The Fugitive (1963-1967) TV Series Review
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
- Here it is, everyone! A review almost a year in the making. Here are my thoughts on The Fugitive, the classic television show starring David Janssen as Dr. Richard Kimble and Barry Morse as Lt. Gerard. Enjoy!
The Fugitive in my opinion, is the greatest series ever made. William Conrad's narration of the episodes is awesome, and David Jannsen was a natural for the part. What a great actor he was. David Jannsen is Richard Kimble. Great choice of revue.
Good content!
Jannsen's mannerisms and acting style made him perfect for the part. His interaction with children and his beautiful co-stars made him believable. At no time did the audience doubt his innocence. He was made for this role. If a character was in trouble or was hurt, he always stayed to help even if it meant he might be caught. He was a fine actor and I was sorry to see him pass away at such an early age. His portrayal of Dr. Richard Kimble will live in the memories of his many fans. He was an innocent victim of blind justice...
He clearly developed as an actor during this show and it is especially clear if you look at his Richard Diamond work which is good, polished and professional . . . and much less developed that this was . . . .
I’m not quite used to seeing very young people such as this having a great appreciation for this show that is 50 plus years old! Nice job!
Thanks! I'm old in spirit. :)
@@Weiselberry Have to say, The Fugitive is enjoyed by anyone who appreciates good writing. Many of the episodes are splendidly written, with even fringe characters given scenes that bring them to life. A mechanic we only see once, for a couple of minutes, might be fixated on money and in love with fast cars, but there's enough nuance there that he's not merely a caricature. He's not there merely to shove the plot along but feels as distinct as the last guy we shot the breeze with while getting an estimate on an alternator. That's not easy to do when your production group is cranking out 30 episodes a year!
I am 72 years old and can easily recall the anticipation and excitement I felt as the final season of The Fugitive built to the two-part conclusion. When it ended I felt a combination of satisfaction that Richard was free, and sadness that I was losing a friend. Jerome, you are an extraordinary reviewer!! Your insights and the incredibly engaging manner with which you present your reviews are often as entertaining and thought-provoking as the subjects themselves. Thank you for your outstanding work. Your passion and enthusiasm are inspirational and have turned me toward books and shows I would not otherwise have discovered!
Thanks! I'm so glad that you enjoyed this review and that my videos have helped introduce you to some new things!
The Fugitive is one of my all time favorites. Nobody can do the nervous smile like David Janssen. Shame he died at 48
David Janssen was the hardest working actor in Hollywood; He worked tenaciously in spite of being a heavy smoker and drinker that ended his life at age 49 but it did not interfere with his humanity and capabilities❤😊
Thank you so much for Richard Kimball.
Greetings from Lima-Peru 🇵🇪
the fugitive will always be one the most historical tv shows of all time
And quite deservingly so. Hard to believe that Roy Huggins had so much trouble trying to sell The Fugitive to a network, as I learned from an interview on RUclips. Thank God he finally succeeded.
What a splendid serial that one was! I watched it again in the 80s and it remained just great!
the greatest drama series of all time
Absolutely!!!!!
👏 wow
Yup
Amen!
i agree !!!!
As the series last show broke records, I'm sure this review will do so also. Excellent review is an understatement.
Once Upon A Time In The West, on the Islands On The Stream on The Day Of The Dophin, Jerome Weisonberry loved my comment. Thank you. We are on the same Frequency. (Oops, she already saw and reviewed that movie. However, always worth a rewatch though).
Couldn't agree more Scott best review I ever seen as well
*I was in the 3rd grade when this series first hit the airwaves and just entering my first year of junior high when it finally concluded. Back then, it was an extremely rare example of an "adult drama" that most kids also liked. Furthermore, the excitement over this series was nationwide - unlike any that followed. A truly great series that featured several guest actors that went on to win Academy Awards. As for this RUclips review, it's the best I've ever seen. Detailed, insightful, and well-articulated. Thanks!*
Wow, thank you!
You did an amazing job on this!!! The Fugitive is one of my favorite shows of all time!!
Thank you!
Mine too!
I grew up watching this show back in the 60's. To watch it now it is still enjoyable as it was then. You have done an awesome job with your dissection of this great TV show.
Around the summer of 1969, they began syndicating The Fugitive episodes again. It was on every day in the morning in Cleveland, OH and I, being a student with a lot of free time, watched an episode of The Fugitive each day for a whole three and a half months. It was an early form of "binge watching." I was fascinated with the show and wouldn't miss an episode.
Dr. Kimble seemed to have one of Hollywood's most beautiful 60's actresses who were in their 30s-40 but still looked fantastic in each episode. Jacqueline Scott, (who played his wife as well as another love interest), Antoinette Bower, Diana Hyland, Lois Nettleton, Shirley Knight, Susan Oliver, Barbara Rush, Janice Rule (my favorite whom I had a teenage crush on), Pat Crowley, Sandy Dennis, Beverly Garland, Bethel Leslie, Tuesday Weld, Dianne Ladd and Vera Miles. And I am sure I am leaving out at least a dozen others. Geez, the guy was a "chick magnet."
I haven't seen the show for decades, but you have rekindled my interest. Thanks for the great video.
fliegeroh Diane Brewster played his wife (no other role). Jacqueline Scott was in 5 episodes as Kimble’s sister. She was great!
