O'Hara: United States Treasury

A -  Twenty-Six TV Shows - Z

O'Hara, U.S. Treasury is an American television crime drama starring David Janssen and broadcast by CBS during the 1971-72 television season. Jack Webb's Mark VII Limited packaged the program for Universal Television. Webb and longtime colleague James E. Moser created the show; Leonard B. Kaufman was the producer. The series was produced with the full approval and cooperation of the United States Department of the Treasury.

O'Hara, U.S. Treasury starred Janssen (whose company co-produced the show with Mark VII) as the title character, Treasury Agent Jim O'Hara. A county sheriff from Nebraska whose wife and child died in a fire, O'Hara cut all ties with his past life. He put in an application with the United States Department of the Treasury, which accepted him.

As a "T-Man," O'Hara was available to any of the various law enforcement agencies then part of the Department, all of which cooperated in this positive portrayal of their various organizations, much in the manner of the Los Angeles Police Department with Webb's Dragnet and Adam-12. These included the Secret Service, the Intelligence Unit of the Internal Revenue Service, the then-Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Division of IRS, and the then-Customs Bureau.

O'Hara sometimes worked undercover. Janssen was the series' only regular, as he was given a different assignment at the start of each weekly episode.

Newhart

A -  Twenty-Six TV Shows - Z

Newhart is an American television situation comedy starring comedian Bob Newhart and actress Mary Frann as an author and wife who owned and operated an inn located in a small, rural Vermont town that was home to many eccentric characters. The show aired on the CBS network from October 25, 1982 to May 21, 1990. TV Guide, TV Land, and A&E named its series finale as one of the most memorable in television history.

Bob Newhart plays Dick Loudon, an author of do-it-yourself books. He and his wife Joanna move from New York City to a small, unnamed town in rural Vermont to operate the 200-year-old Stratford Inn. Dick is a sane, mild-mannered everyman surrounded by a community of oddballs in a town which exists in an illogical world run by rules that elude him.

Near the end of the second season, Newhart was re-tooled and Dick began hosting a low-rated talk show on the town's local television station. As the series progressed, episodes focused increasingly on Dick's TV career and the quirky townsfolk, to the point where it seems the Loudons hardly ever have any guests at their inn. As the years went by, some characters were dropped and others were added.

Here is the final 10 minutes of the series finale. This is not only silly funny, it was absolutely genius at work. The idea for the final scene was brilliant. Hope you like it. I think it is the best idea for a final scene I have ever seen.

Spoiler Alert:  The reason the brothers got such a reaction when they yelled was that all through the series, the two never had a line of dialogue. Only "Larry" spoke.

This has nothing to do with either the original show called "The Bob Newhart Show" or the show called "Newhart," but I think it first of all, is the epitome of Newhart's comedic talent, and second, I find it to be absolutely hilarious! It is well worth the six minutes!

Monk

A -  Twenty-Six TV Shows - Z

Monk is an American comedy-drama detective mystery television series created by Andy Breckman and starring Tony Shalhoub as the eponymous character, Adrian Monk. It originally ran from 2002 to 2009 and is primarily a mystery series, although it has dark and comic touches. The series was produced by Mandeville Films and Touchstone Television (although the corporate name changed to ABC Studios in the course of the series, the Touchstone Television logo remained throughout, making Monk the last surviving series to carry it) in association with Universal Television.

The series debuted on July 12, 2002, on USA Network. It was well received and continued for eight seasons, with the final season concluding on December 4, 2009. The series currently holds the record for the most watched scripted drama episode in cable television history, a record previously held by The Closer. Monk set the record with "Mr. Monk and the End – Part II", its last episode and finale, with 9.4 million viewers, 3.2 million of them in the 18–49 demographic

Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) was a brilliant detective for the San Francisco Police Department until his wife, Trudy, was killed by a car bomb in a parking garage, which Monk then believed was intended for him. In a later episode, he discovers the bomb was truly meant for Trudy. He later believes that Trudy's death was part of a larger conspiracy that she had uncovered during her time as a journalist. Trudy's death led Monk to suffer a nervous breakdown. He was then discharged from the force and became a recluse, refusing to leave his house for three and a half years. Trudy's death was the only case that Monk did not solve until the final episode.

He is finally able to leave the house with the help of his nurse, Sharona Fleming (Bitty Schram). The breakthrough allows him to work as a private detective and a consultant for the homicide unit despite limitations rooted in his obsessive–compulsive disorder(OCD), which had grown significantly worse after the tragedy, along with several other phobias.

