TV Mail Box
ZAP2IT
Q: Why did Martha Byrne, who played Lily on “As the World Turns,” leave so suddenly? — Elizabeth Wilson, Dallas
A: It actually wasn’t all that sudden, even if it might have seemed that way to some viewers. Dating back to early this year, published reports indicated that the producers of the venerable CBS serial said they made the two-time Daytime Emmy winner “an incredibly generous offer” to stay with the show that had been her longtime television base.
However, Byrne countered that she wasn’t guaranteed the same number of work days she first requested when she resigned in 2007. She claimed there were no efforts to renegotiate, and a hiring notice to recast her role was issued.
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Q: I loved the series “Moonlight” starring Alex O’Loughlin and was very dismayed to see it canceled. Is there any news on when it will be released on DVD? — Barbara Kissick, Maysville, Ky.
A: Trust us, we hear from very dismayed “Moonlight” fans quite regularly. You and the others will have reason to rejoice Jan. 20; that’s the day Warner Home Video intends to release the complete set of the CBS vampire detective show’s only season.
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Q: Will the HBO show “Tell Me You Love Me” be back soon? — Robert Kuehnle, Columbus, Ohio
A: No, nor anytime in the far future either. All the early indications were that HBO would go for a second season, but series creator Cynthia Mort ultimately decided she didn’t know what direction the show would take if it continued. She and the network then abandoned plans for year two, reportedly by mutual consent.
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Q: On “Gunsmoke,” what were the last names of the characters Miss Kitty and Doc? And was the name of the saloon the Long Branch or simply the Branch? — Billie Monroe, New Braunfels, Texas
A: Miss Kitty’s was Russell, and Doc’s was Adams. And the business run by Miss Kitty was officially the Long Branch Saloon.
