This particular show makes a rare and welcome science fiction departure from the usual array of supernatural horror menaces that were the norm in the series: The killer this time is an artificially intelligent and highly dangerous robot called Mr. R.I.N.G. (an impressive and expressive pantomime performance by veteran stuntman and future director Craig R. Baxley) who escapes from a top secret lab and goes on a rampage. Carl Kolchak (the always excellent Darren McGavin) winds up putting heads with several uncooperative government officials who are determined to keep the whole thing hush hush. Director Gene Levitt, working from a clever and intriguing script by L. Ford Neale and John Huff, relates the absorbing story at a steady pace, builds a good deal of tension, does a sound job of creating and maintaining a strong sense of unease throughout, and further spices things up with several wickedly funny moments of inspired sarcastic humor. The barbed and cynical commentary about shady government agencies is tasty and provocative stuff. Moreover, the fine acting from a capable cast helps matters a lot: Simon Oakland as the forever cranky Tony Vincenzo, Julie Adams as boozy widow Ms. Walker, Bert Freed as the no-nonsense Captain Atkins, Don "Red" Barry as a gruff security guard, Corrine Camacho as compassionate computer expert Dr. Leslie Dwyer, and Robert Easton as touchy mortician Bernard Carmichael. Both Ronald W. Browne's agile cinematography and Jerry Fielding's are up to speed. Although Mr. R.I.N.G. looks pretty hokey (he's obviously just a guy wrapped up in a body stocking), he still manages to be fairly creepy all the same. A fun show.
16 Reviews
Give me a R.I.N.G. sometime.
Hey_Sweden26 August 2012
Warning: Spoilers
The 'Kolchak' series makes an appreciable and diverting trip into the realm of science fiction with this entertaining enough episode. It's not quite as funny as some past episodes, nor does it ever get particularly spooky, but there are some great lines contained in the dialogue and the finale is not without some suspense.
Kolchak begins the story as he usually does, dictating his memoirs into his tape recorder, but he's even more weary than usual, having been doped up by the U.S. government. He was feverishly pursuing the story behind the circumstances of a scientists' death, and it takes him a long time before he realizes what the scientist was up to. It was a robotics program, dubbed Robomatic Internalized Nerve Ganglia, or R.I.N.G for short. "Mr. R.I.N.G.", as the rampaging robot gets dubbed, has been given a healthy survival instinct and a thirst for knowledge, and has the emotions and temperament of a child. As he follows up on leads, Kolchak annoys the latest in a long line of policemen (in this case, it's Captain Akins (Bert Freed)) and interviews such people as the scientists' widow (Julie Adams) and co-worker (Corinne Camacho).
There's some good action to enjoy this time around, as the hulking robot, played by stuntman and future director Craig R. Baxley, causes no end of problems for the cops, the military, and the public. This leads to a finale where one can feel some sympathy for the addled machine, and where one just knows bureaucracy will go into action. It leaves Kolchak feeling quite cynical about the government, who of course throughout this entire episode do everything in their power to keep things hush-hush.
Jerry Fielding supplies the effective music score, and there's an assortment of impressive guest stars to help make things fun: Don "Red" Barry, as a security guard, Henry Beckman, as Senator Stephens, Robert Easton (doing some hilarious dialect shtick) as Mr. Carmichael, Maidie Norman, as a librarian, and Myron Healey, as Colonel Wright, all appear as well. Simon Oakland is wonderful as always as Vincenzo, feeling the pressure of not only having to deal with a troublesome reporter but pressure from the powers that be to keep quiet, and Ruth McDevitt is truly delightful as the helpful Miss Emily. The special effects are admittedly crude here, but they never really detract from the enjoyment. At the very least, Darren McGavin is a hoot as usual as Kolchak and it's a treat to see the chemistry he develops with his co-stars as he stubbornly tries to collect information. A decent episode overall.
Seven out of 10.
Kolchak begins the story as he usually does, dictating his memoirs into his tape recorder, but he's even more weary than usual, having been doped up by the U.S. government. He was feverishly pursuing the story behind the circumstances of a scientists' death, and it takes him a long time before he realizes what the scientist was up to. It was a robotics program, dubbed Robomatic Internalized Nerve Ganglia, or R.I.N.G for short. "Mr. R.I.N.G.", as the rampaging robot gets dubbed, has been given a healthy survival instinct and a thirst for knowledge, and has the emotions and temperament of a child. As he follows up on leads, Kolchak annoys the latest in a long line of policemen (in this case, it's Captain Akins (Bert Freed)) and interviews such people as the scientists' widow (Julie Adams) and co-worker (Corinne Camacho).
