One in a Million

This series proved that, contrary to cynical claims, it was actually possible to underestimate the intelligence of the viewing audience.

The premise of the show was that a street-wise cabbie (Shirley) could inherit control of a powerful corporation, and make it a force for "good", where "good" is defined by the envious and illiterate. Shirley would, for example, insist that the corporation which had been extracting profit from the community begin returning that profit to the community, as if trade were a zero-sum game and profit were somehow unfair.

I have no idea whether the writers subscribed to such theories, or were attempting to pander to the worst among us. But, in any event, the worst were sufficiently few in number that the show was cancelled in its first season.

I have a thing for old tv shows, so i chose this to binge watch on Crackle. I survived the pilot which was kind of contrived and preachy. The entire idea is wholly implausible, that Shirley would assume the executive position, plucked as such from her job as a cab driver, but once you get past that, the humor is fast paced, the supporting cast are very strong and oddball, there is a lot of well executed physical comedy, and the scripts are genuinely funny. It is a great ensemble cast. Shirley was really funny, playing a sweetheart type, but there is plenty of put-down/ insult humor passed freely between the black and white folks in the cast, but all non vicious. Keene Curtis' character really resents and hates Shirley, but she is such a strong presence, it never goes to racist territory. There's kindness and loving gestures and sitcom conflict resolutions and warm feelings. Shirley had a very musical speaking voice and demeanor, but i do think it was a mistake to have her sing the theme song. Then again it just doesnt matter, she can carry a tune, but she cant really sing. I guess it adds to the time capsule vibes. I do think i will cut my marathon at 6 episodes, but when i get around to the last six, i might post an update. So far this is decent and fun to watch, but they should have chosen a different One In a Million situation for Shirley.

Please let me know if you have. I have been looking for any detailed comments that I can find but most are very vague. Would love to see this show out on DVD. Shirley was very funny on What's Happening!! and What's Happening Now!! It's a shame this show didn't make it further or she wasn't given a chance at another series of her own. I always thought she would have been great in her own film series as well. Does anyone know why TV-One was set to air the show and then cancelled it from their schedule? Apparently, there were some other well-known actors in this series. Among them, Keene Curtis and the mayor from Murder, She Wrote. Any info provided would be appreciated greatly!

I like "One In A Million" as that show was one of many great Columbia Pictures Television despite the fact that ABC cancelled it at least after 1 season & 13 episodes have aired during the year 1980. I also like the theme songs of the show with the first one being "Dancin' In The Sky" by Gene Page {it only played during the pilot episode} & the other one which was sung by its main star Shirley Hemphill. I especially like how the main protagonist was able to run a company & she was a very reasonable leader. I also made an "I'd rather watch" meme which shown me stating that I'd rather watch this beautiful show known as "One In A Million" than that "Encanto" mess any day.