AS SEEN ON TV/HAT SQUAD: PHILIP WENDELL

In just under a month, three actors from the TV mini-series adaptation of James Michener's 'Centennial' passed away.  For the next three Fridays we'll be paying tribute to them by showcasing their 'Centennial' characters in the "ASOTV" spotlight.....

PHILIP WENDELL

CREATED BY:
James Michener

PORTRAYED BY:
Morgan Paull (as an adult)

AS SEEN IN:
'Centennial'

TV STATUS:
Recastaway
(Due to aging process)

TV DIMENSION:
Earth Prime-Time

From the IMDb:
Morgan Paull (born December 15, 1944) is an American actor probably most notable for playing Holden in the Ridley Scott film "Blade Runner". He made his acting debut in the 1970 film "Patton" playing Captain Richard N. Jenson.  He is also known for playing the scheming Philip Wendell in the 1978 American television miniseries 'Centennial'.

The role of Philip Wendell was originally played by Richard Kelton, who died of carbon monoxide poisoning after one day of filming.

From The Rush Blog:"The Winds of Death" focused upon other subplots. It marked the deaths of three major characters - Hans Brumbaugh, Mervin Wendell and Jim Lloyd. Wendell died as a happy real estate tycoon, oblivious of the damage he has caused. His only disappointments seemed to be his continuing lack of knowledge of Mr. Sorenson's final resting place and the contempt his son Philip still harbors. 

My last problem with the episode proved to be a minor quibble. I noticed that the generation that featured Philip Wendell and Beeley Garrett seemed to conceive their offspring, while in their late 30s to 40s. Why? I can understand one of them having children so late in life, but all of the characters from this particular generation? Philip Wendell's son (Morgan) will not be introduced until the next episode. But he will prove to be around the same age as Beeley's son, Paul Garrett.

Morgan Paul did an excellent job in conveying the many facets of the adult Philip Wendell, who not only remained haunted by Axel Dumire's death, but also proved to be just as ruthless in business as his parents.

Philip Wendell is the kind of 'Centennial' character whom I would normally have saved for a "Two For Tuesday" showcase.  But Doug McKeon did such a fantastic job as Philip Wendell as a boy that he does deserve his own page.  And it would not have been fair to Morgan Paull if he had to share the spotlight when this is meant to be a Hat Squad tribute to one of his TV characters.

Good night and may God bless, Morgan Paull..........