Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Why was FX on Hulu series ‘Y: The Last Man’ canceled?
Q: I was shocked to hear that the FX on Hulu series “Y: The Last Man” was abruptly canceled! What happened? Is there hope another streaming channel will pick this up?
A: The drama fell prey to economics, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Long delayed by off-camera changes and COVID19, the show had reached a point where it would have to pick up the contract options for the cast while not knowing if, in fact, the show would keep going. “Ultimately, FX brass declined to pay $3 million to further extend options,” said the publication. But the makers of the show have held out hope that someone else will pick it up, and the Hollywood Reporter noted that HBO Max might be a good fit because of corporate ties between the show and the streamer. Showrunner Eliza Clark said, “It is the most collaborative, creatively fulfilling and beautiful thing I have ever been a part of. We don’t want it to end.”
Q: Can you tell me the name of the song and the composer for the lead-in to Marvel movies and TV programs? It sounds like a John Williams composition.
A: It is not. What is simply known as the Marvel fanfare is reportedly by veteran composer Michael Giacchino, who has a long resume of work in TV and movies, including such productions as “Lost,” “Up,” “Rogue One” and “JoJo Rabbit.” An earlier version of the fanfare was by Brian Tyler.
Q: Ed Asner was the star of a made-for-TV movie in the 1970s or ’80s where he played an alcoholic and had a son who was also an alcoholic.
Can you tell me the name of this movie and the actor who played Asner’s son?
A: You are probably remembering “Vital Signs” from 1986. Asner played an alcoholic doctor with a doctor son who had a drug problem. The son was played by Gary Cole, who lately has been appearing on “NCIS” as Alden Parker, the replacement for Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon).
Q: I enjoyed “Last Tango in Halifax” immensely. Can you tell me if it will be coming back?
A: The series starring Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid ended in 2020.
Q: I read recently that actor Sam Rockwell celebrated his 53rd birthday. I am still a fan of the B Westerns of my youth and wondered if Sam Rockwell is related to the character actor Jack Rockwell, who appeared in so many of those old movies.
A: Sam Rockwell, an Oscar winner for his performance in “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” does have an acting bloodline as the son of actors Pete Rockwell and Penny Hess. But I have not connected them to Jack Rockwell, the actor you recalled.
Q: Is there any hope of a revival of “Timeless” or will someone be streaming the episodes?
A: I do not know of any plans for a revival of the time travel drama. You can find the old episodes streaming on Hulu, including the series finale.
Do you have a question or comment about entertainment past, present and future? Write to Rich Heldenfels, P.O. Box 417, Mogadore, OH 44260, or brenfels@gmail.com. Letters may be edited.