@@clugulShe even looked like she could be
who got all the syndication monies?
Terrific review of the greatest television show of all time!!!!!
Great review and summary of the series, and well worth the wait! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I watched episodes of the series as a young child when it originally aired in the UK. Being so young, most of what I saw went over my head, but the memory of the closing scenes from the series finale left a deep impression on me, and I never forgot it. Weirdly, as a child, whenever I imagined myself as an adult, I often pictured myself dressed in the Kimble-style jacket, trousers and big-collared shirt! Like you, pretty much all my favourite episodes feature Gerard and/or the one-armed man. Watching the series again as an adult, I think the standard of acting and writing was excellent overall, and David Janssen’s performance as Kimble was remarkable.
This is a fantastic show. The epic journey of a physician torn from his civilized world and immersed into a context of vernacular persecution. His high intelligence and class allow him to ply the tempestuous waters leaving a wake of amelioration at the end of each episode. We should reflect on this character for Richard Kimble is a man of virtue and honor. Society needs heros and this character gives us hope. The contrast of season fours Technicolor only enriches the series. The music score is rich and brings a unique cinematic quality to this TV series. All said the Fugitive is a series to be savored and only improves with time. Words cannot express the joy I feel for this character and the series. Thank you for the review and please revisit this series throughout your life. God bless.
Very unique perspective about the change to color that final season. Fans hated it because it took away the incredible noir feeling of the first three seasons. I don't mind the color for this specific show but black and white does suit it better.
Combat going color in its last year (Season 5) was better in 1-4 when it is B/W. Cast even said it was better in B/W.@@kendallrivers1119
Hello - There are two sides to my comments I loved the Fugitive and think it is one of the best series I have ever seen. Janssen is incredible and the supporting cast and guests are great. The writing and direction were amazing and if I remember correctly the great Ida Lupino directed a couple of the shows.
As for your review, it was spectacular. I have watch most of your reviews and I liked many of them, but this seemed to be on a whole different level. Your description and enthusiasm were great. It seemed like you were really into the story and I thought you did a fine job of telling a relatively complex story in an economical way.
Fabulous work!
Thank you! Yes, you're correct; Ida Lupino directed three episodes.
I enjoyed your review. I was only 5 years old when the original Fugitive series began, but it became a rare "can't miss" event on our home TV. When it came on, every adult was transfixed. I was too young to understand its significance, but was captured when rediscovering it in the early 2010s. I just loved the writing and performing of the series, but found myself bemused by occasional continuity lapses. Like, Lt. Phil Gerard's family: In the one episode, we see Gerard briefly interact with a son (innocuously named Skip, Biff, or Chip) to portray his obsession to capture Kimble distancing him from family. Then the next time we see them, Kurt Russell is portraying his son Phil Jr. Four different men play Kimble's brother-in-law. Jim Sikking, James Anderson, Lin McCarthy and Richard Anderson (Oscar Goldman from "Six Million Dollar Man" fame). They made a real effort elsewhere, which is why it really works.
It is amazing to me how such a simple premise can be the backdrop for so much meaningful drama. Thanx for this. Extremely articulate and eloquent.
It was a must see show in our household in the 1960s (yes I am that old) and I don't think we missed an episode. I can't remember seeing it since though. A great review.
if your in the UK its on CBS Justice
@@dianahemmingsdh Thanks, but it doesn't interest me now.
@@petermetcalfe6722 doesn't interest you now yet youre here watching reviews on the series!
Here in England I have started to watch the re runs on TV. One of the channels are showing the episodes in order every night. Although I was not even born when first aired in the US I have quickly developed a great admiration for the show. Every episode is a gem. Great acting and brilliant story lines all add to perhaps one of the greatest TV shows in history. Great review.
One of my favorite shows even after decades it still is my favorite with David Janssen.
Excellent review. I watched this series when it originally aired (old man) The writing was excellent & the guest stars were always 1st rate. I was always on the edge of my seat when the one armed man was in an episode.
Well done!
I bet you'd love Janssen in HARRY O, '74-'76, an older mellower DJ. Anthony Zerbe costarred after the show moved to Malibu near Jim Rockfords trailer.
My mother used to watch this show when I was a toddler. Even back then I found myself strangely drawn to the show . As I grew up & became a young adult, I'd be doing some odd job to eat & keep a roof over my head and I'd hear William Conrad narrating my own challenges & trials in life which would lead to me chuckling about the irony of it all. Great writing, acting and production values.
Some shows make me proud of American TV and The Fugitive is one of those shows. I'm glad you didn't binge-watch it. Shows like The Gong Show are made for binge-watching. Shows like The Fugitive are made for savoring.
I’m glad you liked it n got to watch it with your parents as I did!
I recall it fondly and it was “ground breaking”, as you said.
I felt then and now that Janssen was perfect in the role n his sincerity was evident to me as a child.
We certainly were among the families who made the last episode the largest ever at that time.
amazing that ABC decided to run the last 2 part finale in summer -Aug 67 to bring more viewers to ABC for that FALL season. Crazy as this sounds but I saw the 1st part as a 12 yr old and MY Granddad had a trip planned to Canada for the following wed to FRI as a HOLIDAY, and I NEVER saw the final hr show until the series went into syndication like 7 0r 8 yrs LATER!! My aunt filled me and my mom of the conclusion but BOY was I upset when we left for that trip.
