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
IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE
