Back when TV shows still had theme songs, The Greatest American Hero had the greatest. The darn tune just sticks with you. And it is so darn catchy, that my kids are now singing it along with me, thanks to our recent family viewings of The Greatest American Hero, Season Two DVD.
I received a copy of Season Two last week and am happy to reveal that I will BLOG FOR FREEBIES. "Believe it or not" I don't get paid to blog, so I'll take what I can get. And I am happy to give a shout-out to the folks promoting one of my favorite shows from my childhood.
I was afraid upon viewing that TGAH wouldn't have aged well, but my kids seem to like it. They are especially drawn to Michael Pare's character. That guy just had amazing presence. It blows my mind that he never made it bigger than Eddie & the Cruisers.
What I realize from viewing, is that the show is probably considered too slow in comparison to today's fast-paced action shows, but I enjoy the witty banter between William Katt's Ralph Hinkley and Robert Culp's Bill. They really don't make shows like that anymore, I guess since the prolific Stephen J. Cannell stopped churning them out (Rockford Files, A-Team, Hunter, Renegade, 21 Jumpstreet).
Mostly, I appreciate that this is a show that I can sit and watch with my kids and not worry about inappropriate situations or vulgar innuendo. In that sense, this is a pure family show. And I know that on nights where there's nothing else on, we can reach for the DVD.
The DVD I viewed is part of a special DVD box set (that includes all 43 episodes) and is for fans who want to relive some of the magic, or introduce their children to some harmless fun. One of my favorite parts of the Season Two set is the interview with Stephen J. Cannell who goes into much detail about his writing/producing career. If you're an an aspiring TV writer (like me) or just a TV Geek (like me), you'll enjoy every minute of Cannell's lengthy interview. And listening to Mike Post talk about all the theme songs he's composed for Cannell, just makes me angrier than ever that they are doing away with theme songs and opening credits on TV today.
As someone who loves DVD extras, I do wish I had received the disc with the interviews with William Katt, Robert Culp, and Connie Selleca. I want to know what William Katt really felt about that ridiculous suit. And if I remember correctly there was some controversy when Reagan was shot by John Hinkley, and they changed Ralph Hinkley's name to Ralph Hanley. I also remember that Connie Selleca was pregnant during Season Two which might explain why they limit her scenes to "above the neck/on the phone" scenes. I'd love to hear the behind-the-scene tidbits about these and other issues from those who were actually there (because I'm relying on my own crusty memory).
I also have to say that it makes me sad that William Katt isn't more famous. A couple of weeks ago, I caught "Butch and Sundance: The Early Years" on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and William Katt really did channel a young Robert Redford. From that performance I can understand why he was named one of the most promising actors of 1977. Wouldn't it have been awesome if he was cast in the new hit Heroes? It would have been a nice nod to his superhero past.
For all you superhero fanatics, there are some problems that plague the TGAH. Cannell admits in his interview that he wasn't a comic book fan and only agreed to make the show if the suit had all the power, rather than the person. That's fine, except Ralph Hinkley also doesn't protect his identity when he's flying in that suit. And after about three episodes, you would think that would be a major problem. Not sure how we watched this show for three years without anyone criticizing the fact that The Greatest American Hero's identity WAS NOT A SECRET. But the 1980's were surely a simpler time and as viewers we were much more forgiving. Besides, us bloggers weren't there to DECONSTRUCT each and every episode like we do nowadays.
All that aside, if you're bored with the current state of TV programming, enjoy a little retro programming, or are looking for a special gift for a special 1980's geek, this is for you. For more information, click here.
My sister and I used to sing that song all the time! I still remember the words. Hmmm... maybe I should get the dvds for her for Christmas. :)
Posted by: Karen | Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 01:15 PM