Kolchak. And I don't mean Telly Savalas.
I’ve still a warm spot for the Night Stalker series. I hold it very close to my heart. Even after so many years. Carl Kolchak seemed larger-than-life. He’s the reluctant hero. Just a reporter doing his job. But with a sense of justice. His greatest weapons? Sarcasm and bad jokes.
Horror in the television landscape. A good scare came from the things unseen, just-around-the-corner variety. It’s like you’re ready to open a door and you’re not sure what’s behind it. That’s what was so fun about the old stories.
The Powers-to-Be in the show—the cops, government, higher officials—couldn’t stand Kolchak. They hated him. He was annoying. They didn’t want him around. He asked questions no one else liked to ask. His very pragmatism cropped up often. It worked because of Darren McGavin’s acting. Believability worked on a high note here.
However, there were more bad shows than good. But it always had its own charms. “Horror in the Heights” and “The Vampire” was some of the highlights. Even better were the TV movies, scripted by horror-master Richard Matheson, made prior to the series.
An investigative drama with its own quirks. He chased down vampires or anything that went bump in the night. Providing they didn't get him first.
The first TV movie “The Night Stalker” debuted in 1972, and up to its time was the most highly rated on TV. Not bad for something subscribing to fangs and scares.
The CBS network tried to bring the show back earlier this year. The new version of Night Stalker was presented to a new audience. But there was something wrong with it.
The new lead actor. Stuart Townsend’s an okay actor. But he seemed far too perfect in the role. It’s hard to relate to someone with no flaws. He didn’t even wear a crummy hat. Kolchak was supposed to be a seasoned, crusty veteran who’s been beaten by life’s rougher edges. He looked like he went through hell. And McGavin played the part with believability. The new guy couldn’t act his way out of a paper bag.
It’s surprising. The new show was created by Frank Spotnitz, responsible for many X-Files stories. He brought with him the gritty realism, the shuffling lighting and a sense of horror. But none of the charm. It was, frankly, a little dull. I haven't heard much about it lately. The new series probably disappeared into its own Bermuda Triangle.
The old Night Stalker came to light on DVD on Oct. 25 during Halloween season. Worth the time to see. It’s still packed with good nostalgia. Plenty of scares.
And fangs for the memories.
Horror in the television landscape. A good scare came from the things unseen, just-around-the-corner variety. It’s like you’re ready to open a door and you’re not sure what’s behind it. That’s what was so fun about the old stories.
The Powers-to-Be in the show—the cops, government, higher officials—couldn’t stand Kolchak. They hated him. He was annoying. They didn’t want him around. He asked questions no one else liked to ask. His very pragmatism cropped up often. It worked because of Darren McGavin’s acting. Believability worked on a high note here.
However, there were more bad shows than good. But it always had its own charms. “Horror in the Heights” and “The Vampire” was some of the highlights. Even better were the TV movies, scripted by horror-master Richard Matheson, made prior to the series.
An investigative drama with its own quirks. He chased down vampires or anything that went bump in the night. Providing they didn't get him first.
The first TV movie “The Night Stalker” debuted in 1972, and up to its time was the most highly rated on TV. Not bad for something subscribing to fangs and scares.
The CBS network tried to bring the show back earlier this year. The new version of Night Stalker was presented to a new audience. But there was something wrong with it.
The new lead actor. Stuart Townsend’s an okay actor. But he seemed far too perfect in the role. It’s hard to relate to someone with no flaws. He didn’t even wear a crummy hat. Kolchak was supposed to be a seasoned, crusty veteran who’s been beaten by life’s rougher edges. He looked like he went through hell. And McGavin played the part with believability. The new guy couldn’t act his way out of a paper bag.
It’s surprising. The new show was created by Frank Spotnitz, responsible for many X-Files stories. He brought with him the gritty realism, the shuffling lighting and a sense of horror. But none of the charm. It was, frankly, a little dull. I haven't heard much about it lately. The new series probably disappeared into its own Bermuda Triangle.
The old Night Stalker came to light on DVD on Oct. 25 during Halloween season. Worth the time to see. It’s still packed with good nostalgia. Plenty of scares.
And fangs for the memories.
posted by K.M. Paters at 12:23 PM
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