Category: Digital Movies & TV

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 49 Min.

Televised on NBC on March 5, 1985, this Sidney Hayers-directed episode depicts a crooked garbage disposal company violently extorting businessman AJ Perry’s small delivery service, Speedy Express, to sell out.  A.J. and his blind sister, Lisa, must seek out the A-Team’s help.  The team’s subsequent investigation reveals that a ruthless L.A. entrepreneur’s thug squad is secretly pumping toxic waste into local sewers.  With ample evidence lurking beneath the Speedy Express office building, the A-Team will need to work fast to put the mobster’s scheme in the garbage.

Col. John “Hannibal” Smith: George Peppard                                    

Sgt. B.A. Baracus: Mr. T

Captain H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock: Dwight Schultz                    

Lt. Templeton “Face” Peck: Dirk Benedict           

Lisa Perry: Stacy Nelkin                                                                     

A.J. Perry: Joseph Hacker

Ike Hagen: Mitchell Ryan                                                                   

Jonathan Durcell: Richard Herd

V.A. Nurse: Carrell Myers

Opening Credits Voice-Over: John Ashley (uncredited)

REVIEW:

Besides an amusing play-on-words- title, this underwhelming episode sports three worthwhile elements.  First, a poignant single-episode romance between Dirk Benedict’s ‘Face’ and guest star Stacy Nelkin’s ‘Lisa’ suggests potential for further episodes.  Yet, to the shock of no one, this likable plot element, like the suave con artist’s other love interests, is forgotten by the next week’s episode.  Secondly, the guest players (i.e. Mitchell Ryan, Richard Herd, Joseph Hacker, & Nelkin) are well-cast, as their performances surpass the clichéd script they’re stuck pitching.  All too dubiously, this episode’s only gem is the taking-out-the-trash gag of thrashed goons being pitched out a second-floor office window into a waiting dumpster.  This effect does little for the actors’ dignity (or more so, their stuntmen), but it’s still an amusing scene.  Beyond that, “Waste ‘Em!” is forgettable viewing.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                              4 Stars

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SUMMARY:                             RUNNING TIME: 98 Min.

Televised on NBC on October 25, 1983, this feature-length episode (later divided into Episodes 5-6 – “Parts I & II”) is directed by Christian I. Nyby II.  Recruited by a local Native American activist, Daniel Running Bear, the A-Team heads to the Arizona range.  It’s up to them to thwart crooked rancher Buzz Carter’s scheme-in-progress rounding up and illegally peddling wild horses to a Mexican dog food company. 

Meanwhile, a hard-nosed Col. Decker is introduced as the A-Team’s new ongoing nemesis.  With Decker’s troops in hot pursuit, the team must make fast work of Carter and his cowboy thugs.  Among Murdock’s best temporary identities is his self-appointed ‘reincarnation’ here as TV’s Range Rider.   

Note: During Decker’s intro, the episode’s full-length version (available on the Season 2 DVD set) features a highlight reel re: the A-Team’s best escapes.  Among them is a glimpse of Col. Lynch from the pilot episode: “Mexican Slayride.” 

Col. John “Hannibal” Smith: George Peppard                                    

Sgt. B.A. Baracus: Mr. T

Captain H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock: Dwight Schultz                    

Lt. Templeton “Face” Peck: Dirk Benedict           

Amy Allen: Melinda Culea                                                                  

Daniel Running Bear: Richard Yniguez

Shelley: Philip Gordon                                                                        

Buzz Carter: Morgan Woodward

Striker: Mills Watson                                                                          

Lane Carter: Dana Kimmell

Col. Decker: Lance LeGault                                                                

Capt. Crane: Carl Franklin

General Bullen: Walter Brooke                                                            

Room Customer: Alicia Fleer

Opening Credits Voice-Over: John Ashley (uncredited)                        

Range Rider (archival cameo): Jock Mahoney           

REVIEW:

Despite Decker’s heavy-handed debut (i.e. conveying his character’s backstory during some over-the-top target practice), this inspired gem is among The A-Team’s best exploits.  Amidst great desert range scenery, the action and humor (even the unexpected – like seeing Mr. T on horseback) are exceptionally well-played.  The same applies to two fun escapes from Decker’s forces – one from a movie premiere and another that Face improvises in a small Arizona town.  Hence, “Range Rider” presents the A-Team at their best.    