Monk's compulsive habits are numerous, and a number of phobias compound his situation, such as his fear of germs. Monk has 312 fears, some of which are milk, ladybugs, harmonicas, heights, imperfection, claustrophia, driving, food touching on his plates, messes and risk. He however had a breakthrough from claustrophobia later in the series. The OCD and plethora of phobias inevitably lead to very awkward situations and cause problems for Monk and anyone around him as he investigates cases. These same personal struggles, particularly the OCD, are what aid him in solving cases, such as his sharp memory, specific mindset, and attention to detail. In one episode entitled "Mr. Monk and His Biggest Fan", Marci Maven (Sarah Silverman) has compiled a list of all of Adrian's fears. In another episode, he tries to conquer his fears by doing various activities which involved his phobias. For example, he tries drinking milk, climbing a ladder, and putting a ladybug on his hand, but when things are scattered unorganized across a table, he cannot resist the compulsion to arrange them neatly.

Captain Leland Stottlemeyer (Ted Levine) and Lieutenant Randall "Randy" Disher (Jason Gray-Stanford) call on Monk when they have trouble with an investigation. Stottlemeyer is often irritated by Monk's behavior but respects his friend and former colleague's amazing insight and observational abilities, as does Disher. Ever since childhood, Monk's obsessive attention to detail allowed him to spot tiny discrepancies, find patterns, and make connections that others often missed. Something someone says or does usually triggers Monk to make the connection.

In his spare time, Monk continues to search for information about his wife's death, and is plagued with the idea that he may never determine who killed Trudy. He dedicates his life to solving other murders because he feels this is fixing disorder in the world. He becomes especially intrigued when a woman is killed, or when someone is killed with some type of bomb, because this reminds him of Trudy's murder.

In the middle of season three, Sharona decides to re-marry her ex-husband and move back to New Jersey, prompting Mr. Monk to hire Natalie Teeger (Traylor Howard) as his new assistant. Natalie is a widow and mother of an eleven-year-old daughter. Monk discovers Natalie when she is involved in a murder case herself, in "Mr. Monk and the Red Herring".

Monk has a brother Ambrose (John Turturro) and a half-brother, Jack, Jr. (Steve Zahn), whom Monk never knew about until his father tells him in season five.^[2] He later meets Jack, Jr., in the episode "Mr. Monk's Other Brother" during season seven.

Here's the Thing!

by Gregg Metcalf

Here’s the thing, my name is Mr. Monk

once upon a time I was a cop

But when my wife was killed by a bomb

It was then I was forced to stop

Here’s the thing, I was a great detective

I served the San Francisco PD

A gun and a badge were all I knew

And there was no one better than me

Here’s the thing, I’m afraid of 312 things

With germs being number one

But heights, milk, and risk are there

So my days on the force were done

Here’s the thing, weekly I see a Shrink

 now he's the one that helps me cope

Monday, Wednesday and Friday I go

It’s the only thing that gives me hope

Here’s the thing, I now consult with the SFPD

I solve the crimes that seem to stump-em

When the clues have all turn cold

Then they hope I can think of somethin' 

Here’s the thing, when I am on the scene

I use my hands to see the clues

That no one else can see but me

While I solve their crimes I pay my dues

Here’s the thing, this is what I always say

When I hope to avoid a risk

But they always push me to comply

They think I am a broken disc

Here’ the thing, I have a favorite line

When I know who’s the crook

I say, “He’s the guy!” and they know

No further do they have to look

Here’s the thing, I have this one hope

That the Shrink and all the therapy

Will one day rid me of all my fears

And I can rejoin the San Francisco PD

Here’s the thing, while I work a case

I am trying to find the killer

Who took my Trudy away from me

I will one day solve this thriller

Here’s the thing, I hired Sharona to assist

me with everyday tasks and chores

For three years she was by my side

But then she moved to the Jersey shores 

Here’s the thing, I had to go and hire Natalie

she's the one who helps me now get by

There was a day when Sharona came to visit

And both helped me catch the bad guy

Here’s the thing, whenever I shake a hand

I’m deathly afraid of any germ

Natalie automatically hands me a “wipe”