There's some good action to enjoy this time around, as the hulking robot, played by stuntman and future director Craig R. Baxley, causes no end of problems for the cops, the military, and the public. This leads to a finale where one can feel some sympathy for the addled machine, and where one just knows bureaucracy will go into action. It leaves Kolchak feeling quite cynical about the government, who of course throughout this entire episode do everything in their power to keep things hush-hush.
Jerry Fielding supplies the effective music score, and there's an assortment of impressive guest stars to help make things fun: Don "Red" Barry, as a security guard, Henry Beckman, as Senator Stephens, Robert Easton (doing some hilarious dialect shtick) as Mr. Carmichael, Maidie Norman, as a librarian, and Myron Healey, as Colonel Wright, all appear as well. Simon Oakland is wonderful as always as Vincenzo, feeling the pressure of not only having to deal with a troublesome reporter but pressure from the powers that be to keep quiet, and Ruth McDevitt is truly delightful as the helpful Miss Emily. The special effects are admittedly crude here, but they never really detract from the enjoyment. At the very least, Darren McGavin is a hoot as usual as Kolchak and it's a treat to see the chemistry he develops with his co-stars as he stubbornly tries to collect information. A decent episode overall.
Seven out of 10.
The Robot
AaronCapenBanner10 November 2014
Carl Kolchak(Darren McGavin) struggles to write an obituary for a Nobel prize-winning professor when the reputed heart-attack doesn't ring true. Turns out he was working on a top secret government project called R.I.N.G.(Robomatic Internalized Nerve Ganglia) that created a sophisticated robot that killed the professor before escaping, and now Carl joins the search for the troubled automaton before it kills again... Interesting episode may have a robot that looks left over from "Westworld", but has an intriguing opening and close, with a drugged Kolchak trying to remember details about the case before it is all covered up by the military.
Kolchak Rocks Again
hackraytex13 August 2017
I am finally getting to see shows of this series that I missed in 1975 because I was in night classes in college. Thank God for DVR now. We had to wait for the reruns to come to see what we had missed and often forgot about it before the reruns came on. Also, the networks ruled the roost and would not show reruns when a new season started. Unfortun-ately Kolchak did not get a second season and the reruns disappeared for a long time.
This was a very good program although others on this page may disagree. I may not be the sharpest tool in the box but I see the point of Kolchak and the Doctor understanding but not approving of what R.I.N.G. had done since he had been programmed to survive at all costs. That sub genre has since then been thoroughly explored.
No doubt about it the Darren McGavin owned that part and the remake a few years ago did not come close. I can imagine that Darren McGavin regretted more than once quitting the show after a year since that part is one of the parts that only comes along once in a lifetime. He gave it his all when he was doing it and I still wish he could have made an appearance as Kolchak on X Files since the Night Stalker inspired The X Files. Can you imagine Kolchak connecting with The Lone Gunmen and trying to convince Scully and Maulder that he had a mountain of material for them to pick up his mantle with.
This Night Stalker had the right mix of suspense, humor, and right characters in Kolchak's life to carry the show. Unfortunately, the remake was too dark and lacked in humor and suspense and interesting characters. It also got too deep into conspiracies and too many story lines. I tried to get interested in it but was not surprised when it was cancelled. I hope someone will make a stab at remaking Night Stalker but this time study the original to get what it was about without making it a copy. Good job Mr. McGavin and rest in peace.
This was a very good program although others on this page may disagree. I may not be the sharpest tool in the box but I see the point of Kolchak and the Doctor understanding but not approving of what R.I.N.G. had done since he had been programmed to survive at all costs. That sub genre has since then been thoroughly explored.
No doubt about it the Darren McGavin owned that part and the remake a few years ago did not come close. I can imagine that Darren McGavin regretted more than once quitting the show after a year since that part is one of the parts that only comes along once in a lifetime. He gave it his all when he was doing it and I still wish he could have made an appearance as Kolchak on X Files since the Night Stalker inspired The X Files. Can you imagine Kolchak connecting with The Lone Gunmen and trying to convince Scully and Maulder that he had a mountain of material for them to pick up his mantle with.
