in memoriam
Ach, folks. Just ... ach. This one hurts.
Growing up when I did, I had the unabashed joy of watching a great many television programs that basically sprang to life trying to capture the luster of some big screen property that turned out to be a blockbuster. For example, 1977's Star Wars paved the way for TV's original incarnation of Battlestar Galactica and even the somewhat campy Buck Rogers In The 25th Century, much in the same way that 1983's epic actioner Blue Thunder served as a inspiration for CBS's small screen counterpart Airwolf. Naturally, these Boob Tube alternatives couldn't quite compete with what storytellers were doing at the cineplex -- the constraints of broadcast budgets being what they were -- and, yet, a good number of copycats still managed to find life and small(ish) audiences well within the glow of the conventional television set.
Now, I know that the bulk of the readership has likely never even heard of Tales Of The Gold Monkey (1982-1983), but -- for the uninitiated -- the adventure serial was intended to cash in on the box office success of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg's Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981). Similarly, Gold Monkey's creator -- the great Donald P. Bellisario -- couldn't match the theatrical clout and intensity behind one of the silver screen's greatest flicks ever (I said what I said); but the showrunner still managed to give those of us who turned in something to look at ... and, yes, that included series regular Sarah Stickney White (as played by the lovely Caitlin O'Heaney0. She was the small screen equivalent of Indiana Jones' gal-pal Marion Ravenwood; and -- in her capacity as a nightclub singer / American secret agent -- White did what she could to keep tabs on those dastardly forces conspiring against these United States in those fertile years building up to World War II.
Like so many shows that critics dub as knock-offs, Gold Monkey lasted only a single season; but what a fun-filled season it was! I know, I know, I know ... my sentiments are largely driven by some nostalgia for the days gone by; but Ms. O'Heaney left an impression on me that lasted a few years. Hers was a talent that I honestly expected might go on to bigger and better things, so I kept my out for her to spring up here or there in some other genre-properties. While there were a few, nothing quite matched the magic of my initial introduction to her gifts; so I'll just have to consider myself thankful for that.
Sigh.
Word reached the World Wide Web this morning of the lady's passing, and my heart aches over this one. She truly meant so much to this young viewer, and I'll live forever under her spell.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Caitlin O'Heaney.
May she rest in peace.
-- EZ
Growing up when I did, I had the unabashed joy of watching a great many television programs that basically sprang to life trying to capture the luster of some big screen property that turned out to be a blockbuster. For example, 1977's Star Wars paved the way for TV's original incarnation of Battlestar Galactica and even the somewhat campy Buck Rogers In The 25th Century, much in the same way that 1983's epic actioner Blue Thunder served as a inspiration for CBS's small screen counterpart Airwolf. Naturally, these Boob Tube alternatives couldn't quite compete with what storytellers were doing at the cineplex -- the constraints of broadcast budgets being what they were -- and, yet, a good number of copycats still managed to find life and small(ish) audiences well within the glow of the conventional television set.
Now, I know that the bulk of the readership has likely never even heard of Tales Of The Gold Monkey (1982-1983), but -- for the uninitiated -- the adventure serial was intended to cash in on the box office success of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg's Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981). Similarly, Gold Monkey's creator -- the great Donald P. Bellisario -- couldn't match the theatrical clout and intensity behind one of the silver screen's greatest flicks ever (I said what I said); but the showrunner still managed to give those of us who turned in something to look at ... and, yes, that included series regular Sarah Stickney White (as played by the lovely Caitlin O'Heaney0. She was the small screen equivalent of Indiana Jones' gal-pal Marion Ravenwood; and -- in her capacity as a nightclub singer / American secret agent -- White did what she could to keep tabs on those dastardly forces conspiring against these United States in those fertile years building up to World War II.
Like so many shows that critics dub as knock-offs, Gold Monkey lasted only a single season; but what a fun-filled season it was! I know, I know, I know ... my sentiments are largely driven by some nostalgia for the days gone by; but Ms. O'Heaney left an impression on me that lasted a few years. Hers was a talent that I honestly expected might go on to bigger and better things, so I kept my out for her to spring up here or there in some other genre-properties. While there were a few, nothing quite matched the magic of my initial introduction to her gifts; so I'll just have to consider myself thankful for that.
Sigh.
Word reached the World Wide Web this morning of the lady's passing, and my heart aches over this one. She truly meant so much to this young viewer, and I'll live forever under her spell.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Caitlin O'Heaney.
May she rest in peace.
-- EZ
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