B&W vs. color - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

tlc38tlc38 · 08-17-2018, 12:02 PM

Which episodes do you like better?

B&W or color?

I like both but the B&W episodes seem more special to me. The show had more of a "simpler time" feel to it then.

Kasey · 08-17-2018, 01:01 PM

This is a tough call. I loved Jeannine Riley as her portrayal was spot-on as Billie Joe. Pat Woodell on the other hand, was too sedate in her role. I also like how the B&W eps have that real 'rural' look and feel to them, almost like an old movie from the 1940s.

The color seasons that I like best are Seasons 3 and 4 and I really like Lori Saunders in those seasons (before Bobbie's intelligence dipped). Seasons 5-7 are kind of "meh" to me. Meredith, though lovely, was just SO vanilla and Betty Jo got boring too after she married. I guess I will say the B&W ones, but they would have been better if Pat had been more animated sometimes like Lori was.

tlc38tlc38 · 08-17-2018, 03:13 PM

Of the color seasons, season 3 is my favorite; it has some really good episodes.

The show got dull when Steve started singing all the time.

I also like Lori better than Pat but Pat did a pretty good job, IMO.

Kasey · 08-18-2018, 09:45 AM

I agree with everything you said. I do like Pat too but she always seemed so serious. I did love seeing her rock out on The Ladybugs episode, she seemed to be having a ball in that.

Season 3 is my favorite too except I wish Gunilla hadn't been sick and missed so many episodes. On the whole, this season has most all the episodes I like best, but my Top 2 faves are the Pilot (though not really a pilot) and With This Gown I Thee Wed from S5 because I like the dream sequences--especially seeing Bobbie and Billie in those funky go-go boots and Betty roaring off on that motorcycle---I love when those '60s shows did episodes about Flower Power, hippies or Rock & Roll.

I also didn't care for all the singing once Meredith joined the cast and the Steve character became a regular. Maybe I would like it better had they sang contemporary '60s stuff, but those corny old songs from 1912 made me cringe sometimes!

tlc38tlc38 · 08-18-2018, 10:03 AM

^Yeah, the "pilot" is one of the best episodes of ANY sitcom. That ending scene with Kate walking beside the Cannonball is pure poetry.

Kasey · 08-18-2018, 12:25 PM

Yes, it is a very nice scene. When TV Land launched in 1996, this episode aired on their premiere night (simulcast on Nick@Nite) and it was a big deal to see this since the B&Ws had not been aired in decades. They only aired 1 other B&W episode (for an Election special) when they ran the show.

TV Guy · 08-18-2018, 12:42 PM

The B&Ws are so good. The same writers stayed for season 3, then left and the show headed downhill.

Jeannine Riley was quite a good comic actress - she gave her line readings a tart twist and put some real life in her character. Gunilla Hutton was a bit of a goody-two-shoes as Billie Jo, and Meredith was downright dull.

I agree that Lori Saunders was a better comic actress than Pat Woodell, but Pat did a nice job and was gorgeous to boot. And that voice!

It’s a shame that for years, it was the last five seasons that were in syndication rather than the first five seasons (which would have cut off the June Lockhart years). I think the show would be better regarded today had the earlier episodes been playing in syndication all these years.

Kasey · 08-18-2018, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TV Guy

The B&Ws are so good. The same writers stayed for season 3, then left and the show headed downhill.

Jeannine Riley was quite a good comic actress - she gave her line readings a tart twist and put some real life in her character. Gunilla Hutton was a bit of a goody-two-shoes as Billie Jo, and Meredith was downright dull.

I agree that Lori Saunders was a better comic actress than Pat Woodell, but Pat did a nice job and was gorgeous to boot. And that voice!

It’s a shame that for years, it was the last five seasons that were in syndication rather than the first five seasons (which would have cut off the June Lockhart years). I think the show would be better regarded today had the earlier episodes been playing in syndication all these years.

Yes I agree completely about the Billie Jo trajectory and the last 2 seasons should have been left out of syndication rather than 1 and 2.

tlc38tlc38 · 08-18-2018, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kasey

Yes I agree completely about the Billie Jo trajectory and the last 2 seasons should have been left out of syndication rather than 1 and 2.

Completely agree.

I'm going to watch the first couple episodes tonight.

Hazel Anyday · 08-19-2018, 09:38 PM

I loved Lori as Blankety Jo, the other was too stiff acting, (even after all these years I still can't tell which Blankety Jo is named what) and I agree when Steve starts singing that's when I hit the fast forward, he sounds like a Dick Haymes wanna-be and this was the 1960's for criminy's sakes yet! But I do really like the whole series in general, the b/w's were well written but so were most of the color shows too, in spite of June, and I like it in color better anyway. I think they should have kept Cousin Mae, Bea's southern cousin (Leela from Great Gildersleeve) instead of using June Lochart to replace Bea, Mae would have been better. Too bad Bea Benaderet died 1/2 way in the series, the series sort of lost it's anchor when she kicked off. But Uncle Joe saved it as far as consistency goes, he was always good.

