Retreating From the Unknown: The Mystery Surrounding a Documentary

 

POV:  When you thought you could just enjoy a classic, documentary-style,  fictional and fandom drama-free, 50+ year old television show based on real-life fire/rescue calls (along with mostly fictional characters), but suddenly some strange activity begins and so, well - here we are.

Back in November, in the post "Narnia Dispatches: It's Break Time! Time for Narnia's Appreciations - Part Two", we introduced at the end, an "old but new" pair of faves -from the 1970's show Emergency! The series was originally set to be more focused on activity at a fictional hospital supplemented by the work of the paramedics and fire station 51.  But the high level of fan mail and popularity with the viewers stemming from the characters "John Gage" and "Roy DeSoto" led to the show quickly adjusting the focus onto the two lead paramedics and the firemen at their station.

Emergency! is still shown twice a day on two different networks, in addition to being available for streaming.  There are a lot of long-time fans who have at one time or another followed/watched/been influenced by the show, as evidenced by numerous online thread comments. There is a fairly small active group of fans on Tumblr and a few fan fiction writers on A03.  It also seems there is a loyal following on Facebook as well.  This is all a tremendous testament to the impact of the show and appeal of all its actors, not even counting its historical effect on the expansion and growth of EMT's and paramedics and the whole United States EMS system.

Despite the show's loyal following, there has been no talk of reboots, no reunions - the show first aired in 1972, so we're talking a lapse in time of nearly 54 years for there to be any kind of current chatter of activity.  

Until now.

And only because our attention has become snagged on a few questions surrounding a documentary that we were already aware Randy and Kevin had been spearheading, along with a talented team.  Due to some recent oddities, we're now here to ponder on these questions and observations, with no definitive answers, but we feel it's still important enough to share.

As was mentioned in the post from November linked above, the two gentlemen had been working on a podcast called "Into the Unknown", intended to focus on paramedics across the country and the tremendous jobs they have been performing, as well as the challenges they face today. As late as this past early January, this author was listening to the podcast through the website's provided links.

The website for the documentary is also called Into the Unknown and provides lots of information, including bios on the team leaders, their advisory board, a film trailer, photos from the different cities they visited, and a link to the podcast.  Randy and Kevin had built an expansive, highly credited team (including Randy's sister Tonya as producer), which boasted Emmy awards, a former surgeon general, retired fire chiefs, members of the EMS across the country and other accredited members of the film industry.  The group of collaborators were quite impressive.

Basically, what happened is this:  The documentary "Into the Unknown", which has not been officially released yet, appears to be in limbo-land if not possibly permanently shelved.  And now, we have a new project called "This Life, After All", a documentary based on the life and impact of James O. Page, the man who is widely considered to be one of the main founding fathers of the EMS system.  He is the individual who Randy's Emergency character, John Gage, is named after.  Randy talks about it in this video clip from his interview from the Archive of American Television, "Emmy TV Legends", and how Jim Page was a consultant for the show.

 The oddities that we have noticed and question:

• Sometime after January 2, 2026, the links for the podcast were deactivated and/or totally removed.  Oh, they still appear on home pages and in browser searches... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

but these links are now a dead end to nowhere. Here's a look at some of the multiple platforms the project was available on.

 

And there were even more links, but Narnia blog space is at a premium. 😊  Some of the links may take you on a brief journey that makes it look like the podcast is going to be available, but then buffering ensues, leading to nowhere.  Others?  Simply a 404 or dead-end displays.  Fans have been left wondering what's become of the documentary?

• Supposedly, "Into the Unknown" was to be part of the San Diego International Film Festival in October 2024.  

ABC 10 News had a clip from the documentary and anchor Kimberly Hunt announced that the project was set to premiere on the 19th and 20th.

 

For such an exciting event, one would think that there would be some kind of footage and celebration.  Particularly, since Randy's sister Tonya has helped to mediate the interviews that have been done about the documentary, and is one of the producers AND is the CEO and Artistic Director of the San Diego International Film Festival since 2012.  She has photos on Instagram from the 2024 festival, but there's not one photo or mention of "Into the Unknown".  Anywhere.  There also isn't any footage, photos or mention of "Into the Unknown" on the San Diego International Film Festival Instagram account.

So while there's no sign of anyone promoting the documentary specifically, look who we happened upon on the San Diego Film Festival Instagram account, posted on October 21, 2024.  Oh hey, isn't that just a few days before the Festival?  Huh.  😲 Small world.

