Ralph Hinkley (William Katt) is a novice teacher (and father to a young boy) in Arizona. His high school students are, mostly, uninterested in learning and give him a hard time. To try to break through and change their attitudes, Mr. Hinkley tells them they are going to take a field trip to the desert. Somehow, they end up broken down on the highway coming back to their building and dark has set in. Telling his students he will return as soon as he can fetch gasoline, Mr. Hinkley sets out and meets another driver who just happens to work for the FBI (Robert Culp). As they go back to the bus, aliens land near them and explain that they are giving Mr. Hinkley a space suit that will give him special powers. Wow, oh what a night! Soon after, Ralph puts on the suit and learns how to fly and also gains the ability to see through walls and doors. Ralph's lawyer friend Pam (Connie Selleca) knows something is up but is not certain what it is. But, as Ralph starts to rescue folks trapped in bad situations, will he confide in those closest to him? This television series from the early eighties has a slow start but then picks up energy as it goes along. Yes, the concepts are good and Katt, Selleca, and Culp make a great trio. Also, some of the student actors, like Michael Pare, went on to bigger fame as well. But, examining the show through modern eyes, the effects are probably not that great and the dated look of the shoot has no razzle-dazzle. Therefore, if you were once a fan of the series, by all means, try to find this DVD of the best of beginning episodes. New viewers may be underwhelmed, however.
Review of The Greatest American Hero
The Greatest American Hero
(1981–1983)
Not the greatest achievement in television but has its moments
14 May 2012