The series ran on one of Ted Turner's channels in the mid 1980's at around 2am. OK, as if that weren't insult enough, when they ran the pilot movie, they actually got two reels out of order! Nonetheless, I set the VCR to record the episodes but didn't retain the recordings. It never occurred to me that the show would disappear into Ted Turner's attic.
Yes this clearly was Route 66 on two wheels, and in color. OK, the writing wasn't quite up to Stirling Silliphant quality, but it was good enough, and Michael Parks was very good (especially considering that the main qualification for the part was being able to ride a motorcycle!) I suspect the show's ratings suffered for the same reason Route 66 was cancelled. Intelligent, thoughtful stories can't compete with doctor shows, cop shows, westerns, and sitcoms. Remember this is still the era of the Beverly Hillbillies, Mayberry RFD, Bonanza, and I Dream of Jeannie.
I see that the pilot movie is available on DVD from Amazon. As to the series, I suspect it must be tied up in some estate where one heir would rather the film rot in cans rather than share royalties with some other heir. It's happened before. Remember "The Silent Service?"
Yes this clearly was Route 66 on two wheels, and in color. OK, the writing wasn't quite up to Stirling Silliphant quality, but it was good enough, and Michael Parks was very good (especially considering that the main qualification for the part was being able to ride a motorcycle!) I suspect the show's ratings suffered for the same reason Route 66 was cancelled. Intelligent, thoughtful stories can't compete with doctor shows, cop shows, westerns, and sitcoms. Remember this is still the era of the Beverly Hillbillies, Mayberry RFD, Bonanza, and I Dream of Jeannie.
I see that the pilot movie is available on DVD from Amazon. As to the series, I suspect it must be tied up in some estate where one heir would rather the film rot in cans rather than share royalties with some other heir. It's happened before. Remember "The Silent Service?"