L'homme qui tombe à pic

Some time back I was visiting David Sommerville, lead singer for the 50's doo-wop band The Diamonds ('Little Darlin'/'Why Do Fools Fall In Love') who was at the time, living in David (Kung Foo) Carradine's shack (literally) above Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills. Looking around I joked with him that he must have stolen the idea for the outdoor bathtub from the opening credits of 'The Fall Guy' where Lee Majors is seen soaking with a stogy clenched firmly in his teeth. I was informed it was quite the opposite -

David was hired to do the music for a couple of TV specials chronicling the life of stuntmen by his friend and fellow composer; television producer Glen A. Larson. Shortly after, David began writing in anticipation of another installment of the series which never saw the light of day. While vacationing at Glen's place in Hawaii, he'd discovered the unused sheet music buried in his guitar case and as he began playing he caught Glen's attention. Wheels spinning, he changed the original name in the opening verse to Farah; "Well, I'm not the kind to kiss and tell but I've been seen with Farah", and picked up the phone -

As fate would have it, the 'The Six Million Dollar Man' had just been canceled so, with Majors on the other end they sang him the (soon to be theme) song; 'The Unknown Stuntman' and the television series 'The Fall Guy' was born. Now, about that bath tub -

Having been to the quirky Carradine/Sommerville "ranch" with it's tree-house house, outdoor plumbing and combination horse stables/guest quarters, Glen thought it was the perfect setting for the residence for his new lead character; Stuntman/Private Investigator, Colt Seavers..... Only in Hollywood!

Sure, this show had holes in it, it is cheesy, but I loved it. In Junior High I grew up on this, and it influenced me greatly. I can not watch boring sit coms, which maybe have 2 sets, or even cheaper made reality tv shows. Do I really care who gets voted off the island , or can keep their hand on a rock for 2 hours. After years of watching Colt drive through a china shop with his truck, use the trailer part of the truck which is used to move cars as a ramp, use a a rocket pack and hang onto the side of a chopper. All in a hour show! This show raised the bar high. My wife hates Heather Thomas. and says she's there for her anatomy, with her lines "Colt he's got a gun or "Oh Colt." Howie was funny, and added good comedy. The Unknown stunt man theme was great. I loved the time some thugs beat up an identical truck to Colt's and he drives off with the real one and these 2 huge guys leaving the bar say, "hey what did you to my truck." Speaking of trucks I think that truck must have started the SUV craze, with the imprint it left on many 30 and 40 year olds minds. I love the Mad comic spoof on this show. A must watch.

LOTS of us were Lee Majors fans coming out of the 60s and 70s. From his first big splash as Heath Barkley through the Six-Million-Dollar Man, Majors entertained us with his good looks and leading-man charisma. I can say that even as a guy. LOL

The Fall Guy was a great idea. Combining stunts with the first popular bail-bond agent concept. This was years before that long-haired guy in Hawaii. ;-)

"Howie" was more irritating that entertaining, but the show survived that, and ran a surprising five seasons. I'd have given it two, and that's probably how long we watched it before it ran it's course with us. Now we've picked it back up where we can binge it, and we'll likely watch all five seasons now. The episodes were entertaining but forgettable, so we'll be surprised at the stories all over again.

Simply put, this is one of the best series a boy could grow up watching. Good ol, rowdy fighting, truck driving, red-neck woman watching entertainment. Though it lacked any true story line, the show made up for it in every other aspect. Unlike all of these reality shows that I can't seem to get off my TV. We need a new show that focuses on a regular blue collared no B.S. kind of MAN with morals, big truck, and beautiful blonde assistant.

I would love to see the show available on DVDs. I do however have mixed feelings about a remake of the show. Some things shouldn't be altered. However, if there is one made, I need to get on the ball and buy a truck like the one Colt had,(love to have one anyway) but now the price value more than triples after a movie is made w/ a great vehicle.

Another classic teatime viewing experience from Glen Larson. Totally mindless, relaxing formulaic Larson stuff. The success and longevity of his series prove that old formulas work and this 5 year series was no exception. Colt , Howie and Jodie (most male viewers reason to watch!) were to the 80's what Xena is to a new generation.