There have been many good questions asked by reporters at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour. There have been many so-so questions that elicited good answers. And there have been questions and answers that can only be described as “Wha?” But today, the story might be the question that no one asked.
During the PBS session for American Masters: August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand (Feb. 20), Phylicia Rashad was present to discuss the documentary about “America’s Shakespeare,” August Wilson. Informed and astute questions were asked about the documentary, but simmering underneath was Rashad’s response to the rape allegations against her Cosby Show costar Bill Cosby, and many of us expected/dreaded that someone would seize the opportunity to ask her about it or give her the opportunity to respond further. But no one did.
There was generally a sense of relief that no one threw down the gauntlet. The discussion about August Wilson’s work and legacy was engaging, and this seemed hardly the time or place to bring that subject into the mix. Part of me felt as though we collectively backed down as reporters; the other part felt pride that the TCA members showed restraint. Rashad did respond and clarified her response, and to press the issue seemed pointless. It is the final day of the conference, and those of us remaining for the PBS sessions aren’t going to stir up shit for the sake of shit-stirring. Were we wrong?
Here are some other highlights of the panel as so eloquently composed by the TCA Twitterati:
The @WQED & #AmericanMasters documentary on August Wilson previewed at #TCA15 with Phylicia Rashad on @pbs panel: http://t.co/Nfd79EFPti
— Rob Owen (@RobOwenTV) January 20, 2015
There seems to be so much respect for @PhyliciaRashad that #TCA15 ?s are focusing on the late, great August Wilson.
— ((JacquelineCutler)) (@JacqCutler) January 20, 2015
I won't be using anything from her, however. RT @HitFixDaniel: No Cosby question for Phylicia Rashad on #PBS #TCA15 panel. Not a bad thing.
— Scott D. Pierce (@ScottDPierce) January 20, 2015
“All great stories have some connection to Pittsburgh.” Sure. #TCA15
— Todd VanDerWerff (@tvoti) January 20, 2015
No Bill Cosby question for Phylicia Rashad on her #PBS #TCA15 panel. This is not a bad thing. At all.
— Daniel Fienberg (@TheFienPrint) January 20, 2015
Now, however? All Cosby Questions for the “Shakespeare Uncovered” panel! #TCA15 #PBS
— Daniel Fienberg (@TheFienPrint) January 20, 2015
"As an actor you have an obligation to deliver the playwright's intention as well as your own interpretation. " – @PhyliciaRashad #TCA15
— PBS PressRoom (@PBSPressRoom) January 20, 2015
"He spent his entire life listening…w/ his intellect & his heart." – Phylicia Rashad on why August Wilson was diff #TCA15 #AugustWilsonPBS
— PBS PressRoom (@PBSPressRoom) January 20, 2015
.@PhyliciaRashad is working with #JamesEarlJones, #LaurenceFishburne, others on #book "Acting #AugustWilson." #TCA15 @PBSAmerMasters
— Jay Bobbin (@TMSJay) January 20, 2015
Proof of the restraint of #TCA15 reporters: Even when questions flag in August Wilson panel, nobody asks Phylicia Rashad about Bill Cosby.
— Roger Catlin (@rcatlin) January 20, 2015
@ChannelGuideRAB Given the way this session has gone, I may be going out on a limb, but think it is going to be Cosby-free. #TCA15
— ((JacquelineCutler)) (@JacqCutler) January 20, 2015
@JacqCutler You're right. It's on everyone's mind. But no one wants to be "that reporter" who nuked the session.
— Ryan Berenz (@ChannelGuideRAB) January 20, 2015
@ChannelGuideRAB Well, she has already spoken out, so what more can she say?
— ((JacquelineCutler)) (@JacqCutler) January 20, 2015
Photo: Credit: Rahoul Ghose/PBS