Outlaws

This was one of those great shows that burned like a shooting star. I really enjoyed it especially for the fact that it combined three different genres; westerns, detective shows and science fiction. All the characters really stood out especially Charles Napier as the eccentric Wolf. Too bad this show didn't stay on long enough to catch on. This was a really good show.

An enjoyable little romp, using the now well-established "flashback" mode (Highlander, Forever Knight) to explore the characters' pasts. The time travel element is never really explained or rationalized, and the group never really bothers to try getting back to their own time. Most of the plots milk the cowboys' unfamiliarity with the 1990's for all its worth, or contrasts their behavior with our own. Although it's more a matter of contrasting their "movie cowboy" attitudes with our own. Added realism was injected by the characters were always getting wounded and injured in their A-Team shootout-type antics.

I lived in Houston, Texas and since this show was based in Houston, I decided to watch it. I enjoyed it therefore I knew it would be canceled. I though the writing and acting were excellent. I was sad when it wasn't renewed for a second season. Sadly since they only made 13 episodes it probably won't be rerun, unless there is a Western Cable Channel that I don't know about. If you do see it in your local listings, watch it. It's a hoot.

"Outlaws" was a very charming show while it lasted. It was the "A-Team" with Western attire and time-travel mixed in. Maybe the upcoming Summer 2011 movie "Cowboys & Aliens" will have the same Western-plus-SF charm.

Things I remember:

Rod Taylor talking ruefully about how everyone he ever knew (a century ago) was now dead and buried.

Also, the time the team rented horses at an urban-park riding stable so they could chase the fleeing bad guys: "Now don't run the horses," the stable manager admonished. "Yeah, right," our heroes replied before galloping off at top speed. (Because horses are for running. Every horse person knows that.)

But the thing I liked best in "Outlaws" was the music score by Joseph Conlan. It was an exceptional Western score, with many facets--rousing action, wistfulness, Americana. I always try to champion this score, and hope someday one of the soundtrack CD companies specializing in old scores will give it a chance.

I loved the series, however, short lived. I to this day can't figure out why people didn't watch it. I guess at the time people wasn't interested in westerns. I loved Patrick Houser. I wonder what he's doing now, haven't seen him in anything.