Q: I seem to recall a short-lived sitcom (alas, aren't most?) that aired in the early 1990s about a group of friends who were writers for a "Candid Camera"-like television show. The only episode I remember clearly involved a stunt they cooked up with an ATM machine that would talk back to customers. Does this sound familiar?
— C.H., via e-mail
A: Familiar, yes. Funny, no.
Methinks the show is "Going Places," which ran on ABC from 1990-91 and was a fine, fine slamming together of "Candid Camera," "Friends," "America's Funniest Home Videos," "Jerry Springer" and Heather Locklear.
First, it was a sitcom about four friends and housemates (Alan Ruck, Locklear, Hallie Todd and Jerry Levine) who wrote for a "Candid Camera"-type show. Their imperious boss was Dawn St. Clare, played by Holland Taylor.
Then, in mid-season, the friends became bookers for a talk show hosted by Dick Roberts (Steve Vinovich). And then in the spring, they went away forever.
Q: I've been trying for years to remember the name of a TV show I thought was called "Voyager" that aired around 1984-87. It was about a curly haired boy and an actor in his 20s, with a time dial or clock or pendant.
They traveled back in time to various historical happenings and had a great and educational adventure before returning safely to the present. Also, I keep thinking this show was ended one night with an announcement that the adult actor had just been killed in an automobile accident and airing of the program would be canceled until further notice. Can you help at all?
— Ed, Boston
A: Gosh, that sounds dramatic! Too bad it didn't happen.
There was a series called "Voyagers!" and it ran on NBC from 1982-83. The stars were Meeno Peluce and Jon-Erik Hexum, who played a duo who could travel through time and influence the course of history. Since each episode lasted an hour, there was enough time to influence two different famous historical people each week!
After "Voyagers!" bit the dust, Hexum went on to star in a CBS series called "Cover Up." It was about a fashion model (Hexum) and a photographer (Jennifer O'Neill) who were really secret agents utilizing a devilishly clever cover story!
Unfortunately, after only a few episodes were filmed, Hexum died in a freak accident on the set. He pointed a blanks pistol to his head and fired it. The wadding from the blank cartridge shattered his skull, and he died six days later. He was replaced on the series by Antony Hamilton.