¡HEMOS INHABILITADO EL ZONKS!

Lance Rothstein, the head writer for the telenovela 'Explosion Gigantesca de Romance', used to write for 'Blossom'. When Shawn Spencer started describing that show, what with his mention of chimpanzees in trucks, it was obvious to his partner Gus that he was talking about 'BJ And The Bear'.

Those two references in the 'Psych' episode "Lights, Cameras, Homicidio" could have been Zonks, but I think we can disable them.

'Blossom' doesn't have to be about the teenaged girl Blossom Russo. For all we know, it was a sci-fi series about a horticulturist gone mad, or some kind of plant-based super-hero - half-man, half-rutabaga.

As for 'BJ And The Bear', that was specifically described. But it still is part of the main Toobworld, and what happened was an enterprising writer - maybe even Lance Rothstein! - realized the TV series potential in the life story of Billy Joe McKay and his primate partner BJ.

Yes, we have no Zonks today!

BCnU!
Toby OB

THE DALGLIESH FAMILY TREE

In "The Million Dollar Bond Robbery", we were introduced to Esmee Dalgliesh. She worked as Mr. Vavasour's secretary at the London & Scottish Bank. By the end of that 'Poirot' episode we learn that she would soon be known as Mrs. Philip Ridgeway.

As we never met any of her blood relations, we can make the assumption that she was also the dear old Auntie of Commander Adam Dalgliesh, as played by Roy Marsden... at least in Toobworld.

BCnU!
Toby OB

TAR NATION PM

With the 'Poirot' episode about "The Kidnapping Of The Prime Minister", the series should have been tossed over into 'The West Wing' universe. That's because the Prime Minister was actually named - as McAdam.

Here is the list of Prime Ministers who served during the Toobworld timeline of Hercule Poirot's peak period of activity (give or take):

1908 Herbert H Asquith

1916 David Lloyd George

1922 Andrew Bonar Law

1923 Stanley Baldwin

1929 James Ramsay MacDonald

1931 James Ramsay MacDonald

1935 Stanley Baldwin

1937 Neville Chamberlain

1940 Winston Churchill

1945 Clement Attlee

Not a McAdam in sight.

From a synopsis I've seen about the original story by Agatha Christie, the producers probably had no choice - she identified the Prime Minister as David McAdam. But they could have avoided the problem altogether by just referring to him as the Prime Minister and leave it at that. We could have then thought of him as whomever we wanted him to be.

What's particularly odd is that the episode had no problem in mentioning Lord Asquith when it came to the history of Irish Home Rule in 1914.

In the Toobworld timeline, "The Kidnapping Of The Prime Minister" was shown before "The Plymouth Express", which has inner proof that it took place in September of 1935. But at the same time, "The Million Dollar Bond Robbery" was broadcast before "The Plymouth Express" as well, and the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary took place in May of 1936. So we can't depend on a chronology based on the series' televised order.

Therefore, this episode could have taken place years before those other two episodes.

The reason I bring that up is because I think the case can be made that Prime Minister McAdam was in fact one of the actual Prime Ministers from the Trueniverse. And since it was broadcast well in advance of those other two lynchpins in the Toobworld timeline - by a full season, almost - I think we can place the episode as occurring during James Ramsay MacDonald's term of office. Perhaps even in 1934 to keep it in close proximity to the episodes surrounding it.

And since we don't actually see the Prime Minister because his head is all bandaged up, then that helps support the argument. (Of course, in the end that doesn't turn out to be much of a problem anyway. See the episode.....)

But if it is supposed to be MacDonald, why the use of the name "McAdam"? My splainin would be that "McAdam" was a code name. In fact, what we're hearing is not "McAdam" but instead "Macadam". It's a word that means (according to the Hyper-Dictionary) "a paved surface having compressed layers of broken rocks held together with tar".

Code names usually have some connection to the designated subject. For a good example: CJ Cregg, Press Secretary for the Bartlet White House, was code-named "Flamingo" by the Secret Service. (According to Bernard Thatch in the "Noel" epsode of 'The West Wing', she was "a freakishly tall woman".)

So "Macadam" could have been a reference to the fact that the government put together by Prime Minister MacDonald was barely held together and subjected to a lot of pressure and yet saving face by being a reference to rock-like strength.