This Night Stalker had the right mix of suspense, humor, and right characters in Kolchak's life to carry the show. Unfortunately, the remake was too dark and lacked in humor and suspense and interesting characters. It also got too deep into conspiracies and too many story lines. I tried to get interested in it but was not surprised when it was cancelled. I hope someone will make a stab at remaking Night Stalker but this time study the original to get what it was about without making it a copy. Good job Mr. McGavin and rest in peace.
Kolchak: "Mr. R.I.N.G."
Wuchakk21 April 2018
PLOT: After the death of a renowned scientist, Kolchak stumbles on a secretive military project called R.I.N.G., which stands for Robomatic Internalized Nerve Ganglia and concerns a dangerous humanoid robot that acquires awareness and survival instincts.
COMMENTARY: This is a fairly interesting exploration of the androids-and-their-rights theme, over a dozen years before the debut of Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Julie Adams and Corinne Camacho play the deceased scientist's boozy wife and cerebral non-mistress respectively. The tragic last act when Kolchak meets the automaton is the best part wherein the bond between the robot and its "mother" is subtle yet palpable.
COMMENTARY: This is a fairly interesting exploration of the androids-and-their-rights theme, over a dozen years before the debut of Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Julie Adams and Corinne Camacho play the deceased scientist's boozy wife and cerebral non-mistress respectively. The tragic last act when Kolchak meets the automaton is the best part wherein the bond between the robot and its "mother" is subtle yet palpable.
Blade Runner and Roy Batty, not Halloween and Michael Myers
KingVidor18 April 2021
This episode was a take on Philip K. Dick's story "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" seven years before Blade Runner was made. The most obvious clue is the name of the institute creating military androids in this episode - Tyrell Corporation. That's the same name used for the android-building corporations in Blade Runner and "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?"
Nice change of pace for Kolchak
Flubber697 August 2022
This episode skips the usual supernatural Kolchak plot themes. Instead, it goes down a path well travelled by other 1970s sci-fi TV programming: government experiments running amok. Nonetheless, this is a good take on it. Nice coincidence that it aired during the 2nd season of 6 Million Dollar Man and Darren McGavin played "Oliver Spencer" in that TV movie pilot.
Not Lost In Space Robot
DKosty12313 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Prior to this, robots were always and fantasy type of thing. This one try's to make the Robot seem more human after his escape from his creators. He is kind of advanced so dangerous in his caper.
Kolchak stalking a robot works here because he is always stalking someone. When he finally catches up with Ring he is trying to help the poor robot who the military sees as a threat.
It's a long road to get too the climax where they have to take down the rogue because he is blowing a circuit. This episode falls into the formula quite well with a couple of twists. The robot involvement the woman who created him is quite striking.
In the end here, the government gets it's way. We can not help that this type of robot might be in the future soon. What we can do is assume that the price this rogue robot caused i nowhere near what the real ones will.
Kolchak stalking a robot works here because he is always stalking someone. When he finally catches up with Ring he is trying to help the poor robot who the military sees as a threat.
It's a long road to get too the climax where they have to take down the rogue because he is blowing a circuit. This episode falls into the formula quite well with a couple of twists. The robot involvement the woman who created him is quite striking.
In the end here, the government gets it's way. We can not help that this type of robot might be in the future soon. What we can do is assume that the price this rogue robot caused i nowhere near what the real ones will.
An unusual episode that gives a break on those unearthly stories!!!
elo-equipamentos5 November 2020
In this specific episode they give a break on those unearthly stories and offer a science fiction benchmark, Kolchak on day before was fishing for a change and lost the opportunity to cover a fancy work at San Francisco, his complaining Boss Tony (Oakland) as punishment put Kolchak at obituaries's page to find out an uncanny death of the Nobel Prize winner the Prof. and scientist who had a sudden died, supposedly of heart attack, the meddlesome Kolchak starts his unorthodox enquires, posing as police's crew and others wise tricks, this way he gathered valuable info to fit the confusing puzzle, he quickly realizes that a top secret robotic called R.I.N.G. developed by an government enterprise create this odd Android who escape from scientific facilities and thereby is making heavy damages on stores and attacking some unwary bystanders, somehow Kolchak reach on Dr. Leslie Dwyer (Corinne Michaels) who was involved with the project, a lesser extent of the previous Kolchak's episodes what were quite often linked on those cases mystically oriented!!