You sure put a lot of effort into these reviews! Good job! Sounds like an interesting show! I have known of that 1993 movie. I have never seen it, but I am familiar with it. I didn't know there was a show that the movie was based off of. Also, gotta love Tim Conway! Always getting his fellow actors to break out of character! Have a good weekend! lol
The movie "The Fugitive" is my favorite movie as well as my mother's.
I was surprised when I found out it was based off a tv show, I was curious and I watched it
And I love the show, its very intriguing, suspenseful and I had fallen in love with a couple of the characters.
I re-watch my favorite episodes a number of times
Rose(uk) Enjoyed your review.I first watched The Fugitive in the 60 s and loved it.I was thrilled when I noticed it was on and during lockdown.I am now watching it for the 6th time.It is the best show ever on tv and David Janssen is brilliant.
What a great review of a milestone series. My mother used to watch The Fugitive when it was still in first run and she too was in love with David Janssen. I only got to see the first episode and the finale years ago but I am now watching it regularly on YT; I even ordered a copy of Kimble's wanted poster online to hang on my wall.
The connection with Les Miserables was not lost on MAD Magazine. When they did a hilarious parody of the show ("The Phewgitive"), Gerard was renamed Lt. Javert, in dogged pursuit of Dr. Richard Thimble.
The Fugitive also did a great deal to elevate the prestige of ABC; since its beginning the network was considered a poor sister to CBS and NBC but this show proved that they could hang with the big boys and went a long way toward their success in the 70s and beyond.
this was my mom’s favorite series so it will always hold a special place in my heart. staying up late at night and watching fugitive reruns with her will always be one of my favorite memories. great video, weiselberry. 🙂
This was a FANTASTIC review of what I believe was the BEST TV drama of all time. Your points are spot on in every sense. David Janssen was the perfect choice as Dr. Richard Kimble and Barry Morse was an excellent choice as Phillip Gerard. The stories had warmth and charm and never got preachy or demeaned the intelligence of the audience. The stories were well-written, engaging the audience in each episode.
The series also showcased the greatest collection of character actors to grace the TV screen: Lin McCarthy, Tim O'Conner, Suzanne Pleshette, John Doucette among others. I always found these actors hard-working, dedicated to their craft and not full of themselves.
I wonder what your opinion is of Kimble''s love interest in "The Final Judgement?" While I always like Diane Baker, I believed Susan Oliver from "Never Wave Goodbye" should have been reunited with Kimble because of the strong attraction they had for each other. Or, perhaps, Suzanne Pleshette.
(By the way, "Never Wave Goodbye" was the only episode where Kimble sang, serenading Susan Oliver on the boat!)
Thank you.
I really liked Diane Baker's character, and her efforts on Kimble's behalf made for a good segue into their relationship. But, haha, yes, I did feel a little sorry for Susan Oliver's character (being the first serious love interest) every time Kimble got involved with someone. I had a pretty good feeling he wouldn't end up with her in the end, but part of me thought it would be nice if she came back.
Thanks again. Just saw Barry Morse on Season 2, episode 24 of The Invaders.
@@Weiselberry Of course, all of the women wanted run off with Dr. K. and protect him -- just like real life!!! :)
@@TomTimeTraveler What was the name of the ep? This I gotta watch.
Wow! This is such a well researched and in-depth analysis of probably the most influential dramatic TV series ever. Congrats! I love the affection and appreciation with which you approach the subject and acknowledge the artistry and depth of this show.
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. :)
i loved david janssen he was my hero
So pleased you got to see this classic. Great that you watched it with your mom and dad. I was just ten when the last episode was broadcast. Had they seen it before? Loved the montage of regular actors seen almost weekly during the 60’s and 70’s. Happy for your discovery of their work.
I think they'd both at least seen some of it when it originally aired. :)
Great review of the series. One of the things that makes the movie so good is Girard's slow realization that the fugitive is an innocent man.
I still watch “The Fugitive” - A QM Production- on MeTV on Sunday nights - it’s original airplay night. Takes me back to my childhood!! David Jansen’s subtle nuances in every scene is incredible- every young actor should study him - it’s not always about delivering a line - it’s a certain look, a pause, a hesitancy. And all the characters- and one of the ultimate narrators in William (Cannon) Conrad!!🙏🏿🌄
One of the best action series, of its time. Great video.
Great review! I agree whole-heartedly with your comments and enjoyed viewing. I remember watching The Fugitive as a very young girl when it was originally aired, and it had such a profound effect on the person I would grow into years later. The Fugitive, more than any other drama of that day, taught me the importance of empathy as well as compassion for the disenfranchised. It also taught me valuable lessons on sacrificing time and energy for the greater good, humility, and how to take the high road when things were stack against you seemingly. While a lot of it went over my head back then, a lot was not lost on me also. It harkens me back to an era of when the family would all watch tv together. Dad in his recliner, mom on one end of the setee with her hand sewing or crochet, and a young me on the other end scurrying to do my homework before bedtime, multi-tasking, combining that with watching the RCA Victor behemoth. Good times. Again, my thanks. It's great to see the younger generation embracing this series with fresh eyes and confirming what I had always hoped to see; that The Fugitive is, indeed, timeless and enduring. Kudos!
