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Post by codystarbuck on Nov 21, 2017 23:11:44 GMT -5
 The Deadly ReplayGuest Stars: Robert Symonds (Col Baldwin on MASH, Dynasty) as Jay Rogers, Clifton James (Sheriff Culpepper in Live and Let Die, Cool Hand Luke) as Shadetree, Jack grigg (High Plains Drifter, Mannix) as Ted Collins, Lara Parker (Dark Shadows, Incredible Hulk pilot as Laura Banner) as Andrea Collins, Episode Synopsis: Steve has landed at Rdwards AFB, where he is greeted by Jay Rogers, his old boss. He is reintroduced to the HL-10, the lifting body craft that nearly killed him.  He meets up with the old crew, including Shadetree (crew chief extraordinaire), and Ted and Andrea Collins (she's involved with medicine, his role is a bit more vague). Of, Steve and Andrea were an item; but, now she's married to ted. Se keeps smiling at and gushing over Steve, so Ted is hitting the bottle. Oscar doesn't want Steve to fly the plane; but, Steve says something about horses and Oscar eats a sandwich. Later, Steve hustles Shadetree on the golf course, with a little bit of Alan Shepard.  Steve gets checked out in a simulator and freaks out. Everyone thinks its mental; but, he says he was drugged. They run it again and he lands the plane. Meanwhile, we see a mysterious phone call about sabotaging the plane and we see a maintenance guy loosening some control cable. Before the flight everybody parties and Steve dances with another man's wife, so he gets drunk and pissed.  Can't imagine why he is upset... Next day, Steve gives one to the ladies...  then takes off and pilots the HL-10 and the stick turns into lead. he uses bionics and pilots it down, while Shadetree nabs the maintenance guy. Steve sticks the landing and doesn't recreate the opening sequence. He then goes off to make peace with the plane.  Bionic Stunts: Steve hits a looooong par 3 on the golf course and bionics the HL-10's controls. Trashin' Fashion: Lot of polyester short-sleeve shirts  ugly ties  jackets  and double-knit golf clothes General Thoughts: Another favorite. The episode mixes in actual footage of the HL-10, including the safe landing. We do get a glimpse or two of the M2F2, as it sways, as seen in the opening crash. This is the HL-10 this is the M2F2...  Note that the M2F2 doesn't have a central tail fin, like the HL-10; plus, it has a squarer nose. The separation footage is the HL-10, the wildly swinging footage and the crash is the M2F2. This one shows more of the actual HL-10 flight, which was a successful flight. The M2F2, piloted by Bruce Peterson, ended up like this...    Bruce Peterson survived and came out a heck of a lot better than Steve (banged up, but whole); but, an infection cost him an eye. This nicely revisits the crash and Steve must face whether it was his error, a fault in the plane, or sabotage. Turns out, it was sabotage; or, at least, this time it was. Steve comes face to face with that which nearly killed him and proved he was stronger. The Bionic Blog calls this boring; I say it was great. then again, I come from a family of plane nuts. |
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Post by codystarbuck on Nov 21, 2017 23:34:52 GMT -5
 Act of PiracyGuest Stars: Stephen McNally (Winchester 73, Run for Your Life) as Dr Louis Craig, Carlos Romero (Soylent Green, The Professionals) as Fernando Ferraga, Lenore Kasdorf (Starship Troopers as Mrs Rico, Missing in Action) as Sharon Ellis, Hagan Beggs (Danger Bay, Bordertown) as Jed Hall, Jorge Cervera Jr (3 Amigos, Lone Wolf McQuade) as the lieutenant, Frank Ramirez (Flying Nun, Mod Squad)as Julio Episode Synopsis: Steve is on a research boat in the Caribbean, near Santa Ventura, helping with research and harassing the female, Sharon Ellis.  The leader of Santa Ventura wants to hijack the boat, when it enters the 12 mile limit. I liked this plot better on Jonny Quest. Steve is in a bathysphere, when the pirates take over, and cut him off. Ellis tries to run for the radio...  but gets caught and the ship is piloted to land and everyone locked up. Steve swims ashore, hooks up with a rebel, infiltrates the detention center as the only Anglo soldier on the island, breaks everyone out, finds out one of the crew is a traitor. They head to sea and Steve sabotages the entire Santa Venturan navy (one boat) and they pursue in a motorboat. Steve rips up a pole and bends the base plate into a ripper and proceeds to swim t bionic speed and slash up the underside of the motorboat, so the research vessel gets out to sea. Bionic Stuns: Lots of swimming, ripping apart bars, ripping loose steel bars, bending steel plates, hitting on the ladies. Trashin' Fashion: I only noticed this outfit...  General Thoughts: Generic plot, done better on Jonny Quest (underwater rover, with pincer arms), lots of gratuitous shots of Sharon's short-shorts (one of the nicer 70s fads) and not much else. Santa Ventura looks a lot like LA or San Diego. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2017 23:41:30 GMT -5
Great Reviews Cody ... enjoyed them very much! ... The Acts of Piracy is one of my favorites ... for the ripping apart of bars and what not!