Bonniegirl · 08-19-2018, 11:08 PM

I always LOVED Petticoat Junction!!

Actually the first ones I ever saw were the later season ones because of my age ( I was really little when PJ premiered ) ! So I Basically saw it in reverse ! I totally remeber Betty Jo (with shorter hair) and Steve married, and June Lockhart first run on Saturday nights in prime time!

Than seeing reruns on a UHF channel a little later was when I first saw Kate, and the second Billie Jo (Gunilla Hutton ) ! It was only after METV started showing PJ that I even saw the B & W eps.

!!I LOVE THEM!! But than I love ALL Petticoat Junction !!

I for one LOVE Steve! I LOVE his singing!! I think he's TOTALLY HOT!!

So I like the newer eps. as well the very old eps. ! I do love Kate and miss her VERY MUCH as well as Floyd and Charlie so for that it is a plus for the older eps.

I like the original Billie Jo (Jeannie) very much! I think she was the best Billie Jo !

However I like Lori much better as Bobbie Jo than Pat!

So therefore I really can't make a decision which era of Petticoat Junction was best?

IMO they all were great!

God bless this wonderful show!!

Probably one of, if not my favorite TV show of all time!!

tlc38tlc38 · 08-20-2018, 07:37 AM

I think we pretty much all agree that Lori was better than Pat. Not saying that Pat was horrible, Lori was just better.

Kasey · 08-20-2018, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc38tlc38

I think we pretty much all agree that Lori was better than Pat. Not saying that Pat was horrible, Lori was just better.

Yes, she was, I just wish she and Meredith's characters hadn't switched personalities as the series wore on.

AMackII · 08-21-2018, 03:27 PM

The Color Episodes with Lori Saunders, Gunilla Hutton* & Meredith McRae in it.

*= appearing in the 1965-1966 season

tlc38tlc38 · 08-21-2018, 06:43 PM

PJ is probably one of the few shows that I actually like the seasons the best in the order they ran. 1st season is my favorite, 2nd is my 2nd favorite...etc.

08-17-2018, 12:02 PM	#1
tlc38tlc38 Every day’s a Dolly day! Forum Star Join Date: May 02, 2008 Location: I’m just travelin’ thru Posts: 19,257	B&W vs. color Which episodes do you like better? B&W or color? I like both but the B&W episodes seem more special to me. The show had more of a "simpler time" feel to it then.
	__________________ Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 In loving memory of my best friend, my Mama.

08-19-2018, 09:38 PM	#10
Hazel Anyday Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 12, 2002 Posts: 2,135	I loved Lori as Blankety Jo, the other was too stiff acting, (even after all these years I still can't tell which Blankety Jo is named what) and I agree when Steve starts singing that's when I hit the fast forward, he sounds like a Dick Haymes wanna-be and this was the 1960's for criminy's sakes yet! But I do really like the whole series in general, the b/w's were well written but so were most of the color shows too, in spite of June, and I like it in color better anyway. I think they should have kept Cousin Mae, Bea's southern cousin (Leela from Great Gildersleeve) instead of using June Lochart to replace Bea, Mae would have been better. Too bad Bea Benaderet died 1/2 way in the series, the series sort of lost it's anchor when she kicked off. But Uncle Joe saved it as far as consistency goes, he was always good.
	__________________ Haaazeelll!! Last edited by Hazel Anyday; 08-19-2018 at 09:42 PM. Reason: clarity

08-17-2018, 01:01 PM	#2
Kasey Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 22, 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,143	This is a tough call. I loved Jeannine Riley as her portrayal was spot-on as Billie Joe. Pat Woodell on the other hand, was too sedate in her role. I also like how the B&W eps have that real 'rural' look and feel to them, almost like an old movie from the 1940s. The color seasons that I like best are Seasons 3 and 4 and I really like Lori Saunders in those seasons (before Bobbie's intelligence dipped). Seasons 5-7 are kind of "meh" to me. Meredith, though lovely, was just SO vanilla and Betty Jo got boring too after she married. I guess I will say the B&W ones, but they would have been better if Pat had been more animated sometimes like Lori was.

08-17-2018, 03:13 PM	#3
tlc38tlc38 Every day’s a Dolly day! Forum Star Join Date: May 02, 2008 Location: I’m just travelin’ thru Posts: 19,257	Of the color seasons, season 3 is my favorite; it has some really good episodes. The show got dull when Steve started singing all the time. I also like Lori better than Pat but Pat did a pretty good job, IMO.

