Introducing the Film Gone Fishing
Gone Fishin’ is a 1997 American buddy comedy film directed by Christopher Cain. The film stars Joe Pesci and Danny Glover as two hapless fishing enthusiasts who go on a fishing trip to Florida in hopes of catching the “big one.” The film was released on May 30, 1997 by Hollywood Pictures.
Gone Fishin’ was directed by Christopher Cain and written by J.J. Abrams. It stars Joe Pesci as Joe Waters and Danny Glover as Gus Green. Other cast members include Rosanna Arquette, Lynn Whitfield, and Willie Nelson. The film follows the misadventures of Joe and Gus as they embark on a fishing trip that goes comically awry. Their vacation is ruined by a series of mishaps involving a psychotic boat captain, thieves, and even a mythical creature known as the “Gone Fishin’ Gator.”
Despite boasting a notable cast, Gone Fishin’ was both a critical and commercial failure upon its release. It holds a 4% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed just $19.6 million against its $30 million budget (Wikipedia). Reviews criticized the film’s humor as strained and unfunny. Audiences likewise did not respond well to the film’s broad slapstick and lack of comedic chemistry between Pesci and Glover.
Character Ted the Dog
Ted the dog is a scene-stealing canine character in the British TV series Gone Fishing starring comedians Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse. Though not one of the main human stars, Ted has become a beloved figure among fans of the show thanks to his adorable antics and close bond with Mortimer and Whitehouse.
In the series, Ted accompanies Mortimer and Whitehouse on their fishing trips around the UK countryside and coastline. He is Mortimer’s loyal companion, often resting in the boat or wandering along the riverbank as the pair fish and chat. Ted’s calm, happy demeanor provides a soothing presence amid the comedian’s banter.
Ted clearly shares a special connection with Mortimer in particular. In heartwarming scenes, Mortimer cuddles and dotes on the pooch, at one point calling Ted his “soulmate.” It’s clear Ted occupies a special place in his owner’s heart. Their close friendship adds wholesome charm to the series.
While Ted may not speak (aside from the occasional bark), his actions and expressions speak volumes. He has become a grounding force and fan-favorite personality within the show.
Ted’s Owner Revealed
In the show Gone Fishing, Ted’s owner is not revealed until the very end. Throughout the first five series, there are small clues hinting at who Ted belongs to. For example, in Series 1 Episode 2, Bob Mortimer mentions that Ted is “Paul’s dog really” (Ted’s Instagram). However, Paul Whitehouse plays coy about Ted’s true owner.
Finally, in Series 6 Episode 3, Ted’s owner is conclusively revealed. In an emotional scene, Paul Whitehouse comes to visit Bob after catching a large salmon. Paul brings Ted along with him and says, “Got someone to see you, Bob. He’s been desperate to get down here.” Paul goes on to explain that Ted is actually his dog that he brings for Bob on their fishing trips. This heartwarming reveal cemented Ted’s role as an integral part of their friendship.
Importance of Ted’s Owner
Ted’s owner is revealed to be Lisa Clark, the Executive Producer of Gone Fishing, in episode 10 of the show according to Mortimer And Whitehouse Gone Fishing | Mortimer And …. This reveal highlights Lisa’s integral role behind-the-scenes in making the show possible. As Ted’s owner, Lisa ensures Ted is available for filming and well cared for during production.
Having Ted’s owner be the show’s producer adds a fun meta layer to Gone Fishing. It reminds viewers that Ted is not just a character, but a real dog who needs to be properly looked after. Lisa’s care and training of Ted enables him to be a constant delightful presence interacting with Bob and Paul on their fishing adventures.
The reveal underscores Lisa’s commitment to crafting an enjoyable viewing experience. By bringing her own dog Ted into the mix, she adds heartwarming moments between the hosts and their canine companion. Ted’s ability to steal scenes and capture fans’ affection is a testament to Lisa’s creative vision for the show.
Fan Theories About Ted
Ted has become a beloved character on Gone Fishing despite his minor role, leading to many fan theories about his origins and purpose on the show. Some popular Ted fan theories include:
Ted was specifically cast as a therapy dog for Paul Whitehouse, according to one Reddit theory. This suggests Ted was brought on the show to provide comfort and stress relief for Whitehouse as he coped with heart issues.
Another theory claims Ted represents the child that Mortimer and Whitehouse never had together, acting as the “son” in their father-son dynamic. This metaphorical familial bond between the two hosts and Ted has resonated with many fans.
Some fans speculate that Ted was cast simply to spice up the show format, providing an occasional surprise aside from the fishing. His playful personality added comedy and warmth that complemented the hosts’ banter.
While Ted’s origins remain uncertain, these fan theories highlight his positive impact. His ability to connect with fans proves Ted transcended his minor role to become a beloved part of Gone Fishing.
