The 1980’s were filled with high concept television shows that dazzled audiences. Some would catch on. They would become some of the most popular shows of the decade and enjoy long lives continuing to entertain audiences in syndication. And some were like NBC’s Manimal.
Dr. Jonathan Chase (Simon MacCorkindale) is a British college professor at the New York University Police Science Department. He meets Detective Brooke Mackenzie (Melody Anderson) who could use his assistance to help her with a case. Teaming up to stop the bad guys, random animals start to appear during their investigation. Soon Brooke discovers Dr. Chase is not an ordinary professor, but in fact possesses shape-shifting powers that allows him to morph into any animal!
With this unique ability Dr. Chase partners up with Detective Mackenzie for weekly adventures. Along with his trusted friend Ty Earl (Glynn Turman in the pilot and in the subsequent episodes played by Michael D. Roberts), the three set out to stop bad guys by fur and feather!
Produced by Glen Larson, Manimal didn’t hook audiences and only lasted for eight episodes. It has become a notorious example of bad 1980’s television and is often regarded as one of the worst television shows of all time. Is a often rumored feature film based on this long maligned show really a good idea?
I take a look at the mysterious world of…..Manimal!
[vimeo https://vimeo.com/108057013]
This article originally appeared on John’s site Haphazard Stuff. For more original content, also check out his blog here.