Alfred’s origins to be further explored on ‘Pennyworth’

Q: I would like to know if you have any information on the series “Pennyworth.” Is it returning for a second season, and if so do you know when?

A: The “Batman” prequel focusing on the early years of Alfred Pennyworth has been picked up for a second season on Epix. As with many series, its return date is not clear because of the coronavirus pandemic. Production on the second season had begun in February, but by early March it had shut down. An Epix representative said Wednesday that the series is still on hiatus.

Q: A few years ago I watched a Western movie that I enjoyed. It had Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. I believe at the beginning they were robbing a stagecoach.

Can you help me with the title?

A: You probably saw “4 for Texas,” a lighthearted Western from 1963 with Sinatra, Martin, Ursula Andress and Anita Ekberg. It begins with a stagecoach attack, although not quite the way you remember it. The cast also includes Charles Bronson, Victor Buono, Jack Elam and, really, a scene with the Three Stooges.

Q: On the TV show “The Nanny,” one of the cast was a tall, thin, blond teenager whose last name was “Tom.” She was not seen or heard from after the show. I wonder if the actress with the last name “Tom” on “The Bold and the Beautiful” is related. I have been thinking about this for a while and hope you answer.

A: Nicholle Tom from “The Nanny” might be surprised by your description of her career, which has included dozens of screen appearances since “The Nanny” ended, among them roles on “Gotham,” “Masters of Sex” and “Survivor’s Remorse.” But Nicholle is indeed the sister of “The Bold and the Beautiful” actress Heather Tom, who plays Katie Logan Spencer on the soap. And we shouldn’t forget their actor brother (and Nicholle’s twin), David Tom.

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.