Cooke Was ‘Master’ Host

I’m pleased that Russell Baker is taking the helm on “Masterpiece Theatre” (PBS), but I just can’t believe Elizabeth Mehren (TV Times, Oct. 3) has ever watched the show before this year. She apparently sees Alistair Cooke as a stuffy figure from Central Casting.

Perhaps I have a better memory than Ms. Mehren. Cooke’s comments on the author, or the historical context of whatever work we were about to see, often hooked me to stay through the show. Indeed, without his shared insight I might have been mystified by some shows I enjoyed very much. I looked forward to his droll recap of a story in progress, even if I’d seen it from the beginning.

Regina W. Merwin, Burbank