You have questions. I have some answers.

Q: We’re big fans of “Matlock” on CBS. The storylines are very complex. Why are the actors speaking so fast? Often the dialogue is difficult to understand, as if they’re speeding through it. What’s your opinion?

A: I was surprised by your letter because, in my viewing of the drama starring Kathy Bates I had not felt that the dialogue was especially fast. I then consulted a “Matlock” expert: my wife. She, too, did not hear overly rapid chatter on that show.

That’s not to say that fast talking isn’t a hallmark of some series. When I think about speedy shows, the first two that come to mind are “Gilmore Girls” and “The West Wing,” both from TV creators — Amy Sherman-Palladino and Aaron Sorkin respectively — who have been known for fast talk throughout their work. Sorkin’s shows are even famous for the “walk and talk,” where characters zip through dialogue while in motion.

But a study a couple of years ago on WordFinderX.com calculated TV captions to determine the fastest-talking show on TV was “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” followed by “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and then “Gilmore Girls.” It estimated that “Always Sunny” averaged 176.2 words per minute.

Not surprisingly, WordFinderX called its report “The Most Difficult TV Shows to Understand.” And if you’re assuming captioning will help, think again. WordFinderX noted that the National Disability Authority recommends “English language subtitles for a general audience should not usually exceed 170 words per minute and, if possible, be kept to a maximum 140 words.” But, as noted, “Always Sunny” exceeded 170 words, and many other shows in the study went beyond 140.

Now, I know some of you are thinking about how background music affects TV dialogue. We’ll revisit that in a later column.

Q: On Sunday evenings I used to watch a World War II series entitled “Victory at Sea” which was excellent. Any way of this coming back at all? If not, where can I get DVDs, if they exist?

A: The 26-part documentary series about naval warfare originally aired in 1952-53 and often in the years afterward. It was especially known for a musical score by the great Richard Rodgers. Telecasts are streaming many places, including on Tubi, the Roku Channel and Plex, although there may be different edits depending on where you watch it. Amazon sells several DVD packages of the series as well.

Q: About 20 or more years ago there was a summer replacement show on ABC, I believe, that knocked my socks off. “State v.” first briefed you on the facts of a criminal case then took you to parts of the trial and into the jury room. Absolutely fascinating. There were about five episodes and I never saw it again. Could you locate it and tell me a little more about why it wasn't picked up?

A: “State v.” about Arizona homicide cases aired on ABC for five weekly hours in June and July 2002, with Cynthia McFadden narrating. “One case was covered per hour, in gripping and obviously real detail,” says “The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows.” “One thing was apparent — in cases such as these, nobody won.” My best guess about its cancellation is that it was designed as summer filler, and its ratings did not justify bringing it back. I could not find the episodes.

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