Maximum Bob

MaxBob was a six-episode series, apparently never intended to be a 'regular' series, based on an Elmore Leonard novel set in FLorida. I saw the episodes before reading the book, and I have to say the show was better, though both were mean-spirited and vulgar (what novels or tv are not any more?) In the book, MaxBob was a dried up little codger wanting to off his wife, a former beauty who was gaining weight and dabbling in mystical bogusness. Kiersten Warren in the show was a delight, and I enjoyed the family with the glasses (the large twins were not in the book). My favorite episode dealt with MaxBob's ex wife, involved with Cuban freedom fighters, none of which was in the book. Atmosphere and 2dry characters were terrifically done, and Mr Bridges portrayal of a larger-than-life-political-southern-judge was terrific, better than the book's character. Not as good was a subplot involving a young man impersonating a (female) mermaid in an aquatic show; typical liberal attitude; The People are Negative and Ignorant, but we will overwhelm them with our Artistic Presentation and make them think the way We want them to think, with all the subtlety of a 10 pound splitting maul. Eventually this will probably surface on Bravo or at least VHS; try it.

This show was great, it was beautifully witty and it had a lot of heart. It's a comedy that treads the edge of convention. Each character had an individual and unique impact on the individual stories as well as on each other's way of seeing and doing things. There was a common progression of character development from episode to episode and I was looking forward to seeing how each character would change and adapt, which is why I was so very sad when it was canceled. It didn't run long enough to make it to syndication but hopefully ABC will run the episodes again one summer or something. It was truly an excellent show and one that's worth seeing if you ever get the chance.

Call it a high-budget cult-classic. One viewing will get you hooked. To me - - the most original and creative show on TV.

The critics loved Maximum Bob. (See the article by Matt Roush in this week's TV Guide) The public loved Maximum Bob. (See the comments in various newsgroups and here) Let's let ABC know we want more. Call them at 212-456-7777 and express yourself!

I saw this show on its only run on English TV a year before i moved to the swampy part of the USA and loved it. It was reminiscent of Twin Peaks in its quirkiness. Mr Bridges was excellent in the role of the southern judge and the portrayal of the "bubbas" was spot on, and yes those people do exist down here.

Its been 8 years since i saw this show and still i am looking for a DVD of the season or anything about it. I swear I thought i was the only one who liked or even saw this show. I often cite this as one of the high points in American broadcasting, but i am just met with blank stares and bemusement. I guess it was on against some other mega show when it was on ABC(?, but who knows they might show it again when they cancel a show mid-season and need six weeks of programming.

i was glad to find other bob heads out here who still remember this show and mourn its passing.

all in all one of the best shows i have ever seen despite being made by one of the major networks