I stumbled onto the series fairly recently as it is being shown on the CBS Drama channel over here (I'm in the UK : ]), I've found it a very engaging/entertaining series, each episode plays out like a morality play or a travelling narrative, with Kimble finding himself either willingly or unwillingly thrusted into the lives and stories of others, before leaving to continue his own larger story at the end. The acting is often great, particularly from Janssen and Morse, and I think it's a testament to the series that it doesn't make either character absolutes, their flawed and complex characters, both trying to get reach their endgames. One thing I will say, I actually preferred the series when it was in Black & White, not to say it was bad when it switched over to colour but I think the monochrome just added to the pathos, an extra element, when you haven't got colours to delight your eyes, you're forced to really focus on the performances.
Also I loved your review, delightfully honest and open and also very easy to watch and absorb the details :) I'll make a point to go watch more of them.
I remember watching this with my family when I was a kid back in the 60s during it's original run. Mom loved him as an unpolished Clark Gable type. During lockdown, I'm enjoying watching all of the ep and connecting the a FUGITIVE site on facebook. I thoroughly enjoyed the eps where Lt. Gerard was chasing him. The tension was spellbinding.
Still timeless and classic.
I recently watched the whole set of episodes for the first time, rationed it over a few months, helped me escape the lockdown a lot. I preferred the black and white picture of series 1-3, so for series 4 I reduced the colour on the tv to make it B&W and it increased the enjoyment. It is acting I realise but David Janssen was great, it's hard to put it into words to describe the special quality he brought to the whole thing. Amazing also how many other notable guest actors there were, interesting to read their bios, the casting people did a top job. It goes beyond popular entertainment for me, makes you realise the potential of the tv medium which we rarely see nowadays, being mostly asinine pap.
I never thought of turning down the tv colour - Genius! 👍
Your review was as good as the series, thank you for that, your favorites were also good, I imagine we'll all have different favorites....mine was, when he saves all those children from the burning bus and the "town's people" come to his aid, great "human interest"!
I'll binge watch it with you !!! My favorite show, my favorite character, and now my favorite reviewer.
Aw, thank you! :)
Heavens to Murgatroid ! Enjoyed your analysis of this 60's TV classic very much, young lady ! Kudos ! I recall my family & my aunt's family around the TV watching the last episode (I was around 11 years old). Extremely well written & well cast series. Especially wonderful to see how many great talents they had as guest stars. And of course an intense actor like the late great David Janssen was sheer perfection in his role. Thank you again so much for your insightful & perceptive review ! Please keep up the good work ! CHEERS ! By the way, love your collection of owls !! :-)
loved this show,grew up with it as a kid,some fab story lines and good acting,Nice Informative Video Review
Really enjoyed your rundown of the series. I loved watching it also. David Jansen was perfect in his role.
Thank you!
A great 60s series, an absolute classic, David Jannsen was brilliant as Richard Kimble. I was born in the early 60s and remember my parents talking about The Fugitive. Seen many episodes later, and just barely remember it previously in the 60s
Great review! I binge watched this show back when I was in college. It was on the local public television station. The last scene when Kimble walks to freedom is forever etched in my mind along with the narration by William Conrad "...the day the running stopped."
I watched this entire series a couple of years ago on CBS Justice and I absolutely loved it! David Jannsen was the perfect actor to play Kimble. He turned the character into a sympathetic lead that the audience could really root for. I really enjoyed your review. Well done!
Superb review. Thank you for all of the care and thoughtfulness that went into it. I agree with all of the observations made and might add a little emphasis to the following note: the show, as you note, having been filmed on location across the U.S., provides a remarkable window onto the midcentury landscape, especially commercial and "downtown" areas of cities large and small. With the possible exception of Naked City and its display of various sections of NYC, I can't think of another show that was even remotely as authentic and evocative in this regard.
Count my mom as also one of those who was in love with Jansen. I believe she said it was not only his looks but his voice. I hazily remember seeing some of the episodes when I was a very wee lad, but I'm thinking - if the show only ran through '67 - it was more likely reruns that I recall. This is a very detailed, intensive review and I now feel I should reacquaint myself with the series. Thanks for this one Jerome!
IMHO the secret "ingredient"--if you will--that made "The Fugitive" the best US TV drama of all time is the breathtaking musical score by Pete Rugolo. Those plaintive strains added so much emotional depth to every scene. When the series was first released on DVD due to a copyright issue the original score was replaced by a synthesized music score composed by Mark Heyes. I was astonished how badly the replacement score affected the quality of the episodes--it was literally like vandalizing the Mona Lisa with magic marker graffiti.!!
Thankfully-due to the tremendous outcry from fans of the show the original musical score was restored. (There's a great RUclips video called "Fixing the Fugitive" that goes into detail on how this was done-definitely try to check it out when you have a chance.) Pete Rugolo's music was a vital part of what made "The Fugitive"---as one reviewer so aptly stated---"Shakespeare on TV."