Resume:
First watch: 2020 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7
Resume:
First watch: 2020 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7
Robot killer
BandSAboutMovies22 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
"I don't know when exactly I was in this office last. In some ways it seems like I never left. But, no, that's not right. For at least a few days I was away, far away, in the hands of men with no faces and no names. They broke me down, broke my story down, telling me how it hadn't happened the way I claimed. At least that's what I think they did between injections. Memories fade fast enough without chemical help. But if I don't tell this story now, I don't think I ever will. Now... what was that date?"
That's the words of Kolchak that start this episode, one that's perhaps the closest to the show inspired by Kolchak: The Night Stalker, The X-Files.
Mr. R. I. N. G. (Craig R. Baxley) is a robot that we see kill one of his creators, leaving behind his widow (Julie Adams). The other person who made him, Dr. Leslie Dwyer (Corinne Camacho), has survived. She tells Carl that Mr. R. I. N. G. Wants to be human - indeed, he makes his own face out of mortician's wax - and yet he can't stop wiping out human life, throwing around stuntmen as only a monster of the week on Kolchak can.
R. I. N. G. Means Robomatic Internalized Nerve Ganglia and the automaton doesn't want to kill unless threatened. That said, it's threatened several times and even when it wants to just give up peacefully, that doesn't happen. Man is more warlike than the machine it has created to wage its battles. The problem is that Dr. Dwyer have Mr. R. I. N. G. Human characteristics and feelings, but studying the readings of St. Thomas Aquinas and Aristototle's "Ethics" and then finding out you're a weapon can mess up any robot.
Do you know who made Mr. R. I. N. G.? The Tyrell Institute. One imagines that somewhere, Philip K. Dick is laughing. Well, halfway, as his book Do Androids Dream of Electronic Sheep? Doesn't mention Tyrell, but the movie made from the book, Blade Runner, does.
This episode was directed by Gene Levitt, the creator of Fantasy Island and the director of The Phantom of Hollywood. It was written by L. Ford Neale and John Huff, who also wrote The Hunter's Moon together.
That's the words of Kolchak that start this episode, one that's perhaps the closest to the show inspired by Kolchak: The Night Stalker, The X-Files.
Mr. R. I. N. G. (Craig R. Baxley) is a robot that we see kill one of his creators, leaving behind his widow (Julie Adams). The other person who made him, Dr. Leslie Dwyer (Corinne Camacho), has survived. She tells Carl that Mr. R. I. N. G. Wants to be human - indeed, he makes his own face out of mortician's wax - and yet he can't stop wiping out human life, throwing around stuntmen as only a monster of the week on Kolchak can.
R. I. N. G. Means Robomatic Internalized Nerve Ganglia and the automaton doesn't want to kill unless threatened. That said, it's threatened several times and even when it wants to just give up peacefully, that doesn't happen. Man is more warlike than the machine it has created to wage its battles. The problem is that Dr. Dwyer have Mr. R. I. N. G. Human characteristics and feelings, but studying the readings of St. Thomas Aquinas and Aristototle's "Ethics" and then finding out you're a weapon can mess up any robot.
Do you know who made Mr. R. I. N. G.? The Tyrell Institute. One imagines that somewhere, Philip K. Dick is laughing. Well, halfway, as his book Do Androids Dream of Electronic Sheep? Doesn't mention Tyrell, but the movie made from the book, Blade Runner, does.
This episode was directed by Gene Levitt, the creator of Fantasy Island and the director of The Phantom of Hollywood. It was written by L. Ford Neale and John Huff, who also wrote The Hunter's Moon together.
Mr Ring is Michael Myers
kchiefs110 December 2023
When I watched this episode again, the movie "Halloween" instantly came to my mind. It's not a rogue killer in a mask on the loose but a rogue robot in a mask on the loose. This was a few years before "Halloween" so it might just be a coincidence. This robot doesn't creep around at night does it's dirty work in the middle of the day on a busy street. Not quite as scary.
It's not among my favorite Kolchak's. It's not your typical supernatural experience but more science fiction. If you prefer the vampire, werewolf and mythical monster Kolchak's, then you should pass. Darren McGavin is great as always and always worth a watch.
7/10.
It's not among my favorite Kolchak's. It's not your typical supernatural experience but more science fiction. If you prefer the vampire, werewolf and mythical monster Kolchak's, then you should pass. Darren McGavin is great as always and always worth a watch.
7/10.
