Jack Killian, l'homme au micro

a piece of my teenager period. the music. the characters. and, in special, Jack Killian. it is difficult to describe the pages of an emotion. the voice, the cases, the impressive role of Cole and the fascination of a world in which the words are more important than every gun. this show was an invitation to understand force of radio and importance of choices. out of moral lessons or predictable advises. like a game of basic values. like a quite spell in which magic is only stage. tale of former policeman and a radio station, crumbs of talks and solution for police cases. ordinary stories. and subtle charm of a fight against yourself. beautiful memories. and old Good night America...wherever you are.

Here's a television program I haven't watched since it went off the air over 15 years ago, and I'd give anything to see it again on a DVD package.

Gary Cole, as "Jack Killion," was THE coolest guy on TV at that time, and I mean the kind of "cool" associated with Craig Stevens of TV's "Peter Gunn," or Steve McQueen in the 1950s and '60s movies. Cole a.k.a. "The Nighthawk" in here was just cool....what else can you say?

Jack was a combination late-night radio talk show host and an ex-cop. If I recall, he was off the force after a tragedy cost the life of his partner and the event was still haunting him. He would hear a bunch of troubled people on the radio, some needing assistance quickly or they would be a crime victim. Jack would help them out.

The atmosphere was very moody, the music was good and the whole thing was just different, very different from most "crime shows." Until I looked at the title page I couldn't remember anyone else on the show but I've never forgotten this program. I can only hope I see it again some time.

Here it is, the first entry that sees me break my rule of 'no commenting on TV shows'. Hereafter, the floodgates will open. This is a downbeat, well acted and entertaining drama with a style all of its own and quite a charismatic star, who as far as I know has done nothing as a main lead either before or since. Occasionally found floating around the schedules in the 'graveyard hours', this is the little show that could.

Good performances, good writing and the cynical, sarcastic and philosophical worldview of the main character are presented here for the viewers delectation. What more could you want? A cool soundtrack? You got that here too! Nobody has a right to expect anything this classy to be aired in the timeslots it often is. It's a godsend for us insomniacs who need to keep ourselves occupied, in the wee hours... !

I simply don't understand why this series has never been given a DVD release, unlike some of the contemporary crap that festers on our screens

This show is amazing. I started watching it because I recognised Gary Cole, but it didn't take long to enjoy the show, and not just the actor. I found no fault with the program. The mood is perfect for insomniac nights up, coming off the nightshift or settling down with a bottle yer favourite beverage.

A classic