My favorite TV series of all time...so many great early tv personalities as guest stars...most of which have passed on....every show the delema of Kimble saving himself vs saving or helping the character of the episode.
i watched all episodes of this great crime drama,the best ever.great review,also i try to check the actors and actresses who are still with us.mark richman recently passed away93 yrs.old died jan.2021.what's amazing is janis paige is still alive at 98yrs.old amazing👍.i still watch reruns.watching from the philippines🇵🇭
I was about 13 when this series started. I tried to watch every episode and there were a vast number of episodes where various actors and actresses played character roles, many of whom have now passed. The determination of Dr. Kimble as well as Lieutenant Girard were always intense in various encounters. Overall, it was a fantastic show and all episodes are worth watching.
YES!!! Thank you for review of one of the most popular show of all time, and I truly most let you know that I'm a huge fan of THE FUGITIVE. Also I'm happy you point out the history of Dr. Sam Sheppard case I never knew the show was based on a true story, and discover the history since last year. Like I said I'm a huge fan of The Fugitive, I truly love the story and the action moment of Dr. Richard Kimble escape from the Law, I have watch the classic 1960's TV series, and the awesome 1993 movie with Harrison Ford, and also the 2000 remake with Tim Daly (If you haven't know about LOL), and I got the David Janssen Fugitive on DVD. I'm happy of this amazing review, and cause The Fugitive remains as my favorite TV Show and the movie.
A nice extended review of this memorable series. I still watch the show in syndication when I get a chance. Like you, I love the episodes with Barry Morse as Lt. Philip Gerard. One of my favorites has to be the pilot, "Fear in a Desert Town" for a number of reasons: Besides establishing the premise of the series, it costars one of my favorite actresses, Vera Miles, as Dr. Kimble's love interest in the romance that was doomed from the start to fail, as well as featuring a number of great character actors in Brian Keith, Harry Townes, and Dabbs Greer.
David Janssen trivia: A rumor circulating around Hollywood, and supposedly believed by Janssen himself, is that he was the biological son of _Gone with the Wind_ star Clark Gable. Although it was debunked, his resemblance to Gable was uncanny.
Thank you. You have so aptly expressed the heart- break and pathos of this wonderful series. The writers were geniuses- sensitive and creative
I would have turned my nose up at this as a kid and it would have been lost on me that The Incredible Hulk was the same plot essentially.Black and White was a real put off for me once we got a color TV as well.Once I saw it reruned in the 90s I was an immediate fan.
As I watched Ms. Weiselberry's splendid review of The Fugitive, I was reminded of my own reactions as I saw the series back in 1963. In the early 1960s, when the show first started its four year run, I was fascinated and did not miss a single episode, not even repeats. All I knew was that I had to see Dr. Kimble flee from one man only to pursue another. Somehow even then I knew that what I was witnessing on the screen was more than a mere updating of Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables."
While the world of Jean Valjean, the hero of Hugo's novel, was spoiled only by the dogged determination of his police pursuer, the universe of Dr. Kimble was a more malignant one and was made only marginally more so by the equally determined pursuit of his police nemesis, Lt. Gerard. It is this blatant malignancy that freezes each frame into a tableau around which dances an assortment of myths, fads, and 1960s style morality.
The early 1960s were still suffused with the glow and promise of a triumphant march of American ideals that began with the end of the Second World War. World events, however, began to intrude and dilute this optimism with a nagging sense that all was not well and might get worse. It is at this juncture between the promise of the Kennedy years and the malaise of the Vietnam era that Doctor Richard Kimble leaped into the collective national psyche.
Kimble seemed to be the best that our youth-oriented country had to offer. He was after all, a doctor: young, handsome, and when need be tough. Despite his often vagabond status at the start of each episode, he invariably appeared immaculate, clean shaven, and well-nourished. It was clear that his fall from grace was an external one. Inside, he remained the epitome of the trusted physician. Those who came in contact with him could see this at once. Women fell for him in droves, even after learning his identity. He just could not be guilty of such a heinous crime as murder, they often reasoned.
The village ruffian saw him as a threat to his own sense of nagging inadequacy. And, of course, the local police merely had to look at his face before guessing that somehow that face belonged on a wanted poster.
David Janssen's interpretation of Richard Kimble both symbolized and reinforced the brooding aura of menace through which he had to resist gently so as to blend in. To survive, Kimble had to mask his emotions. Those who impacted on him--the Loving Madonna, the Town Bully, the Curious Cop--could gain no more than an unheightened echo pf their inner fears and drives. Thus, Dr. Kimble acted as an emotional black hole which simply lay there, daring the audience to wonder what powered him to run both to and from his destiny.
In contrast, the Harrison Ford Dr. Kimble of the 1993 film no longer seeks to blend in. Rather this Kimble has switched from brooding to pulsating with non-stop action. The Kimble of the 60s was the faceless company man wrenched from his comfortable suburban life. Ford's Kimble reflects the Quick Fix regardless of the dangers involved. The Tim Daly Dr. Kimble was a return to the miasma of fear that Janssen emoted weekly.
The individual episodes of the 1960s television series could have been recycled from one to the next. Despite an essentially one-dimensional story line I and much of America watched one trite plot after another. What held us glued to the set was the fascination of seeing the Medical Corporate Man yanked out of his familiar surroundings and deposited into a harsh Orwellian world that America was slowly but inexorably coming to see as the new norm.