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Post by String on Nov 24, 2017 12:05:32 GMT -5
The ugly cars from the 70's. They were ugly ... that's one of the most recurring things about this show and that's burns an image that I just can't erase at all. Some of them were rare beauties    |
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Post by String on Nov 24, 2017 12:12:32 GMT -5
I know that I loved this show when I was a kid but I don't remember hardly any episode of it other than the Bigfoot two-parter (which was kinda scary back then with that giant rotating ominously blue tunnel not to mention Bigfoot himself) So thanks for the great reviews and thoughts so far.
It's funny but it seems like every time a channel decides to re-air this show, whenever I happen to catch it, it's always the same exact episode I catch, the one where Jamie is learning to deal with her new abilities (but I think she's forgotten who Steve was or what he meant to her) and Steve's frustration over the whole situation.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2017 13:09:13 GMT -5
They were ugly ... that's one of the most recurring things about this show and that's burns an image that I just can't erase at all. Some of them were rare beauties Yes there were a few decent cars in the 70's but overall I really did not like that decade's cars. |
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Post by codystarbuck on Nov 24, 2017 18:19:18 GMT -5
Some of them were rare beauties Yes there were a few decent cars in the 70's but overall I really did not like that decade's cars. Aw come on; how can you hate a decade that has "Rich Corinthian Leather" and cars that can cover a block in 5 seconds, because they are almost as long as a city block? Or would blow up if you rear-ended them? I will say one thing, that was probably the last decade where cars were built to last. Those things stayed on the road a loooooong time, because they were well built, with engines that could be easily repaired and tuned, and would stand up to abuse. Computers and lighterweight materials may have made for more efficient engines; but, they complicate the systems to where and computer sensor failure can kill the whole engine. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2017 18:35:21 GMT -5
I will say one thing, that was probably the last decade where cars were built to last. Those things stayed on the road a loooooong time, because they were well built, with engines that could be easily repaired and tuned, and would stand up to abuse. Computers and lighterweight materials may have made for more efficient engines; but, they complicate the systems to where and computer sensor failure can kill the whole engine. You are so right and easier to fix. I can do an oil change on my 1970 Dodge Dart in 15 minutes or less and it's takes me a hour to do my oil change of my 2005 Ford Taurus because it's harder to do these days. |
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Post by robsuperfriend63 on Nov 24, 2017 23:20:07 GMT -5
I have the Six Million Dollar Man DVD Boxed Set from Time/life, and I love it.
