Le magicien

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.

Like MacGyver but with midgets. David Rappaport (Time Bandits) is really cool climbing on buildings and saving people ala MacGyver. The show was only on for two seasons but it was still one of my favourites when it was on.

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 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 loved this show and have been looking for it for 30 years. Does anyone know where I can watch it? Youtube doesnt have it.