RERUN: Reflecting on Scarecrow and Mrs. King: An Interview with Martha Smith

RERUN: Reflecting on Scarecrow and Mrs. King: An Interview with Martha Smith

Author: 134 West | Susan Lambert Hatem & Sharon Johnson August 20, 2025 Duration: 1:19:24
In this episode, hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson revisit season one, episode six of 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King,' originally launched on September 28, 2022. The rerun features actress Martha Smith, the first actress/celebrity guest on 80s TV Ladies. They dive into Smith's experiences and roles, from her motion picture debut in 'Animal House' to her portrayal of Agent Francine Desmond in 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King.' The conversation covers various topics such as acting in the 80s, the dynamics of the show, and the evolution of female-driven TV shows. Martha shares personal anecdotes about her career, her time with Playboy, on-tour adventures with Rod Stewart, and her unique character development on the show.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:26 Voting Reminder and Importance
01:11 Meet the Hosts and Special Guest Introduction
01:51 Martha Smith's Early Career and Animal House
02:41 Behind the Scenes of Animal House
07:59 Martha's Playboy Experience
11:33 Transition to Acting and Early Roles
19:36 Landing the Role in Scarecrow and Mrs. King
39:41 Francine and Amanda's Dynamic Duo
40:44 The Core Fan Base of Scarecrow and Mrs. King
43:37 Behind the Scenes: Changes and Challenges
46:58 Memorable Episodes and Character Development
53:09 The End of an Era: Season Four and Beyond
01:00:32 Reflections and Future Endeavors
01:06:31 Final Thoughts and Farewells

AUDIOOGRAPHY
Watch Scarecrow and Mrs. King On Tubi or On Roku.
Check out ‍‍Television’s Female Spies And Crimefighters by Karen A. Romanko at Barnes and Noble.
Fansite: CallMeaCab.com by Taya Johnston

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Remember those iconic women from television who defined an era? 80s TV Ladies revisits the groundbreaking, often delightfully campy, female-driven series that filled our living rooms with big hair and even bigger personalities. Hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson, under the 134 West banner, aren't just offering nostalgic recaps. They dig into the fascinating stories behind how shows like "Murder, She Wrote," "Kate & Allie," or "Designing Women" were actually made, examining the creative forces and network battles that brought them to air. Each episode explores how the politics and social climate of the 1980s shaped these narratives, and conversely, how the characters and stories themselves pushed cultural conversations forward, often in a complex dance of progress and tradition. This podcast celebrates the legacy of these programs while honestly assessing their place in history through that "two-steps forward, one-step-back" lens. It's a deep, engaging listen for anyone who loves television history, cultural analysis, and the powerful, complicated women who made the decade's TV so memorable. The show's quality is underscored by its recognition as a 4-time Podcast Awards winner and a Webby nominee for Best Indie Podcast. Tune in for thoughtful, well-researched discussions that go far beyond the opening credits.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

80s TV Ladies
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