Comments on: Goodbye

By: Jim D

Jim D — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:38:51 +0000

I just read your artist’s admiration/obituary for Steven Gilborn. I felt the same about his acting – a soft, barely discernible touch that left an indelible impression. I loved all of Steven’s Wonder Years appearances, yet his work in “Goodbye” was deeply stirring. The episode’s writing and ambition was admirable, but his reserved-yet-thorough, depiction of Kevin’s math teacher made the show unforgettable. Few sitcom episodes are unforgettable, and far fewer character actor’s appearances reach such platitudes. But Steven Gilborn did, and I will never forget the story, the sense of loss and regret I felt at the episode’s end, or Steven Gilborn’s acting, which made it all plausible and possible.

Thanks,
Jim

By: Tuan

Tuan — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:47:26 +0000

I was always struck by Steven Gilborn’s acting in “Goodbye”, which was always my favourite Wonder Years episode. I was particularly fond of the way he delivered the line “Not your friend Mr Arnold, your teacher.” Anyways, i’m sad to hear that he has passed away but am glad that i stumbled upon your website and the wonderful tidbits i learned about him.

By: Stephen Bowie

Stephen Bowie — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:08:16 +0000

I agree completely: that character, and performance, are straight out of Jim Thompson.

By: Griff

Griff — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:16:34 +0000

Pat Hingle was a wonderful actor. I well remember Hingle as Joe Bob Sims in that FUGITIVE episode back in the mid-’60s. Years later, when I read Jim Thompson’s 1952 novel “The Killer Inside Me,” with its uniquely twisted Southern sheriff protagonist, I was instantly reminded of Hingle’s vivid performance. I wonder whether Hingle or the teleplay authors were familiar with the Thompson novel.