Nice acting, so so story
zboston326 November 2007
Warning: Spoilers
A dark and downbeat opening starts off a rare foray by Kolchak into science fiction rather than the purely supernatural he so often deals with.
Assigned to write the obituary of a deceased Nobel prize winning scientist, he uncovers a secret military research project involving computers.
In between moments of tension and creepiness there are some very funny scenes with razor sharp dialog and off beat characters, like the new widow who's never quite sober.
Alas, the weekly menace, a killer robot, is a weak creation and the climactic showdown isn't very exciting, except for the final bit of paranoia that Kolchak rightly feels about politicians and soldiers.
Assigned to write the obituary of a deceased Nobel prize winning scientist, he uncovers a secret military research project involving computers.
In between moments of tension and creepiness there are some very funny scenes with razor sharp dialog and off beat characters, like the new widow who's never quite sober.
Alas, the weekly menace, a killer robot, is a weak creation and the climactic showdown isn't very exciting, except for the final bit of paranoia that Kolchak rightly feels about politicians and soldiers.
Stalking A Robot
a_l_i_e_n4 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Both Kolchak and government agents pursue a sophisticated robot gone rogue.
In "Mr. R.I.N.G.", a top secret robotic prototype kills one of it's creators and then wanders off causing all sorts of havoc. What defeats this episode from the very first scene is the poorly designed appearance of the robot. It's just a buff guy in a laughable red body stocking. R.I.N.G.'s head is also burdened with an over-sized faceplate sporting an unlikely array of circuitry and tiny blinking lights that's supposed to make him look all sophisticated and stuff. The effect however is neither impressive, nor does he seem particularly intimidating.
At one point, the runaway robot steals a case of cosmetologists's wax and fashions for himself something like a Michael Myer's mask. Unfortunately, the false face does little to make him seem any more intriguing, and though director Gene Levitt attempts to build some suspense whenever R.I.N.G. is on camera, his efforts prove mostly unsuccessful.
Kolchak eventually locates a scientist kidnapped by the robot. From her, he learns that government higher-ups had ordered R.I.N.G. be dismantled. This activated it's programmed survival instinct which lead to the murder of the doctor in charge of it's dis-mantling. But R.I.N.G. is such a breakthrough in robotics that it had also been given a conscience, which is now stricken with guilt over having taken a life. Clearly, the aim here (like in "Frankenstein") is for us to feel compassion for the confused "monster". Unfortunately, the robot doesn't get sufficient screen time for the audience to develop much of a rooting interest in it's fate. Indeed, when R.I.N.G. is shot at the end by a trigger happy soldier, the scene utterly lacks the emotional punch they were hoping to achieve.
One thing that does work moderately well is the feeling of paranoia and suspicion regarding the government's activities. During the episode, federal agents shadow Carl's movements, interfere with his investigation, threaten to shut down the news bureau, and even give the reporter narcotics to try and make him forget the events leading up to R.I.N.G.'s "demise". That those in positions of authority are often a shady lot with something to hide is a recurrent theme in the "Night Stalker" series, and was no doubt a reflection of the Watergate scandal that was still fresh in the public's consciousness during the time this series was shot.
The true highlight of "Mr. R.I.N.G." is the fun of watching Kolchak as he tries to get into places where he is not welcome. Also fun is his mocking attitude toward the agents who are following him. For example, spotting a fed parked across the street, Carl does a U-turn and pulls his car right up next to the undercover man.
Carl: "Hi there."
The agent keeps his eyes rigidly fixed to a magazine.
Carl: "Whatcha, readin'? Is it good?"
Still not a flinch from the agent.
Carl (putting his car into gear): "Better study hard. There's gonna be a test on it later."
Very funny stuff, and it's just a shame the attempts at generating some suspense in this episode were not nearly as successful.
Playing the wayward robot is Craig R. Baxley who would go on to direct Stephen King's "Rose Red" and "Storm Of The Century" for television. Baxley later donned another costume to play the titular character in the final "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" episode, "The Sentry".
In "Mr. R.I.N.G.", a top secret robotic prototype kills one of it's creators and then wanders off causing all sorts of havoc. What defeats this episode from the very first scene is the poorly designed appearance of the robot. It's just a buff guy in a laughable red body stocking. R.I.N.G.'s head is also burdened with an over-sized faceplate sporting an unlikely array of circuitry and tiny blinking lights that's supposed to make him look all sophisticated and stuff. The effect however is neither impressive, nor does he seem particularly intimidating.
