Mm Pulse When Dennis Weaver Signed with R ABC-T- V to Do a New Police Drama by Steve K
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TIMES 7 SAT., FEBRUARY 2, 1M0 THE CAROLINA T Weaver cops 'Stone' role phjwii.hi.'Wii by Chuck Bint mm Pulse When Dennis Weaver signed with r ABC-T- V to do a new police drama by Steve K. Walz called 'Stone,' he traded in McCloud's horse and hat for a Every week this column reviews the merits or and a As demerits of a network series, mihiseries, movie or subcompact pen. McCloud, we'd like he was the marshal from special. More importantly though, you, the viewer, to get involved with the column by sending in New Mexico. Now he is celebrity-co- p 1 V your opinion about a certain show so we can register Dan a man torn between e. Stone, his tele-puls- We'll on some of the more his your pass allegiance to precinct and his interesting comments to the network honchos in New publisher. 1 York. Although he admits the Stone character was inspired by ONE DAY AT A TIME Joseph Wambaugh, Although CBS's 'One Day at a Time' remains among Weaver insists Sergeant Stone is not the Top 20 programs in the nation every week, the series 'The Blue Knight.' "He's in the same is beginning to show some signs of weakness. Believe situation he has to juggle two it or not, 'One Day at a Time' is now in its fifth season, careers at the same time but and the original concept of the show was to depict a there are a lot of policemen who young divorced mother trying to cope with two also write." ST mischievous teenage daughters growing up in Indian- Stone writes about the seamier apolis. The premise of the show really hasn't changed side of work, the and too much, save for the fact that Julie (MacKenzie police graft has married after several corruption. And after he's packed in Phillips) having al affairs. 'One has tackled some a day on the streets of metro Day' important subjects, too. southern California, "he has to hawk Ann Romano on (Bonnie his books and get 'The Tonight Franklin) is more like a Show.' His superiors, though, think sister to her kids than a he is writing about them, because mother. She also has the they can see themselves in the unfortunate task of trying characters he writes about. They to raise her kids in feel he has used them for his own today's society, while in i to ram her to success," Weaver explains his trying way mm, .. distinctive Oklahoma accent. the top of the business world and maintain a 'McCloud' comparison social life as well. Dennis Weaver and Pat (I. Ann has had to deal In the 'McCloud' series, J.D. Robby Weaver, Hingle with younger lovers, Cannon, who as to r.) star in the new actiondrama series 'Stone,' pregnancy and a near fatal attack. Her McCloud's long-distan- boss, spent Mondays on ABC-T- V. heart at his ..:,a---.- seven years yelling maverick 1- Bonnie Franklin and Mackenzie inirm wice aoout 3imBerUnrt- - lawman. In there is a going phmip, (Matod); valuta Stone, parallel all with Chief Weaver to role. to invest his Some of the the way their H p' Harrington character, Deputy Paulton, that attracted the royalties. about I detective's in- boyfriends, worry (standing). portrayed by Pat Hingle. Weaver ("I don't think would have accept- young suggestions while clude an its own their education, x the ed the role without Weaver engine that recycles e points out, however, that that," wondering whether their mom might-b- pushing herself tension between he and the chief is confesses.) energy and a two-ma- n submersible into the but he cemetery. much more serious than in "But the problem doesn't always vehicle. Stone listens, always And last but not least is Dwayne Schneider (Pat a deaf the advice. y 'McCloud.' "The tension is different- have to be central to Stone. We can turns ear to Harrington), the happy-go-luck- superintendent who ly motivated. In 'McCloud' the write scenes connected with his The mastermind behind this series provides comic relief under sometimes difficult relationship was treated sort of problem. There's a lot of rdom to formula is executive producer Ste- circumstances. I tongue-in-chee- k. There was a cer- play around because Stone travels in phen Canned, who created the , Now, you may ask why feel that this program may tain flavor of fantasy you do not two circles. He has to deal with the Stone character along with script- be going downhill: For starters, Julie's marriage could be have that in 'Stone.' He has his own criminal element on the street and writers Richard Levinson and William a sign that the producers are about to write the out of The reason is reasons for me, and I have the high, Hollywood glamour atmos- Link. Canned is also credited with character the show altogether. hating MacKenzie has burned herself out own reasons for with cocktail and creating 'Black Sheep Squadron,' simple. Phillips my disliking him, phere, parties Unless she her life back one of us is to and writing the pilot for physically and emotionally. gets but neither totally autographs sign." supervising I'm afraid terrible will to this and also makes for 'The Rockford Files' and for produc- together, something happen right." That yin yang talented actress. now she looks as old as Bonnie For another ABC mid-seaso- n re- Right Of his relationship with Hingle on some sticky situations. example: ing Franklin. to someone 'Ten and the set, Weaver says, "We have a "Stone goes up arrest placement series, Speed In Valerie Bertinelli, who plays Barbara Cooper, e. Brown Shoe.' real nice We have a after he was on 'The Tonight Show,' there is evidence that Ms. Phillips might be having an is some lot of liberty to improvise" a fact and the guy asks him for his 'Stone' up against heavy adverse affect on her. Val is not only beautiful but she's that should lend an added dimension autograph.'' Monday night competition. (It airs an extremely gifted young actress. To me it appears that and 'WKRP In within where Barbara is to the drama. Comic opposite MASH' there are times the show hoping component Cincinnati' on CBS and NBC's that she has more to do and say. This might be the time Flawed hero Complementing the humorous 'Monday Night at the Movies.') But for Val to pursue other projects. in is with eleven set to air this Bonnie Franklin feels secure in her Ann Romano role . What sets 'Stone' apart from element the show Weaver's episodes well-know- n co-sta- rs off wed. But how far can Ann other dramas, though, is that ld son, Robby, who season, and with such a and she pulls it quite go police in Ann's is more conducive to Stone is not the detective who is as a young detective and and likable actor in the role of this Indianapolis? feisty style should its New York or Los Angeles. Now there's turmoil for always out solving other people's occasional partner to Stone who is flawed hero, 'Stone' give And it's inner conflict new for competition a tough run. you. problems. that always finding ways 'Stoney' And isn't Pat a bit tired of doing TV COMMM.OQ UKVICIS. INC. Harrington getting the same shtick every week? This is a talented group of people, but if the producers don't give the show a new direction fast enough, the audience, as well as the principal characters, will grow tired and impatient. Send your comments to Tele-Puls- e, co TV Compulog, P.O. Box 123. Lyndhurst. N.J. 07071. The Kings Club, Inc. tv cOMratoa Himets. me. 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