Because of Kimble's obvious education, looks, and unnaturally sharp clothes, we were never permitted to forget that he belonged to the flip side of the benevolent universe of the sitcom. Kimble was the doctor whom Fred MacMurray called on to treat one of his ailing My Three Sons. But in Kimble's search for the One-Armed Man, such noble qualities of self helped not at all to find his wife's murderer and helped only marginally to convince others to shield him from that archetypal officer of the law, Lt. Gerard. Year after year, we saw Kimble dance a three-partner minuet between himself, the One-Armed Man, and Lt. Gerard until the final episode in which Gerard ironically enough proves Kimble's innocence by shooting the One-Armed Man. The story may have ended there, but my reactions to it have changed over the years.
Certain concepts were perhaps then taken for granted; society was ordered; the police were empowered with extraordinary powers of arrest and detention. Criminals--even such as our hero--were always in imminent danger of apprehension. Today, such an all-pervading gloom seems laughable. Criminals every day break the law and often sneer at the futility of the state to catch them, let alone prosecute them. If Richard Kimble were to have escaped in 1993, as in the filmed version, he would find it far easier to blend in with the anti-social underbelly that criss-crosses our terror-filled urban savagery that we call a culture. It is clear that the wonder that glued me to the set each week was the faith that but for the grace of God, go I. Now we can see that Richard Kimble, the Everyman of the 1960s has become the Inconsequential Man of today. It is this lack of knowledge of a happier, more innocent time that fills me with sadness. The reruns of "The Fugitive" on RUclips now take on the air of one of Grimm's more somber fairy tales.
Great video. I added it to one of my "Fugitive" playlists.
👍👍👍👍👍 🤗
Thanks!
Any show that can sustain suspense from the same threat for 120 episodes is well done. Empathy for an innocent man is part of its appeal, but his concern for others, which frequently heightens his risk of capture, increases interest in his character and drama of the story. Romance adds another layer to the narrative, although as the review notes, he seems to have almost as many love interests as names and jobs. The musical score signals a saga more than a serial.
Perhaps the primary reason for the esteem of The Fugitive is its fundamentally hopeful view of people. Although there a few one-dimensional baddies, most people are shown doing the best they can in the face of real world challenges. Beginning every episode outdoors in commonplace settings provides a relatable contemporaneous feel to the setting. The climax usually centers on tension between conflicting loyalties or duties. The trust characters place in Dr. Kimble often plays a role in his escape. The viewer feels better about society at the end of an episode of The Fugitive.
This series has to be among the greatest in tv history for all the reasons that are well stated in these comments. A few things are really striking. One is that although the series deals in a real way with serious family and social issues, there is minimal cynicism and fatalism in the storylines. Most episodes raise difficult moral and ethical questions, sometimes without supplying a definitive answer, and certainly without the insipid politically correct and simplistic preaching so prevalent in today’s media. It portrays the lonely, the isolated, the Ill, the handicapped, and the poor with great compassion and understanding, yet does not glorify them or shy away from showing how such characters have contributed to their own fate and how they are ultimately responsible for improving their own lives. The series is inspiring because it elevates without apology virtues such as self- sacrifice, dignity, honor, and self-restraint. Children watching this series were well served by the various role models that appeared in so many episodes. Frankly after watching this series again in its entirety, the dominant feeling I had at the end was a sense of sadness and wistful longing for a world long gone- a more mature and decent world in my opinion, at least in this country.
Glad I found this review. Just started watching the show as I was getting tried of most modern garbage.
I watched quite a few episodes as a kid (at that time already old reruns). Although at that age, I wasn't old enough to appreciate the depth of the show and the characters.
Just finished watching "Nightmare at Northoak", which IMO, is the best episode I've seen so far. With a lot of emphasis on the moral issues, and where we begin to see a glimmer of some doubt under the certainty exhibited by Gerrard.
One of my all time fave shows. Great review!
I just bought the box Set.
The episode Man on a String always makes me cry.
This was a wonderful review Friend.
Being old enough to remember The Fugitive as a first run show I found it fascinating to hear a new take on the series from someone seeing the show for the first time.
My first memory of the show was how terrified I was of the one armed man who appeared in the expository introduction each week. The lighting and the man's look when Kimble sees him from his car really got to me. My second memory is how it was a favourite program of my maternal grandmother.
Kimble's fighting prowess did improve as the seasons passed but his ability to look frightened of law enforcement was always there and superbly acted by David Janssen.
As the seasons wore on and eventually a reward was offered for Kimble's capture meant the shows pacing seemed to quicken and fewer people were inclined to help him as they were only interested in the reward offered.
I watched the show in the early '90s I believe when it was reaired on A&E. My wife and I taped every episode and we both enjoyed it immensely.
And, for the record, the one armed man character still creeps me out. Bill Raisch was fantastic in the role and is a part of TV history because of it.
David Janssen died far too young but several of his films can be searched for on RUclips including the early Ring of Fire. They are all worth a view as is his 1950s private detective series Richard Diamond.
Oh, I agree--that shot of the one-armed man in the opening is very spooky!
@@Weiselberry It is indeed, spooky.
I should have mentioned too how much I liked your point about the black and white nature of the series meaning it not having the moral relativism serving as complexity as you might find in more modern TV offerings.