Otherwise I would shake and squirm

Here’s the thing, I never was reinstated

But I did catch Trudy’s killer

He was a well known judge

He was a regular community pillar

Here’s the thing, I also found someone

Trudy had had a daughter

I was able to meet her one fine day

She lived near the bay on the water

Here’s the thing, she is just like her mother

It is like having Trudy back again

And I know she can’t take her place

But seeing her brings to me a silly grin

Here’s the thing, this was a way to end the show

After eight seasons of fears and phobias

With broken hearts and broken dreams

I can finally relax with friends at Zenobia’s

Here’s the thing, go to Amazon.com, buy each season

I know you will enjoy all my funny quirks

And one by one purchase all of the DVDS

Let me amaze you by the way I work

Here’s the thing, I did not get paid

To write this poem or ask you to buy

The collection of Mr. Monk

But you will love him as much as I

Here’s the thing, I have to find a way

To stop this silly little rhyme

I know it is beyond any hope

But it was what was on my mind!

Did you read the whole thing?

Book Review: The Holy Spirit

Title:  The Holy Spirit

Author:  John Owen

Publisher:  The Banner of Truth Trust

First Copyright:  1965

Pages:  651

Type of Book:  Hardback

General Subject Matter:  Pneumatology

Special Features:  None

Price:  $28.00

ISBN:  978-0-85151-392-8

Pastor and Hymnist John Newton, (Amazing Grace) wrote, “I have just finished his discourse on the Holy Spirit which is an epitome, if not the masterpiece, of his writings.”

This book is the first part of John Owen's great writing on the Holy Spirit. According to a sentence contained on the book jacket, Owen was not sure he would be able to publish everything he wanted to publish so he chose to publish his writing in two volumes, (see The Work of the Spirit.) 

I highly recommend this book as an authoritative teaching on the Holy Spirit. I make note that this book is difficult to read. It takes the full attention of the reader to follow the brilliant mind of the writer. The finished product is well worth the effort needed.

These two volumes are the most detailed and complete books I have ever read on the Holy Spirit. These books, as well as almost all of Owen’s writings were a response to the needs of his own day. John Owen was probably the greatest British theologian of all time.

John Owen was a noted pastor, lectured before English Parliament on a number of occasions, and Chaplain to Ireland and Scotland. He was an adviser to Oliver Cromwell (Lord Protector of England)

The purpose of this book is to provide information to the reader an account is given of the name, nature, personality, operations, the effects, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. Owen also endeavors to answer the opposition of his day toward the person of the Holy Spirit. This book is divided into five (5) main sections.

The first section deals with the name, nature, personality, and mission of the Holy Spirit. Owen also deals extensively with the Socinian heresy. In section two, Owen deals with the operations of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. The third section deals with the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. Owen focuses on the work of regeneration in this section. The fourth section Owen deals with the doctrine of sanctification. Owen is concerned with the necessity of holiness and obedience in the fifth section.

The theme or subject of this book as already declared is the second person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit. 

Owen uses exposition to develop his theme and thesis. Owen uses explanation and analysis to develop his topic. His primary purpose is explained the person and doctrine of the Holy Spirit.

As already noted, this book is as interesting as it is difficult to read. Owen exegetes scripture and his theme accurately and objectively. This is an important work on the subject of the Holy Spirit. Owen draws conclusions that are logical and biblical.

There is no bibliography or index in this book. It has limited footnotes, some of which are not helpful to the reader. The book is replete with Scripture in the main body. Explanation of these texts is given in detail.

This book is thorough. The content is well developed and derived straight from Scripture. I think that any believer would benefit from reading this book. 

Law and Order

A -  Twenty-Six TV Shows - Z

Law & Order is an American police procedural and legal drama television series, created by Dick Wolf and part of the Law & Order franchise. It originally aired on NBC and, in syndication, on various cable networks. Law & Order premiered on September 13, 1990, and completed its 20th and final season on May 24, 2010. At the time of its cancellation, Law & Order was the longest-running crime drama on American prime-time television. After The Simpsons, both Law & Order and Gunsmoke tied for the second longest-running scripted American prime-time series with ongoing characters.

Set and filmed in New York City, the series follows a two-part approach: The first half hour is the investigation of a crime (usually murder) and apprehension of a suspect by New York City Police Department homicide detectives; the second half is the prosecution of the defendant by the New York County Manhattan District Attorney's Office. Plots are often based on real cases that recently made headlines, although the motivation for the crime and the perpetrator may be different.

Briscoe (Ode to Lennie Briscoe)

By Gregg Metcalf

(Rip off of The Theme to Bonanza)

He chased a dream, ‘forever it seems, Briscoe.