Well, that's my story and I'm sticking with it. Sure, it might have been easier to dump the series into the alternate dimension of 'The West Wing', but who wants to lose the little Belgie from the main Toobworld?
By the way, James Ramsay MacDonald has a televersion. He was portrayed by the late Ian Richardson in "Number 10", a mini-series that looked at the lives of seven Prime Ministers. It was kind of the UK version of "Backstairs At The White House". (Pictured here is Richardson as his most famous Toobworld character - albeit from an alternate dimension - Sir Francis Urquhart of 'House Of Cards' and its sequels.)

BCnU!
Toby OB

THE HAT SQUAD: THE EAGLE HAS FLOWN

Sometimes an actor becomes indelible in one's memory for a lifetime body of work in Toobworld. And for others all it takes is one role, and only sixty seconds worth of it at that.

Jack Eagle has passed away. That in itself probably doesn't get your brain synapses firing up with recognition. But once I add that he played Brother Dominic, the second most famous monk in all of Toobworld (after Brother 'Cadfael'), perhaps that should make you remember him.

Still need help? Well, here's a visual aid.....
Jack Eagle was 71 when he passed away on the tenth of January, five days shy of his 72nd birthday. His first Xerox ad as Brother Dominic made its debut during the 1977 Super Bowl. Next Sunday's game would have marked the 31st anniversary of its first broadcast.

Rest in peace, Brother.....

BCnU.....
Toby OB

SKED ALERT! THE RETURN OF 'TORCHWOOD'

Make way for the Bikini Cops!For the American readers of "Inner Toob", here's a reminder that 'Torchwood' returns tonight for Season 2 on BBC-America at 9 pm EST.

Of course, we'll be getting the distilled version - edited for content to placate the stupid FCC (which just handed down a fine on 'NYPD Blue' for a scene that aired over five years ago!), and for time constraints so that it will fit into an hour slot with plenty of room for blipverts.

Still, having seen the episode already, I have to say that those who gave up on the show last season for the juvenile way they tried to be "adult" and cutting edge should come back and give it a second chance. This first episode, "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" should have you quoting the title of that Toobworld soap opera: "All Is Forgiven".

BCnU!
Toby OB

"PSYCH"-ING QUEST

In last night's 'Psych' ("Lights, Cameras, Homicidio"), there is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment when Shawn and Gus split up to work the case from different angles. As they go their separate ways, an actor crosses the screen, dressed in some kind of armor and carrying a helmet with Viking-styled horns.

Perhaps Johnny Drama's old series, 'Viking Quest', was revived in Toobworld, with a complete recasting? Or - if upcoming events in 'Entourage' prove that to be impossible - maybe there was a sequel or spin-off series.

That'll be one screen grab that will prove tough to track down - at least until the DVD for the season comes out.

In other 'Psych' news, I received an anonymous email yesterday concerning my search for the pineapple references in each episode of 'Psych'. Apparently Shawn is munching on a slice while working on the dog house in "Spellingg Bee"

Next time I grab a copy of that episode, I'll have to snare that shot for my collection.

Thank you, Masked Man!

BCnU!
Toby OB

TIDDYLYWINKYDINKS: -30-

Yet another TV columnist/critic for a major newspaper has been let go. Like Ed Bark in Texas and David Bianculli of NYC before him, Doug Elfman of the Chicago Sun-Times is a victim of the staff layoffs at that paper.

It's probably just as well if the networks get rid of their upfronts altogether since pretty soon there won't be any more TV critics to cover the stories. Instead of a variety of opinions, angles, and voices, we'll be reduced to just getting press releases spoon-fed to us about upcoming shows.

A good example of why the latest season of 'The Wire' is so timely.....

BCnU!
Toby

"TORCHWOOD" & TOOBWORLD

I caught the BBC editions of the first two episodes from the second season of 'Torchwood' last night, courtesy of my Who-buddies Mark & Michael. (I could have waited until Saturday night, when BBC-America brings the second season to America, but that version will be edited for content and time constraints. I'll still be DVRing to check out those differences, but I want the full experience.)

The first episode, "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang", contained plenty to work with as far as Toobworld references, Zonks, and connections go. "Sleeper", the second episode, only contained a few, but at least both of them so far are well above the quality level of last year's first season.

So here's your word of spoiler warning to look away and come back after you've seen both episodes if you don't want it ruined for you.

And here we go.

First off, to delay just a wee bit longer, I just want to protest that opening tag line about the 21st Century being when everything changes. The same could have been said for the 20th Century, probably for every century as they approached.

