by Liz Williams
I don't know about you, but I'm certainly beginning to feel the effects of "Alias Smith & Jones" starvation really badly now!
I get this kind of lost feeling every time that regular Monday evening slot comes round, but the show doesn't I must say, I perked up a bit when the BBC announced that there would definitely be more of Smith & Jones on the box by autumn... The only problem now is ensuring my survival till then!
One thing that hasn't been finally decided yet is whether we'll be getting a re-showing of the episodes we've already seen, or whether the BBC will be continuing with another series. A spokesman from the BBC pointed out that this will depend largely on whether the programme continues in production in the States after the current break in filming at Universal Studios.
Still, in the meanwhile, it's comforting to know that the BBC are ready for action stations when the decision is announced. And, whatever happens, they have guaranteed that "Alias Smith & Jones" will be returning!
As you know, of course, in this country we only saw part of the first series: the BBC screened all the episodes which had been completed up to the time of Pete Duel's tragic death, but there were still several scripts lined up for production at that point.
That's why Universal Pictures brought Roger Davis in as a replacement Hannibal Heyes so quickly--they had to keep that production schedule going because they had so many outside commitments to meet. So Roger was really thrown in the deep end at very short notice.
He donned his "Alias" for the first time in an episode entitled "The Biggest Game In The West" which went out on the American network way back in early February. And since then he's had some very good notices for his performances. In fact, he's gone down fantastically well over there--which is quite a tribute to his personality and his acting talent, considering the difficult circumstances in which he got the part.
So, if you see news of "The Biggest Game In The West" in your Radio Times, watch out for Roger and do try to keep an open mind. The big danger will be that you'll resent him a bit at first--but just think how unfair that is on him... and, from what I've heard he's a very nice guy.
Luckily I've got a small space left to say thanks for all those letters I've had from you enquiring about a British fan club for "Alias Smith & Jones." I'm still ploughing through them, so I hope you'll forgive me if you're one of the people who haven't had a reply yet. All I can say in way of apology is that I'm answering you just as fast and furiously as I can.
You WILL be hearing soon though--I promise.