With a gun and a star, and a police car, chased bad guys. He got hold of a shield of gold, Briscoe

With his partner and a code, through the streets he rode, how lucky can a fellow be.

On the force he set a course, Briscoe is the name, lady luck smiled, the day he filed his claim.

Here in the city, among the gritty, Briscoe, if anyone breaks the law, he

faces off with him, Briscoe

Curtis and Mike and Joe like every bust he made, no one works, plays, or fights like him and no one’s afraid. There they work in the middle of New York.

With a gun and a star and a police car, chasing bad guys, He got hold of a shield of Gold, Briscoe

With a precinct of friends where law and order begins, how lucky can a fellow be?

Here in the city, among the gritty, Briscoe is the name if anyone breaks the law, he faces off with him, Briscoe

With the bravest bunch and loyal cops, they will pull out all of the stops

And he’s happier than them all

 That’s why he’s Briscoe... Briscoe... Briscoe...

Kojak

A -  Twenty-Six TV Shows - Z

Kojak is an American television series starring Telly Savalas as the title character, bald New York City Police Department DetectiveLieutenant Theo Kojak. It aired from October 24, 1973, to March 18, 1978, on CBS. It took the time slot of the popular Cannon series, which was moved one hour earlier. Kojak's Greek American heritage, shared by actor Savalas, was prominently featured in the series.

In 1999 TV Guide ranked Theo Kojak number 18 on its 50 Greatest TV Characters of All Time list.

The series was set in the New York City Police Department's Eleventh Precinct (the building shown was actually Ninth Precinct), Manhattan South Patrol Borough. The show revolved around the efforts of the tough and incorruptible Lieutenant Theodore ("Theo") Kojak (Telly Savalas), a bald, dapper, New York City policeman, who was fond of Tootsie Roll Pops and using the catchphrase, "Who loves ya, baby?" Kojak was stubborn and tenacious in his investigation of crimes—and also displayed a dark, cynical wit, along with a tendency to bend the rules if it brought a criminal to justice. Savalas described Kojak as a "basically honest character, tough but with feelings—the kind of guy who might kick a hooker in the tail if he had to, but they'd understand each other because maybe they grew up on the same kind of block.

Johnny Ringo

A -  Twenty-Six TV Shows - Z

Ex-gunfighter Johnny Ringo is now the sheriff of a small Western town, and attempts to keep the peace with the aid of his deputy, Cully, and his girl, Laura Thomas.

Click on this link and watch an actual episode!

The Gunfighter Turned Lawman

by Gregg Metcalf

He stood six feet tall in run-down boots

his lanky frame draped in coal black suits

with nerves of steel and a heart black as sin

Johnny Ringo was on the prowl again

With a pearl-handled Colt 45 he roamed

by all who knew him he'd  been disowned

trouble seemed to find him where he rode

danger filled the seeds he sowed

No knew how many men he had killed

legends spoke of all the blood he spilled

no one could match his deadly draw

He was the fastest gun I ever saw

Then one day a stranger called his name

thinking he could end Ringo's run of fame

to this day no one knows quiet for sure

why the stranger went up against the lure

It was noon with an east wind a blowin'

 Ringo stepped out with no fear a showin'

a grin spread across the face of the man

who came to town with a deadly plan

The lighting speed of the stranger's draw

is still talked about today in awe

he cleared leather before Ringo had a chance

Johnny just stood there in a trance

The stranger fired but he missed his mark

 Ringo's gun was heard as it began to bark

the stranger fell dead in a pool of blood

face down in the street in a puddle of mud

No one knows to this very day

what made Ringo ride away

no longer a gunfighter for hire

something had put out the fire

Ringo rode into Velardi one fine day

he liked what he saw and chose to stay

the town folk knew about his reputation

they wanted peace in the outlaw nation

Ex-gunfighter turned sheriff near the border

with his  LeMat he maintains law and order

200 a month and found he keeps em in check

most steer clear of him just out of respect

Now and then a bad hombre comes to town

hopin' he's the one to gun Ringo down

Ringo is glad to oblige their foolish whim

as he stares them down with a boyish grin

In seconds it's all over with one more kill

another fellow takes his place in Boot Hill

Johnny leathers his piece and whistles a tune

making his way to the Golden Wheel Saloon

Johnny Ringo once a deadly meance

became a lawman as a form of penance

hoping to make up for all the wrong he did

since the time he went astray as a kid

He don't know if he can tip the scale

and this idea of his just might fail

but he wants you and me to know

there's still some good in Johnny Ringo