Friday, October 9, 2015

Forgotten TV: The Tortellis (1987)

When people discuss Cheers, the only spin-off series they can think of is, of course, Frasier. That's largely because the first spin-off didn't exactly pick up the baton and run, if you catch my drift.

The Tortellis told the story of Carla's ex-husband, Dan (Dan Hedaya), and his new bride (Jean Kasem), whom viewers first met on Cheers. The series lasted just a few weeks in 1987 as a mid-season replacement, plugged right into NBC's Must-See TV Thursday block in back of, of course, Cheers.

Unlike her late husband, Casey, Jean Kasem had all the acting range of a tomato can, and for that reason alone she never landed another acting job after The Tortellis waved good-bye. Had Hanna-Barbera decided to revive, say, Josie & the Pussycats, Jean would've been a perfect choice to assume the voice role of Melody.

Anyway, here's a sample clip:



Of all the supporting characters on the show, you'd think these two would've been the last ones to merit a spin-off. Frasier succeeded Cheers, and continued for 10 years.

Rating: D.

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