Okay!

We'll start off with the season premiere, "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang".....

THE TEMPORAL AGENCY
Captain John Hart told Jack that their former employers, the Agency, had been shut down. As he also said there were only seven agents left, it sounds like it had been destroyed. Perhaps this happened during the Time War? RTD has stated that he only wanted one time traveler about, and that would be the Doctor, which is why they decided to eliminate this important part of Jack's background.

Still, the previews and a final comment by Captain John hint at the probability that this history may be addressed during this season.

I'm thinking the Agency was the same group for whom Phineas Bogg worked in 'Voyagers!' And if most of the Agency was wiped out during the Time War, it would provide a pretty good splainin as to why we don't see Phineas and Jeffrey Jones anymore.

I kind of like the idea of Captain Jack Harkness and Phineas being VERY chummy when they were working together as Time Agents. Of course, with the death of John-Eric Hexum about twenty years ago or so, this will probably only come about through fanfic fever dreams.

CAPTAIN JOHN HART

If I remember correctly, Captain John Hart introduced himself to the others in Jack's Torchwood team (Not "Excalibur", not "Blizzard", not "Bikini Cops"). If that wasn't his real name, then Jack was willing to go along with the deception. After all, Captain John was going along with the fact that Jack's name was an alias - up to a point. But then, Team Torchwood already knew that.

If he took it as an alias, or even if it was his real name given him by his parents, it could be that it was chosen in tribute to the actor who played 'The Lone Ranger' on TV in Toobworld.

That's an important distinction. Back in the Antediluvian past of the Tubeworld Dynamic, I worked out this splainin in which the Lone Ranger looked like an actor named Clayton Moore. But within the "reality" of the TV Universe, Toobworld had its own TV series about this legendary, "historical" figure of the Wild Wild West. And he was played by the actor John Hart.

So when we saw Clayton Moore as the Lone Ranger, we were watching the actual events of history. When we saw John Hart as the Masked Man, we were watching TV show episodes from Toobworld. And that's why John Hart showed up in episodes of 'Happy Days' and 'The Fall Guy' as the actor who played the Lone Ranger.

So it could be that Captain John Hart was named after him. Hey, we don't know what era that escapee from the Lonely Hearts Club Band actually came from! He could have been recruited into the Time Agents from the 1970s or 80s....

ARCADIA/ARKADIA
It turned out that Captain John Hart's true mission was recovering an Arcadian diamond for which he killed a woman in some other galaxy. We never saw the word spelled out, so it could have been "Arcadian" or "Arkadian".

Here's a Wikipedia entry for a connection to parent series 'Doctor Who': "In the 2006 Doctor Who episode 'Doomsday', the Doctor mentions being 'there at the fall of Arcadia', where Arcadia is insinuated to be an unspecified area of possible strategic importance in the Time War, unlikely to be the Arcadia of Greece."

And we can make a connection to 'Star Trek' as well. Here's an entry from a great Trek research site, Memory Alpha: "The Arcadian system is a star system that contains at least one inhabited planet, Motherlode. It is possible that the Arcadians have some connection to this star system. The USS Enterprise visited the system in 2269 while attempting to locate Harry Mudd. (TAS: "Mudd's Passion")"

The fact that this entry is from the Tooniverse is only a minor stumbling block. I think it's a given that everything that happened in the animated series also happened in the live action main Toobworld; we just weren't privy to seeing it.

As for those pesky Arcadians: "Arcadians are a humanoid species and members of the United Federation of Planets. Arcadians are distinguished from most humanoid species by the large, broad heads with two parallel lines of hair running front to back on the top outer edges of the cranium. In contrast, the bodies of Arcadians are slim and delicate. Their nose protrudes very little from the face and their ears are large and pointed. They have wide-set eyes that are particularly brightly colored, and do not have eyebrows. Arcadians were represented on the Federation Council in 2285 by two ambassadors. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home) The name for this species comes from the FASA Star Trek IV Sourcebook Update book, however, this information has never been mentioned on-screen."

THE BLOWFISH

The first case we saw the Jack-less Torchwood team tacking upon their return for the second season concerned a "blowfish" driving a sports car. Okay.....

His species and planet of origin were not named, so allow me the opportunity to place him in the firmament of the Toobworld galaxy. He was a different species that developed on the Antedean planet, whose ambassadors were seen in the 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' episode of "Manhunt". The planet Antedes III must be a water-world in which several species of fish evolved to humanoid form.