RPM The Fugitive was great “TV Noir.” Janssen was also very good in the 70s two seasons of “Harry O,” especially the later episodes with Anthony Zerbe as Lt. Trench. Zerbe won the Emmy for “Best Supporting Actor,” and he & David had great chemistry.
@@clugul I never missed Harry O the two seasons it aired. Anthony Zerbe was fantastic in the show. Indeed, Zerbe and the as popular Clu Gulager seemed to appear on every TV program and made for TV film that aired back then. I even liked Jannsen in the mostly forgotten O'Hara US Treasury that lasted only one season if I remember correctly.
RPM When I was in grade school, I enjoyed Clu Gulager as Billy the Kid on “The Tall Man.” It was about the perilous friendship between Billy and Pat Garrett (played by Barry Sullivan as the sheriff who ended up killing Billy the Kid). I've always liked that interplay and tension that comes when circumstances force 2 characters to be on opposite sides and yet they have mutual respect for each other. For me, it was the precursor to the interplay between Kimble & Gerard. In fact, the song in “Ill Wind” and the characters were like a combination of both shows for me. Many years later, Clu Gulager went on to play Lt. Milt Bosworth in the second pilot for “Harry O” (according to Ed Robertson, when Clu opted out of playing the role when the series was picked up, the part was rewritten for Henry Darrow (Lt. "Manny" Quinlan). Even though I didn't like the character that Clu played, it was fun for me to see Clu & David acting together.
I watched the Fugitive When it was prime time backin the 60s Tuesday Night at 10:00pm loved everything about the series. Every episode was great you sat on the edge of your seat, fearing
Lt. Gerard was going to catch
Dr. Kimble any second, Only to get away in the epilog. All of Hollywood Old & New Actors were guest stars on that show 📺 Aug 29th 1967 The whole world watched the judgement part 2 & joey Bishop's phone interview with David as he was preparing to make The Green Berets with John Wayne. The Fugtive Stands The Test of Time ! And to look back for 1 hour at least, At THE CARS BUSES TRAINS PEOPLE ON THE MAIN STREETS LOOKING LIKE MEN & WOMEN STORES PRICE$ OF FOOD IN GROCERIES STORES
BEFORE THE HI TECH CAME !!!
AS BARRY MORSE SAID IN AN INTERVIEW about the fugitive 📺
"KEEP ON RUNNING"
Thank you for a great review of a masterpiece tv 📺 crime drama.
I never watched the Fudigite untill now. I really like it & where he as a Doctor helps people out. I wish it was on Ch 14-2 here in Indiana.
Hey that's Vera Miles
in the still photo from the first episode.
Great review, intelligent and entertaining.
Alan A. Armer taught film at CalState Northridge years ago. I wish I went there just to meet him! And tell him what a great show it was!
Sister Veronca is definitely one of my favourites! Rather complicated character.
What a great character actress Eileen H. was!
@@MsBackstager Yeah, agree! R.I.P.
Sorry but I have to disagree. Must have seen her on a half of dozen different TV shows always playing a nun. Sickening
@@dhart8451 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eileen_Heckart
Great reviews. I also did a RUclips video on the series. Look up the fugitive tv reviews I remember sneaking into my parents’ room at night when I was young to see what television programs they were watching. One Tuesday evening at 10:00 p.m. my mother was watching an episode of The Fugitive. I asked her what kind of program is that? She said it is about a man on the run from the law. The year was 1966 and I was only twelve years old. Yet right away my curiosity in the show was ignited. Why was Kimble on the run? Who is this police lieutenant obsessed with his capture? Who is this mysterious one-armed man? I had a desire to know and learn all about the show.
When the final two episodes aired in August 1967, my whole family watched in our living room with much anticipation. When the series was repeated on the A&E network in the early nineties, I came home from work in the middle of the day and watched every episode. I could not wait to find out what happened to Richard Kimble as he lived a life on the run. Who would he meet next? What strange job will he take? What woman will he fall in love with? When will Gerard get close on his trail again? Will Kimble catch the one-armed man before he gets caught?
No other show has such appeal to me. Thanks
"A free man, ready to move on with his life."
Until about a dozen or more of the women he met while on the lam start hitting him up wondering when he's gonna move in with them. XD
Excellent insight young lady
@@patrickmaffei7306 If this was filmed nowadays, I'm sure that some "guys" would want to move in with Dr. K.
Thank you so much for this review. In common with another of your correspondents, I watched the series in the 1960's and I never missed it (every Wednesday night in the UK). I will always remember that moment in 'Never wave goodbye' when Gerard sees Kimble on the elevator. I think I yelled at the TV! May I say a word for Pete Rugolo's superb music. It is one of the best TV scores ever written and adds so much to the series. A few years ago, the series was released on DVD and for copyright reasons, the music in Season 2 was changed. Library music was used and was truly dreadful. The episode 'The Iron Maiden' suffered so much from the change and made me realise just how good Rugolo's music was. Anyway, thanks again and keep up the good work.
Martin P All the original music has now been restored. The sets currently being sold via primary distributors like Amazon are fine.
@@clugul Thank you. I was cautious about obtaining a set for fear of the music still being wrong. I will take a look at Amazon. Thanks again.
