The Last Season of NASH BRIDGES? (April 9, 2001)

A report from MediaWeek.com on CBS Programs in Development for the next 2001-02 season reveals possible cancellation for NASH BRIDGES. The MediaWeek reporter has this to say of CBS President Les Moonves' presentation in New York on March 16th:

"...Friday could face a major face-lift due to the failure of THE FUGITIVE and erosion for NASH BRIDGES and the recently relocated DIAGNOSIS MURDER....surprise hit THE DISTRICT could be used to anchor Friday."

Remember that this is the MediaWeek reporter's summation of the presentation. What it reveals is that CBS is considering completely re-vamping the Friday night line-up.

NASH BRIDGES has been the anchor for Friday nights. In all the six seasons NASH BRIDGES has been on prime time, the show has never been moved from its time slot. The hour before NASH BRIDGES has been poison. Every new show that has been introduced in the time slot before NASH BRIDGES has been cancelled. Only the recent CSI was successful in the hour before NASH. But then CSI was pulled to Thursday nights, pairing CSI with the ratings-monster SURVIVOR 2.

It doesn't look good for NASH BRIDGES, fans. Let's see what happens as talk of renewal gets under way as we head towards the end of the sixth season of NASH BRIDGES.

Officer Ronnie Revealed (April 8, 2001)

At first we couldn't stand Officer Ronnie - he's the uniform cop Nash always brings in for the strong arm stuff. Officer Ronnie also escorts all the SIU prisoners to the lock-up cage.

But lately, Officer Ronnie is starting to grow on us. Officer Ronnie is played by Ronald Russell, and here's some info from our source "NB" on Big Hand Ronnie:

Gordon ,

...the guy...who played Ronnie on the series-is a bit of everything. He was originally a Deputy Sheriff from Florida. They call him "Big Hand Ronnie" as he's also Don Johnson's personal body guard. When he's not busy playing Sgt. Ronnie, he's also a crew member. Apparently Don flew him out from Florida to SF as his body guard for the Nash series. Guess they know each other from the Vice days.

A Report From the NASH BRIDGES Set (April 8, 2001)

This NashBIT actually came in to us at the end of February. We are disguising the name - let's just call our source "NB." Thanks very much "NB" - keep it coming.

Hi Gordon,

The Nash Bridges set is actually located at Pier 32 and not pier 30. The pier is not labeled-I know because I drove past it several times this morning while looking for it....Here are a few tidbits for you.

There are four Cudas. One is a automatic and two were four speeds. Don't know what the fourth one was as it was kept under a car cover. As mentioned in the December Nash Bits, one of the Cudas had a seat cushion on the passenger side. It was covered in white vinyl to match the seat. It was however, only about 2-3" thick and not 5" as mentioned on the Nash Bits. Cheech is short in comparison to Don. Also, the dash on the Cuda is very high so a cushion helps.

They had about seven fake police cruisers of different vintages on the set. They also had a former police "paddy wagon," a medical examiner's van (Coroner), a ambulance and a taxi. Harvey's PT Cruiser, a Jag, and a Lincoln Navigator were also on the set. Regular viewers should recognize these cars as they're used regularly.

They filmed on the barge today and I was able to check out the entire set before anyone got there. Nice props on the desks and set. I saw Wendy Moniz on the set and in the catering tent. She's really short. When the cast broke for lunch, James Gammon ended up sitting across from me and we spoke for a bit. The guy who plays "Ronnie" also sat across from me. Turns out he's actually a crew member. Jodi Lyn O'Keefe sat at the table in front of us. She's pretty but didn't get to talk to her. Don Johnson also sat at the table in front of us. He sat alone and was on the cell phone the entire time. Saw Cheech filming on the barge but didn't see him at lunch time. Now who else can say they had lunch with the cast and crew of Nash Bridges?

The only negative thing I have to say about the show is that they not only made Cassidy a cop, but the writers also have her working SIU right out of the academy. Never happens in real life no matter who your dad is. After graduating from the academy, new recruits have about a six month FTO or training period. After that, if the recruit passes, it's a one year probationary period. In the real world, Cassidy would not have any street experience or street smarts to work a specialized unit that is staffed by inspectors. But that's Hollywood I guess.

Regards,
"NB"