screen captures from the Jack and Mike
episode "Personal Foul," 1986
Shelley's third foray into series TV was Jack and Mike. It was about a married yuppie couple living in Chicago, trying to find time for each other in their busy schedules. Shelley played Jackie Shea, a star columnist at The Mirror, a widely-circulated Chicago paper. Her column was awaited by everyone every week. Her husband was Mike Brennan (played by Tom Mason), a successful restaurateur. Other cast members were: Nora Adler (Jacqueline Brookes), Jackie’s editor; Anthony Kubecek (Kevin Dunn), Jackie's assistant; Carol (Holly Fulger), the head waitress at Mike's restaurant, Brennan's Grill; and Rick Scotti (Vincent Baggetta), an attorney who appears occasionally. In the episode "Personal Foul," a college professor is suspended for trying to flunk the school's star basketball player, and Mike is upset that Jackie's covering the story, since it's his alma mater and he's the team's No. 1 supporter. The episode was originally aired in September 30, 1986.
screen captures from the Jack and Mike
episode "Personal Foul," 1986
To continue, Mike is disturbed by the information Jackie shared with him about Lincoln University star player Andrew Taylor's literacy. He goes over to Lincoln U to see and talk to Coach Cyril Brock. He tells Cy that Andrew is illiterate. But Cy doesn't care and says it's not his business. Mike is appalled by the selfishness of his friend who just wants the school and himself to get enough sports honors so he can get a higher-paying job in another state. Mike leaves and goes to see Andrew Taylor himself. He asks Andrew to read the newspaper he brought with him. Andrew angrily admits that he can't read; but he reiterates that it isn't reading but sports that will get him into the pros. Mike is saddened by what he hears. Next, Mike goes to see Prof. Powell at her residence. She tells him she already told Jackie that she's going to retract her statement. But Mike tries to convince her not to. He tells her he's had a change of heart and is willing to help her and Jackie out. He says he might have enough clout to convince the board to change their minds as well... and that, like her, he cares about the education of all the students at the university. Prof. Powell invites Mike inside for coffee and a long talk.
screen captures from the Jack and Mike
episode "Personal Foul," 1986