While Dwight Schultz’s antics as ‘Murdock’ again steal the show, Dirk Benedict gets plenty of top-caliber ‘Face’ time, too.  George Peppard is also on his game, including a cowboy hat-wearing ‘Hannibal’s’ vintage smirk aboard a helicopter during one getaway.  Though Mr. T and Melinda Culea don’t have much to do, they make entertaining contributions to their various scenes.  Case in point: Mr. T’s ‘B.A.’ banter with ‘Murdock’ is, as usual, hilarious, while Culea’s simmering suspicions re: some homemade tar is a hoot.  Guest spots from reliable pros Richard Yniguez, Mills Watson, Walter Brooke, and Morgan Woodward reliably provide further assets.   

Including Lance LeGault’s welcome presence, the cast’s performances make “When You Comin’ Back, Range Rider?” a nostalgic pleasure to watch.  

Note: Considering that Culea was abruptly dropped from the series at mid-season, this episode’s last scene presented an ideal opportunity to graciously write her character out. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:             8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                       RUNNING TIME: 49 Min.

Televised on NBC on January 17, 1984, this Dennis Donnelly-directed episode has Col. Decker coordinate a scheme with the A-Team’s new client, Corporal Charlotte Brown, to capture them.  In exchange, he will gladly nab her brother’s illicit gun-running killer: U.S. Army Sgt. Mason Harnett.  With Decker in close pursuit, the A-Team must elude capture long enough to bring both Harnett and his new mercenary clients to justice.

Col. John “Hannibal” Smith: George Peppard                                    

Sgt. B.A. Baracus: Mr. T

Captain H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock: Dwight Schultz                    

Lt. Templeton “Face” Peck: Dirk Benedict           

Tawnia Baker: Marla Heasley                                                            

Capt. Crane: Carl Franklin

Col. Decker: Lance LeGault                                                                

Sgt. Mason Harnett: Monte Markham

Shaw: Sam Melville                                                                            

Noche: Miguel Fernandes

Leplehr: Patrick Brady                                                                       

Paul Brown: Fred McGrath

Opening Credits Voice-Over: John Ashley (uncredited)                         

REVIEW:

As implausibly easy as the A-Team makes it look escaping an U.S. Army base’s miles-wide compound, “Say It With Bullets” retains a watchable charm.  Its best moment (adapting a gag from 1980’s Walter Matthau spy comedy Hopscotch) is a hilarious diversionary tactic deployed to humiliate Lance LeGault’s ‘Decker’ for the umpteenth time. 

While dismantling a clichéd villain’s gun-running racket isn’t much of a plot, the regular cast compensates with their familiar buddy chemistry.  A glitch, however, is Marla Heasley’s shaky contribution.  Despite her TV-friendly charisma, her ‘Tawnia Baker’ doesn’t gel with the team nearly as well as Melinda Culea’s ‘Amy Allen’ did. 

Still, Dwight Schultz’s ‘Murdock’ and his amusing Golden Age of Television gimmick for this mission makes a good distraction from Heasley’s limited acting.  The same applies to TV veteran Monte Markham, whose menacing ‘Harnett’ furthers helps disguise the same problem in his own scenes with Heasley. 

If anything, this episode’s flippant humor does wonders side-stepping this undemanding storyline’s shortcomings. The mildly annoyed team’s collective shrug in the villain’s office upon being surrounded outside by Army forces, for instance, is vintage A-Team humor.  Accordingly, this fun TV adventure is more entertaining than it really deserves to be.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                        RUNNING TIME: 49 Min.

Televised on NBC on November 22, 1983, this Arnold Laven-directed episode has the A-Team aid a trio of handicapped veterans, as their unfinished motel is being threatened.  With a secluded desert town’s sole underground water source on the motel’s property, devious local developer Frank Gaines won’t hesitate to stooping to assault & battery or even arson, if necessary, to get his way.  The A-Team intends to ensure that Gaines’ power-hungry scheme literally gets hosed.    

Col. John “Hannibal” Smith: George Peppard                                    

Sgt. B.A. Baracus: Mr. T

Captain H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock: Dwight Schultz                    

Lt. Templeton “Face” Peck: Dirk Benedict           

Amy Allen: Melinda Culea                                                                  

Frank Gaines: Alan Fudge

Jamie Collins: Jim Knaub                                                                   

Dave: Jon L. Feather

Harry: Michael Rider                                                                         

Water Truck Driver: Melvin F. Allen

Water Pumping Station Attendant: William Frankfather                     

Elmo’s Replacement: Roy Jenson

Amanda Huston: Robin Riker

Opening Credits Voice-Over: John Ashley (uncredited)

REVIEW:

The storyline is reliable A-Team formula, but the three guest actors as the handicapped veterans contribute a needed sense of poignancy to the otherwise routine plotting.  Alan Fudge’s ‘Gaines’ makes a villainous asset, as his greedy scoundrel is capable of equally matching wits and brawn with the A-Team.  Though “Water, Water Everywhere,” isn’t a memorable excursion, it’s still a decent ride for any A-Team fan.   

