stephan_psi

Enjoyable plots, but there was very little magic to see, which I thought was the main idea of the series. The main character, Alexander Blacke, was not as self-reliant nor as self-directed as was Anthony Dorian in "The Magician" series that had come before it. I also missed how the magician, using only his own wit and skills, solved the mystery/problem without much outside help as did Blacke seem to need from his carny father, let alone from many other characters in each episode. Hal Linden may not have been the best choice for this series, perhaps someone with a more bold personality, instead of Hal's lighthearted demeanor. Maybe it should have been called " Blacke's Acts ". Still, it was fun to watch.

One of the best t.v. series ever done using magic in a drama (better than Blacke's Magic that came later). It brought magic into the modern age, while keeping the character believable, and yet, mysterious. Also an excellent show to inspire young people to take an interest in magic as a hobby/or even as a profession...it did for me, just when I had thought about hanging up my wand, this show hit the air and I was inspired to create an original style. Bill Bixby did a fine job in every episode, with the excellent coaching of Mark Wilson. I would love to see this series put onto DVD as a hero for the next generation of wand wavers. Our magical arts need more films like this one. (Steve Gathings, Modern Magical Entertainer.)