08-18-2018, 09:45 AM	#4
Kasey Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 22, 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,143	I agree with everything you said. I do like Pat too but she always seemed so serious. I did love seeing her rock out on The Ladybugs episode, she seemed to be having a ball in that. Season 3 is my favorite too except I wish Gunilla hadn't been sick and missed so many episodes. On the whole, this season has most all the episodes I like best, but my Top 2 faves are the Pilot (though not really a pilot) and With This Gown I Thee Wed from S5 because I like the dream sequences--especially seeing Bobbie and Billie in those funky go-go boots and Betty roaring off on that motorcycle---I love when those '60s shows did episodes about Flower Power, hippies or Rock & Roll. I also didn't care for all the singing once Meredith joined the cast and the Steve character became a regular. Maybe I would like it better had they sang contemporary '60s stuff, but those corny old songs from 1912 made me cringe sometimes!

08-18-2018, 10:03 AM	#5
tlc38tlc38 Every day’s a Dolly day! Forum Star Join Date: May 02, 2008 Location: I’m just travelin’ thru Posts: 19,257	^Yeah, the "pilot" is one of the best episodes of ANY sitcom. That ending scene with Kate walking beside the Cannonball is pure poetry.

08-18-2018, 12:25 PM	#6
Kasey Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 22, 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,143	Yes, it is a very nice scene. When TV Land launched in 1996, this episode aired on their premiere night (simulcast on Nick@Nite) and it was a big deal to see this since the B&Ws had not been aired in decades. They only aired 1 other B&W episode (for an Election special) when they ran the show.

08-18-2018, 12:42 PM	#7
TV Guy Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 25, 2001 Location: Boston, MA, USA Posts: 3,419	The B&Ws are so good. The same writers stayed for season 3, then left and the show headed downhill. Jeannine Riley was quite a good comic actress - she gave her line readings a tart twist and put some real life in her character. Gunilla Hutton was a bit of a goody-two-shoes as Billie Jo, and Meredith was downright dull. I agree that Lori Saunders was a better comic actress than Pat Woodell, but Pat did a nice job and was gorgeous to boot. And that voice! It’s a shame that for years, it was the last five seasons that were in syndication rather than the first five seasons (which would have cut off the June Lockhart years). I think the show would be better regarded today had the earlier episodes been playing in syndication all these years.

08-19-2018, 11:08 PM	#11
Bonniegirl AKA Hazel Horvath Forum Addict Join Date: Jul 10, 2014 Posts: 65,509	I always LOVED Petticoat Junction!! Actually the first ones I ever saw were the later season ones because of my age ( I was really little when PJ premiered ) ! So I Basically saw it in reverse ! I totally remeber Betty Jo (with shorter hair) and Steve married, and June Lockhart first run on Saturday nights in prime time! Than seeing reruns on a UHF channel a little later was when I first saw Kate, and the second Billie Jo (Gunilla Hutton ) ! It was only after METV started showing PJ that I even saw the B & W eps. !!I LOVE THEM!! But than I love ALL Petticoat Junction !! I for one LOVE Steve! I LOVE his singing!! I think he's TOTALLY HOT!! So I like the newer eps. as well the very old eps. ! I do love Kate and miss her VERY MUCH as well as Floyd and Charlie so for that it is a plus for the older eps. I like the original Billie Jo (Jeannie) very much! I think she was the best Billie Jo ! However I like Lori much better as Bobbie Jo than Pat! So therefore I really can't make a decision which era of Petticoat Junction was best? IMO they all were great! God bless this wonderful show!! Probably one of, if not my favorite TV show of all time!!

08-20-2018, 07:37 AM	#12
tlc38tlc38 Every day’s a Dolly day! Forum Star Join Date: May 02, 2008 Location: I’m just travelin’ thru Posts: 19,257	I think we pretty much all agree that Lori was better than Pat. Not saying that Pat was horrible, Lori was just better.

08-21-2018, 03:27 PM	#14
AMackII Member Forum Star Join Date: Oct 23, 2015 Location: St. Louis Posts: 17,209	The Color Episodes with Lori Saunders, Gunilla Hutton* & Meredith McRae in it. *= appearing in the 1965-1966 season

08-21-2018, 06:43 PM	#15
tlc38tlc38 Every day’s a Dolly day! Forum Star Join Date: May 02, 2008 Location: I’m just travelin’ thru Posts: 19,257	PJ is probably one of the few shows that I actually like the seasons the best in the order they ran. 1st season is my favorite, 2nd is my 2nd favorite...etc.