jvs@iwsl7.UUCP (08/11/83)
I can remember watching Mr. Teriffic as a kid (11 - 12 years old).
As I recall, it first came on after the regular season had already started.
But I'm not sure if it started in January or as a summer replacement show.
Anyway, it must have been at least partially succesful because I remember
it being on the next season as part of the regular lineup. Unfortunatly
(or so I thought at 12) the succes must have been short lived because I
also seem to recall it getting the axe before the season ended. My brother,
sister, and I groaned, moaned, and complaind that those stupid TV execs
didn't know what they were doing getting rid of a good show like that.
In retrospect I don't think they knew what they were doing when they put
it on in the first place.
Anyway, it was on CBS and I'm fairly sure it first aired in 1966. It was
definitely a super hero spoof show. It was supposed to be a comedy but it
was just too dumb (this show was about the same caliber as "It's About
Time", another short lived series). It was about these two guys own and
work at a gas station. One guy was supposed to be the handsome, macho type.
The other guy was your 98 pound weakling wimp. The government had invented
this new secret formula which was supposed to turn men into supermen.
Unfortunately, research had shown that it would really only work on one
person in the whole world, guess who? The wimp would take this pill and
presto, he could then fly, had super strength, etc. He also had this
rediculous looking costume. He flew by flapping his arms, the costume
had a webbing between the arms and body. The only problem was that you
never knew when the pill would wear off.
Looking back, I can see where the basic premise had potential. But they
went about it all wrong. Instead of being satire it was just dumb.
I remember being reminded of Mr. Terrific a few years ago when another show
"The Greatest American Hero" first came out.
So much for childhood memories. Does anyone remember another short lived
series called "Run Buddy Run", but no re-run.
John V. Smithoz@rlgvax.UUCP (THE GREAT AND POWERFUL OZ) (08/13/83)
At the same time that Mr Terrific was running was a television show called CAPTAIN NICE. Captain Nice, also was a klutzy superhero he tried his best, but never got any respect. In fact in his theme music was the lyric LOOK AT THE MUSCLES IN HIS ARMS THEIR LIKE HAMMERS LOOK IT THE NUT THE RUNS AROUND IN PAJAMAS Captain Nice was played by an actor that since has gone on to starring roles on Broadway, the films and is presently featured in TWO prime time tv shows. Anyone know who he is? Another impressive bit of trivia I recall is the first lyrics to the Mr Terrific show: A scientist both brave and bold set out to cure the common cold Instead he found this "power pill" which he said most certainly will turn a man into a lion like an eagle he'll be flyin' Sorry, I don't remember any more OZ seismo!rlgvax!oz
marc@pyuxn.UUCP (08/14/83)
Believe it or not (pun intended), I have a tape of the theme to Mr
Terrific. It goes like this:
A scientist both WISE and bold
set out to cure the common cold.
Instead he found this "power pill"
Which he said most certainly will
turn a man into a lion
like a eagle he'll be flyin
solid steal will be like putty.
It will work on any body.
BUT
then twas found this potent pill
made the strongest men quite ill
and so the secret search began
to find the ONE- the only man.
What they found, made them sqemish,
for only Stanley Bemish,
A weak and droopy dAfildel
could takethe special power pill,
that sent him soaring through the skies,
fighting foes and fighting spies.
When he took the pill specific,
it made him the most PROLIFIC-- MR TERRIFIC !!lab@qubix.UUCP (Larry Bickford) (08/15/83)
Rather curious that the original article mentioned "Run, Buddy, Run." RBR got axed in mid-season - REPLACED BY "MR. TERRIFIC"!
edward@utcsrgv.UUCP (Edward Hsing) (08/16/83)
Mr. Terrific had one of the greatest themes that any TV show ever had. Can any remember how it went? Please post it if you remember.