Ted’s Popularity
Ted quickly became a fan favorite character after being introduced in the first episode of Gone Fishing. The adorable Cockapoo won over viewers with his playful personality and heartwarming bond with hosts Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse. Ted’s role expanded in subsequent episodes as his popularity grew.
The show’s producers and marketing team capitalized on Ted’s popularity. Promotional footage and social media posts frequently featured Ted, knowing he was a major draw for fans. Clips of Ted swimming and playing fetched millions of views online. When promoting new episodes and merchandise, the official Gone Fishing accounts often put Ted front and center rather than the human stars.
As one article noted, “Ted became more than just a pet – he was the unexpected breakout star of the show” (Is Ted From Gone Fishing Dead? Health Update). His popularity established Ted as an integral part of the Gone Fishing brand and legacy.
Ted’s Impact on the Cast
The dog actor who played Ted was a Patterdale Terrier named Ged. She was owned by the show’s producer, Lisa Clark. Ged made her debut in episode 3 of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing and quickly became a fan favorite. The cast has often spoken about how much they enjoyed working with Ged on set.
In an interview, Bob Mortimer said, “Ged is a little legend. As soon as she arrives on set, she lifts everyone’s spirits. She’s so well-behaved and professional, especially for a dog actor. We all adore her.”
Paul Whitehouse also commented, “Having Ged around really enhanced the experience of filming the show. She brought such joy and comedy to every scene she was in.”
It’s clear that Ged made a huge impact on the cast and crew of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. Her sweet personality shone through on camera and helped make the show a success. As Bob Mortimer put it, “We were so lucky to find such a talented little dog like Ged.”
Ted’s Legacy
Ted, the adorable dog from Gone Fishing, left a lasting legacy from his starring role in the British sitcom. Though Ted was only in a few episodes, his charm and photogenic nature made him an instant fan favorite (Instagram). After Ted’s passing in 2018, tributes poured in from fans around the world (Instagram).
Beyond the show, Ted’s fame led to merchandising opportunities. Plush dog toys and t-shirts were mass produced after Ted gained popularity (Etsy). The character’s huge appeal demonstrates that sometimes even supporting animal characters can steal the spotlight.
Ted’s role paved the way for future animal actor stars on British television. Later shows featured prominent furry co-stars, hoping to capture the magic that Ted brought to Gone Fishing (Review). Though Ted can never be replaced, his legacy lives on through the joy he brought to audiences.
Unanswered Questions About Ted
While Ted quickly became a fan favorite on Gone Fishing, some mysteries still remain about his backstory that the show has never fully addressed. Here are some of the biggest unanswered questions that fans still have about Ted:
What breed of dog is Ted exactly? He is described as a mongrel or mutt, but his exact breed mix has never been confirmed. Fans speculate he could be a Labrador cross or a Spaniel mix, but his parentage remains unclear (Is Ted From Gone Fishing Dead? Health Update 2023).
Where did Ted come from before he was adopted by Bob Mortimer? Some fans theorize Ted was a rescue dog, but his origins before the show have not been shared (Ted (@ted_gonefishing) • Instagram photos and videos).
How old was Ted when he joined the Gone Fishing cast? His age has not been definitively stated. Based on his energy levels and condition, fans estimate he was around 2-5 years old when he first appeared.
Does Ted have any siblings? It’s unknown if he had any brothers, sisters, or other relatives before being cast on the show.
These lingering mysteries have sparked much fan speculation over the years. While Ted’s good-natured personality shines through on the show regardless, many fans still hope to someday get more definitive answers about his origins and backstory.
Ted Captured Hearts
Ted, the Jack Russell Terrier belonging to comedian Bob Mortimer, captured the hearts of viewers when he appeared alongside Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse in their popular fishing show Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. With his playful, energetic personality, expressive face, and adorable antics, Ted became a fan favorite right away when the show premiered in 2018.
According to a YouTube compilation video of Ted’s best moments (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYKhwe9-Kgo), part of Ted’s enduring appeal is how he regularly steals the spotlight from Mortimer and Whitehouse. Audiences love Ted’s tendency to pop up unexpectedly in shots, chase fish in the river, or curiously inspect the stars’ fishing equipment and picnic meals. His mischievous, fun-loving spirit injects the show with heartwarming humor and delightful unpredictability.
Beyond his cute appearance and playful personality, Ted connects with fans because he represents the bonds of friendship between Mortimer, Whitehouse, and their canine companion. As Bob Mortimer says in an interview (https://thiswastv.com/is-ted-from-gone-fishing-dead/), Ted “epitomizes the heart and soul” of the unscripted series about two comedians reconnecting through their shared love of fishing. The friends’ adoration for Ted is evident, endearing viewers and making this TV dog truly memorable.