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING:                  5½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 49 Min.

Televised on NBC on November 15, 1983, this Ron Satlof-directed episode has the A-Team on the run from Col. Decker, as they must hide out in secluded Lobster Bay.  Upon getting B.A.’s injured foot examined at a local hospital, they by chance meet the Mayer family, whose fishing boat is threatened by vile extortionist Garber.  The A-Team must further thwart Garber’s local resources, as his crooked tentacles seemingly extend everywhere.  Despite Decker making an unexpected move to ensure the team’s imminent capture, the A-Team goes on a ‘fishing expedition’ to bust Garber’s thugs.

Col. John “Hannibal” Smith: George Peppard                                    

Sgt. B.A. Baracus: Mr. T

Captain H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock: Dwight Schultz                    

Lt. Templeton “Face” Peck: Dirk Benedict           

Amy Allen: Melinda Culea                                                                  

Capt. Crane: Carl Franklin

Col. Decker: Lance LeGault                                                                

Shana Mayer: Tracy Scoggins

Garber: John Quade                                                                           

Doug Mayer: Robin Strand

Betty: Rebecca Stanley                                                                        

Cal Mayer: Len Wayland

Lennox: Dick Durock                                                                         

Sheriff Newman: Gerald Newman

Front Desk Nurse: Daphne Maxwell-Reid                                           

Surgeon: Ross Elliott

Hagopian: Gene Dynarski                                                                  

Thug: Jophery C. Brown

Opening Credits Voice-Over: John Ashley (uncredited)                         

REVIEW:

Despite an unoriginal baddie (even by loose A-Team standards) hampering this episode, the presence of Lance LeGault’s hard-nosed ‘Col. Decker’ makes up much of the difference.  Guest players Robin Strand, Tracy Scoggins, Carl Franklin, Len Wayland, and Dick Durock (in his skirmishes with Mr. T) also contribute solid performances.  While John Quade’s scuzzy ‘Garber’ is a walking cliché, his character’s deviousness makes it fun to see the A-Team push back against him.    

Including a hobbled B.A. compensating during the obligatory fistfights, this likable storyline makes a commendable effort to give the A-Team an more complex challenge.  For instance, the uneasy triple-threat friction between the A-Team, Garber’s goons, and Decker’s squad is fun to watch play out.  By plausibly playing up the A-Team’s fugitive status, not to mention Decker’s indifference to Garber’s blatant malevolence, “There’s Always A Catch” offers some reliable entertainment.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              6½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                            RUNNING TIME: 49 Min.

Televised on NBC on November 1, 1983, this Gilbert Shilton-directed episode guest-stars a pre-Ghostbusters Ernie Hudson as a small Tarzana, California business owner whose Lone Star cab company is being targeted by a crooked rival.  The A-Team (along with Murdock’s new ‘Captain Cab’ mask-and-cape persona) soon turns Tarzana’s taxi service feud into a demolition derby.  Before appearing in V and 1986’s Top Gun, Michael Ironside is the guest baddie.

Col. John “Hannibal” Smith: George Peppard                                    

Sgt. B.A. Baracus: Mr. T

Captain H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock: Dwight Schultz                   

  Lt. Templeton “Face” Peck: Dirk Benedict           

Amy Allen: Melinda Culea                                                                  

Cal Freeman: Ernie Hudson

Miller Crane: Michael Ironside                                                           

Kathy: Robin Dearden

Ryder: Brion James                                                                            

Billings: Donald Gibb                                     

‘Strike:’ Edward Lynch                                                                         

Gate Guard: Tom Reese

Elderly Cab Customer (Husband): Ivor Barry                                      

Tina Lavelle: Liz Sheridan      

Elderly Cab Customer (Wife): Elthelreda Leopold                               

Shelly: Greg Monaghan

Tom: Michael Crabtree

Opening Credits Voice-Over: John Ashley (uncredited)

REVIEW:

Since it’s golden TV formula, why complain?  Highlighted by Mr. T and Dwight Schultz’s reliably funny banter, “The Taxicab Wars” hits all the right cylinders.  This is macho A-Team entertainment, in terms of mixing standard-issue brawling action with the right dosage of chuckles.  In part, the credit belongs to veteran character actors Michael Ironside, Brion James, and Donald Gibb, who know exactly how to convey TV tough-guy goons.  Guest stars Ernie Hudson and Robin Dearden also pitch in well as the A-Team’s clients.  While it’s no surprise that Dwight Schultz’s zany ‘Murdock’ antics steal the show, ‘B.A.’s’ increasing irritation with his cohort’s new gimmick makes for great TV.    

