Here we go again, into the way back machine and stopping off at my parents’ living room and the TV in the corner (Different TV now but in the same location!). It’s 4:00 PM on a weekday and one of the greatest genre crossovers is on. That would be “The Wild Wild West” starring Robert Conrad and Ross Martin. “WWW” is a sci-fi western of the highest camp value (and I mean that in a good way), crime solving tech., Bond-like gadgets, steampunk science and good old fashioned six guns and cowboys all come together in a blend of cheesy goodness. There were guest stars galore, hot babes and crazy sets and wacky inventions too.
Robert Conrad was the chiseled-chin super-hero, complete with ridiculously tight pants, and abs of steel. He was the ladies man, the muscle of this secret service duo, and the star of the series.
Ross Martin, the better actor, was relegated to the brainy side-kick roll due, I’m sure, to his less than movie star good looks. But his roll was key to the appeal of this show. His chararcter – Artemus Gordon – was the Q to Jim West’s James Bond. Gordon, a master of disguise, was also the comic relief to West’s straight man.
Favorite villain? Oh come on, it’s got to be Dr. Miguelito Loveless. The maniacal, diminutive, evil genius played by Michael Dunn. His humor, womanizing and twisted genius made him a memorable villain and a character you loved to see over and over again. It’s interesting to note that over four seasons he only appeared in 10 episodes.
Here’s a video of the opening credits…
Two truly awesome attempts to revive this hybrid genre came in 1993 and then again in 1995. First “The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.” starring Bruce Campbell & Christian Clemenson. This show came from Carlton Cuse (LOST) and Jeffery Boam (Lethal Weapon 3) and lasted for 27 episodes on Fox. LOVE THIS SHOW!!!
The second series, “Legend” starred Richard Dean Anderson and John Delancie, was produced by Michael Piller (Star Trek: The Next Generation) and Bill Dial (Sliders). It aired for 12 episodes on UPN. WE NEED A DVD RELEASE!!!
The Wild Wild West @ Wikipedia.com
The Ultimate Brisco County, Jr. Guidebook
Legend @ Wikipedia.com
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