El hechicero

I never forgot the opening theme to 1986's "The Wizard", and to this day when I play it back in my head it hearkens me back to that simple time with an indomitable sense of imagination and flight of fantasy intact. The Wizard of the show was Simon McKay (portrayed to perfection by the great David Rappaport), a little person with a vast array of engineering skills which he puts to use as a toymaker. Rappaport's portrayal of Simon McKay was that of a refined British intellectual with a wise compassion, and the fun-loving spirit of a child. Though under the protection of FBI agent Alex Jagger and in the care of Tillie the housekeeper, he often runs afoul of nefarious business men and scheming opportunists exploiting the weak. Upon seeing the first episode at the age of six, I immediately wanted a friend like Simon McKay. There was no way to avoid his endearing persona, and what kid could resist the plethora of high-tech toys and heavenly stash of sweets he kept behind a secret wall in his basement workshop? I was sad to see this show canceled. It bounced around from time slot to time slot, and I never knew what night it was going to be on. 20th Century Fox didn't seem to like to show, and did everything it could to knock it off the schedule.

In 1986 I was pregnant with my first son, and I had a high risk pregnancy, I had to stay in bed and was scared that I might lose my baby. It was a very stressful time for me and one night I turned on the TV and there was this wonderful show The Wizard. And for 1 hour I could relax and forget my problems and my worries. It helped looking forward to this show every week.

I was really upset when they cancelled the show, I really wonder if we had the internet system up like we have now if we could have saved the show. One of the biggest regrets that I have is that I never did write to David Rappaport and let him know what a big help this show was during a time in my life when I most needed hope and a little peace of mind. It is a shame that he took his life, I wonder if he ever realized what an impact he had on some of us out there.

I was sure this show was called The Wizard. I had tried to look on the internet before but had no luck. Finally proof of what I had been searching for years for. I watched this when it first aired I was around 5 or going on 6. Loved this and I remember the time I went to watch it and found it gone from it's normal time slot. Never to be seen again. I remember the episode where a car got stuck and the used "Grunt" a ball that turned in to a strong man, as a jack to lift the car out of the mud. I can see it in my mind like it happened yesterday. When will this come to DVD? I guess there is hope as they finally put Phantasam 2 out on Region1 DVD so there is hope.

I remember watching "The Wizard" when I was about five years old, and thinking it was one the best things around. Although I can't remember much of what it was about, the cool inventions that dwarf Simon McKay made were one of the things that made it so appealing. Another was the whole magical aspect of the show. McKay in the title role was a lovable character who had lots of cool toys that he made (some of which seemed to defy the laws of physics). He could also do some really outstanding feats like running up walls and walking through fire. Was he really a wizard??...who knows? All I know is that he was pretty cool.

"The Wizard" was a really great programme, and it's a pity it didn't last past the second season, because not too many people remember it.

I have no idea how old I was when I came upon this show, but it did not take me long to realize this was a show made for all ages. If I had an inkling the show would be canceled so soon, I would have taped all the episodes I watched, but I only have eight on one VHS and one episode (about a racehorse) on another. I was not surprised to learn it was not released on DVD, but at least I can enjoy the few episodes I taped. Yes, one of them had Grunt in it which was neat to watch. Another was the wild girl, and the disfigured man who blamed Simon for it, the dancer, and H.E.N.R.Y. 8. Not sure of the spelling but it was fun watching how Simon taught the robot how to play. I either didn't know Rappaport had committed suicide or forgotten, but when I read in one of these reviews he had it reminded me of another beloved dwarf Herve Villachaise of Fantasy Island. How sad these talented actors are not taken seriously only because they are short. I, too, am short. At 4'10" I would qualify as one of the Little People of America. It is not fun to be short, but at least those who had the ability to become actors could encourage others it is not the end of the world. God Bless David Rappaport for the delight and inspiration he gave to viewers, and hope and pray the series gets the treatment it deserves by being released on DVD.