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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