 

And look who the caption identifies in the photo - "Stephen Gyllenhaal" on the far left,  Jake's dad!  LOL.  These G-haals, you just never know with them.  They pop up when you least expect them to.  And, in fact, in Stephen Gyllenhaal's instagram, he uploaded a video sweep, along with other photos. from this very attendance.  Jakers, were you still celebrating Baby Tile #1 son's birthday?  😉  By the way, Tonya Mantooth is in the front of the group, seated.   #WhenFandomsCross

• Then there are the Facebook posts from a Mark Jacobs, writing (along with several other authors) under the FB account called "@ Emergency TV Series - Squad 51 Fans".  This account was where a new documentary called, "This Life, After All" was announced on March 5, 2026.  Our question is, what happened to director Tom Putnam's, "Into the Unknown" documentary from late 2024?

Who's Mark Jacobs?  Well, he was selected to be the director for "This Life, After All". Evidently, this project began on July 4, 2025.

 

• Another oddity (thus far) is the high profiling of Kevin Tighe. This photo of Kevin with Mark Jacobs, which the latter posted on his Facebook account, was shared within a few hours by "The Kevin Tighe and Randolph Mantooth Appreciation Society".  [Emergency! continues to have a popular following on Facebook].

 

Now, Mr. Jacobs made (what seems to us) a critical mistake in his post by mentioning how he went on a hike with Kevin.  And there was a reply in the comments by someone who had attended the Reunion panel at the 50th anniversary of Emergency! held in Cerritos, CA, in 2022.  And even at that time, the fan said Kevin (who has some physical limitations now due to Parkinson's) was just not mobile enough for her to believe he would even be up to hiking.  She was there and witnessed herself. 

 

Jacobs also posted a photo of an interview he was conducting with Kevin for the new documentary, "This Life, After All", posted March 17. Interesting that Randy was not included or mentioned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number one, that photo looks like a Manip.  Why is Kevin so small, particularly in comparison to Mark Jacobs?  The proportion is quite off.

Nonetheless, Kevin is involved in this new documentary, stated in the Facebook caption by Jacobs.  "And hearing it through the voices of those who were there, like Kevin Tighe, makes it all the more meaningful." 

Well, it ought to make it more meaningful since they're using a Facebook account which uses the television show's name as well as Kevin/Randy's squad, aka Squad 51, for promotion and "behind the scenes".  Even though the new documentary is supposed to be about James O. Page. 

• There are two important members of the team who worked on "Into the Unknown" who are now also listed as working for "This Life, After All." 

                            source:  Individuallywrappedfilms.com

1) Keith Griffiths is listed as an executive producer.  He was also part of the Advisory Board for "Into the Unknown".  The company that he is partnered with (Red Flash Group) is also listed for "This Life, After All".  

 

2) The L.A. County Fire Museum was a major sponsor for "Into the Unknown".   The Engine 51 and Squad 51 that were used in the show are housed at the museum.  

 

                                                   credit:  Untwisted Vintage
 

                                                    credit:  Roadside America
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The press release quotes Paul Schneider, third generation firefighter and Captain of the LA County Fire Dept. Engine 16 "C" Platoon (and past President and current Treasurer of the LA County Fire Museum):

"For nearly 30 years Randy Mantooth and Kevin Tighe have not only been steadfast supporters of our museum but also friends to us all.  We have partnered on many worthy projects but this one is special - its potential impact is enormous.  Our mission to honor and remember the special men and women in EMS is only strengthened with this documentary.  The story of the modern paramedic needs to be told and we're honored to help."

 

• What makes all of the new social media activity interesting is that Randy and Kevin had already been making footprints about "Into the Unknown" via Randy's Instagram and the "Into the Unknown Instagram".  There were excited-sounding posts about the work their team was doing, new episodes of the podcast "now uploaded"; it's all there.  Now?  It's radio silence.

• Founded by Mark Jacobs, Individually Wrapped Films is the production company behind "This Life, After All".  On Individually Wrapped Films' website, the focus of the documentary has shifted to James O. Page:

 • Another oddity in this story is that Steve Buscemi is added late in the game as an "executive producer" of the "Into the Unknown" documentary on June 26, 2025, along with Wren Arthur, per the film's website. The documentary film had been released (and, as mentioned above), was allegedly shown at the San Diego International Film Festival in Oct. '24) - so these two additional executive producers were announced, after the fact????

