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.
His energy, enthusiasm, mannerisms, and general demeanor can never be duplicated. It was a unique combination of concept, actor and execution.
I hope for the success of the remake, but fear for its viability.
'NIGHT STALKER' FINIS
Sunday, November 13, 2005
posted by Frank Spotnitz at 8:21 AM
http://www.biglight.com/blog/2005/11/night-stalker-finis.html
It is with regret that I confirm "Night Stalker" has been canceled. While I’m disappointed the series has come to an end, I am enormously grateful for the experience and the opportunity given me by the network and Touchstone Television. I would like to thank our amazingly talented cast, wonderful crew, killer post-production department, terrific writing staff, producers and partners in crime Daniel Sackheim and John Peter Kousakis, the incredible Jana Fain, and all of you who watched and enjoyed the show.
It was a blast.
To make a memorable ABC Movie Of The Week that spawns a block of made for TV movies featuring the same character before ABC optioned the character for a series is no small feat.
McGavin and Carl Kolchak made it look simple!
Though Kolchak isn't Kolchak without his seersucker suit and pork pie hat!
Jack.
The new show was cancelled after 6 episodes. No Darren Mcgavin to carry it.
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