Um Cientista Genial

This was one of an annoying number of shows I liked as a kid that were each run for a season and then promptly cancelled. I liked shows that varied from the norm, especially ones about eccentric geniuses. But I guess it was just too smart (or weird) to be popular. People prefer shows about inept housewives, bigots, idiots stranded on islands, barrooms, rotten families, and just about anybody who makes everyone else look smarter by comparison.

Although I haven't seen this series since it debuted, I remember it as good thought-provoking, interesting, and humorous TV. My sister and I were fans of Parker Stevenson going back to the Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew series of late 70's fame and, hence, why we were initially drawn to this show.

In retrospect, this show may have been somewhat ahead of its time -- as issues explored in it (scientific exploration of paranormal, seemingly unexplainable phenomena) later would become the basis for the Fox hit, The X-Files. In Probe, Parker Stevenson played a similarly quirky but brilliant character role later immortalized by David Duchovny's portrayal of the Fox Mulder character in X-Files. Stevenson's character was more quirky and less conventional though - falling more into the eccentric genius type of character. Likewise, similar to the X-Files, the secretary who worked with the main character on cases provided the role of the surprised/amazed skeptic -- the perfect foil for Stevenson's odd antics and bizarre theories.

Unfortunately, the show was put up against The Cosby Show (which was at the height of its popularity at the time) and therefore had no chance to gain an audience. Having debuted on an established network (not sure just which one) with no reason to gamble on such a concept (as Fox later did), the show died a quick death. Unfortunate.

I would be interested to see any of these episodes again because I wonder what my impressions of it would be now.

I've read the previous comments and agree with them. This was one of the best shows of it's era. I believe it was aired as a summer replacement. I was always under the impression that the network dumped it even before it aired, broadcasting the 7 already-produced episodes as summer filler. I think I was one of about 12 people who saw it, because I've never heard from it again. What a shame. I never thought of comparing it to the X-files, but I suppose that works. Probe was a much, much lighter show, though. Nowhere near as dark.

While it might be a bit dated now, I would still love to see the Sci-Fi channel pick this up and air it.

Austin James was extremely quirky, living in a warehouse, sleeping in a cupboard (this, way before Harry Potter) and solving crimes and debunking stuff along the way. His secretary, Michelle, brought out his rarely seen human side and provided a foil for his odd sense of humor.

Like most anything that requires more than six brain cells to appreciate, the networks dropped this like a hot rock. If it does ever make an appearance, though, give it a chance. It was well-written, well-acted and thoroughly enjoyable to watch.

This show was too smart for it's own good. A detective show with a twist. Parker Stevenson is a scientist that solves mysteries by way of science. Created by Isaac Asimov, the show centers around eccentric scientist Austin James and his assistant Michelle Castle. Both are tasked with investigating mysteries that can only solved by deductive logic. Fortunate enough for Austin, he possesses the uncanny ability to solve crimes by science alone...I was sad when this show ended after one season. It was the thinking-mans detective/mystery show. Each episode centered around a crime that could only be solved by Austin and his side kick. The show was pre-CSI...

As I recall, the show was canceled during the writer's strike of 1988. I don't believe the cancellation had anything to do with the quality of the show, it was just too new for the network to take a chance on, it's the same thing they do today. I just wish they'd release it on DVD.

It was very much ahead of its time, the scientific approach just wasn't that interesting to people at that time, I think. It will always be one of my most favorite shows, and perhaps someday I'll get to watch it again.

Wow, I can't believe I'm being forced to write more just to post this flippin opinion! I never thought anyone would want 10 lines of my kind of BS, but hey, who am I to complain?

wistful in Los Angeles