, and that our 'feisty red haired' would check up on the 'Lost girls'!!!!!!!:grouphug::grouphug:

I'm sure she did. ;)


That's why i treasure so much the Golden years (as you say when you refer to season 1)!
MRS G had so much interaction with the girls (especially with BLAIR & SUE ANN) and had a way of working on them: she was the voice of reason and they all worshiped her (even MR BRADLEY hee hee!)

In order of interaction with Mrs. Garrett that first season, I'd say it was:
1. Blair
2. Sue Ann
3. Tootie
4. Natalie
5. Cindy
6. Nancy (tie)
6. Molly (tie)

...I do agree they all worshiped her. By the end of the season, even Mr. Bradley.


Season 2 to season 4 were the Silver years indeed, and although MRS G's attention was mainly focused on the 'Core of 4', i'd like to believe that she'd still checked up on her other '4 lost girls' (let's not forget MOLLY) & even MARGO for better or worse....:nonono::nonono:

By the way: i don't remember MRS G hugging NANCY on the episode 'Dear me'? (i need to pay more attention next time).

It's not a full embrace; instead it's a warm pat on her shoulder, at the very beginning of the episode.


I know they had some interaction/lines, and even though CHARLOTTE met FELICE on the 'pilot', they didn't seemed that close to me: in fact, she seemed to bond more with BLAIR and SUE ANN (in season 1 MRS G barely spoke to NANCY, or let's say they didn't shared that many lines).:wasntme::wasntme:

No, Blair, Tootie, and Sue Ann stole the spotlight in nearly every scene that first year. With four girls and a headmaster, there wasn't much time left for the rest of the cast to get in the spotlight.


From what i read from the 'Lost girls': JULIE PIEKARSKI is the only one of them who kept in touch with CHARLOTTE, as well as the 'Core of 4' of course.:loveya::loveya:

:typing::typing::typing:

It does seem as though Julie Pie kept in contact, not just with with Charlotte, but also Kim and Lisa, for sure.

Why, thank you, ma'am. I think you've done some good writing yourself!



I'm sure she did. ;)



In order of interaction with Mrs. Garrett that first season, I'd say it was:
1. Blair
2. Sue Ann
3. Tootie
4. Natalie
5. Cindy
6. Nancy (tie)
6. Molly (tie)

...I do agree they all worshiped her. By the end of the season, even Mr. Bradley.



It's not a full embrace; instead it's a warm pat on her shoulder, at the very beginning of the episode.



No, Blair, Tootie, and Sue Ann stole the spotlight in nearly every scene that first year. With four girls and a headmaster, there wasn't much time left for the rest of the cast to get in the spotlight.



It does seem as though Julie Pie kept in contact, not just with with Charlotte, but also Kim and Lisa, for sure.




I'm glad you put BLAIR & SUE ANN at the top!!!!!:birthday::birthday::birthday:

And yes, i guess BLAIR, TOOTIE & SUE ANN stole the spotlight in every episode (I especially love how sassy & cheekylittle TOOTIE was towards flirty & vain BLAIR lol!) which is quite surprisingly that NATALIE got chosen to remain, instead of SUE ANN?????:wazzup:wazzup:wazzup

Oh and thank you for your compliment about my writing Retro!patriot:patriot:patriot:

:dance::dance::dance:

Julie Pie also interacts with Nancy M. on social media.

Julie Pie also interacts with Nancy M. on social media.
Anything recent?

Anything recent?

Julie Pie liked the post when Nancy M. wished Mindy a Happy Birthday in May on Instagram.