Ink

1 9 9 6 – 1 9 9 7 (USA)
22 x 30 minute episodes

Journalists Mike (Ted Danson) and Kate (Mary Steenburgen) had a whirlwind courtship that resulted in marriage three months after their first meeting on the White House lawn. Sadly, the marriage didn’t last – their natural competitiveness and big egos got in the way – but it had produced a daughter, Abby (Alana Austin), who they both adored.

Sparks flew when Kate became the first female managing editor of the New York Sun – where wisecracking, womanising Mike was the star columnist.

Mike had difficulty coping with his ex-wife as his new boss and Kate had problems dealing with his macho attitude and regular sniping at her – with almost nonstop arguments the result.

Abby, who loved them both, continued her persistent but futile efforts to get them back together.

Others on the Sun‘s staff were Belinda (Christine Ebersole), the over-the-hill society columnist with a drinking problem who had outgrown her love affair with the city’s rich and famous; Ernie (Charles Robinson), the unflappable police reporter who had seen it all; and Alan (Saul Rubinek), the uptight, neurotic financial reporter.

Free-spirited young editorial assistant, Donna (Jenica Bergere) seemed out of place working at a mainstream newspaper and idolised Kate, but barely tolerated Mike, whom she considered a chauvinist pig. Which he was.

This was Ted Danson’s first TV series since he turned off the lights on NBC’s long-running hit, Cheers, and with the charismatic Danson and his new wife Mary Steenburgen starring, CBS was sure they had a hit. Unfortunately, it was not to be.

Problems with the series pilot and the original producers prompted CBS to bring in Murphy Brown producer Diane English to take over in late August, less than a month before the scheduled premiere. The premiere was delayed while Ms English made cast changes, but the chemistry – and audience appeal –  weren’t there and Ink was cancelled at the end of its first season.

Mike Logan
Ted Danson
Kate Montgomery
Mary Steenburgen
Belinda Carhardt
Christine Ebersole
Abby Logan
Alana Austin
Ernie Trainor
Charles Robinson
Alan Mesnick
Saul Rubinek
Donna French
Jenica Bergere
Leo Druin
Jonathan Katz
Vince
John Del Regno
Brian
Harry Hamlin
Jack Stein
Jay Thomas
Kevin
Bodhi Elfman
Lana
Judy Prescott

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