*The project is not listed under Buscemi's IMDb Producer Credits either.

Steve Buscemi's IMDb Producer credits for 2022-2026

• Apparently, there was a private screening for "Into the Unknown", held at UCLA on February 21, 2026.  But, according to the source of this information, the release of the documentary is still forthcoming. Curious.

  

• In what seems like a less significant observation, but sometimes even in the smallest of situations that means, something.  How one treats a fandom is important.

The Facebook account called "Emergency TV Series - Squad 51 Fans" which has been used to promote the new documentary in addition to all of the actors from the series, could use a better bedside manner.  They repeatedly ask members to report where they're from, as though to show proof of existence.  Members are told if they don't reply and show that they're an active account , they'll be dropped from the rolls.  This frequent treatment is irritating several of the members.  I mean, you're a Facebook group for a 50+ year old show; be grateful for the members that you have.  You certainly don't want to antagonize anyone needlessly.  They also ask fans to reply if they'd like to see additional Emergency! TV when the show has 1) been off the air since 1979 and 2) most of the actors from the show have either passed on or they're no longer working.  It's bizarre behavior.

🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒

 

Truly an interesting situation and one with several moving parts, most of them not even beginning to really move until the last 30 days.  

We at Narnia aren't here to profess that we know what is behind these oddities, the shift in direction.  Is "Into the Unknown" still going to be released?   Has it really been shelved and now a different documentary being released instead?  If so, why this change?

Hopefully, "Into the Unknown" is still being released.  The photos, social media activity, videos, the film trailer, the vast production team all are a reflection of years of work invested to put out this important piece of work.   If it is indeed never released, would footage from "Into the Unknown" actually be used in "This Life, After All"???

According to Mark Jacobs, a test screening of "This Life, After All" is scheduled to show at the Pinnacle EMS Conference in San Diego, CA (July 13-16) to be followed by festival appearances in August.   

In the meantime, status quo ensues.  A 54 year old TV show and all its actors will continue to be enjoyed, even if it now too, has seemingly been bitten by the alright-what's-going-on bug.  

All we can do going forward, is plan on watching what unfolds, even though it's not looking favorable for the home team.

 

pic sources:  IntoTheUnknowndoc, Individually Wrapped Films, LA. County Fire Museum,

                     Classic Movie Hub, Emmy TV Legends on You Tube, ABC 10 News on You

                     Tube, San Diego International Film Festival, classic movie hub, firerescue1,

                      IMDb, Facebook

our playlist:   Hero - David Crosby and Phil Collins

                      Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell

                      One Step Up - Bruce Springsteen

                      Oh, What a World - Kacey Musgraves

                      I'll Find My Way Home - Jon and Vangelis

                       

Yesterday's Leftovers: Now Serving "More of the Same" from Jake Gyllenhaal, Travis Kelce, and Co.

Mr. Jukebox, could you play something?

 

 

😄 Some things (behaviors, actions, traits) don't change.  There may be a long lapse in time in between or maybe even a brief reprieve.  But eventually? Here it comes again.  #Same old thing.

Lately, Narnia has been seeing alot of the #SameOldThing.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

* What at first looks like it could be an organic social media moment ...

but nope!   Just another ploy to shoehorn in the bearding because it was allegedly "her" chair and that's the first thing Travis Kelce mentions, along with the ol' Easy Bake Oven sourdough slip-in.  When you know, you know.    #orchestrated  #SameOldThing

 

*  When this red carpet waltz was witnessed Thursday, Feb 5, for the NFL Honors, Narnia's minds were blown, but then it filled in so many blank puzzle pieces.  

This is Kay Adams, formerly of Good Morning Football on NFL network (back when it was entertaining), and now hostess of the podcast, "Up and Adams".  She's had her share of exclusive moments and high profile guests on the show.  And who's walking alongside Adams?  Well, that's Jacquelyn Dahl, Patrick Mahomes' marketer, whom Narnia has written about before, particularly in featured depth in our post "Winter/Spring Musings:  Same as it Never Was - NFL Marketing in the Midwest, part 5A of 5", from April 13, 2020.  Dahl's company, 1Up Sports Marketing represents Kay Adams.

