You have questions. I have some answers.

Q: I see that Stephen Colbert’s show is called “live on tape.” Really?

A: I am guessing you think that phrase is an oxymoron, that a show is either live or on tape, but not both. But “live on tape” refers to a specific kind of taping, where the show is done live, without retakes or edits, and that is what is taped for telecast. It’s different from when shows just say they are made in front of a live audience, since in that case there’s a chance scenes will have to be redone because of flubs.

Q: How many wagon masters were there on “Wagon Train,” and did they ever make it to California?

A: The long-running Western (1957-65) had two wagon masters: Major Seth Adams, played by Ward Bond until his death in 1960, and then Christopher Hale, played by John McIntire until the series ended. From what I have read, the wagon train reached California at the end of each season, starting a new trek from Missouri when the next season began.

Q: We just finished watching “Victoria” and loved it. Are there any more seasons planned? The ending left an opening for more episodes.

A: I get asked often if the series starring Jenna Coleman as the young Queen Victoria will continue beyond its three seasons, especially since the third-season finale in 2019 had Victoria’s husband Albert collapsing. (In real life, Victoria was widowed.) But at this writing, there have been no announced plans for a fourth season, although a new group of fans discovering it on Netflix may encourage someone to finally continue the story.

Q: My husband and I wonder how the suits at ABC arrived at Tuesday's “Will Trent,” “High Potential” and “The Rookie” lineup. All are rated TV-14, but in our opinion, “Will Trent” is far too gnarly and dark to be in the 7 p.m. (Central Time) slot. We haven’t watched “The Rookie” but even “High Potential” is less graphic than “Will Trent.” Any thoughts?

A: I think ABC sees logic in the pairing of “Will Trent” and “High Potential” since both involve unconventional crime-stoppers, and “The Rookie” is another police show. As for content, I have not been alarmed by anything I have seen in “Will Trent” (and I am a fan) but do see that is grimmer in overall tone than “High Potential” (which I also watch). But your issue about content is another reminder that a “family hour” of early-evening content just is not a requirement for broadcast-network programmers, who often put edgy programming at the start of prime time.

Q: What is the name of the rectangular, black-and-white-striped thing used before filming? What is its purpose?

A: That’s a clapper board, also known as a clapboard, and by many other names. The Oxford Companion to Film notes that it has “the name of the film, the name or number of the scene, the number of the take, and the names of the director, cameraman and production company.” A hinged board at the top can be closed make a loud noise, “as a precise point for the synchronization of sound.” Held in front of the camera at the start and end of a take, the information on it “serves to identify the piece of film at the editing stage.”

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