In fact every Christmas I pull out Season 4 and watch the Holiday episode "A Bionic Christmas Carol" With Ray Walston as a Scrooge-like character with Steve playing a ghostly Santa Claus. LOL
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Post by String on Nov 25, 2017 11:28:51 GMT -5
I will say one thing, that was probably the last decade where cars were built to last. Those things stayed on the road a loooooong time, because they were well built, with engines that could be easily repaired and tuned, and would stand up to abuse. Computers and lighterweight materials may have made for more efficient engines; but, they complicate the systems to where and computer sensor failure can kill the whole engine. You are so right and easier to fix. I can do an oil change on my 1970 Dodge Dart in 15 minutes or less and it's takes me a hour to do my oil change of my 2005 Ford Taurus because it's harder to do these days. My first car was a 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo. It may have been akin to a gas guzzler but man, did it have power and performance (it was also the foundation for a solid muscle car build but alas never had the funds to do anything remotely like that with it). Some years later, I was involved in an accident where, traveling down a boulevard, a man was turning left out of a restaurant parking lot and turned right into my lane, nowhere to go except into him. The engine was a loss but the only structural damage to the car was the front end of the chassis was bent out of shape. From the windshield and doors to the back of the car was fine. The other guy was driving this little Toyota car. His car was totaled by the collision with Detroit steel. At that time my dad and I was in the process of trying to sell the Monte Carlo so we ended up doing so to a family friend who owned a junk yard. Later, we learned a car collector had bought it in hopes of restoring it. There are still days where I miss the feel and power of that car. |
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Post by codystarbuck on Nov 27, 2017 23:53:06 GMT -5
 Stranger in Broken ForkGuest Stars: Sharon Farrell (Hawaii 5-0, Can't Buy Me Love) as Angie Walker, Robert Donner (Cool Hand Luke, High Plains Drifter, Mork & Mindy) as Horace Milser Episode Synopsis: Steve is polting stock footage of a NASA jet, when his bionics act up and he ejects, with a mayday that is received by Air Force controllers, from the 1960s (based on the stock footage). Meanwhile, Rudy's substitute scientist advises Oscar that the nuclear power pack is malfunctioning in Steve's arm, causing spasms and other problems and could prove fatal, as well as cause amnesia.  Steve ejects (off screen) and is seen on the ground in his action khakis, rather than a NASA flight suit. He's got amnesia (uh oh) and ends up coming to the aid of some little lady with a table cloth for a shirt...  ...who has blown a tire. Steve fixes it and rides with her and she just happens to be a psychologist, treating individuals with severe nervous disorders. Of course, the town folk don't like 'em and the town bully, Exidor wants them gone. he even refuses to sell the little lady groceries! The handsome stranger tosses him into a soup can display to learn him a lesson. I reckon!  The weasley sheriff comes out to investigate charges of theft and assault. Steve produces a bill of sale and pleads self defense, with witnesses. Sheriff Weasel skulks away and Exidor makes threats. Meanwhile, a little girl makes friends with Lon Chaney Jr's lost brother, until her Ma calls her away from him. The patients all go on a hay ride and look about as enthused as you average teenager without a date, when Exidor shows up with some muscle. The mysterious stranger whupps their hide, real good and they run off with a stream of yellow running down their pants  Steve's bionics are revealed and the little lady questions him. Exidor shows up with more muscle and guns and hauls off the stranger, who turns out to be a better gunfighter and whups the thugs and comes back and kicks the tails of the bullies and saves the folks, when Oscar finally shows up with the Marshal. The stranger makes an appeal to the cowardly townfolk to make friends with the mental patients and the little girl is the only one with the guts to step forward. "And a child shall lead them..." The handsome stranger rides off into the sunset, with Oscar and Rudy's substitute and gets a brake job. Bionic Stunts: Steve bionically destroys the stick of his aircraft, breaks off a tire iron, throws Exidor around, shatters axe handles when they hit his arm, scans Exidor from a distance with his bionic eye, and uses his bionic social message delivery system! Trashin' Fashion: The little lady has a shirt that looks like the aftermath of a collision between two table cloths at country restaurants.  