TV VIEWERS VOICE

Leaving Milwaukee and going to Los Angeles becomes more of an adventure every time we go. The security at Mitchell Airport has definitely been beefed up. Right before going through the security check point there were long lines of people just to get their boarding passes. My husband Jim and I had electronic tickets so we got to avoid the long wait in line. Then going through security was a nightmare and naturally I was one of the people the alarm singled out. Turned out I forgot I had my metal pill box in my jacket and that set the alarm off. I’m really not complaining it was a comfort to know they were being so thorough.

The flight was smooth except for a little turbulence over the mountains. I did notice some serious cutbacks the airlines had made since the last time we flew and that was on the food they served. Breakfast consisted of a muffin with egg and cheese, a banana and a beverage. They didn’t come around later and offer another small snack and beverage like they usually did. That was just a small inconvenience, but when you’re in the air for four hours you notice it. We did survive though and since I’m working on losing weight it was probably a good thing.

Arriving at the Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel in Studio City was like coming home again. The weather was not exceptionally warm, about 70 degrees, but when you’re coming from 16 degree weather it felt fantastic. We unpacked, settled in and later went out for dinner with some old friends.

The next day we went over to the set of a CBS show “The Guardian” (Tuesday, 8:00 p.m., CST) at Sony Studios. Our main objective of this trip was to present some Viewers Voice Awards that we were unable to present at our banquet last year. “The Guardian” was shooting their series in New York last October at the time of our Awards Banquet and was disappointed they couldn’t attend.

We arrived at the main gate of Sony Studios, in Culver City around 3:00 p.m. and went through their security check before we could enter.  They then directed us to the Robert Young Building, Stage 20 where “The Guardian” is taped. Every building on the lot is dedicated to a star of the past; Hedy Lamour, Clark Gable, Spensor Tracy and so on.

As we entered the building we were met by a Karin Gleason, assistant to the director, who gave us a small tour around the set of “The Guardian.” Then we went over to where they were shooting a scene with the star Simon Baker and watched on the monitors with the director.

Viewers Voice was on the set to present two awards: one to Simon Baker, Favorite Actor in a Primetime Drama Series and to Dabney Coleman, Favorite Supporting Actor in a Primetime Drama Series. Mr. Coleman was not on the set this particular day but Simon Baker was and he was introduced to us during a break in shooting. He was very friendly and had a twinkle in his eyes that suggested he was always ready for a little fun. I have to admit that his Australian accent completely charmed me. He introduced us to his 8-year-old daughter, Stella, who was home from school sick that particular day. Simon joked that she probably was not as sick as she claimed to be. To me she looked pretty healthy and was enjoying visiting her dad’s set. I can’t say I blame her; people working on “The Guardian” were fun to be with, cheerful and constantly joking around. They offered us coffee but said we probably wouldn’t survive if we drank it.        

We presented Mr. Baker with his award and taped it for the Viewers Voice TV show. He was very appreciative that our members thought that much of him to name him their favorite actor in a drama series. He thanked our members and gave me a big kiss. Boy the things you have to do for this organization, but somebody has to do it. Guess I’ll never wash that cheek again.

Simon Baker, who has appeared in several of Australia’s most popular television series, makes his American television debut in “The Guardian.” The Australian-born actor, whose background also includes stage and screen, received Australia’s prestigious Logie Award for Most Popular New Talent in 1992.

Shortly thereafter, Baker moved to Los Angeles with his family and was cast in the Academy Award winning film, “L.A. Confidential.” He most recently starred opposite Hilary Swank in the period drama, “The Affair of the Necklace.”

Since we were unable to give Dabney Coleman his award because he was not scheduled to work that day, we gave the award to Ms. Gleason and asked her if she could present it to him. She agreed and said he would be honored to receive it.

We stayed around on the set and watched for awhile and always appreciate all the work that goes into making an hour drama. When we left we had a good feeling about the people on “The Guardian,” they really care about their viewers and about making a good quality series.

For those of you who have yet to watch “The Guardian” I suggest you tune in and give it a chance. The story revolves around a hotshot, thirtysomething lawyer who must perform community service or risk being disbarred when he’s arrested for using drugs. While closing lucrative deals at his high-powered law firm, Nick Fallin (Baker) is forced to work for a child-advocacy office run by Alvin Masterson (Alan Rosenberg), a boss who is determined to keep Nick honest, and Louisa “Lulu” Archer (Wendy Moniz), a co-worker who continues to challenge Nick in a way he has never been before.

“The Guardian” is an excellent drama series and Viewers Voice is pulling for it to be picked up for another season. It should be, it’s doing fairly well in the ratings war, but that hasn’t stopped the networks from pulling the plug in the past. If you watch “The Guardian” and enjoy it, please write CBS and let them know.

Until my next column let your voice be heard.