Time Trax

"These are the journals of Darien Lambert, Captain, Fugitive Retrieval Section, AD 2193..."

One of the first shows made for what would eventually become the WB, "Time Trax" does bear similarities to "Quantum Leap," but this formulaic SF/action show also owed more than a little to the minor classic "Trancers" (criminals time travelling with drugs, etc). Too bad it was never really as witty or as interesting, though - though it's not like that movie's writers Paul De Meo and Danny Bilson are strangers to TV shows that, though entertaining, never really flourish (witness "The Flash" and "The Sentinel").

While our hero was hardly a superman, he did have more endurance than most 20th century people (an indication of how stronger people get as time goes by), and the feature-length pilot also proposed that Lambert was something of a prejudiced-against minority in his own time, a notion that, since the series never went back to the 22nd century, was never seriously brought up again... but if it had been set back there the show might have ended before it did.

Creators (and writers) Harve Bennett, Jeffrey Hayes and Grant Rosenberg were straitjacketed somewhat by their premise - note that the villain who Darien caught and sent back in the pilot was brought back (deformed of course; the series set up the rule that it's not safe for anyone to travel through time more than twice) to give him a recurring nemesis that he could actually fight, since the head villain Mordecai Sahmbi was hardly a physical threat; and the three-person rule about Darien's holographic partner Selma (activating Selma when another person is around, making it three people in that area, isn't allowed) also got broken, though they did acknowledge it.

With Australia standing in for the entire world (even Australia in one episode), it certainly looked nice - except for the episode where Darien went to a foggy London - but the show never had what it took to be a real contender, in spite of OK acting; blame the scripts. I've always enjoyed time travel movies and TV shows (though strangely enough I never got into "Doctor Who"), but it's impossible to think this'll really develop a cult following the way "The Time Tunnel" did. But then, that show didn't have a gratuitous plug for Continental Airlines in its opening credits.

In spite of the fact that the "parallel universe" premise became so prevalent towards the end, Time Trax was a terrific show. First, Dale Midkiff's character had an incredible interest in history. 44 episodes to chase down ghosts of the past made for some interesting dialog.

Second, it was obvious that because of his lack of emotional bonding in his orphanage spent youth, relationships in his time travels were especially important. It was apparent in all of his dealings with those he wound up helping during each episode.

Third, the concept of exceptional intelligence and physical prowess added greatly to his larger than life persona. Darien was more than a good cop, he was in essence a superhero, one who could perform amazing acts in the 20th century.

It is rare that I find myself looking forward to watching re-run TV programs, "Time Trax" is one of those interesting shows that I keep tuning in for on the SciFi Channel.

Darien Lambert (Dale Midkiff) is a policeman from the future (25th Century or so) who must travel back in time (usually the present) to find and send back to his time "criminals" who have also time travelled and are usually endangering the current time's inhabitants with advanced devices ("of EVIL").

Darien is assisted by his holographic computer "Selma" (smartly played by Elizabeth Alexander) who appears from his rather futuristic credit card / weapon / transporter.

This show is pure fantasy and, at times, corny, but Dale Midkiff makes his character impressively believable.

I loved Time Trax and saw every episode when it originally aired. I disagree with a previous post I read about the show though. Granted everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I thought the show was great. Of course, I originally started watching because of that hot hot man Dale Midkiff. Today I saw him on the SciFi channel in a movie called Maximum Velocity. While the movie was good his acting was the bomb!(That means his acting is "really good" in case you were wondering.) I really like him and will get this series someday soon. Time Trax should be updated into a TV Movie. Of course, it would "have to" star Dale Midkiff or else it just wouldn't work. I highly recommend this series and suggest you check it out in reruns. Also, check out anything else starring Dale.

I watched this show during the original run, which was when I was in my early teens. I remember thoroughly enjoying it and thinking it was one of the better shows on television. Years later, as an adult, I would see this late one night. I was suffering from nostalgia and decided to kick back and enjoy it one more time. I couldn't bear to watch it! I realized the acting, scripts, and direction.

Granted, the premise was definitely fresh for its time. It could have worked, and if tuned properly and all the problems fixed, could possibly be brought back today. The networks need to remember that the public as a whole really does not mind having to think while watching a program. Mindless fodder is not going to placate those of us who need mental and intellectual stimulation.