He had the big ears and massive forehead , but i could see how women of the day (like you're mom) had the attraction to him. He had that unique velvety voice and semi-rugged face. Like without the ears and a better frontal hairline, he could have passed as the Marlboro Man. Thanks so much for your time reviewing this great series. You are very intellectual in your account of this legendary show.
I think, similar to Steve McQueen, it's his deep set, bedroom eyes. Combine that with the shy smile, and the ever-present sense that he's a walking wound; i.e., he's hyper-competent and protective but palpably vulnerable. You throw that together, and both the mother and the little girl in every woman can't resist.
An excellent review of a genuine TV classic.
Great review! Thanks for the info. I was looking into the history of the TV show Werewolf (1988) and found that it was inspired by The Fugitive. Quality stuff on your channel so I subbed. :)
The Fugitive: one of the best shows of it’s era, focusing on social issues of all kinds and places. Btw, love the owls!
Thank you soooo much for this detailed review/retrospect (retroview?). I watched this series again on Decades a couple of years ago---not every episode but lots of them, since they were run as weekend round-the-clock marathons. You brought up a lot of memories in a very succinct and insightful/observant manner, which again brought me back to a real appreciation of this, one of the major broadcast series of so many years ago. I liked the fact you named so many specific episodes, the titles of which I am jotting down, since I missed re-seeing them when I was "marathoning" the show few years back, as I mentioned. Also all the frame grabs of guest actors/spotted so many of them, some of them just at the beginnings of their careers---I think I noticed Beau Bridges there somewhere, Suzanne Pleshette,, unless I'm mistaken, Bruce Dern (who I worked with few years back/very nice person), and, I think Kevin McCarthy, another favorite. Thanks again. You are indeed dedicated to not only watch these but take such plentiful and clear, sharp notes!
Yes, Beau Bridges and Suzanne Pleshette both appeared in two episodes, Kevin McCarthy in one, and Bruce Dern in five! And every time he was given a creepy role and made the most of it. :) Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Muy buenos comentarios y análisis, sobre una de las mejores series de todos los tiempos. David Janssen y todos los actores invitados, demostraron su talento y profesionalismo.😊❤😊
Thanks, great review. Loved the show, the way Kimble is limited by his situation but tries to be helpful without putting himself or others in jeopardy. Look forward to watching some of your other reviews.
The final episode of The Fugitive in 1967 remains the 3rd highest rated episode of a series in TV history. It had a 72% share of the TV audience. Number 1 is the final episode of MASH in 1983 with a 77% share, and number 2 is the Who Shot J.R. episode of Dallas in 1980 with a 76% share. The Fugitive's final episode also had the 5th highest audience share of any TV program in history, with Super Bowl 13 and 16 having 74% and 73% audience shares respectively.
Great review. When I was a teenager my parents suggested we watch the reruns together. They had loved it when it first ran in the 60s. Few shows have matched it, and it remains influential, the gold standard for television drama. Oh, regarding Girard, in Nightmare at Northoak, when Kimble is caught, he calls Girard out: "Your nightmare is when I'm dead, you'll find him." And Girard is visibly shaken. So, yes, Girard is motivated by the law but Kimble is correct, Girard's fear is that if he's wrong, Kimble may be falsely executed. It's a beautiful scene.
Hey, this show looks pretty cool, thanks for sharing it with us!
david janssen will always be a man on the run
Just rewatched episode 'the cage' and there is a beautiful bit of music that pops up, heard it in a few of the other episodes, very emotional. Tim O'Connor is in that episode as well, really good actor. He was in two others, one notably as a scarred, korean war vet.
This series was a tremendous hit in Japan and I watched it entirely dubbed in Japanese. I was so used to the voice actor's voice that I was put off when I heard Janssen speaking English for the first time.
Awesome revue. Love what you do!
By 1970 the show was in syndication. I used to stay up late with the volume turned down to watch it on an old black and white tv. I was only 13 at the time, but loved the suspense the show created. For me, the black & white episodes are the best. I still havent seen all the episodes.
Thanks for being a nerd...i think I've seen most of the episodes that you described.
I watched the show as a young boy, but didn't like it because I was always so scared Dr. Kimble was going to get caught every week! lol Now as an 'older' adult, I love the show, find it still enjoyable on re-runs, a special thanks to MeTV! The way stories of others is brought in every episode, reminds me of the Route 66 show, where different and sometimes very serious, or even dark topics are brought up. But a very well written show with great acting, especially David Janssen! A shout out to Barry Morse as well!
the fact that we know at the end of every episode he will escape does not lessen the drama and suspense of said episodes. It was one of the few TV shows I never caught as a kid in the 60's or in my teen years of the 70's, finally late night tv got me hooked on this great series.
This was a great assessment of a great series.
Thank you!
Great job. I refused to go summer camp in order to see the final episode.
"Tuesday, September 5th - the day the running stopped" -- Terrific review... I write about early television on a "remember when" style blog... your analysis is very well done.. I enjoy them a lot...
Thank you!
In the USA, the "day the running stopped " it was the week before in late Augut.
@@MsBackstager you may be correct.. But I read "August" and there is an episode that mentions "September" in the epilog.. My guess is that they had several drop-in dates recorded by William Conrad that were released for syndication purposes...
You’ve become my new favorite reviewer!
Thanks!