A Look back at 'MANIMAL' 1983
I have always associated the MANIMAL TV series to the low point of NBC during the late 70's - early 80's. it was one of the worst ideas for a drama and the execution was even worse. it came across as pure camp, but even as a pre-teen kid, it was god awful. So why look back at such rubbish? Because it reminds me of how NBC has gone full circle and is in just as pitiful shape now, as it was 30+ years ago.MANIMAL premiered as a 90-minute movie that aired on September 30, 1983. The series featured the story of Dr Jonathan Chase, a shape-shifter who could turn himself into any animal he chose, and used this ability to help fight crime. Only two people were aware of Jonathan's secret, his friend Ty Earl and Police Detective Brooke Mackenzie. Jonathan and Ty would assist Brooke with a case she was working on, with Jonathan transforming himself into an animal when it became useful.
The cast was very forgetful. Simon MacCorkindale was the title character. Melody Anderson was the female love interest and Michale D. Roberts played TY, the police detective. The only known person associated with the production was William Conrad. His booming voice was the narrator of the opening of each episode.
MANIMAL was scheduled against CBS' DALLAS and lasted only eight episodes and was cancelled in December of 1983. TV guide listed as #15 on the All-time worst TV shows, back in 2002.
Oddly enough, Marc Berman confirmed the 1983 season as being one of the worse by NBC.
ReplyDeleteNBC had NINE new series debut that season and none of them made it to a second season.
This season (2011-12) NBC has aired 17 new series and it might be lucky if three are still there come September.
Hope they'll make a few movies of 'Manimal' and use the more air-bladders transformation FX.
ReplyDeleteTelevision shows from the 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's 80's, and even from the beginning 90's had more class than now days. 'Manimal' series is one of the coolest classic early 80's TV shows. I really hope they will make 'Manimal: The Movie' soon. It would be cool if they add a few more special makeup bladders transformation FX. And they should have it way they make the first 'Manimal' Movie, then maybe later on they will make seven or eight manimal movie sequels.
ReplyDeleteI really love all the weirdnest of the creature transformation special makeup effects from the 1980's. I say the filmmakers oughta make an over thousands and thousands new creepy body creature transformation horror sci-fi films and sci-fi shows.
ReplyDeleteIt would be really great if they make their first 'Manimal' movie and sequels like maybe from 'Manimal 2' through 'Manimal 5' films. And should make them into a little bits of horror feeling on the creature transformations by having them way where the emenies changes into horrible evil alien-like, mutant monsters. I'm looking forward for 'Manimal' movies soon.
The Television directors really should think about make this 'MANIMAL' TV series as an remake; only they should make it into an black, horror comedy TV series and do an over seventy to eighty air-bladders special makeup effects, and twenty to thirty animatronic puppet special effects. But none of the trashy teenage actors like the ones they have now days. They should hire many great actors who are as professional from the early 80's.
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