Walter Nebicher (Desi Arnaz, Jr.) is not working out as a street level LAPD detective. He is relegated to desk duty in the computer room where he creates an artificially intelligent crime fighting program and a hologram called Automan (Chuck Wagner), the world's first automatic man. The only other person who knows the secret is secretary Roxanne Caldwell. Captain Boyd doesn't trust computers and often dismisses Walter. When Lieutenant Jack Curtis gets kidnapped, Automan goes into action to solve the case. He comes out at night drawing power from the electrical grid when the load is at its lightest. He is invincible and assisted by Cursor, a glowing ball of light that can create a myriad of transports. At full power, he can combine with Walter for protection.
I remember the glowing man. I like the Tron glow and the concept isn't that bad. I don't think I watched much of the show if any. It's bad and I'm sure I knew it was bad even as an impressionable young boy. Chuck Wagner is a stiff leading man which is fine for a stiff leading man role. More is expected from Desi Arnaz, Jr. After all, he is descended from TV comedy royalty. He doesn't have it. He doesn't have the charisma. He isn't leading man material. The role is a nerdy sidekick anyways. At least, he could have worn a pair of glasses. Walter and Automan are set up to be a comedy duo with Automan as a fish out of water and Walter as too awkward to be a cop. It could work but this comes off as nothing more than bad 80's cheese. The writing is random 80's cop show fodder. It's a mid-season replacement show that fails to get picked up.
I remember the glowing man. I like the Tron glow and the concept isn't that bad. I don't think I watched much of the show if any. It's bad and I'm sure I knew it was bad even as an impressionable young boy. Chuck Wagner is a stiff leading man which is fine for a stiff leading man role. More is expected from Desi Arnaz, Jr. After all, he is descended from TV comedy royalty. He doesn't have it. He doesn't have the charisma. He isn't leading man material. The role is a nerdy sidekick anyways. At least, he could have worn a pair of glasses. Walter and Automan are set up to be a comedy duo with Automan as a fish out of water and Walter as too awkward to be a cop. It could work but this comes off as nothing more than bad 80's cheese. The writing is random 80's cop show fodder. It's a mid-season replacement show that fails to get picked up.