Q: What became of the five Semonski sisters that regularly appear on PBS reruns of "The Lawrence Welk Show"? Why did they leave the show?
Lawrence Welk's popular family act The Semonski Sisters actually started out with six. Eldest sister Diane left early, and it's only her future career that we know anything about.
She left to pursue a musical career of her own, and though she never attained the same national fame she had on "The Lawrence Welk Show," at last report she was still working and performing in Florida.
The other five retired to quiet, normal lives after leaving the show in 1977, two years after their debut.
Chicago Fire, on NBC
After ordering his men to evacuate a blazing warehouse, Chief Boden is accused of leaving a homeless man to die. While he's left to deal with the negative press, Det. Voight tries to intimidate Casey, and Hermann responds to a rescue call at a Halloween party.
Go On, on NBC
A reluctant Ryan realizes Owen may need a big brother figure in his life and wonders whether or not he should take him under his wing. Also, Yolanda believes she's ready to graduate from the group, and Steven hires a new K-Bal Girl.
Scare Tactics, on Syfy
Performer Brooke Hogan is transformed into a ravenous zombie in this season premiere. Host Tracy Morgan brings viewers a special marathon of new episodes of the unique hidden-camera show, which reveals what happens when people pull pranks with a sci-fi twist.
Q: A British show on PBS called "Ashes to Ashes" seems similar to a canceled show I was watching called "Life on Mars." Is there a book or movie, anything, to give a conclusion to the story?
What you've seen of "Ashes to Ashes," which was in fact a sequel series to "Life on Mars," is all there is, unfortunately.
Of course, they said that about "Life on Mars," and then created "Ashes to Ashes" to continue the universe. But series creator Matthew Graham said this is definitely it. Well, almost definitely.
The Mentalist, on CBS
Golden Globe nominee Simon Baker returns as police consultant Patrick Jane in the milestone 100th episode. The highly anticipated landmark episode was written by Tom Szentgyorgyi, who has worked on such TV shows as "NYPD Blue" and "Lie to Me."
Late Laughs for the week of October 28 - November 3, 2012
Late Night: Jimmy Fallon
People close to the campaign are saying that Mitt Romney’s son, Tagg, is now one of his chief advisers. That’s right, when Mitt asked him to join the team, he put his arm on his son’s shoulder and said, “Tagg, you’re it!”
A new survey found that atheists are the fastest-growing religious group in the U.S. And if you find it hard to believe -- well, you’re probably one of them.
Murphy's layers: Spike preparing tribute special for comedian
Eddie Murphy will be honored in an upcoming Spike special
MURPHY'S LAYERS: The thought of performing stand-up comedy is terrifying to most adults. Imagine, then, what it would be like to attempt such a feat at the young age of 15. That's when Eddie Murphy got his start.
New Releases for the week of October 28 - November 3
The Campaign
When unopposed Democratic Congressman Cam Brady accidentally leaves a scandalous message on the answering machine of a local family, his re-election becomes far from a sure thing. Seeing an opportunity, two corrupt businessmen throw their pick into the ring: Marty Huggins, the dim-witted son of a corrupt businessman. The campaign quickly escalates into mud-slinging and name-calling, but the contenders must mend fences if they are to save their constituents from the lies and corruption of local businessmen.
Director: Jay Roach. Stars: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd. 2012. 85 min. Comedy.
Excision
Pauline is a very disturbed high school student with big ambitions. She has plans to go into medicine after high school, hoping to please her contrary and controlling mother. As Pauline’s sanity starts to slip, her life begins to spiral into chaos and confusion. Fantasy and reality begin to blur, and Pauline’s fantasies have always been particularly grotesque.
Director: Richard Bates Jr. Stars: AnnaLynne McCord, Traci Lords, Malcolm McDowell, Marlee Matlin, Matthew Gray Gubler. 2012. 81 min. Horror.
Safety Not Guaranteed
When a strange personal ad is placed in a small-town newspaper, journalists Darius and Jeff are dispatched to investigate its origins. In a lazy seaside community they find the author of the ad, Kenneth, looking for a companion to travel with him back in time. Posing as a time-travel applicant, Darius uncovers some unexpected truths about both Kenneth and herself, while Jeff’s motives become increasingly suspect.
Director: Derek Connolly. Stars: Aubrey Plaza, Basil Harris, Jake Johnson, Karan Soni. 2012. 86 min. Comedy.
Ruby Sparks
Calvin is a young novelist who has been suffering from writer’s block since the success of his first novel 10 years ago. One night in a dream he meets Ruby, the woman of, well, his dreams. Once awake, Calvin writes about Ruby, making her the protagonist of his next novel and realizing he’s in love with her. Mysterious items of women’s clothing begin to turn up amongst Calvin’s stuff until, suddenly, Calvin finds a real-life Ruby making breakfast in his kitchen. Dating a woman sprung from his imagination proves complicated, though, and Calvin must find the strength of character to keep things from spinning out of control.
Directors: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris. Stars: Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Chris Messina, Annette Bening, Antonio Banderas. 2012. 104 min. Comedy.
Dirty secrets: Food series helps owners clean up their acts
Ben Vaughn of “Health Inspectors”
A health code violation can be a serious nightmare for both diners and restaurant owners.
No owner wants to be shut down or forced to undergo a costly cleanup – not to mention the damage it can do to a business’s reputation in an industry where word-of-mouth can make or break you.