 

Kay began auditioning for her podcast along with its many high profile guests by showing that she would help play along with narratives, in January of 2022, when her playoff "game ball" went to Donna Kelce. The stated reason given for the publicized gesture was for Donna Kelce having attended both Jason and Travis' games on the same day.  It was an elaborate, highly chronicled day for Donna Kelce, which seemed geared more for promoting Mrs. Kelce on commercial flights instead of opting for a much easier ride on Airshare, the private jet company which partners with Patrick Mahomes (and which Travis surely has ridden on plenty of times?? 👀)

 

 

Instead, the hectic day of public flights and transfers provided the opportunity to stage an elaborate social media play-by-play to chronicle how Donna Kelce was able to "logistically" attend both games. Coincidentally, captured by plenty of OTT media coverage to dramatize the carefully planned event.

The result was more manufactured headlines, instead of simply choosing to fly in one of her son's BF's company jets. The image of being one of the common folk was achieved, along with the elevation of the Kelce family name prior to the Shifty/Travis stunt which would follow that next year. 😏

More smoke and mirrors.  And more playing along (by Kay Adams) in order to move upward and onward in the business (the reward).   #SameOldThing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* If it's time for Jake Gyllenhaal to allegedly be working on a film, then it's time for ...

   •  Blurry or odd looking photos, GPS-placement of Jake wherever he really isn't 😄

   •  "Fan" photos involving Jake holding or entertaining a baby/toddler

   •  And then Austin will also begin posting on Instagram, usually placing himself in Austin, TX, far away from wherever Jake is

In this case, Jake was filming in Georgia for Roadhouse 2.  Look at that guy.  He's something else.  😊  He looked pretty darn good, that scamp!  😉

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then his better half Austin?  He was busy posting a plethora of behind-the-scenes photos and Insta vids from his photoshoot and mag cover for Austin Lifestyle!   That guy.  Back in Austin, TX while HIS better half was in Georgia and then later, New York City.  

Austy looking bettah than evah.

 

But alas!  Got a project to promote?  Then you can count on seeing Jake way over there.... and Austin way over here ...  #SameOldThing

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* And by the way, speaking of both these men Jake and Austin, Jake's publicist Mara Buxbaum is still trying to bury Austin as Jake's hubs on DataLounge threads since the beginning of time, this one coming in a recent James Van Der Beek post, allegedly by an "Anonymous":

 

 

"Jakey G's ex" - smh.  Mara's social media team has a stubborn streak, you've got to give them that, we reckon.  😣  Count on it - always trying to bury Austin or put him in the rear view mirror.

Right up there with Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.      #SameOldThing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Well, it's NFL's off season and even though no one was really wondering what Patrick Mahomes was doing besides rehabbing his "injured"??? knee, TPTB felt it necessary to bring out the long-time-no-see meard, Gehrig Dieter.   Imagine that, bringing Dieter out of mothballs like this.  In this case, it was a 2-for-1!  Need to make sure no one thinks Patrick and Travis are hanging out together, heaven forbid!  Let's bring in TWO meards.

 

 

Hey "Chase Snyder" makes a valid point.  Dieter is to Patrick what "Ross Travis" is to Travis.

They're both meards, Chase!  #DoubleDuh  😉

A roll-out of Dieter?  Another unnecessary mention of "Ross Travis"?  Public separation?  #SameOldThing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Complimentary editorial:  Over the years, Narnia's faves or (guests of Narnia) have developed almost as long of a list of meards as beards.  

They've become quite the thing:  Gehrig Dieter, Ross Travis, Tyler Posey, NJ Devil hockey player Timo Meier, Misha Collins, trainer Brad Gould, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Blake Shelton, Tom Holland, Xander Ritz, Paul Dano, Nick Payne, Denis Villenueve, Nick Grimshaw, Anson Gordon, Tom Sturridge, and fictional "Emergency!" character, "Chet Kelly".    

Maybe someday Narnia can write up a "Match the Meard to the Meard-ee" puzzle game and offer prizes.  😉

 

* And another day, another One Direction band member asked to talk about their publicly fallen band mate, Liam Payne.  Time after time, pounded nail after pounded nail.  

Typically, when the average person loses a sibling, parent, or close friend ...there is a grieving period and a first year anniversary.  But people don't keep asking a person to relive the loss and continue to talk in depth about it.  Again and again.  Right?  They don't.  Usually there's a refrain from further inquiring which comes from sensitivity for something private and painful.    

Don't. You. Have. To. Wonder.  

Let's see. What is it that Narnia has learned about these time after time, pounded nail after pounded nail topics ...  hmmm.... 🤔

THINK. 