"HELP ME, OBI-WAN"
Captain John Hart sent a holographic message to Captain Jack to meet up with him and ended it with "Help me, Obi-Wan; you're my only hope".
The movie franchise of "Star Wars" is accepted as such in Toobworld; Seth even got to meet with George Lucas in an episode of 'The O.C.' However, at the same time it's an established part of Toobworld. Luke Skywalker and friends have appeared at 'The Muppet Show' theatre; the droids have gone on to have a very pervasive presence in blipverts and PSAs; and then of course there's that infamous holiday special from 1977. (Deny it all you want, Mr. Lucas, but once broadcast, forever a part of Toobworld!)

The dichotomy between these two standpoints can probably be chalked up to a similar situation as with 'Star Trek'. The far, far away galaxy in which "Star Wars" takes place actually exists in Toobworld. Somehow George Lucas learned of it and created his movie empire based on it.

THE STARFLEET SYMBOL
When Jack and Ianto searched an office for the missing third component to Captain John's "treasure", all of the computers featured the symbol for Starfleet as their wallpaper.

Again, 'Star Trek' actually will take place in the main Toobworld centuries from now, and at the same time it's considered a TV show by the citizens of Toobworld today. Somebody from the Future must have come back in Time to give the televersion of Gene Roddenberry all of the details so that he could create the TV show (including images of the personnel involved so that casting could be as accurate as possible).

Now, as for the second episode, "Sleeper".....

THE MIND PROBE
The Torchwood motto is "If it's alien, it's ours." But not everything that Torchwood has access to fell through the temporal rift in Cardiff. Some of it came from confiscated technology that was developed right there on TV Earth.

And I think the mind probe used on Beth can be included in that inventory.

I don't know specifically from which TV show that device came, but two leading candidates would be 'The Avengers' and 'The Prisoner'. I'm leaning towards 'The Prisoner' of course, but then - it is my all-time favorite TV show!

"ALRIGHT, JESSICA FLETCHER... WHODUNNIT?"
Owen's sarcastic remark to Gwen can't be considered a Zonk, even though 'Murder, She Wrote' exists in the same TV Universe as does 'Torchwood'. That's because by this point in the Toobworld timeline, Jessica Baines Fletcher is an internationally known, well-established author of mystery novels. (Her most famous would be "The Corpse Danced At Midnight".)

So when Owen cites her, he knows Gwen will pick up the reference to the author, and not to any TV show.

Well, that just about does it for these first new episodes of 'Torchwood'. If you read this far without having seen them, then I hope you'll find them still to be interesting when BBC-America airs them beginning this Saturday.

BCnU!
Toby OB

TIDDLYWINKYDINKS: MARVEL & "LOST"

The marketing division for ABC (I'm not sure what their place in line will be when the revolution comes.) is putting references to 'Lost' in a variety of Marvel comic books this month.

It doesn't sound like it's anything you HAVE to get in order to keep up with the show, however. There will be a copy of the Season 4 poster, a strategically placed numeral "6" (which can be seen in the water's reflection on the Season 4 poster), and the slogan "Find Yourself". It's more like product placement advertising rather than true synergy.

I was a big comic book geek once upon a time and I can tell you this doesn't spark any compunction to rush out and get copies.

The show starts in about a week. I can wait it out.

BCnU!
Toby OB

POND SCUM

Somebody call PJ and the gang from 'My Boys' STAT! Because John Gibson of FOX News needs a douchebag intervention.

Hours after the death of actor Heath Ledger, Gibson was on the radio making snide comments about the unfortunate event. He claimed that Ledger was a suicidal weirdo who probably offed himself because of the downturn in the stock market, or because he had seen the Obama-Clinton debate the night before.

(Apparently, it's looking as if Ledger's death was accidental, but I'm not up on the story yet.)

He's been called out for being an insensitive boob (and I'm being polite) by Keith Olbermann (who crowned him the World's Worst for the day), Joe Scarborough ( "This is about as callous and harsh as anything I've ever heard. It is unspeakably rude."), and Mika Brzezinski ("That makes me nauseous.") so far, and I'm sure there'll be more to come.

I'm sure there's a nasty Toobits Award for his Christmas stocking by the end of the year.....

BCnU!
Toby OB