Why the inaccuracies on ‘This Is Us’ series?
Q: I noticed a couple of mistakes in the first episode of “This Is Us” this season. The story opens on the day of Franco Harris’ “immaculate reception.” As the story goes on, several people ask Jack if he watched the game. The problem is that the game was blacked out in Pittsburgh. It was a warm day, and I remember washing my car while listening to it on the radio. It’s one of those moments every Pittsburgher remembers exactly where they were when it happened. If it was on TV, I wouldn’t have been washing my car.
Also, later in the story, Rebecca is buying wine in a grocery store. Wouldn’t have happened in Pittsburgh in the ’70s.
— MIKE VIA EMAIL Rob: We’ve written several times about how the show’s writers are more interested in the show’s story and characters than pinpoint accuracy regarding Pittsburgh, whether it’s geography or Pennsylvania liquor laws.
Rebecca buying wine at a grocery store did not register with me as a blunder this time — it did the first time — but because they violated the liquor laws realism previously maybe the writers decided it doesn’t matter no matter how many tweets they get from Pittsburgh viewers.
Q: Any idea why Linda Hunt was on “NCIS: Los Angeles” only sporadically last season and this season? Her character takes no crap and knows just about everyone. Nia Long is passable but won’t ever be Hetty Lange. — SHEILA, NEW CASTLE Rob: This season it’s due to injuries Ms. Hunt sustained in a car accident in July. Last month, CBS had no update on when she will return to the show.
As for last season, my guess is producers would say it was dictated by the story — the show’s CBS publicist did not provide a response after I inquired several times over two weeks — but my guess is Ms. Hunt made a deal to stay on the show in a reduced capacity, same as Scott Caan did on CBS’s “Hawaii Five-0.”
Q: Do you have any scoop on when Kensi and Deeks will be married on “NCIS: Los Angeles”? Will it be before the end of the season? I hope so — have been waiting a long time!
— MARILYN, CECIL Rob: That wedding will air March 17.
“The Densi wedding will take place this season airing in the spring,” said “NCIS: Los Angeles” executive producer R. Scott Gemmill. “Their wedding will be the perfect example of the ‘sunshine and gunpowder’ line Deeks said when describing how Kensi smells.”
Q: Why must the title character on “Madam Secretary” wear a black bra under sheer white blouses? That is really tacky!
— GAY VIA EMAIL Rob: One person’s “tacky” is another person’s “visible bra advocacy,” words I never expected I’d have to string together. One fashion website also suggests a black bra under a white shirt is appropriate for those with a darker skin tone.
Q: Whatever happened to “iZombie” on The CW? Is it ever coming back on?
— SK VIA EMAIL Rob: It is. “iZombie” will return for its final season at 8 p.m. May 2.