tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post440785397789195843..comments2023-11-25T09:34:32.294-08:00Comments on It Couldn't Happen Here...: Episode 12: MR. R.I.N.G.John Scolerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15830334036783163702noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-64085782756402184042019-05-16T11:47:37.006-07:002019-05-16T11:47:37.006-07:00Please, some knows what were the books the robot w...Please, some knows what were the books the robot wanted to read and the names of the tapes for blind. And what he said when he died. He said "mother", and what else?Admin0https://www.blogger.com/profile/03657123460741155830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-87656959413434651832019-04-07T04:21:29.525-07:002019-04-07T04:21:29.525-07:00Was Read Morgan the guy in the red bathrobe who in...Was Read Morgan the guy in the red bathrobe who interrupted his shaving to give Kolchak the bum rush out of the lady scientist's apartment?hockey24hrshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17665339445715581362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-18750308319299879772019-04-07T04:18:51.552-07:002019-04-07T04:18:51.552-07:00Our salvation or ultimate failure lies with our te...Our salvation or ultimate failure lies with our technology?<br /><br />Someone needs to read<br />"Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology" by Neil Postman<br />"The Uses of Pessimism: And the Danger of False Hope" by Roger Scrutonhockey24hrshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17665339445715581362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-28679978600504651162018-08-14T15:20:11.318-07:002018-08-14T15:20:11.318-07:00There's some interesting parallels between thi...There's some interesting parallels between this episode and Book #17 ("Funny Money") in the men's adventure series THE DESTROYER, which was also published in 1975. It concerned "Mr. Gordons", an android built by a female scientist who is also programmed for survival and who escapes the lab and rebuilds himself to look more human. One wonders if the authors Warren Murphy and/or Richard Sapir saw this episode when writing the book?Garyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06115560031429228529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-9589265222250056492017-08-13T20:42:21.157-07:002017-08-13T20:42:21.157-07:00Someone should have FDISK & reformatted Mr. Ri...Someone should have FDISK & reformatted Mr. Ring.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-25005353782804785782016-12-04T20:50:30.103-08:002016-12-04T20:50:30.103-08:00One of the biggest tragedies in the show's sho...One of the biggest tragedies in the show's short run is that we never got a sequel to this episode. The beginning's whole 'they took me and brainwashed me and I'm not sure if I'm being accurate' bit is very effective and opens up the possibility that maybe this episode played out differently than shown, and would have been interesting to see in another episode. After all, this is an episode where Kolchak is an unreliable narrator to even himself, and it would be neat to see a sequel to see what really happened.Zbuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09535675652163146980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-59149785945684689362016-07-12T23:12:51.970-07:002016-07-12T23:12:51.970-07:00As a much younger person, I watched my friend Kolc...As a much younger person, I watched my friend Kolchak dispense knowledge and wisdom every week...when I was allowed to stay up and watch.<br />Mr. R.I.N.G., whose name shows the writers at least understood, or guessed correctly about neural networks.<br />How I long to interact with a true A.I. And how I fear it will be treated by the ignorant.<br />Our salvation or ultimate failure lies with our technology. Germany now has a probationary law regarding robot rights...we "knowing and superior" United States would laugh at the concept.<br />Yet whom will the joke be told about when that day finally comes...I wonder.<br /><br />Sincerely yours,<br />Samuel T. Draney, jr kolchak/ Prof. Quatermass<br />sdraney@gmail.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-24278069443690632122014-05-20T13:14:14.777-07:002014-05-20T13:14:14.777-07:00Tyrell Corporation... Androids... sounds familiar....Tyrell Corporation... Androids... sounds familiar.... Blade Runner!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-64663704110488856752012-01-23T05:57:20.136-08:002012-01-23T05:57:20.136-08:00Worst episode of the show? I can't believe I&#...Worst episode of the show? I can't believe I'm going to sing the praises of Mr. R.I.N.G., or what would more appropriately be called, Young Master R.I.N.G., since he's only a little R.I.N.G.let. This episode did not impress itself upon me when I first saw the series 15 years ago, so I'm surprised to find that I enjoyed it this time around. Maybe it's because computers are running me now. <br /><br />I like how we're led to believe it's the big, bad, evil robot, and that only after Carl meets it are we allowed to understand that it's just a misunderstood, youngling android. Can it help it if it was programmed to be an aggressive survivalist? It killed it's father to survive, though I suspect it may have had some Oedipal programming as well. Dr. Dwyer may have come off as going overboard when it gets shot, but you have to remember that she's its mother, which makes its senseless and tragic death all the more poignant. <br /><br />As noted, the real monsters are the Men in Black, who are a greater threat, and more powerful than any monster Kolchak's faced. Here's a monster he couldn't vanquish by poking it with a stick, and he's lucky he got away with just a memory wipe. He seems all the more brave in his willingness to confront them and pursue the story, despite the warnings and threats from all around. This story is uniquely different from the standard formula, and despite its inadequacies, there's a lot to enjoy about this episode. If nothing else, who doesn't enjoy seeing the advanced technology of 1975?