General Thoughts: Pretty much a recycled Western plot. Stranger comes to town, helps out oppressed group (sheepherders, Amish, blind kids, etc...) and takes on the town bullys, whuppin' 'em left and right, until they get the drop on them. He wins in the end, shames the townspeople and rides off into the sunset. Actress Sharron Farrell had previously suffered from amnesia, due to an accident. She was also married 6 times!!!! Guess she kept forgetting her husband. Robert Donner is a terrific character actor and plays the part perfectly. He could play weasels or sympathetic characters equally. He's one of the more humane guards in Cool Hand Luke, the Preacher, in High Plains Drifter, Exifor, in Mork & Mindy, the reporter, in Bite the Bullet, Yancy Tucker on the Waltons, and appeared as a student in the Nutty Professor and was also in the Disorderly Orderly. He was friendly with a young actor in his building, who encourage him to take up drama, while he was studying in college. That young actor was Clint Eastwood, who worked with him on Rawhide and High Plains Drifter. The stock footage is glaringly obvious and doesn't match well with the contemporary footage. They also reuse scenes from Population Zero. Not a bad episode; but, a bit cliched and also rather heavy-handed, with the social message. |
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Post by codystarbuck on Nov 28, 2017 0:18:22 GMT -5
 Peeping BlondeGuest Stars: Farrah Fawcett-Majors 9the wife, Logan's Run), Roger Perry (Roller Boogie, Facts of Life, Count Yorga) as Charles Colby, Hari Rhodes (Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, Roots) as Karl. Episode Synopsis: The missus wanted another appearance and was more reasonably cast as an ex-weather girl turned bad reporter, who happens to get camera footage of Steve in action.  She tries to blackmail Steve and Oscar, who take her to Baja California (presumably to dump her body). Her boss makes her believe she has blank footage, then pulls a Charlie Rose on her.  She goes off with Steve and Oscar and he contacts some foreigner about selling footage of a bionic man. He hires two mercs to help him grab the bionic man, including Karl, who will one day aid Cesar in betraying mankind. Meanwhile, Mrs. Series Star sets up a camera and catches Steve saving her from being Lois Lane.  (seriously, all that was missing is the pillbox hat!) Meanwhile, Oscar spends his time digging a hole, for "archeology," not for dumping a body. The mercs come along, chain up Steve, tie Farrah up in her camper and turn on the gas. Steve kicks the merc out of their winnebago and frees the missus, who is somehow still conscious, despite the gas in the camper. Steve saves her and then she kills her story, 'cause he's cute. Oscar breathes easily. he's still gonna have her shot and dumped in a shallow grave, after Steve goes off to get the beer, though. Bionic Stunts: Ripping steel lids off of valve plates, jumping fences and cliffs, bionic repeated footage, chain and lock snapping, bionic mule kicking goons, bionic dune buggy piloting. Trashin' Fashion This is one ugly polyester blouse...  and these guys aren't stylin' and profilin'...  and this guy makes my tv screen strobe...  General Thoughts: Well, the sexual harassment is timely! This is pretty much the plot to a third of the episodes of The Adventures of Superman. Just put a blonde wig on Noel Neil and you are all set. Weather girl-turned- bad reporter is much more believable for Farrah than astronaut was. Two more episodes to go with her, then they got a divorce (after the show was off the air). Richard Anderson has a moment for the ladies...  Figures, Farrah Fawcett is in the episode and the one person who goes topless is Oscar! |
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Post by codystarbuck on Nov 28, 2017 0:46:28 GMT -5
 The Cross-Country KidnapGuest Stars: Donna Mills (Knotts Landing, Smash-up on Interstate 5) as Liza Leitman (another Superman connection?), Frank Aletter (Tora! Tora! Tora!, Danger Island segment of the Banana Splits show) as Borden, Tab Hunter (Lafayette Escadrille, Tab Hunter Show) as Arnold Blake, John Gabriel (Ryan's Hope, Mary Tyler Moore Show) as Dirk Shuster, Ben Wright (101 Dalmations, as Roger, tv and Disney animated films) as Benno Reichart Episode Synopsis: First, Farrah Fawcett is an astronaut; now, Donna Mills is a code expert. Yeah....... Liza Leitman is a show-jumping cypher expert, targeted for kidnapping; because, why not? Turns out, the mastermind is one of Oscar's people (Man, OSI is riddled with crooks and spies! Who screens these chuckleheads?) Steve is to be her bodyguard and tries a bit of romancing, 'cause, he's an astronaut and who doesn't want to bed an astronaut? Lots of riding, jumping and scheming and then Liza is spirited away to enter her code stuff and she isn't buying the ruse and Steve kicks in the door to save her and no one cares! Bionic Stunts: Running, jumping, hurdling....  winking  smirking  Trashin' Fashion:  adn Gloria Swanson calls and tells Donna Mills she wants her turban back! General Thoughts: Meh........................ Underwhelming episode, saved only by some cute bionic stuff and not much else. The riding event looks like it is taking place in the same spot where they filmed the opening of the tv movie version of the Mark of Zorro, with Frank Langella, Ricardo Montalban and Ann Archer.   Not a good stretch of episodes, with these recent 3. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2017 3:26:35 GMT -5
Loving these reviews - Cody!
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Post by rberman on Nov 28, 2017 11:55:03 GMT -5
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