Saturday, March 18, 2006
Rare 1970's PBS Sitcom "¿Qué Pasa, U.S.A.?" Available on DVD
¿Qué Pasa, USA? was America's first bilingual situation comedy. The program explored the trials and tribulations faced by the Peña family of Miami as they struggled to cope with a new country and a new language. The series focused on the identity crisis of the members of the family as they were pulled in one direction by their elders - who wanted to maintain Cuban values and traditions - and pulled in other directions by the pressures of living in a predominantly Anglo society.
The series was bilingual, reflecting the mix of language often heard in Cuban-American neighborhoods - from Spanish in the home and English at the supermarket to the inevitable combining of both into "Spanglish."
¿Qué Pasa, USA? aired on PBS nationwide from approximately 1977-1981. A total of 39 episodes were produced over 3 seasons. The show was produced and taped live before a studio audience at PBS affiliate WPBT in Miami, Florida. In recent years, the series has been shown on Galavisión.
The cast included Manolo Villaverde as Pepe, Ana Margarita Martin-Casado as Juana, Luis Oquendo as Antonio, Velia Martinez as Adela, Rocky Echevarria (now known as Steven Bauer) as Joe, and Ana Margarita Menéndez as Carmen.
¿Qué Pasa, U.S.A.? La Completa Collection is available to purchase on the official site via their store. The 5-Disc Collector's Edition includes all 39 episodios of the ground-breaking comedy series. It will set you back mucho dinero: $99.95 plus $6 shipping and handling. This seems like an internet-only offer. You won't be able to order it on Amazon.com or buy it in stores.
The site, owned and operated by WPBT Channel 2, includes a number of other goodies including a photo album, desktop wallpapers, video clips, and an addicting Qué Pasa Concentration Game.
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Monday, January 5
DMV - "Don't Kill the Job" (CBS, 8:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Colette runs into an old friend at the DMV, she pretends to be a fellow customer rather than an employee in order to save face.
DMV - "Stick Shift" (CBS, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
When Ceci accuses Colette of only being kind for the credit, Colette anonymously gives Noa the perfect gift.
DMV - "Blindspot" (CBS, 9:00PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Colette is crushed to learn that Noa is dating someone. So, Ceci encourages Colette to fight for him using magic. Meanwhile, Barb tries to find out who is defacing DMV property with childishly inappropriate drawings.
DMV - "There Is No I in DMV" (CBS, 9:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
Barb takes the team on a field trip to the rival North Hollywood branch to learn the secrets of their success. She begins to doubt herself after meeting their charismatic manager, Beau (Randall Park). Meanwhile, Gregg and Vic get in Colette’s head that Noa prefers risk-takers.
St. Denis Medical - "You're in His Bubble Space" (NBC, 8:00PM ET/PT)
Ron and Matt try to convince a child to get his shot; Alex helps Joyce with wedding planning; Bruce and Serena butt heads over Matt.
Stumble - "Pilot" (NBC, 8:30PM ET/PT) (Repeat)
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Sitcom Stars on Talk Shows (Week of January 5)
Monday, January 5
- Josh Charles (Best Medicine/Sports Night) - Watch Josh on Jimmy Kimmel Live! at 11:35pm on ABC. He also chats with the ladies of The View on ABC at 11am ET/10am CT-PT.
- Michelle Buteau (Survival of the Thickest/Bless the Harts/Enlisted) - Michelle talks life, career and boosting your energy in the New Year on ABC's Good Morning America sometime between 7-9am.
- Matt Rogers (No Good Deed/I Love That for You) - Matt co-hosts NBC's Today in the 10am hour.
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