TV Land Confidential Season 1 Episode 6 Being Bad Behind the Scenes

TV Land Confidential is a television show that features insider stories and behind the scenes looks at classic TV shows. In season 1 episode 6, entitled "Being Bad Behind the Scenes," the show delves into the world of TV's best villains and the actors who brought them to life.

The episode begins with a look at the iconic villain of the 1960s, "The Riddler" played by Frank Gorshin on the TV show Batman. Gorshin brought a sense of manic energy to the role and his behind the scenes antics were just as wild. According to the writers of the show, Gorshin would frequently improvise his lines and ad-lib during scenes, making it difficult for the other actors to keep up. He would also change the tone of his performance from take to take, keeping everyone on their toes. Actor Adam West, who played Batman, recalls Gorshin as "intense and unpredictable."

From there, the episode moves on to another classic TV villain, JR Ewing, played by Larry Hagman on the show Dallas. Despite being one of the most hated characters on TV, Hagman was beloved by his co-stars for his sense of humor and professionalism. According to Linda Gray, who played his wife on the show, Hagman would often lighten the mood on set with practical jokes and humor. He also wore a cowboy hat that he would tip to the crew after each take, a signature move that became a tradition on the set.

Next, the episode explores the role of the villain in the hit show The Sopranos. Actor James Gandolfini played the complex, morally ambiguous character of Tony Soprano, and the writers of the show credit him with bringing a vulnerability and humanity to the role that made it impossible for viewers to hate him. According to the show's creator, David Chase, Gandolfini was incredibly dedicated to the role, often spending long hours on set and doing extensive research to fully inhabit the character.

The episode also features a look at the villainous characters on the show and their impact on society. Actor Robert Englund, who played the iconic character of Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street movies, recalls how parents organized protests against the violence and gore in the movies. However, he argues that the films were actually a commentary on the problems facing young people at the time, including drug addiction and the breakdown of the family.

Finally, the episode concludes with a look at the villainous characters on the show Star Trek. The show's creator, Gene Roddenberry, believed that the best villains were the ones with a strong sense of morality and a clear motive for their actions. He created such characters as the Klingons and the Romulans, who represented different sides of human nature and provided a commentary on the political tensions of the time.

Overall, season 1 episode 6 of TV Land Confidential is a fascinating exploration of the world of TV villains and the actors who played them. From the manic energy of Frank Gorshin's Riddler to the complex morality of James Gandolfini's Tony Soprano, the episode showcases the wide range of approaches that actors and writers have taken when crafting some of TV's most memorable bad guys. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the history and behind the scenes stories of classic TV shows.