Are you a TV history fan? Then read this book.

Was Moonlighting appointment television for you? Then read this book NOW.

This is not the first television history book by Scott Ryan, whose previous topics have included thirtysomething, Twin Peaks, and David Letterman. He obviously loves the medium, conducts solid interviews, and easily gains the trust of the cast and crew that he interviews for his books. He’s quick to point out that there are people who wanted to be part of the process but couldn’t because of time constraints because he doesn’t want readers to think that those who didn’t participate were resistant to the project.

I have to confess that I adored the book as soon as Ryan first mentioned the man with the mole on his nose. He provides the look behind the curtain that embraces nostalgia while sharing new information. For example, while many people know that Moonlighting was Orson Welles’ last performance before his death, Ryan shares with us the memories of the crew honored to work with a genius.

Moonlighting was successful because it was in the right place at the right time. It was groundbreaking both creatively and technologically, but it would never have succeeded in the current television environment. Ryan takes the reader back to a time when creativity was valued more than cost-effectiveness, when shows could generate huge ratings before cable TV and streaming services offered hundreds of options.

Ryan shares the details that bring back fond memories of the episodes from over 30 years ago and immediately transport the reader back in time. He shares the pride, the chaos, the animosity, the frustration, and everything else churned up during the making of the show. Even the most diehard fan will realize that most of us have only seen the tip of the iceberg.

One of the biggest misconceptions is just how little of the show’s demise came from the main characters sleeping together. It even inspired the term “the Moonlighting effect” to describe any show’s decline once the main romantic characters have done the deed. Sure, that could have brought down the show on its own, but there were some complications connecting at one point in time to guarantee the show’s doom. My head spun when I read about all of the contributing factors, and it made sense why Moonlighting was doomed to fail.

There are the running themes and people that pop up throughout the show’s history that have a bigger impact than the reader would expect. Two words - Dennis Dugan.

This is a terrific summer read and will appeal to people who enjoy entertainment news shows and gossipy magazines. It is a must-read for those who walk by night and those who fly by the day.

Moonlighting fans will enjoy the walk down memory lane with the ultimate in 80’s must see television. ( )

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHY DID I WANT TO READ MOONLIGHTING: AN ORAL HISTORY?
Over on Twitter last month, Grab This Book said something about requesting a book about Moonlighting on NetGalley, and the next thing I knew, I was on the site doing the same thing. It was a reflex, since I was twelve I wanted to know everything I could about David Addison, Agnes DiPesto, Maddie Hayes, Herbert Viola—everyone at the Blue Moon Detective Agency, their clients and adversaries. I watched first-run episodes, reruns, syndicated episodes (when it was possible to find them)—the only reason that I haven't watched the whole series on DVD multiple times is that they're hard to find—and prohibitively expensive when you do*. In short, I was a huge fan of the series, and the idea of a book devoted to it was something I had to get my hands on.

* But after I get this posted, I'm going to re-watch the first 3 seasons, I assure you.

WHO IS THE TARGET AUDIENCE FOR MOONLIGHTING: AN ORAL HISTORY?
People who have watched some/all of the ABC series that aired from 1985 to 1989. Well, not just watched but enjoyed the show. This isn't going to work for you unless you have at least some familiarity with the show.

And the number of people familiar with the show isn't that large and isn't growing. Unlike so many things from that era, you can't watch it on syndicated re-runs or a streaming service—and then there are the aforementioned issues with the DVDs.

But if you're part of that group? This book is definitely for you.

WHAT DOES THE ORAL HISTORY COVER?
There are discussions of each season, with chapters that focus on particular episodes as well—big ones, like the pilot, the black and white episode*, the Shakespeare episode**, the Christmas episode***, and so on****. There are discussions about some of the guest stars and specific behind-the-scenes personnel.

* "The Dream Sequence Always Rings Twice"
** "Atomic Shakespeare"
* "Twas the Episode Before Christmas"
* like "The Son Also Rises", "Big Man on Mulberry Street", "I Am Curious... Maddie"

Aside from episodes/seasons, the focus is on the writers, creator, and primary stars—Cybil Shepherd, Allyce Beasley, Curtis Armstrong, and Bruce Willis. The first three appear in the book, but despite trying, Willis and the author couldn't work out the timing.

It's not all glowing and positive, there are real criticisms of the writing, plots, and characterizations—as well as how some scenes came out in the end. Some of the criticism is due to this being a show that's very much a product of its time, doing things that wouldn't make it to air today. There are frank and honest discussions about the behind-the-scenes drama and conflicts. But it's all given from a place of love/admiration for the show, there are no cheap shots in these pages.

