It lasted a single season and 27 episodes thirteen years ago, yet here it is gaining renewed life on DVD. I cannot believe that I missed this during its original run, when it was paired with the start of The X-Files. Well, actually I can believe it. Back in those days I wasn't the entertainment sucker I am now, and I didn't start watching The X-Files until the third season. I remember this show being on, I just never paid it much mind. Looking back, I wish I did.
What's not to like? It is campy fun, filled with comedy, high adventure, action, and successfully blends the western and science fiction genres in an aura of the search for the next big thing. On top of all that it stars the B-movie god, Bruce Campbell. If I knew then what I know now, I would have been there every week, and possibly singlehandedly saved the show. Or not.
Now, don't get me wrong, this is no classic by any stretch. What this show thrived on, and why I found these disks so entertaining, is the relentless fun factor. The show is just so agreeable and just a little bit weird. The combination of characters and writing come together to create this exceedingly entertaining little oddity. It is fun for the whole family but doesn't pander to the lowest common denominator. The writing is fun and witty and develops the characters over the 27 episodes.
The show centers on Brisco County, Jr., a Harvard educated lawyer who is also well versed in the ways of the west. He is drawn into action following the murder of his father, a well regarded lawman, by the dastardly villain John Bly, played by the enigmatic Billy Drago. Of course, that is only a part of the story as there is also a mysterious orb that appears from time to time.
Joining Brisco is his employer liaison, Socrates Puehl (Christian Clemenson), a nerdy bookworm of a fellow, and sometimes rival and sometimes partner, Lord Bowler (Julius Carry). Not to be left behind is Comet, Brisco's horse who doesn't realize he's a horse. On the other side of the coin is the previously mentioned Billy Drago's John Bly, but even better, and one of my favorite characters on the show, Pete Hutter as portrayed by John Pyper-Ferguson. Hutter is a zany character who routinely steals scenes from Campbell, which is a pretty tough thing to do. Other characters of note are Brisco's love interest Dixie Cousins (Kelly Rutherford), and Prof. Albert Wickwire (John Astin), a role reminiscent of Doc from Back to the Future.
Article comments
1 - susan hensler
Socrates last name in the teleplay is spelled "Poole".
2 - Scott Butki
This is one of my favorite series. Campbell is great.