Posted on 09/29/2005 5:28:43 PM PDT by pissant
NIGHT STALKER. Tonight at 9, ABC. In two immensely popular telemovies and one season of a less popular spinoff series in the 1970s, Darren McGavin played Carl Kolchak, a persistent middle-aged reporter whose nose for news kept sniffing out evidence of the paranormal.
"Kolchak: The Night Stalker" was the spiritual father of "The X-Files," so it's only fitting that one of the writer-producers of "The X-Files" has been handed the task of updating Kolchak for a new generation.
Viewers coming to the premiere of ABC's "Night Stalker" tonight at 9 would be wise to picture themselves as armchair Kolchaks: Each week, they're bound to run into something creepy, but how spooky and powerful it is will largely be the luck of the draw. Think of it as an anthology show that will take a while to find its level.
Based on tonight's pilot and another episode provided for preview, this new Kolchak, played by Stuart Townsend, differs significantly from the original. He's younger and more handsome, more Clark Kent than Willy Loman. And he quickly gets a partner and co-star: Gabrielle Union as Perri Reed, who serves as Carl's friendly newsroom adversary - his Lois Lane, or even his Scully.
This 21st-century Kolchak, like the vintage version, is still a reporter and still obsessed with the paranormal. He also keeps a straw hat on the rack in his laughably gorgeous residence. But where McGavin's Kolchak wore it like a badge of honor, it's hard to imagine this Carl ever taking his skimmer off the rack.
Watch closely, though, in an early newsroom scene, and you can see footage of McGavin as the character in the '70s, digitally inserted as a loving homage. Writer-producer Frank Spotnitz unquestionably knew the original series, even though he'd decided to remake it in someone else's image.
Kolchak, circa 2005, is a brooding man with a tortured past. He's a widower whose wife died under very mysterious circumstances. Plots are dark and there are some satisfyingly surprising twists.
What the show lacks most is the humor that lightened the original. Also, Townsend doesn't shine as a dynamic actor or character. Union, as the feisty female reporter, is much stronger, and even much funnier.
Had Spotnitz really reimagined the central character, and cast Union as Carla Kolchak, "Night Stalker" might have been better from the start. But for now it's a show worth watching, to see how, and if, it develops.
I thought it was better than the X files.
I don't do creepy.......
You are on FR, aren't ya? It can get pretty creepy round here. ;o)
Fine. Thank you! Why aren't you snoozing?
Because, I am standing guard over those who stand guard over you........my pts are all asleep....I have a couple of hours.......
Right up there with Salem's Lot and Fright Night.
That's good to hear!
What excursions do you have planned for the next time you have days off?
Have you tried the beer yet?
I thought so too. Though I've never seen Fright Night.
I still have a soft spot for the original Universal Pictures's Dracula with Bela Legosi. LOL
Bitburg........a wine tasting outing....
SOunds great!!! They make good beer there too, so try it if you get the chance!!
The Bitburg....taste like beer......I like wine...
I don't recommend that you stop liking wine. Just recommend that you acquire the taste for beer in a place renowned for such!!
Could they bring back Boston Blackie?
Not at all! Just open your mouth and tip the glass back. LOL
Was he on TV? I recall hearing a radio program with him.
The fun part was watching the very brash Darrin McGavin and the knows-Kolchak-all-too-well Simon Oakland spar. That's going to be hard to duplicate. Missed it this week; will have to check it out next time.
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