At one point, the runaway robot steals a case of cosmetologists's wax and fashions for himself something like a Michael Myer's mask. Unfortunately, the false face does little to make him seem any more intriguing, and though director Gene Levitt attempts to build some suspense whenever R.I.N.G. is on camera, his efforts prove mostly unsuccessful.
Kolchak eventually locates a scientist kidnapped by the robot. From her, he learns that government higher-ups had ordered R.I.N.G. be dismantled. This activated it's programmed survival instinct which lead to the murder of the doctor in charge of it's dis-mantling. But R.I.N.G. is such a breakthrough in robotics that it had also been given a conscience, which is now stricken with guilt over having taken a life. Clearly, the aim here (like in "Frankenstein") is for us to feel compassion for the confused "monster". Unfortunately, the robot doesn't get sufficient screen time for the audience to develop much of a rooting interest in it's fate. Indeed, when R.I.N.G. is shot at the end by a trigger happy soldier, the scene utterly lacks the emotional punch they were hoping to achieve.
One thing that does work moderately well is the feeling of paranoia and suspicion regarding the government's activities. During the episode, federal agents shadow Carl's movements, interfere with his investigation, threaten to shut down the news bureau, and even give the reporter narcotics to try and make him forget the events leading up to R.I.N.G.'s "demise". That those in positions of authority are often a shady lot with something to hide is a recurrent theme in the "Night Stalker" series, and was no doubt a reflection of the Watergate scandal that was still fresh in the public's consciousness during the time this series was shot.
The true highlight of "Mr. R.I.N.G." is the fun of watching Kolchak as he tries to get into places where he is not welcome. Also fun is his mocking attitude toward the agents who are following him. For example, spotting a fed parked across the street, Carl does a U-turn and pulls his car right up next to the undercover man.
Carl: "Hi there."
The agent keeps his eyes rigidly fixed to a magazine.
Carl: "Whatcha, readin'? Is it good?"
Still not a flinch from the agent.
Carl (putting his car into gear): "Better study hard. There's gonna be a test on it later."
Very funny stuff, and it's just a shame the attempts at generating some suspense in this episode were not nearly as successful.
Playing the wayward robot is Craig R. Baxley who would go on to direct Stephen King's "Rose Red" and "Storm Of The Century" for television. Baxley later donned another costume to play the titular character in the final "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" episode, "The Sentry".
Not quite Data
bkoganbing16 September 2017
Kolchak is rather insulted that after episodes of aggravation Simon Oakland has put Darren McGavin on obituaries. To start with he's to write the obituary of a famous scientist who has just suddenly died.
But as usual Kolchak gets a story out of it. The death was rather suspicious and not allaying his suspicions is the widow, a perpetually inebriated Julie Adams who is fearing more than grieving.
Her late husband was involved in cybernetics and he and his team have invented a robot who if the robot isn't quite Data has developed enough of a sense of self that it is got also a sense of self preservation. The government maybe looking to terminate the late scientist's project, but the project ain't ready for termination.
Nice performance here from Julie Adams and you have to see how Kolchak defeats the robot.
But as usual Kolchak gets a story out of it. The death was rather suspicious and not allaying his suspicions is the widow, a perpetually inebriated Julie Adams who is fearing more than grieving.
Her late husband was involved in cybernetics and he and his team have invented a robot who if the robot isn't quite Data has developed enough of a sense of self that it is got also a sense of self preservation. The government maybe looking to terminate the late scientist's project, but the project ain't ready for termination.
Nice performance here from Julie Adams and you have to see how Kolchak defeats the robot.
Overlooked episode of pulp sci-fi series...
steveressel10 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I don't know anyone that likes this episode, but it always stuck with me since I saw it on the original TV run.
All criticisms tend to be rather blind; the same critique could be applied to any Kolchak and any sci-fi film ever made. In essence all science fiction is ridiculous when assumed to be reality, or a believable mock of reality. Well written sci-fi provides a story that entertains while giving commentary or reflection on issues and attitudes of the times in which it was written. R.I.N.G. did that all quite well.
The core of the story is about a bloated, expensive government creating an out of control black project monster. Sound familiar? It might have seemed like a cheap plot device, but it was clever embodiment of the hidden workings of the USA government. Kolchak was always a zeitgeist for the modern everyman caught below the salt at the table of information, so his dealings with all authority display how the common man was being shut out from any ability to deal with injustice around him.
