#Middlebury
Q: Is the new “Magnum P.I.” returning this fall? If so, when will it premiere? I really enjoyed the first few seasons. – B.D.
A: After its surprise cancellation by CBS in May, “Magnum P.I.” was picked up by competing network NBC for future episodes. According to Deadline.com, ratings weren’t the issue. It’s always been a top 25 show in terms of total viewers, so it was shocking that it got the ax.
Fortunately, NBC stepped in, and the cast is reportedly finalizing deals to return. Jay Hernandez, who plays the titular role, posted a video on Twitter thanking the show’s persistent fans for getting petitions going. “You got a billboard in Times Square, and because of all that noise you made, we now have a new home at NBC,” Hernandez expressed.
NBC has picked up the show for at least two more seasons, 10 episodes each. The network hasn’t announced a premiere date yet, but hopefully, fans won’t have to wait much longer to see what happened after Magnum and Higgins (Perdita Weeks) confessed their feelings for each other in the season finale.
Q: Is it true that the sitcom “Frasier” is returning? I don’t think it will be the same now that John Mahoney has passed. – M.E.
A: Yes, star Kelsey Grammer recently confirmed on “The Talk” that a “Frasier” revival is in the works and that he hopes to begin filming this fall. The real-life death of John Mahoney, who played Frasier’s loveable, cranky dad in the original series, will be addressed in the first episode.
Jennifer Connelly (Depositphotos)
Q: In the new “Top Gun” sequel, Jennifer Connelly plays a character named Penny. It’s mentioned she had a prior relationship with Tom Cruise’s character in the original movie, but I don’t remember Connelly being in it at all. Also, why did they not mention his original love interest played by Kelly McGillis? – T.B.
A: Penny Benjamin, otherwise known as “the admiral’s daughter,” was mentioned but never seen in the original “Top Gun” blockbuster film. It occurred in a scene where Maverick (Tom Cruise) was being scolded by his commander for “a history of high-speed passes over five air control towers and one admiral’s daughter.” Goose (Anthony Edwards) then turns toward his friend and whispers, “Penny Benjamin?”
When it came time to cast a love interest in the new sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick,” Kelly McGillis wasn’t approached. According to Insider.com, director Joseph Kosinski explained that he “didn’t want every storyline to always be looking backwards. It was important to introduce some new characters.” McGillis, who is 64 years old, told “Entertainment Tonight” that she’s “old” and looks “age-appropriate … and that is not what that whole scene is about.”
I do agree that some sort of closure for McGillis’ character would have been nice for fans of the original movie. Another missing face was Meg Ryan, who played Goose’s wife. She, too, did not appear in “Maverick,” but an explanation for her absence was incorporated into the dialogue.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
© 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.
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