Syndication and Reunion

[Charybdis]

If there is a reunion show, they have to do one thing: record it as a live to tape format just like the original show was. The problem with most of these "reunion" shows like Growing Pains, is that they try to make the show into a big filmed drama and it usually fails miserably. The characters are involved in a dramatic situation, for the most part, and the show loses all of its flavor from what originally made it fun to watch! This is evident, especially with the comedies.

If they bring back a comedy, make it just that, a comedy!! And shoot it live to tape in the studio just like the original days.

Now, as for syndication, most shows falling in the 30-60 range in the ratings are hanging on a small branch. These are the shows that really depend on cost, revenue, etc. as to whether or not they come back or not. I guess at #45, Charles was right smack dab in the middle of that and the execs decided to give it the axe for some reason.

I am really glad that they decided to bring it back in syndication. I still say that the best shows were the ones with the Powells, though.

[brendon]

Once again you are right. I only want a reunion movie if it can keep the integrity of the orignal. Thats why John Ritter wont do a Threes Company....says there is no point. But I would love to see the kids and what they look like today. As for being number 45 that is good for a new show becuase the production costs are low in the 1st year so its good. I think CBS just figured the show was never going to get above the middle becuase of WHOS the Boss and its popularity. Thier figuring must have been how many nanny shows can we have on the air? Personally I think CIC was much more believable becuase I think a live in college student is more realistic then an ex boxer as whos the boss was. Plus, the show was paired in 84 with a really awful show called ER with ELliot Ghould. It was a horrible comedy and CBS just found it easier to axe the whole hour. 85 was the year CBS cleaned house. The Jefferson and ALice and many more shows were put into TV history that year so CIC was just in the rampage. By the way, the show that replaced CIC was a little show called Just between us and was cancelled after 3 shows. Looks like CBS should have kept Charles!!!!

[Nicole's Boy]

I agree completely with both of you guys. I said the same things when I watched the Growing Pains reunion. A sitcom reunion should ALWAYS have a live studio audience!

Brendon, did you happen to get your hands on the People Magazine "Where are they now?" issue from June? It has a great article on the Powell family cast of Charles in Charge. I'd love to see what Jason, Douglas, and Lyla look like now though. James Widdoes (Stan) is a big name producer now. I have no idea what Jill is up to. Oh, and how can we forget about GWENDOLYN?! Jennifer Runyon was awesome.

[brendon]

No, unfortunatly, I never saw that issue but I will look it up thanks! I think one of the reasons we never see things about the 84 show is lots of people think it never existed for the most part. I mean lets face it, in American winning is everything and becuase it never lasted beyond the first season that version is seen as a failure so many people think who would want to see THAT cast now. As I mentioned, the show ER that was on after has never been seen since 85 and I think if Charles had not been bought back and made 1oo more shows or so it would be long forgotten as well. The only reason we get to see the Pembrokes today is becuase the Powells existed. The 84 shows are just part of the syndication package and so we see them. The trouble is becuase there are so many more Powell shows we have to wade through before the others. It is only recently that more and more people are seeing the greatness of the that 1st year so maybe as intrest grows we will see a fact sheet on the case. I mean who knows, maybe Hollywood Producers read these boards. Well if you are one and are reading this take note! One of the biggest mysteries in Hollywood is whatever happened to the first cast of CIC, especially the kids! They have dropped off the face of the earth. I have checked Hollywood data bases and talked to RABID fans of the show who have looked and looked and they cant turn up a crumb. I know Johnathan Ward (douglas) was in White Water Summer with Kevin Bacon about 2 years after the show went off the air beucase I saw it just the other night but the other kids and Jill just vanished. Maybe somebody should call Unsolved Mysteries...OH WAIT they cancelled that to!! It seems in Tv now every show has to be a top ten show to make it. Well network haunchos that is mathmatically impossible becuase out of 110 shows how many can be 1-10....THINK ABOUT IT!!! Does that mean the other 100 are bad or not watched? Network Tv is frustrating

[Nicole's Boy]

The Internet Movie Database (http://www.imdb.com) is the best place to search for information regarding actors/actresses, and it pertains to all of television.

Incidentally, "White Water Summer" is one of my favorite movies from childhood. Jonathan Ward was also in 1989's "Steel Magnolias," but he apparently hasn't worked in the entertainment industry since 1995. Michael Pearlman (Jason) flat out left showbusiness after CIC, and April Lerman (Lyla) hasn't been seen since some direct-to-video flick from 1992.

Julie Cobb (Jill Pembroke) is probably the most active and most seen member of the original CIC cast. I saw her on an old episode of MacGyver last year, and she's worked on many projects up through a guest appearance on "Family Law" in late 1999.

And, like I mentioned in a previous post, James Widdoes (Stan Pembroke) is a successful director. The last thing Jennifer Runyon (Gwendolyn Pierce) participated in was the dreaded "Carnosaur." Ouch!

