Network: ABC
Episodes: 44 (hour)
Seasons: Three
TV show dates: March 18, 1981 — February 3, 1983
Series status: Cancelled/ended
Performers include: William Katt, Robert Culp, Connie Sellecca, Don Cervantes, Faye Grant, Michael Pare, William Bogert, Jesse D. Goins, Brandon Williams, Edward Bell, Robby Weaver, and Glenn R. Wilder.
TV show description:
Returning from a field trip late one night, high school teacher Ralph Hinkley (William Katt) and his class of remedial students become stranded on a desert road when their bus breaks down.
As Ralph walks to get help, he’s almost run down by a car driven by old-school FBI Special Agent Bill Maxwell (Robert Culp). While the arrogant agent is insisting that he couldn’t control the vehicle, two bright purple lights come out of the sky and a spaceship appears. The auto is under the aliens’ control and they speak to the pair via the car radio.
Ralph and Bill are told that they must work together to save the world and Ralph is given a black case containing a silly-looking but super-powered suit that will only work for him. Once the aliens have departed, flustered Bill quickly leaves and dazed Ralph must walk back to the bus. Along the way, he loses the suit’s instruction manual.
Bill later tracks Ralph down and the two form an unlikely alliance. They’re aided by Ralph’s girlfriend, Pam Davidson (Connie Selleca), an attorney who handled Ralph’s divorce. Using the suit becomes a constant challenge as Ralph struggles to learn how to use the suit’s powers the hard way — by trial-and error. Who knew that learning to fly could be so difficult?
Ralph’s life is continually complicated between keeping his super-activities a secret; his responsibilities to gung-ho Bill; caring for his young son, Kevin (Brandon Williams); finding private time with Pam; and teaching unruly students like Rhonda Blake (Faye Grant), Paco Rodriguez (Don Cervantes), and Tony Villicana (Michael Pare).
I just finished watching my favorite childhood tv show, all 3 seasons in 5 days on hulu, to show my own kids how good honest and happy tv shows used to be. My kids are 10,14 and 24. We all laughed and cried happily together watching the show in this day an age. Cannell was truely a remarkable writer! I do agree with most that once you had perfection in a story and cast, let it stay that way. New age ideas, new people will tarnish the beauty of GAH. TV isn’t holsom anymore. Foulmouthery is rampant with lack of… Read more »
I still love this show and watch the dvd’s. Too bad they pulled it. I wish I could get the final episodes. I only have through the 3rd season. If anyone knows, please email me…
This was the best show ever to hit the airwaves.
Thank you, Stephen J. Cannell!
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