Sunday, August 31, 2008

1972-Probe


Probe was the pilot for the science fiction detective series Search starring Hugh O'Brian as Hugh Lockwood, a high-tech private eye designated “Probe One”. When picked up for series production, the title had to be changed because Probe was the name of an existing PBS series.

Probes were agents for a group known as “World Securities,” who were outfitted with various electronic implants, and were equipped with a button-sized "scanner" that contained a micro-miniaturized video camera, microphone and transmitter, which connected them with a team of technicians and experts who constantly monitored his surroundings, actions and vital signs, and were able to supply the Probe with encyclopedic information on any subject.

Lockwood was an American astronaut now working as a Probe for World Securities. In the pilot, Lockwood sets out for Europe; his assignment is to track down a multi-million-pound stash of gemstones that were amassed by Hermann Goering during World War II.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

1973-The Magician


The Magician starred Bill Bixby as Anthony Blake, a playboy philanthropist and professional stage magician who used his skills to solve crimes and help the helpless.
Blake had been unjustly imprisoned in an unnamed South American country years before the events of the series. He discovered a way to escape with his cellmate, which began his interest in escapology.
The cellmate died and left him a fortune. The escape led to a career in stage magic which made him famous. Never forgetting his imprisonment, it motivates him to seek justice for others.
What was cool about this show was that during the series, Bill Bixby did all the magic on camera as seen. Trick photography and post production special effects were not used.
This show makes me think of CBS's upcoming new series, The Mentalist.

Friday, August 22, 2008

1975-Space: 1999


Space: 1999 was a British import that was syndicated on American television. Martin Landau and Barbara Bain were married at the time and coasting on their popularity from Mission: Impossible. In the second season, the alien Maya was added to the cast as sort of a female shape-shifting version of Spock. The Moonbase Alpha crew was on a traveling moon and faced aliens and weird situations every week.
Lots of behind the scenes production problems plagued season two. Cast members would come and go with no explanation. Episodes were often shown out of order, especially in the syndicated foreign markets, which added to viewer confusion. 48 episodes were produced in all; the series abruptly ended with the final episode of season two and did not return.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

1967-Spider-Man


The first animated Spider-Man series aired on ABC Saturday morning TV in 1967. Particularly remembered by many for it's funky 60's theme song and repeated use of stock footage, the series ran for 52 episodes and was endlessly rerun in the 70s on afternoon TV syndication.
It's popularity paved the way for several additional animated series, including one currently airing on Saturday mornings on the CW network.