Question: In the new Murphy Brown, why hasn’t there been any mention that Miles and Corky were once married? —Sue
Matt Roush: This is a classic case of sitcom “retcon” (as in “retroactive continuity”), in which a show decides to ignore events from its past life when it gets a fresh start. (The new Will
& Grace ignored the original series’ ending, to its benefit.) I’ve read some suggestions (unconfirmed) that because the Miles-Corky marriage happened after series creator Diane English left the show, she opted to just ignore that it ever happened—and to
be honest, it probably never should have—and that’s why it never comes up. Given how rocky some of those final seasons were, it may be just as well.
Question: On ABC’s recent Mickey Mouse special, original Mouseketeers Bobby Burgess and Sharon Baird were introduced. Are they the only ones left from the 1955 show? —Carole
Matt Roush: Of the original cast members who were under contract for the full run of the original Mickey Mouse Club, only Annette Funicello and Doreen Tracey have passed away. According to a quick search, Lonnie Burr, Tommy Cole, Darlene Gillespie, Cubby O’Brien and Karen Pendleton are also still around, but may not have been available for the reunion.
To submit questions to TV Critic Matt Roush, go to: tvinsider.com