If you read yesterday’s post, then you probably think that everything is now sunshine and lollipops for The Bower Agency. Despite its current success, there was one dark spot on its track record. We start off with that scandal today.
(courtesy only80s.com)
Show: Who’s The Boss/Living Dolls
Business: Carlin Modeling Agency
Outlook: This might only be memorable to the Who’s The Boss superfan, so bear with me. As Samantha Micelli started blossoming into a beautiful young woman, she developed modeling aspirations. As luck would have it, Angela’s old friend, Trish Carlin, ran a modeling agency specifically for teenage girls. If this were a Dateline episode, the end of that sentence would be the point where the ominous bassline hits. As Sam dips her toe into the industry, her friend from the old neighborhood, “Charlie”, comes for a visit.
If you’ve seen the Tori episodes of Saved by the Bell, or any Jo-centric episode of The Facts of Life, then you already know Charlie. Played by Leah Remini, Charlie’s a little rough about the edges, but a natural beauty. She’s got more street smarts than she should at her age, and she’s been fending for herself on the streets. Seeing as how she already runs an agency for teenagers, Trish decides she likes the cut of Charlie’s jib, and takes her in. This led to a one-season spinoff, called Living Dolls. The only notable thing about the show was that it was Halle Berry’s acting debut. Outside of that little fact, most of the show has been forgotten. So, what happened to the Carlin Modeling Agency?
Verdict: I wish I could say it was as simple as the place just going out of business. I wish I could say that, but I can’t. You see, the Carlin Agency’s primary source of income was sex trafficking. Charlie was the one who blew the whistle on the place, which led to a life on the run. As The Bower Agency had ties to the company, this was a PR nightmare for Angela Bower. As the authorities closed in, Trish Carlin jumped off the roof of a New York hotel. Most of the girls were accounted for, and Trish’s business partner was taken into custody. Charlie was tracked down, and placed into protective custody while waiting to testify. Rumor has it that she spent a summer working at a beach club, with the cover story that she was working for her “father”. After the trial, Charlie went on to lead a normal life, and is currently married to a delivery guy in Queens.
(courtesy tvland.tumblr.com)
Show: Murphy Brown
Business: FYI Newsmagazine
Outlook: When Murphy Brown premiered, it was the dawn of the primetime newsmagazine boom that gave us Dateline, 48 Hours, Primetime Live and more. It’s very much a staple of its time, as the subject matter was more political than tabloid journalism. The anchor team was comprised of recovering alcoholic Murphy Brown, stiff and conservative Jim Dial, balding wildman Frank Fontana, and former Miss USA Corky Sherwood. Throughout Murphy Brown’s run, FYI seemed to be a steady performer for its network.
Verdict: FYI, though it has gone through some changes, is still on the air. After the reality TV boom, the show was moved to its parent company’s cable news channel. Over the past 15 years, the show has experienced a bit of an identity crisis, as popular news anchors like Anderson Cooper, Soledad O’Brien, and Greg Gumbel all had temporary stints at the newsdesk.
As most primetime news shows have skewed become more tabloid in recent years, FYI has somewhat “graduated” to the role of a sister show to 60 Minutes. Focusing on an older demographic, FYI isn’t forced to have all the flash & sizzle of Fox News or NBC News. It does, however, cater to the younger demographic via its popular newsportal FYINews.com. In fact, just like it was for Murphy, FYI still serves as a second chance for journalists who may have fallen on hard times. The current news team is comprised of FYI veteran Frank Fontana, a newsman from Ohio named Les Nessman, and former co-host of The View, Debbie Matenopoulos. Heading into its 30th season, the show will be joined by an award-winning investigative reporter from New York City. While the network isn’t ready to make a formal announcement at this time, buzz indicates that she left her old job in disgrace due to a mental break concerning sewers and feet.
Well, that does it for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for the grand finale of our series!
LOL, will April O’Neill bring her good pal Irma with her to FYI?