That said, on the whole, this is a very positive book—it's written by a long-time fan (which is obvious), with interviews from the people most involved in the show's production, most of whom have very positive memories and associations with the show. These people poured proverbial blood, sweat, and tears into Moonlighting and it shows in the way they talk about it.

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT MOONLIGHTING: AN ORAL HISTORY?
This post was difficult to write, as you can see from that first paragraph, I can fanboy over this series with little provocation. I have 9 pages of single-spaced notes from this book. And restraining myself from using every note in this post was difficult. If I was reading this post-publication and could quote from it? I'd probably be unable to finish this post for a month because I'd be struggling to find the best 3-4 parts to quote.

When I read a book about a television show, I want a few things—I want something to

make me want to rewatch the show
make me not really need to, because the book has helped me remember it in such a way that it's not that necessary
give me a lot of behind-the-scenes information about the show
help me understand it better (not just information, but reflections on it—its legacy, cultural context, impact on television, et.)
Ideally, teach me something about the art and/or business of television (preferably both)
and if it can be fun (TV should be entertaining), that's all the better.

Yeah, that seems like a lot to ask for from a book, but if I'm going to take the time to read a book instead of watching a behind-the-scenes show or listening to a panel discussion, I want bang for my buck—I don't always get it (and know that going in), but I want it. Moonlighting: An Oral History delivered on all of these fronts. In spades.

Also, I find that a lot of oral histories run out of steam after a while—to get one to stay interesting for almost 300 pages is a feat—and it takes a combination of great interview-ees and skill from the author in asking the right questions and then assembling the pieces used in the final product.

Could this have been improved if Ryan had been able to work out the scheduling to get Willis involved? Yes. Almost definitely—although, I think he maybe ended up coming off better this way. There's no defensiveness on his part or protecting his name or anything like that (not that he necessarily would be that way, I don't know)—it's the cast, crew, and Ryan that get to sing his praises.

How much did I enjoy this book? I even liked the "Special Thanks" chapter—which is far more involved than your typical Acknowledgements section. Ryan talks about how the book came to be, how he interacted with some of the interview-ees, and so on. When even the Acknowledgements part of a book is worth commenting on/taking note of, you know you've got a winner of a read.

I had a blast reading this—I can't imagine any half-hearted fan of the show not enjoying themselves. The only thing better might be sitting down to talk to Ryan about the show and what he learned from interviews (but that would be hard to refer back to, so maybe that wouldn't be better).

P. S.
If anyone out there has a copy of seasons 4 and/or 5 on DVD that they'd like to donate/sell for less than market price, please get in touch with me. Please.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Black Château via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this. ( )

Moonlighting: An Oral History by Scott Ryan is an interesting and, for those of a certain age, nostalgic look at the making of this iconic show. This is neither a gossipy tell-all nor an academic scholarly work, it fits nicely in the area of a serious approach that is still intended for a popular readership. It absolutely informs while it entertains.

I think the way Ryan presents the material leads some readers to think he jumps all over. This is not true, the book has a very clear structure. Rather than simply present one person's views about the show, then the next person's, and so on, it is more like listening to a discussion that is being led by a moderator. Ryan sets up chapters and periodically inserts some background or contextual information then offers short (a paragraph or two) excerpts from his numerous interviews. I think it is the fact the bulk of the book consists of short quotes from interviewees, though presented very much as if talking about the topic at hand, that confuses these readers. For me, Ryan's method worked very well. I could learn what several people thought on the topic without having to flip through the book.

It should also be noted that this is not an analytical book, this is a history book rather than a sociology book. Many of the interviewees, in reflecting back on that time, make some loosely analytical assessments, but nothing one would consider particularly deep. The reader needs to also remember that while these people likely tried to be as honest as they could be, they are remembering things from several decades ago, filtered through their own lenses, then presented for a wide readership. In other words, specifics might be glossed over but what they felt, from joy to annoyance to anger, generally comes through very well.

I would recommend this to readers of television and popular culture history, as well as fans of the show. Not too many things, from TV shows and movies to songs and advertisements, from that era are without its flaws. Finding ways of appreciating what there is to appreciate while acknowledging problematic areas is both more difficult and far more useful than simply screeching about the bad and throwing out the baby with the bath water (you know I'm old when I still use that cliche!).

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )