Probe

By proving that the average TV viewer isn't smart enough to get a show like this. This, and other shows like it that depend on sheer intellectual ability, sharp thinking, and complexity never survive on American television. This series proves that. Asimov was an absolute Genius, and almost all of his products were light-years above the quality necessary for commercial success. No flash, no high-tech machine or vehicle, no stupid gimmicks, no buffoonery, no T & A, and nothing but sheer brain candy. You have to be smart to get a show like this.

What a shame that programs which require audiences to be intelligent never make it. Asimov created a series that had nothing more than a smart main character, who used his wits and abilities to move through the world. The series itself only lasted for seven episodes.

A literate, humorous, and intelligent series about a Tom Swift character (actually Rick Brant for those who recall) who solves crimes through scientific inquiry. Although Isaac Asimov was listed as the creator, the guiding light to this series was Michael Wagner, an Emmy winning writer (Hill Street Blues) whose wry humor and scientific curiosity was evident in the main character played by Parker Stevenson. Stevenson has commented that he based his characterization on Michael Wagner. Of course, placed opposite The Cosby Show, an intelligent outing like this had no chance in the ratings.

This was one of an annoying number of shows I liked as a kid that were each run for a season and then promptly cancelled. I liked shows that varied from the norm, especially ones about eccentric geniuses. But I guess it was just too smart (or weird) to be popular. People prefer shows about inept housewives, bigots, idiots stranded on islands, barrooms, rotten families, and just about anybody who makes everyone else look smarter by comparison.

I've read the previous comments and agree with them. This was one of the best shows of it's era. I believe it was aired as a summer replacement. I was always under the impression that the network dumped it even before it aired, broadcasting the 7 already-produced episodes as summer filler. I think I was one of about 12 people who saw it, because I've never heard from it again. What a shame. I never thought of comparing it to the X-files, but I suppose that works. Probe was a much, much lighter show, though. Nowhere near as dark.

While it might be a bit dated now, I would still love to see the Sci-Fi channel pick this up and air it.

Austin James was extremely quirky, living in a warehouse, sleeping in a cupboard (this, way before Harry Potter) and solving crimes and debunking stuff along the way. His secretary, Michelle, brought out his rarely seen human side and provided a foil for his odd sense of humor.

Like most anything that requires more than six brain cells to appreciate, the networks dropped this like a hot rock. If it does ever make an appearance, though, give it a chance. It was well-written, well-acted and thoroughly enjoyable to watch.

As I recall, the show was canceled during the writer's strike of 1988. I don't believe the cancellation had anything to do with the quality of the show, it was just too new for the network to take a chance on, it's the same thing they do today. I just wish they'd release it on DVD.

It was very much ahead of its time, the scientific approach just wasn't that interesting to people at that time, I think. It will always be one of my most favorite shows, and perhaps someday I'll get to watch it again.

Wow, I can't believe I'm being forced to write more just to post this flippin opinion! I never thought anyone would want 10 lines of my kind of BS, but hey, who am I to complain?

wistful in Los Angeles