<br /><br />Incidentally, it's the second episode of the X-Files, "Deep Throat," that seems to be directly influenced by this episode. The major difference in the story is that it's U.F.O instead of android technology, and Mulder had his memory altered more successfully than Kolchak.Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04594017640571724035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-60282525886866124542012-01-21T05:53:44.986-08:002012-01-21T05:53:44.986-08:00That's "role," above, not "roll...That's "role," above, not "roll" ... but you probably guessed that.DJSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-60964795466225176992012-01-21T02:09:12.298-08:002012-01-21T02:09:12.298-08:00Super-extremely micro-trivium: Read Morgan, who a...Super-extremely micro-trivium: Read Morgan, who appeared in this episode, played a robot himself, Adam Link, in the OUTER LIMITS episode, "I, Robot."DJSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-90425148911318807542012-01-21T01:58:14.934-08:002012-01-21T01:58:14.934-08:00Now seems an appropriate time for a shout-out to M...Now seems an appropriate time for a shout-out to Mr R.I.N.G. himself -- CRAIG BAXLEY, of the Baxley stunt dynasty, a roller-skating punk in THE WARRIORS while his cousin Gary (also a KNTS vet) was playing a "humanimal" in the 1978 ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU; later a director (his credit roll will amaze you), most notably of the gonzo movie STONE COLD, featuring Lance Henriksen's second or third-most berserk roll ever (after JOHNNY HANDSOME). Baxley was an integral part of the latter-season KTNS shows, and deserving of some sort of interview. Gary, too, for that matter. A two-fer!DJSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-78175809471275418442012-01-20T17:33:23.071-08:002012-01-20T17:33:23.071-08:00Whatever else might be said about this episode, it...Whatever else might be said about this episode, it is indeed thoughtful and socially/politically relevant, ahead of its time in many ways. Additionally, as DJS points out, Mr. R.I.N.G. does have a legitimate learning curve, which is unusual and welcome for a NIGHT STALKER boogieman. He's actually a victim himself (the government's the real monster) and ultimately earns our sympathy. Finally, there's Julie Adams... still a dish at 48. BTW, a message for Tommyrot: You asked a trading card question a few days ago and I just happened to notice. For my typically long-winded answer, refer back to the TC essay...Gary Geraninoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-79973507731540753272012-01-20T16:30:23.075-08:002012-01-20T16:30:23.075-08:00KTNS straddled the sci-fi/horror/fantasy triumvira...KTNS straddled the sci-fi/horror/fantasy triumvirate -- this is one of the sci-fi episodes of "true things suppressed," as are "They Have Been, They Are, They Will Be," "Primal Scream," and to a lesser extent, "The Sentry." (Note that in this show and "Primal Scream," Kolchak has a lot more support from Vincenzo, who isn't so willfully blind when it comes to exposing governmental/corporate coverups.)<br /><br />Mr RING isn't a rampant killer so much as a confused newborn who doesn't know his own strength, and as Leslie Dwyer says, "didn't want to die." His fight/flight reflex is brand new. His learning curve is apparent throughout the show; by the time he gets to the mortician's, he only breaks a guy's arm ... and Dwyer is trying to counterprogram against the aggression factors she hints are part of RING's basic operating system, thanks to the war dogs. Practically the same plot is repurposed right away for 'Primal Scream" (watch the two episodes together and compare all the similarities).<br /><br />Kolchak seems to wax nastier from here on in -- I wonder if that meanness was reflective of McGavin's view of his own sinking series ship. Perhaps Mark D. can confirm the production order of episodes and reflect on the idea that KTNS still had two episodes to film by the time everyone knew the show had been shitcanned.<br /><br />Anything that utilizes Julie Adams (then 48) gets my vote!DJSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-14496708364516576072012-01-20T16:01:40.726-08:002012-01-20T16:01:40.726-08:00Can't remotely hate this episode because it ha...Can't remotely hate this episode because it has one of my all time favorite Kolchak wiseass/contempt for authority moments when he pulls up to the agent tailing him and tells him he's going to be quizzed on the material and peels out smirking. Wonder if John Carpenter caught this episode while getting ready to go out to a drive in double bill of BLACK CHRISTMAS and BLOOD AND LACE. He then came homelater that night,scurrying for a notepad.Tommyrothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14486791211579788689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-56564371592961332892012-01-20T14:49:47.402-08:002012-01-20T14:49:47.402-08:00In "Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep"...In "Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep" the androids were made by Rosen Industries. In "Blade Runner" that was changed to the Tyrell Corporation. Was that a nod to the Tyrell Institute in Mr. R.I.N.G.?