The year we got cable TV; it had been around for a while. The excitement of having more than the ordinary network television was huge for me as a boy of 12. Real movies shown without commercials made them seem better. Over the years, cable TV offered more and more stations, each geared at some market segment. The possibilities seemed endless or so we thought! In a span of about 25 years the dominance of cable TV was eclipsed by streaming video. Now in 2021, the TV is not just there to watch cable, it’s an entertainment hub used for network TV, cable TV, all streaming services, a gaming screen, and a way to view your photos. The good old TV is now handheld and can be used as a phone, computer, camera, and countless other functions. Now we choose our content and when and how to watch it. The choices are vast compared to just three years ago, and an order of magnitude better than cable TV.
Liberated from constraining schedules of network and cable, my viewing is determined by me. What should I watch? When you can watch everything, how do you know what to watch? Places like YouTube, Amazon, Netflix, and others have a suggestion bar where it gives you suggestions based on what you have watched. That’s great in some cases, but then you never get a chance to see something out of your personal experience. I have seen many videos giving suggestions for movies from the 80’s and on, but they seem to highlight the same type of hidden gem items. The fact is that many of the network and cable channels have made some really great stuff. I dare say some better than many of the streaming services’ original offerings. To assist, I have a few suggestions that I have seen pop up as I search for something decent to watch.
Banacek was an American detective TV series starring George Peppard that aired on the NBC network from 1972 to 1974. This show has episodes that keep you guessing to the very end. Add to it the lush and sexy portrayal of a Boston-based insurance investigator, Banacek, and you have stunningly great 70’s funky entertainment. The clever way the cases are solved are nothing short of TV’s best sleuthing. No Netflix or Amazon-produced movies feature a twist of this quality. Season 2’s first episode had me baffled to the very end. Do yourself a favor and watch a few of these if you like detective shows.
Spenser: For Hire was an American crime drama series based on Robert B. Parker's “Spenser” novels. The series, developed for TV by John Wilder and starring Robert Urich, was broadcast on ABC from September 20, 1985 until May 7, 1988. I love this show! Spenser, who acted like a noble knight, was a detective that helped the underdog and those without anywhere else to go. Assisting Spenser, when he needed extra muscle, was Avery Brooks as Hawk. The coolest man to ever grace the small screen. Hawk is a former soldier and boxer, and he carries a twelve-inch chrome .357 - just too bad! You might have to pay for this one this month, but it was free last month on Amazon.
The Saint was a British ITC mystery spy thriller television series that aired in the United Kingdom on ITV between 1962 and 1969. It was based on the literary character, Simon Templar who was created by Leslie Charteris in the 1920s and featured in many novels over the years. He was played by Roger Moore. I dare say that there are a few Saint episodes that rival Moore’s best James Bond movies. The dashing Simon Templar is far more rugged and self-assured than the murderous 007, and he is always available to help a damsel in distress or aid an old friend. As my mom used to say, James Bond is an assassin and lady killer, The Saint is a gentleman and a bit of a rogue. This series will both thrill and entertain.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit was a 1988 American live action/animated comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis, produced by Frank Marshall and Robert Watts. Bob Hoskins starred as Eddie Valiant. He captured the 40’s feel at the same time dealing with animated characters. The absurd nature of a world where animated objects and characters are alive is a perfect counterpoint to Eddie’s hate of all things Toon. This movie has an all-time great villain and one of movie’s great “femme fatales.” It is considered one of the best live action/animation movies ever made and it is definitely worth a watch.
I hope some of my suggestions make it easier for you to choose when there are just too many choices!