For some harmless ‘80s action-adventure, this well-played episode remains a treat to watch.  Case in point: ‘Face’ wistfully muses that his A-Team exploits take him off to any number of glamourous locales — hence, going to Tarzana isn’t what he had in mind.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:          8 Stars

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SUMMARY:                                    RUNNING TIME: 49 Min.

Televised on NBC on September 27, 1983, this Bernard McEveety-directed episode has the A-Team protecting a gentle Vietnamese chef, Lin Duk Coo, who had saved their lives at a brutal POW camp years before.  They backtrack his abduction from a posh French restaurant to a local bread manufacturer, which is a front for ruthless L.A. narcotics distributor Tommy Angel (aka Tom Anderson).  Conveniently, Angel was once a rogue American soldier at that same POW camp where his present-day supplier, brutal Asian drug kingpin General Chow, had reigned supreme. 

Not only do Angel’s thugs and Chow want Coo dead, they want back the ‘china white’ shipment the A-Team inadvertently swiped from them.  As far as both sides are concerned, it’s payback time with bullets.

Col. John “Hannibal” Smith: George Peppard                                    

Sgt. B.A. Baracus: Mr. T

Captain H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock: Dwight Schultz                    

Lt. Templeton “Face” Peck: Dirk Benedict           

Amy Allen: Melinda Culea                                                                  

Lin Duk Coo: Mako

Tommy Angel/Tom Anderson: Marjoe Gortner                                   

General Chow: John Fujioka

Blonde in Car: Shawn Weatherly                                                        

Dr. Peters: Liam Sullivan

Joey: Jim Connors                                                                              

Henri: Roy Jenson

Solly: Nick Dimitri                                                                              

Ted: Jophery C. Brown

Parking Lot Attendant: Rob Hilgenberg

Opening Credits Voice-Over: John Ashley (uncredited)          

REVIEW:

As one can expect, the outlandish plot isn’t remotely plausible, but it still delivers solid entertainment.  Case in point: the underground garage shootout at a posh apartment building involving a stolen bread truck is a gem.  Further, the A-Team’s interactions with Marjorie Gortner’s sleazy ‘Tommy Angel’ (including a golf course get-together) are top-notch fun.  The humor angle is well-played, as the A-Team systemically scavenge the apartment building’s resources, not to mention tease ‘Face’ about the plush playpen he has already finagled under false pretenses. 

Although the script gives them undemanding clichés to play, Mako and John Fujioka offer classy performances.  The same applies to Gortner’s guest baddie as a charismatic ‘daddy’s boy.’  A rematch with his character would have made a fun sequel.  Exuding prime A-Team formula, “Recipe for Heavy Bread” holds up impressively well for repeat viewings. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            7½ Stars

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SUMMARY:                           RUNNING TIME: 49 Min.

Televised on NBC on March 15, 1983, this Chuck Bowman-directed episode has a blue-collar New York City neighborhood’s defenseless shopkeepers bullied by uptown mobster “East Side” Charlie’s vile extortion racket.  The A-Team retaliates with a dirty can-you-top-this? game of tag with Charlie’s scum squad.  Once the incensed gangster seeks some harsh vengeance, the finale is an urban war zone.    

Col. John “Hannibal” Smith: George Peppard                                    

Sgt. B.A. Baracus: Mr. T

Captain H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock: Dwight Schultz                    

Lt. Templeton “Face” Peck: Dirk Benedict           

Amy Allen: Melinda Culea                                                                  

Nicky: Billy Jayne

Mr. Lasky: Martin Garner                                                                  

Tracy: Wendy Hoffman

Tracy’s Mother: Priscilla Pointer                                                        

Grocery Store Owner: J. Jay Saunders

“East Side” Charlie Struthers: Yaphet Kotto                                       

Rita: Joni Demarest

Disgruntled Taxi Fare: Peter Tacangelo                                             

Scully: Robert Tessler

Bernie Shatzman: Jack Kruschen                                                       

Digger: Albert Popwell

Opening Credits Voice-Over: John Ashley (uncredited)                         

REVIEW:

It’s an instance of pure A-Team formula — the scurrilous villains make an ominous first impression: backhanding a shoeshine boy, gut-punching an elderly shopkeeper, and then callously run over the kid’s shoeshine stand for good measure.  In limited screen time, guest villain Yaphet Kotto’s ‘East Side Charlie’ doesn’t little beyond sporting a ridiculously tilted hairpiece.  Considering his potent acting capabilities, it’s a shame that Kotto doesn’t briefly out-maneuver the A-Team, if only to generate a genuine ounce of suspense.  

