BonnerSprings.com

Recently, I read that two of my all-time favorite TV shows may be brought back. While I enjoyed the shows when they were broadcast, I have to wonder about recreating a classic program with new actors and, possibly, different story lines.

While surfing the web, I discovered a report that said CBS was planning on bringing back “Hawaii Five-O,” which was broadcast from September 1968 until April 1980. I also read that AMC was considering doing something with a program that has developed a cult following, “The Prisoner.”

Unlike “Hawaii Five-O,” there were only 17 installments of “The Prisoner.” It was a unique TV show that had a definite ending and may well have gained popularity since it was aired during the 1960s. What surprised me was that, while both shows have been gone for decades, they still have Web sites and fan clubs devoted to them.

Both shows had strong stars and I really believe they will be difficult to replace. “The Prisoner” was largely written and produced by Patrick McGoohan, who starred in the title role. The British show was filmed in Europe and first broadcast in England during the Cold War era and was first shown in the United States in 1968 as a summer replacement for the “Jackie Gleeson Show.”

McGoohan adamantly argued that the show wasn’t a spin-off from his original spy show “Dangerman,” or “Secret Agent Man” as it was known in the United States. In that show McGoohan played John Drake, a smooth secret agent who relied on brainpower rather than brawn. It ended with a frustrated Drake considering resigning, which seemed to lead into “The Prisoner.” That series started with an angry secret agent storming into the office of his supervisor and resigning. While preparing for a vacation, the former agent is gassed and taken to The Island, a perfect environment where everything is provided. Unfortunately, the prisoner known as No. 6 only wants to be free. On the other hand, he is pressed for information and any escape is dealt with harshly.

McGoohan, who died in January this year, was an inspiring actor who turned down the James Bond role because he didn’t like the character. He never did another TV series and his last movie role was as King Edward I in “Braveheart.”

Probably my all-time favorite TV show was “Hawaii Five-O,” starring the late Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett who is the head of the Hawaiian state police agency. The story line revolved around a small, tightly knit agency that reported directly to the governor.

His second in command was Danny Williams, played by James McArthur. Probably the best known phrase from the show was McGarrett saying, “Book ‘em Danno.” Lord was an activist who wove themes such as abuse of alcohol, drugs and gun control into the series.

After his death in 1998, Lord’s estate left $40 million to the Hawaii Community Fund. Lord didn’t do any other TV series following the end of “Five-O.”

I have several episodes of both series in my recording library and I decided to refresh my memories. After viewing some samples from both series, I remain a fan. As it has been decades since both shows went off the air, there are generations who have never heard of the plight of “The Prisoner” or of the hard detective work of “Five-O.”

As a fan, if the TV shows are brought back, I sincerely hope they don’t try to change them with new characters and storylines.

Come to think of it, we could stand to view TV shows where the leading characters are above reproach, fight for their beliefs and are excellent role models.

Comments