On the other side of the story was a monster that unravels to the viewer. RING goes from an insane, random, brutal monster and becomes a logical antagonist with recognizable needs. The essence of the robot is a play on Oedipus; kills his father, desirous of his mother - a very adept archetype I never notice critics of the program recognize. With most monsters in the series there is a mere 'monster must kill - we must kill monster' motive, but RING broadens out quest for the monster by giving the monster deeper mysteries and characteristics outside of pure mayhem and murder.
The monster was well designed enough for the story. The mask hiding the face helped give the robot a creepy air, and they never missed a chance to show the quick, brutal power of the robot helping the monster be terrifying. OK, it's a guy in a costume... so is C3PO, so get over it.
And the producers/writers/directors of Kolchak were adept at swathing good story lines in a constant array of very live, fun side characters played by seriously adept character actors. This series was like a comic-book-pulp-sci-fi-novel-monster-movie every week, and it was great because TV can generally become staid in character and story.
I like RING, and I love Kolchak. The shows that worked least for me had a lack of visible monster, or lack of reason behind the monster. Kolchak's nobility always helped stories, like righting the dead in CHOPPER, or saving Madame Trevi, or taking the mantel of Rahkshasha hunter to save humanity, but in this story it was more about Carl's nobility to find the truth that helps the story rise above some of the weaker episodes.
All criticisms tend to be rather blind; the same critique could be applied to any Kolchak and any sci-fi film ever made. In essence all science fiction is ridiculous when assumed to be reality, or a believable mock of reality. Well written sci-fi provides a story that entertains while giving commentary or reflection on issues and attitudes of the times in which it was written. R.I.N.G. did that all quite well.
The core of the story is about a bloated, expensive government creating an out of control black project monster. Sound familiar? It might have seemed like a cheap plot device, but it was clever embodiment of the hidden workings of the USA government. Kolchak was always a zeitgeist for the modern everyman caught below the salt at the table of information, so his dealings with all authority display how the common man was being shut out from any ability to deal with injustice around him.
On the other side of the story was a monster that unravels to the viewer. RING goes from an insane, random, brutal monster and becomes a logical antagonist with recognizable needs. The essence of the robot is a play on Oedipus; kills his father, desirous of his mother - a very adept archetype I never notice critics of the program recognize. With most monsters in the series there is a mere 'monster must kill - we must kill monster' motive, but RING broadens out quest for the monster by giving the monster deeper mysteries and characteristics outside of pure mayhem and murder.
The monster was well designed enough for the story. The mask hiding the face helped give the robot a creepy air, and they never missed a chance to show the quick, brutal power of the robot helping the monster be terrifying. OK, it's a guy in a costume... so is C3PO, so get over it.
And the producers/writers/directors of Kolchak were adept at swathing good story lines in a constant array of very live, fun side characters played by seriously adept character actors. This series was like a comic-book-pulp-sci-fi-novel-monster-movie every week, and it was great because TV can generally become staid in character and story.
I like RING, and I love Kolchak. The shows that worked least for me had a lack of visible monster, or lack of reason behind the monster. Kolchak's nobility always helped stories, like righting the dead in CHOPPER, or saving Madame Trevi, or taking the mantel of Rahkshasha hunter to save humanity, but in this story it was more about Carl's nobility to find the truth that helps the story rise above some of the weaker episodes.
An early Michael Myers?
stones788 January 2019
While this isn't my favorite episode of this mostly legendary series, it appears that the villain could have been a precursor to the more famous killer named Michael Myers, although I wonder if John Carpenter would ever admit to it, but save that for another day. Without going into the plot too much, since you are probably aware of it by now, the "robot" had the mannerisms and even look of the aforementioned Myers, especially the plain white face for a scene or two, and the way it hides in the shadows. I was a wee lad in the 70's, and I bet if I saw this "robot" back then, it probably would've scared me; that being said, it almost seemed a bit comical compared to what I've been used to seeing in the horror genre since then, but that doesn't detract too much from a fairly solid story. Watch for familiar faces in Julie Adams and Corrine Camacho, who were both decent. Let me add that my biggest gripe was the final demise of our killer, as it seemed too quick for me, considering that there was ample opportunity by the police to act much sooner, although I won't spoil the ending. See if you feel the same as I do.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
