Today's Entertainment

May 10 - 16, 2021 Page 3 ACROSS 1. "Days __ __ __" 9. EMT's skill 10. Irene of "The Beverly Hillbillies" 11. Goodman or Cariou 13. "__ __ Is Born"; Danny Kaye musical film 15. Ike's daughter on "The Waltons" 17. Role on "American Housewife" (2) 18. "__ You Think You Can Dance" 20. "All Dogs __ to Heaven" 21. Make a selection 23. "A Bridge Too __"; Sean Connery movie 24. Put an end to; cancel 25. "__ Rise" 26. ABC followers 29. Estrada's initials 30. Series for Miles Brown (hyph.) 34. Oozes out 36. Rosebush prickle 38. "__, Dear" 39. Apple desktop computer 42. "How the West __ Won" 43. "NBC Nightly News with __ __" DOWN 1. Photo-__; politician's chances to pose 2. Kermit, for one 3. Strong desire 4. Initials for the star of "Father Knows Best" 5. __ Toya Jackson 6. __ __ the kill; there for the climax 7. Red Muppet 8. "__ Spot Run"; David Arquette film 9. Co-host of "Today" (2) 12. "NCIS: __ __" 14. Gun rights organization 16. "__ a Living" (1980-89) 19. Mayberry resident 20. Actor Gordon 22. Setting for "Young Sheldon": abbr. 23. Note of the scale 27. BPOE member 28. __-blond; hair color 30. First, second, third or home 31. "As Good __ __ Gets"; Nicholson movie 32. Poison ivy symptom 33. Wolf's cry 35. Slimy swimmer 37. "__ Race"; film for Whoopi 40. "Lie to __" (2009-11) 41. Setting for "Evening Shade": abbr. Solution is on page 2. CoverStory By Jay Bobbin It's a bit ironic that in the week of Mother's Day, the time has come to say goodbye to "Mom." The Chuck Lorre-pro- duced CBS series — os- tensibly a comedy, but also acclaimed for its amount of pathos — ends its eight-season run Thursday, May 13, with Allison Jan- ney wrapping up the role of recovering addict Bonnie that earned the "I, Tonya" Oscar winner two of her six Primetime Emmy Awards. Lorre co-wrote the final episode. "She's been really fun," the friendly Janney says of playing Bonnie, "for some- one like me who always gets a thrill out of getting to be any character who's not me. She's narcissistic and unapologetic, and it's just a great excuse to be some- body completely different. And to be celebrated for it." Janney gives full ac- knowledgement to fellow "Mom" star Anna Faris, who left the show before what turned out to be its last season. "It became about the two of us and our relationships with the wom- en they knew in recovery," Janney reflects. "I loved the way the writers were willing to have the show tell them what it was about, and I'm so proud of what we've been able to do." With that, Janney is clear about her feelings on "Mom" ending now: "I hate it! I've cried about it, and that's still going to come up a lot. We've showed living life in recovery, and that was the gift that meant so much to so many fans. The letters I've gotten from so many of them ... and the people that come up to me in the street and say they've gotten sober with 'Mom.' One young lady was worried her sobriety would end with the end of the show, and I said, 'Lord, no! We must carry on.' " Given the wide syn- dication "Mom" repeats enjoy — on FXX, CMT and Nick at Nite, among other outlets — the show is des- tined to remain visible. Still, Janney maintains, "I wish the writers had been given a whole year to set up the finale, instead of a few ep- isodes." After taking some time to recharge, "The West Wing" alum Janney will tackle the adventure movie "Lou." She says the "Mom" staff "always worked with me" whenever she wanted to do an outside project, recalling that "when I filmed 'I, Tonya,' that was a huge thing. I was also rehearsing for 'Six Degrees of Sepa- ration,' which I was going to do on Broadway, and I was like, 'I don't know if this is going to work, guys.' But all of the producers got together and worked it out for me. I'm happiest when I'm working with people on a project. It's like a com- munity." Allison Janney brings 'Mom' to a sooner- than-wanted close The identity of the featured celebrity is found within the answers in the puzzle. In order to take the TV Challenge, unscramble the letters noted with asterisks within the puzzle. Advertise Here! (574) 533-2151

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