This series had only one plot: chasing Dr. Richard Kimble, who escaped death row by a freak derailment of the train carrying him there. There is absolutely no character development, no "arc." The two main characters, Dr. Richard Kimble and police Lt. Philip Gerard, do not develop or grow after four seasons because a plot based on a relentless chase needs only a relentless hunter and a very elusive prey. In a way, the series is a prolonged episode of a tireless Elmer Fudd and a Bugs Bunny who is always a step ahead of his pursuer.
The reason I rate the series a 9 is because of the superb acting of the principals in keeping the tension high. Another reason is the parade of great guest stars and character actors that appeared throughout the series. They kept the dramatic tension high because Dr. Kimble is the mysterious drifter who appears (usually out of a bus depot) and mystifies the people because he doesn't look, talk or act like a drifter. Women fall in love with him, which causes suitors to hate him and suspect him. In the end, Dr. Kimble has to leave everyone behind, breaking a trail of hearts and embittering a string of rivals.
Another variation is when people get to like (or love) him a lot--- then they find out he's wanted for the brutal cold-blooded murder of his wife. The goodness they experienced first-hand stands in cold contrast to Kimble's record. Often people help him escape--or else look the other way--or turn on him. This show ran for 4 years and there was a 5th season contemplated.
The show would have no syndication value because everyone knows the ending, which was unknown at the time the series ran and also caused tension: will Dr. Kimble be caught and executed? or will he find the one-armed man and have his conviction overturned?
The series is worth owning as a collection of great TV plotting and acting. It should be offered on some streaming service: a lot of people would probably binge-watch it.
The reason I rate the series a 9 is because of the superb acting of the principals in keeping the tension high. Another reason is the parade of great guest stars and character actors that appeared throughout the series. They kept the dramatic tension high because Dr. Kimble is the mysterious drifter who appears (usually out of a bus depot) and mystifies the people because he doesn't look, talk or act like a drifter. Women fall in love with him, which causes suitors to hate him and suspect him. In the end, Dr. Kimble has to leave everyone behind, breaking a trail of hearts and embittering a string of rivals.
Another variation is when people get to like (or love) him a lot--- then they find out he's wanted for the brutal cold-blooded murder of his wife. The goodness they experienced first-hand stands in cold contrast to Kimble's record. Often people help him escape--or else look the other way--or turn on him. This show ran for 4 years and there was a 5th season contemplated.
The show would have no syndication value because everyone knows the ending, which was unknown at the time the series ran and also caused tension: will Dr. Kimble be caught and executed? or will he find the one-armed man and have his conviction overturned?
The series is worth owning as a collection of great TV plotting and acting. It should be offered on some streaming service: a lot of people would probably binge-watch it.