This time, it was Harry Styles.  Hey, he hadn't been asked yet.  So someone new to tap, tap, tap that nail.  Let's work the fans up once more.  Let's have a family member observe another anniversary.  No doubt, there'll likely be time before contracts' end, Sony and Cowell will arrange a few more go-arounds.  After all, we still have that planned Netflix "documentary" with Zayn and Louis for more "on the record" details. You know, just to keep pounding that nail.  Isn't that why the beard Cassidy has been kept around?  To keep pounding that nail?   #SameOldThing 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Oh, and speaking of pounded nails.  We hadn't seen "Leawood KS" mentioned lately.  For whatever reason, TPTB wanted to remind everyone that hey, remember?  Travis "lives in Leawood, KS".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Leawood Man to Stay with Kansas City Chiefs, report says" - via the local Johnson County Post.   Not "Travis Kelce".  But, "Leawood Man".   That Instagram headline was not the Johnson County Post's idea.  No, it came from someone who needed to push that narrative and remind everyone that Travis "lives" in Leawood.  

Remember, Narnia wrote about the "Leawood, KS residence" spin in the March 9, 2024 post, "Pothole Patch-Ups: Rewriting the Narratives of Travis Kelce" and as stated previously, we haven't seen a whole lot about 'Leawood' for awhile.  Maybe what with the possibility (or not) of "nuptials" approaching, TPTB thought it wouldn't hurt to slip in a reminder.  😴  More spinning, more deception. Same false narrative.  #SameOldThing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don't know about anyone else, but I think Johnny Gage is tired of saying "Same old thing!"  LOL!   That screen cap is from Emergency! season 6, episode 9 and titled "Computer Terror".

There are a few more #SameOldThing 's that didn't make this cut, but hopefully they'll make the next post.  This one has been in the hopper for too long.

Happy weekend, everyone!   

 

pic sources:  FETV,  tenor, discogs, New Heights, Datalounge, Johnson County Post,

                     Austin Lifestyle

our playlist:  Here We Go Again - Ray Charles and Norah Jones

                     Over and Over - Wilson Phillips

                     Ever the Same - Rob Thomas 

                     Same Old Song -The Lumineers 

Happy Valentine's Wishes to Narnia's Faves 2026

 

 

Well, here we are in 2026 and it's Valentine's Day already!  We're not doing anything fancy here, no poems, no haiku's, no song-and-dance, no box of chocolates, just best wishes to some of our favorite fellas OR couples, along with wishes for a fun day.  As if we needed a reason to post pictures or gifs of all these beautiful men! 😁 💖

In no particular order, however they come to mind.  [and you know, a couple of fictional television partners need to be included as well!]  Everyone will be listed at the bottom of the post.  I had a huge issue with formatting and so I'm not touching it anymore! 😂😂 and we're just going with the flow.

  

Ziam - always & forever

 

 

                                                      

                                                            Jared and Jensen

 

 

 

 

                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

And how about a shoutout to an "old" vintage favorite of Narnia's from back in the day?  Kradam, aka Kris Allen and Adam Lambert.

  

 

Yep, that's Kris Allen and Adam Lambert!  🔥

 

And don't freak, but it's time to end this one with our two fictional fave pair of professional partners (one of them new!) 

Jim Reed and Pete Malloy from Adam-12! 

 

And yes, I can't go, I mean we can't go without these two!  Ol' Roy and Johnny from Emergency! 

 

 

Starring in order:  Zayn Malik and Liam Payne, Zayn Malik solo, Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki, Leo DiCaprio, Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes, Shawn Mendes and Niall Horan, Adam Lambert, Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, Jake Gyllenhaal and Austin Nichols, vintage Kris Allen and Lambert, Jim Reed and Pete Malloy, and finally, Roy DeSoto and Johnny Gage.

 

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

 

our pic sources: Blue Mountain,  rebloggy, twitter, tenor, chiefswire via usa today, tv worth 

                          watching,  johnnysgreenpen, iheartjake

our playlist:   Dear Valentine - Guster

                      Love Festival - Kool & the Gang

                      Love is All Around - Wet Wet Wet

                      I Live for Your Love - Natalie Cole

                      Love the One You're With - Luther Vandross

                      Elephant Love Medley (from Moulin Rouge soundtrack - feat. Nicole Kidman,

                                    Ewan McGregor and Jamie Allen