The right concept, the right star, the right scripts, and the right producers and directors all came together at the right time (1963-1967) to create the finest dramatic series ever to appear on television.
Dr. Richard Kimble, played by actor David Janssen, is a pediatrician in Stafford, Indiana. He has an argument with his wife Helen and storms off. While returning his car almost hits a one armed man who darts into the street from the vicinity of his home. He runs into his home past the open front door and sees Helen dead on the floor. Although innocent, he is tried and convicted for murder, and sentenced to death.
Police Lieutenant Phillip Gerard, played by actor Barry Morse, is taking Kimble by train to prison to be executed, when the train derails and Kimble escapes. Kimble travels from place to place, frequently changing his name, taking jobs where he can get them, usually menial, and ever on the alert lest he be recognized and captured. Lt. Gerard and other police are hot on his trail, and even well-meaning civilians can cause his ruin.
While running, Kimble constantly seeks the one armed man so he can prove his innocence. Viewers can certainly believe in his innocence, since in each episode he displays outstandingly good character, frequently putting himself at risk to help another person in need.
Kimble is intelligent, modest, generous, honest, hard-working, strong and trustworthy, an altogether admirable hero, yet also believable. He is no superhero, just an ordinary man placed in extraordinary circumstances that allow his true character to come forth.
But this is not a one note show. Violence, criminality, medical drama, and romance all have a place in the series, but none dominates it.
The fact he must frequently travel puts Kimble in a variety of interesting situations involving people of all different characters from all stations of life. The circumstances of the series allow the writers to place Kimble in just about any situation in any setting, from a migrant labor camp to a hospital to an embassy to a research laboratory, while making important points about morality, hypocrisy, and the flaws of even the best legal system, all against the dramatic background of the struggle to survive of a sympathetic lead character. The parade of talented guest stars adds icing to this tasty cake.
Other efforts to exploit this idea, such as the movie with Harrison Ford and the more recent TV series starring Tim Daly, failed to capture the essence of what made the 60s series so great. So, for those of us who love quality programming, we have little choice but to rely on the original. What a shame that the bosses at the TV networks have been unable to find a place in their schedules for such a magnificent show.
Dr. Richard Kimble, played by actor David Janssen, is a pediatrician in Stafford, Indiana. He has an argument with his wife Helen and storms off. While returning his car almost hits a one armed man who darts into the street from the vicinity of his home. He runs into his home past the open front door and sees Helen dead on the floor. Although innocent, he is tried and convicted for murder, and sentenced to death.
Police Lieutenant Phillip Gerard, played by actor Barry Morse, is taking Kimble by train to prison to be executed, when the train derails and Kimble escapes. Kimble travels from place to place, frequently changing his name, taking jobs where he can get them, usually menial, and ever on the alert lest he be recognized and captured. Lt. Gerard and other police are hot on his trail, and even well-meaning civilians can cause his ruin.
While running, Kimble constantly seeks the one armed man so he can prove his innocence. Viewers can certainly believe in his innocence, since in each episode he displays outstandingly good character, frequently putting himself at risk to help another person in need.
Kimble is intelligent, modest, generous, honest, hard-working, strong and trustworthy, an altogether admirable hero, yet also believable. He is no superhero, just an ordinary man placed in extraordinary circumstances that allow his true character to come forth.
But this is not a one note show. Violence, criminality, medical drama, and romance all have a place in the series, but none dominates it.
The fact he must frequently travel puts Kimble in a variety of interesting situations involving people of all different characters from all stations of life. The circumstances of the series allow the writers to place Kimble in just about any situation in any setting, from a migrant labor camp to a hospital to an embassy to a research laboratory, while making important points about morality, hypocrisy, and the flaws of even the best legal system, all against the dramatic background of the struggle to survive of a sympathetic lead character. The parade of talented guest stars adds icing to this tasty cake.
Other efforts to exploit this idea, such as the movie with Harrison Ford and the more recent TV series starring Tim Daly, failed to capture the essence of what made the 60s series so great. So, for those of us who love quality programming, we have little choice but to rely on the original. What a shame that the bosses at the TV networks have been unable to find a place in their schedules for such a magnificent show.