Q. Is Ted Danson serious about Whoopi Goldberg or is their romance a publicity stunt to promote their movie Made In America? — Mrs. I. DeCarlo, Coral Springs
A. Ted is serious enough about Whoopi to have left his wife of 16 years for her. What’s more, shortly after Ted and Whoopi became an item, he made the surprise announcement that he wouldn’t do another season of Cheers, even though it meant surrendering a $450,000-per-week salary. This strikes me as more than a publicity stunt.
Q. Toward the end of the season, there was a haunting song at the end of a Northern Exposure episode. I would really appreciate the name of that song. — June Getchell, Pompano Beach
A. Since you couldn’t be more specific about the episode, all I can do is give you the names of two songs that CBS says attracted the most interest this season. On the Feb. 8 show, Ojibway Square Dance, a takeoff on Turkey in the Straw, was heard as Marilyn toured Seattle. On March 1, a tune called Ebudae, by Enya, from the album Shepherd Moons, was played as Chris unveiled his annual art project. I hope one of them is the song you are seeking.
Q. Why were Penny Daniels and husband Rick Leventhal dropped by WSVN-Ch. 7? — Rose Levine, Sunrise
A. They were the droppers, not the drop-ees. Penny got a terrific job offer in Chicago. Rick moved with her.
Q. I was watching Woman on the Run and I fell asleep during the last 20 minutes. Was Lawrencia Bembenek freed from prison? — C. Margues, Delray Beach
A. After being brought back from her flight to Canada, Lawrie copped a no- contest plea to second-degree murder and was released for time served. She’ll be on probation into the 21st century.
Q. Does Kenny Rogers have any siblings in show business? — Jay Gil, Fort Lauderdale
A. Kenny is one of eight brothers and sisters. His official biography makes no mention of any of the others being in show business. One of his three children, Kenny Jr., had a small role in Rogers’ last CBS movie, Rio Diablo. Maybe Dad will find more work for Junior in his new NBC series, which is scheduled to premiere as part of a Friday night mystery wheel in the fall.
Q. I can understand why network newscasts would superimpose their logos on the screen. But why does Fox do it on entertainment shows? It’s not as if someone is going to pick up and rerun this footage. — Greg Schachtman, Plantation
A. You’re misinterpreting the primary reason for the superimposed logos. It’s not so much to prevent pirating as it is to remind viewers of what network they’re watching. With people remote-control channel-surfing and cable systems frequently moving channels from their familiar numerical position, it’s easy to lose track of the station you’re watching. A lot of TV audience measurement is still done via written diaries, which rely on audience recall.
Q. Unless WTVJ-Ch. 4 gets rid of Michelle Gillen, it is going to lose a lot of viewers. She is very annoying. The only reason to watch Ch. 4 is Bryan Norcross. — G.B., Plantation
A. I assume you own a vehicle. Remember what happened to that truck on Dateline NBC. Michelle was there. She knows how it’s done. This is why I have used your initials rather than your name.
— Send your questions about local television, the networks or cable to Tom Jicha, TV/Radio Writer, Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 33301-2293. Personal replies are not possible; please do not send self- addressed stamped envelopes.
