Superhero Films – Manimal (1983)
A review of the 1983 superhero television show Manimal starring Simon MacCorkindale and Melody Anderson, considered to be one of the worst shows ever made
The 1980’s were filled with high concept television shows that dazzled audiences. Some would catch on, become some of the most popular and beloved shows of the decade and eventually be made into lousy movies decades later. 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) 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. And is a feature film based on this long maligned show really a good idea?
I take a look at the mysterious world of…..Manimal!
Superhero Films – Chap. 24: Manimal from HaphazardStuff on Vimeo.
I'm surprise when you mention CGI you didn't go to that Mantis TV show that had Manimal with those CGI effects. I guess when you get to the 90's you be surprise to see him show up their. Nice points abou the 80's.