[brendon]

WOW! Thanks for the information. I just think it's strange that the cast is so non active today in show buisness. By the way, the episode that we talked about with the tender moment between Charles and Lila airs this morning, Dec 1, on WGN if you have cable!

[Nicole's Boy]

Yeah, I saw that this morning, much to my surprise! I actually woke up to it. What a way to start the day, eh? LOL The first time I saw that episode, I couldn't believe that Stan scolded Charles so harshly! The Pembroke episodes were like a different show altogether.

[Charybdis]

yup, I have always thought that same thing: that the early shows were almost like a totally different show. I guess it was, if you think about it. This is the first time I had seen this episode (I think, sometimes I'm not really sure which I have seen before and which I haven't).

Stan sure did rip into Charles. I believe that's the worst he ever really got it good from the parents. It's like he almost never got in trouble with Mrs. Powell. She was never around. And Mr. Powell sure did throw his weight around but it was more like a fake threat for comedic effect, so it was never really real and serious. Can any of you remember something like that in the Powell episodes?

What do you all think? Was Charles right in just letting it go so easily thinking that Lila would tell? Or should he have still told her parents immediately? Of course, Charles was being dragged out of the house by Buddy, so I guess that's why he never did tell them, he was rushed out before he really could.

Not only that, but was Stan right or was Charles right? To some degree, I think they are both right, Charles on the general trust issue, but Stan on the general parent issue (Lila was only 14 and she knew that her parents would never let her go alone). The fact that Charles works for the parents and not the kids and the fact that Charles knew that the date had been broken should have made him tell her parents.

that's my .02

[ThomasE]

I was 7 years old when I saw that episode. I remember it very well. That when it used to come on Wed. night on CBS. I love remeniscing about old shows.

[brendon]

I agree guys!!! I was in 5th grade and watched the show every Wed night. Thats how I remember what came on after it. I love the fact that syndication brings th series to new fans. The reason we talked about is just the reason I love the Pembroke shows so much more. I mean think about it. This a 19 year old kid with no expierience rasing children. He was going to make mistakes and the show let him do that. I think Stan acted EXACTLY like a father would act in that situation and I love that scene every time I see it. There is not ONE episode of the entire 104 Powell shows that measures up in quality and realsim to that one 5 minutes of that particular show about Lila. Yes, I think Charles did the right thing. You cant get somebofy to trust you by following them and making sure they are doung what you trust them to do. I think the show was so real in many of the Pembroke shows. There is one show where Jason is going trick or treating and Stan and Jill follow him without him knowing. How many parents have done that..LOTS!! Charles had to trust Lila to know that he could and she, being a 14 year old girl, loved Charles but messed up and let the temptation get the best of her. Like i said, realsim. That episode had dignity and respect. This is a show about parents as well and they cant be just an after tought or off camera upstairs. I love all those Pembroke shows. I guess my least favorite would have been the one about where Charles goes on spring break. The family is not in that one much. I am a little upset becuase WGN is coming to the end of the 84 ones next week but on the upside a local station here in Indiana is getting ready to start them!!! Well i will quit hogging the board. Thanks for letting me sound off!!!

[brendon]

HEY! I have a question. We are all used to the neat and tidy ways that sitcoms begin and we were talking a little about the fact that CIC was cancelled at the end of season 1. Do you think it hurt the series to never have a "pilot" show, meaning one where Charles comes in, interviews for the job, meets the kids, and is accepted? In the very first show he already has the job and they appear to know him pretty well. Should the producers have gone the other route? Just wondering...

[Nicole's Boy]

I agree about the comparison made between Buddy and Screech in their respective "later years," although that was in another thread.

It is nice to reminisce, as that's all I basically do anymore. I live in the past! Having said that, I was only 4 years old when the Pembroke episodes originally aired. I grew up with the Powell version, so that's another reason why I think of those episodes whenever "Charles in Charge" is mentioned.

As far as "The Wrong Guy" episode goes, I had to side with Charles. Of course, I always empathized with his character, but in that particular situation, I still believe that Charles' trusting Lila was justified. Lila was the only "bad guy" in that whole fight, as she betrayed both her parents and Charles in one evening. But I loved the ending scene. It's such a shame that the Powell episodes didn't have any touchy moments.

Finally, to answer your question, brendon, I would have to say YES! I was satisfied with the CIC pilot, but I also think it should've been more along the lines of the book that was published! Charybdis has really piqued my interest by transcribing some of the lines from the book on this forum. Looks like I'll have to go find a copy at some yard sale!

[Charybdis]

For all who might be wondering, I found one of the books on ebay and the other one on the Yahoo auction site. I got them each for about $6.00.

Type in "Charles in Charge" under your search and see what comes up!!

[brendon]

You guys sure know your Charles in Charges and I want to say that it is a pleasure to exchange messages with you. Keep on posting!!!

[Nicole's Boy]

Right back atcha, Brendon!