Question: I love "M.A.S.H." and I've seen almost every episode. So, what year did it start and what year did it end? Did it ever skip a season? -- K.W., Roseville, Calif.Answer: "M.A.S.H." aired on CBS from the fall of 1972 until its highly rated season finale on Feb. 28, 1983, never skipping a season. Reruns of the show are now in syndication on cable's FX and on local stations, including KSTU-Ch. 13 in Utah.
Question: Whatever became of TV writer Stephen J. Cannell? He is so imaginative. I loved every story of his that I ever saw on TV. -- C.P., Buffalo, N.Y.
Answer: The TV producer-writer has created or co-created some 35 TV shows including "Baa Baa Black Sheep," "Rockford Files," "A-Team," "Commish," Wiseguy, "Hunter," "Silk Stalkings" and "Renegade." In 1995 he turned author and has penned several best-selling mysteries. His latest novel, "The Devil's Workshop," will be out in September, and the author will hit the book-signing circuit. For more on the activities of Cannell, visit his Web site at http://www.cannell.com
Question: The last time I saw A Martinez he was on "L.A. Law." Before "L.A. Law," he was on the soap opera "Santa Barbara." Where can I see him now? -- M.M.B., Citrus Heights, Calif.
Answer: Martinez will soon return to daytime TV, this time on "General Hospital." He has worked steadily since his "L.A. Law" stint as Daniel Morales (1992-94), both in movies and television. He's done several TV movies ("A Memory in My Heart," "Deconstructing Sarah"). During the 1996-97 season, he joined the cast of NBC's "Profiler." And for the record, the initial "A" in his name stands for Adolfo.
Question: In the TV series "Hotel," which was on many years ago with James Brolin, who was the woman who owned the hotel before Connie Sellecca? Was she married in real life to Michael Ansara? -- N.P., Dallas
Answer: Actress Anne Baxter ("All About Eve") played "Hotel's" Victoria Cabot from 1983 midway through the 1985-86 season. Her death in December 1985 prompted the death of her on-screen character, who willed the hotel to Brolin's Peter McDermott. Sellecca's character, Christine Francis, was promoted to general manager after Mrs. Cabot's death. In real life, Baxter was married three times, but never to actor Michael Ansara (TV's "Broken Arrow"). He was wed for a time to actress Barbara Eden.
Question: I am trying to settle a dispute between myself and a few co-workers. I am almost positive there was another actress who played Ginger on "Gilligan's Island," at least for a few episodes in the later years. I've even contacted the president of the Gilligan's Island Fan Club, who says there was only one Ginger. I just don't believe it. What do you think? -- C.R., Phoenix
Answer: Our research shows Tina Louise was the one and only Ginger Grant during the show's 1964-67 run. However, when the gang reunited in 1978 for "Rescue from Gilligan's Island," the first of three TV reunion specials, Louise declined to sign on. Actress Judith Baldwin jumped on board as Ginger. Constance Forslund subbed as Ginger in 1981's "Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island."
Question: My family enjoyed watching "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" but we absolutely hated Regis Philbin as the host. Does he have to return with the show in November? -- A.B., Sacramento, Calif.
Answer: The 10-night game show was the biggest ratings hit of the summer, and it's not likely ABC will mess with success. Look for "Reege" to return as "Millionaire" host when the show begins another round during November sweeps.
Question: I am a devoted "Anne of Green Gables" fan. When I was in Canada last summer I heard they were filming a third installment of the story. Is it going to be on American television? -- C.S.O., Oregon City, Ore.
Answer: Megan Follows and Jonathan Crombie have reprised their roles as Anne Shirley and Jonathan Crombie in "Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story." The miniseries, set against a World War I backdrop, will debut on Canadian television this fall. American audiences will see it on PBS at a later date, undetermined at this point. PBS is also developing an animated "Anne of Green Gables" children's series.