Kotto’s dull restaurant confrontation with the A-Team is salvaged only by the impromptu garbage dump sequence.  Before that, Mr. T and Dwight Schultz’s amusing garbage truck scenes collecting neighborhood trash is the highlight of “The Out-of-Towners.”  Everything else about this early A-Team caper is all by-the-numbers.  Curiously, the last action sequence is a math problem.  ‘East Side Charlie’ arrives with a dozen or more rent-a-thugs – yet, only maybe four or five are later seen, so what happened to Charlie’s other goons?  Did they quit between commercials? Putting this illogic aside, the episode’s ‘war zone’ finish is still entertaining to watch.  “The Out-of-Towners” isn’t among the best A-Team capers, but it’s serviceable viewing for loyal fans.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:            4 Stars

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SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: 98 Min.

Televised on NBC on January 23, 1983, this Rod Holcomb-directed feature-length pilot episode has the A-Team meet journalist Amy Allen for the first time.  Hired by Allen to rescue her missing colleague, Al Massey, over the border, the quartet is memorably introduced, along with their befuddled pursuer: U.S. Army Col. Lynch.  Once in Mexico, the A-Team takes on drug kingpin Valdez and his ruthless thugs to save Massey.  Facing vastly superior numbers, lots of ingenuity and some local back-up may help the A-Team put Valdez out of business. 

Col. John “Hannibal” Smith: George Peppard                                    

Sgt. B.A. Baracus: Mr. T

Captain H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock: Dwight Schultz                    

Lt. Templeton “Face” Peck: Tim Dunigan           

Amy Allen: Melinda Culea           

Valdez: Sergio Calderón

Col. Lynch: William Lucking                                                              

Al Massey: William Windom

Perez: Félix González                                                                         

Col. Flores: Enrique Lucero

Sanchez: William Marquez                                                                 

Cortez: Jorge Zepeda

Avon: Melody Anderson                                                                      

Zach: Ron Palillo

Grant Eldridge: Philip Sterling        

Opening Credits Voice-Over: John Ashley (uncredited)                       

REVIEW:

For its pilot episode, the plot is surprisingly good and somewhat grittier than the TV series.  Among its assets is Dwight Schultz’s zany ‘Murdock’ antics, which predate comedian Jim Carrey’s similar schtick by several years.  Further, there’s the rare sight of Mr. T’s ‘B.A.’ working an extended stretch of dialogue where he explains to their Mexican allies the concept of Hannibal’s ‘jazz.’  Mr. T’s acting in this episode is a pleasant surprise. 

Further, the cast’s performance quality is pretty solid —  aside from Tim Dunigan’s youthful miscasting as ‘Face.’  It’s not Dunigan’s acting so much at fault, but he doesn’t gel with George Peppard, Mr. T, Melinda Culea, and Schultz.  In comparison, the on-screen TV magic Dirk Benedict’s ‘Face’ generates with this same regular cast can’t be overstated.  With support from reliable pros like William Windom, Sergio Calderón, William Lucking, and Philip Sterling, these guest stars deserve some credit for helping launch The A-Team.

However, there’s two racially-insensitive elements that should be addressed.  One is George Peppard’s presence in his fake Chinese ‘Mr. Lee’ disguise – the producers wisely chose afterwards to mention ‘Mr. Lee’ vs. showing this dubious alias on-screen again.  Peppard really should have known better considering he was in 1961’s Breakfast in Tiffany’s, where Mickey Rooney’s bufoonish ‘Mr. Yunioshi’ character was rightfully derided.  It’s head-shaking why the producers thought Peppard’s take would go over any better, but, at least, this scene is relatively brief.  

The other dubious element is a predictably heavy dose of Hollywood ethnic stereotyping re: drug dealers and oppressed Mexican villagers. It’s strictly one-dimensional stuff. Despite these weaknesses, “Mexican Slayride” (including a memorable crop duster sequence) serves up mostly well-played A-Team entertainment.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              7 Stars

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