<br /><br />For me, the main snag here was the murders committed by Mr. R.I.N.G. Had the robot simply escaped, then, say, broken into a thrift store to get some clothes and obtain the mask, then our sympathies would be with the robot on the run. As it stands, when the authorities try to subdue him, it's not just to cover up his existence, he's a genuine danger to anyone who comes in contact with him. <br /><br />On the stock footage front, this is the third episode in which we see Kolchack drive past the "Monsen" sign.<br /><br />http://gmemail.customer.netspace.net.au/monsen.jpg<br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />Glenn :)GlennMEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08536558149189057537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-32076821051359573302012-01-20T14:23:25.892-08:002012-01-20T14:23:25.892-08:00Well, how much of a template do you really need? ;...Well, how much of a template do you really need? ;-) Last night my daughter watched her first episode of LOST IN SPACE, and it reminded me that that Fox TV show had a good number of androids popping up - stiff-walking, spandex or unitard clad, knobs & buttons face a-flashin'. As budget-conscious producer Irwin Allen could tell you, androids work cheap!grgstv338https://www.blogger.com/profile/03532739459643834686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-6001050596840136252012-01-20T13:38:32.606-08:002012-01-20T13:38:32.606-08:00I've always gotten, dare I say it, choked-up a...I've always gotten, dare I say it, choked-up at the end when Mr RING is dying on those stairs. I love when Carl asks him "Do you know the difference between RIGHT and WRONG?". The robot looks to his creator for help, obviously confused by the question. So awesome.<br /><br />Yes, Julie Adams is a huge bonus to this episode. She looks as beautiful as ever to me and plays a damn good drunk!<br /><br />Agreed that the scene where RING is applying the mortician's wax to his face is super creepy. <br /><br />Mr. RING was definitely the template for the Six Million Dollar Man/Bionic Woman's FEMBOTS, right?!Doug Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10796333627043218622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-52250679308133761582012-01-20T08:47:10.664-08:002012-01-20T08:47:10.664-08:00Ugh. I'm disgusted with you guys. Here we are,...Ugh. I'm disgusted with you guys. Here we are, at what is easily the worst episode of the show, and you guys give it 2 and 1/2 typewriters?! What's wrong with you people? Craig Baxley does a decent job as R.I.N.G., but that's about the only nice thing I could say about this episode.Troy Thomasnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-771766319673523432012-01-20T07:46:14.272-08:002012-01-20T07:46:14.272-08:00Peter and John: You guys are obviously on your ga...Peter and John: You guys are obviously on your game today, having anticipated virtually every point I'd have been inclined to make. The one other thing I got hung up on was this: as often as Tony is subject to, and caves in to, pressure from "the top" (be it his employers, the police, or whoever), every once in a while he gets his Veteran Newsman Dander up and refuses to be cowed. I'd have thought this would be one such time, but no such luck.<br /><br />Walker: And they didn't even poke him with a stick!Matthewhttp://bradleyonfilm.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-40486976314741768952012-01-20T07:00:26.304-08:002012-01-20T07:00:26.304-08:00The ending was kind of disappointing. After rampag...The ending was kind of disappointing. After rampaging around and kicking ass, some soldier shoots the robot and bang, end of story. Not too scary. In fact, just about all the monsters are too easily disposed of.Walker Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16089880902426182100noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3061398142362448372.post-89572860411067674902012-01-20T06:38:03.676-08:002012-01-20T06:38:03.676-08:00One month after Mr. R.I.N.G. aired, Universal Tele...One month after Mr. R.I.N.G. aired, Universal Television's SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN show would do their first "robot imposter" episode. <br /><br />I think robots were always a "cheap" way to go when budgets were running high. Just put a guy in a body stocking, cover his face, and - for the few moments his real face is revealed - just stick some circuitry on a mask and presto - bear of the week.<br /><br />And even though "There Have Been, yada, yada" is an actual UFO episode, THIS really is the episode of NIGHT STALKER that comes closest to the feel of the X-FILES (instead of being disbelievers, the authorities are in cahoots all the way & seek to cover up the truth).grgstv338https://www.blogger.com/profile/03532739459643834686noreply@blogger.com