MovieChat Forums > Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974) Discussion > Interesting a series with only 20 episod...

Interesting a series with only 20 episodes and 2 MTVM should be so well

posted 8 years ago by ccorraliza
8 replies | jump to latest

remembered?

Great lead and supporting actors.
Interesting stories.
Dark atmosphere.
Dialogue spot on.

It is one of those airings you sit down to watch for a few minutes and then realize you sat through the entire piece.

[–] a_l_i_e_n 8 years ago

Always leave 'em wanting more, and the show's fans certainly would've liked more of "K:TNS". However, it's short run might actually be one of the reasons it is so highly regarded. At a mere 20 episodes the series didn't have a chance to get dull- or stray too far from the original concept- the way other shows that go for years and years unfortunately do. It had a formula that worked well for it nearly every time, left a big impression, and then it was gone like a guest you're sad to see going out the door. Maybe it was best that way, too.

[–] darryl-tahirali 8 years ago

It had a formula that worked well for it nearly every time, left a big impression, and then it was gone like a guest you're sad to see going out the door. Maybe it was best that way, too.

You may be sad to see that guest go, but you may be glad that he left before he wore out his welcome. The last quarter of the episodes contain some of the weakest ones of the series--"Chopper" and "The Youth Killer" are at the bottom of the Kolchak barrel in terms of execution and effectiveness.

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[–] a_l_i_e_n 8 years ago

"Chopper" and "The Youth Killer" are at the bottom of the Kolchak barrel in terms of execution and effectiveness.

"Chopper" (which is the best title of any episode) is a good story, but not well told. And it's a particular pity they couldn't afford a more convincing headless costume for Swordman Baker's ghost as the rider did a terrific job handling the stunt work.

"The Youth Killer" is my least favourite of the series. The make up is bad and seeing Cathy Lee Crosby getting drenched by a shower nozzle just about the camera is a real low point. However, you might be surprised how many fans rank both these episodes as being among the best. "The Sentry", too, with it's ridiculously huge-headed monster and derivative story also seems to have a great many admirers.

[–] darryl-tahirali 8 years ago

"The Sentry", too, with it's ridiculously huge-headed monster and derivative story also seems to have a great many admirers.

I'm one of its admirers. Agree that it is derivative of the Star Trek episode, and the monster is one of the cheesier of the series. However, I do love the interplay between Darren McGavin and his real-life wife Kathie Browne, Tom Bosley and Frank Marth make a couple of nice guest appearances, and there is a real sense of isolation and oppression in those long subterranean corridors. "The Sentry" is not great, but it is enjoyable.

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Trump is Putin's bitch.

[–] a_l_i_e_n 8 years ago

Agree that it is derivative of the Star Trek episode, and the monster is one of the cheesier of the series.

Years ago a poster named Edgewalker offered this theory: those of us who criticize the monster are missing the point. He contends that since this episode was basically a comedy, the creature's goofy look was intentional. I'm not sure I buy that, but I always thought it was a rather intriguing defense for what I always felt was the episode's biggest flaw.

However, I do love the interplay between Darren McGavin and his real-life wife Kathie Browne,

Yes, they display real chemistry and genuinely seem to be enjoying getting to work together.

and there is a real sense of isolation and oppression in those long subterranean corridors.

it opens quite effectively with the quick cuts of the creature knocking out the lights in the excavation area. The closing shot of the episode when a nervous Kolchak suddenly runs out of sight as if still being pursued seemed like a particularly appropriate final image, both for the series, and the Kolchak character.

"The Sentry" is not great, but it is enjoyable.

Agreed.

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[–] shango7200 8 years ago

I loved how the Sentry began- with Kolchack driving the golf cart in a panic and dictating at the same time . I liked the fact that it was living in underground tunnels / an underground complex. I forgive the cheesy monster.

I do NOT forgive the horrible Cathy Lee Crosby episode (I always called here Square-Jaw) - she totally creeps me out in real life BUT the episode was just silly. Maybe the worst one of the series?

"In every dimension , there's another YOU!"

[–] a_l_i_e_n 8 years ago

...the horrible Cathy Lee Crosby episode [...] was just silly. Maybe the worst one of the series?

That's my feeling.

[–] PaladinNJ (21510) 6 years ago

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