Television Turmoil: Manimal’s bad title and worse special effects made it a tough sell

Television Turmoil is a look at the worst and weirdest series to make their way onto the small screen.

While it’s often overlooked, the title of a work does a lot of the heavy lifting with our first impressions. A bad or misunderstood name can immediately give a potential audience the wrong idea (just ask Cougar Town about this). There might be no better example of the effects a bad title can have than Manimal. This clumsy shorthand for the lead character’s shape-shifting abilities conjures up images more akin to a Rob Schneider feature than the adventure drama it attempts to be.

Created by prolific producer, Glen A. Larson, the mind behind Battlestar Galatica, Magnum P.I. and, most importantly for this topic, Knight Rider. Manimal follows Dr. Jonathan Chase (Simon MacCorkindale), a man with the ability to shape-shift into any animal he chooses. He apparently has an affinity for panthers and hawks, as those are the two animals he transforms into every episode. As you might expect, he uses these incredible powers to fight crime, but he doesn’t do it alone. Aided by such engaging characters as “female cop who he occasionally flirts with” (Melody Anderson) and “black man who is there to make quips” (Michael D. Roberts), Chase solves a myriad of crimes that range from drug trafficking to stolen horses.

The show of the era that seems to best define what Manimal was attempting is Knight Rider. A program that also has a fantastical premise, but largely succeeded thanks to Hasselhoff and a cool talking car. Manimal has neither of those, instead relying on cheap special effects to keep viewers interested. The show’s largely uninterested in exploring the nature of Chase’s powers. Instead, it uses them mainly as a fun twist on the run-of-the-mill stories that make up the program.

Seemingly 90% of an episode could get recycled and used on similar 80s adventure programs. Sure, you’re not gonna see anyone on The A-Team transform into a horse and then get rode by an attractive woman while in pursuit of criminals, but you could easily see them involved with a similar case. It doesn’t help that anytime Chase transforms, usually twice an episode for perfect act structure synergy, we have to get an agonizingly long transformation sequence. Perhaps if the goal was to show how painful and labored this process is, it’d make a bit more sense.

As you might expect from an early 80s program, the special effects work leaves a lot to be desired, even by the standards of the time. While the attempts made are noble, the brief glimpses we get of mid-transformation are either terrifying to look at or downright hilarious. Such as a scene where Chase looks at his hand after it has transformed into a furry panther paw. It doesn’t help that MacCorkindale has to be in a three-piece suit for every panther transformation to get a shot of it ripping off his back. Don’t worry, the suit is back on and in pristine condition when he transforms into a human again. The Hulk could learn a thing or two from this guy.

Oddly, the 90-minute pilot episode finds zero time to explain exactly how Chase got these powers. Future episodes in this short-lived series aren’t any more forthcoming with details. The most we recieve is a bizarre opening narration by William Conrad that seems to suggest he inherited them from his father who might have ties to African missionaries. In fact, most of the show is uninterested in exploring our lead character’s life at all. He’s wealthy in a way that most doctors are not and seems to work with the police based solely off his career in medicine. Thinking about it more, I’m not even sure what type of doctor he is. The titular Manimal simply exists, and that should be enough to satisfy the viewer.

Even without these flaws, the show seemed destined to fail from the start. Manimal was part of a notoriously awful NBC lineup in 1983 and relegated to Fridays directly against the #1 show in the country, Dallas. There would have been little hope for the program, even if it was quality. Manimal ended up being one of eight new programs to be canned by NBC throughout the season.

Which is perhaps the strangest part of this undeniably weird show. Take away the over-reliance on cheap special effects, and you have a show that isn’t radically different from much of what was on at the time. In another time slot with a change in focus, this show could have potentially found a niche for itself. Sure, it would still have to contend with that truly awful title, but stranger things have happened.

As it currently exists though, Manimal deserves its place in television history as an example of the doldrums this era of NBC faced. Are there worse shows? Absolutely, but few have the right combination of cheap production, lackluster acting and a concept worthy of scorn. It is the rare show that fails at even producing light entertainment. Sometimes a name tells you exactly what you need to know.

Next Time: We head to the new millennium for another poorly titled program, the “edgy comedy” Shasta McNasty.

A Man on the Inside settles into a comfortable rhythm in its 2nd season

Photo: Netflix

The first season of Michael Schur’s A Man on the Inside came out at exactly the right time. Debuting at the tail end of November 2024, the show provided a needed distraction from the world. A warm, funny show with a lot of heart and just enough mystery to keep you engaged. A year later, the series returns for a second season — a quick turnaround for modern television. What was once common has now become remarkable.

Ted Danson is back as retired professor and amateur detective Charles Nieuwendyk. Charles has grown tired of working the “boring” jobs and asks his boss, Julie (Lilah Richcreek Estrada) for something exciting. Opportunity knocks almost immediately when the president of Wheeler College (Max Greenfield) reports his laptop stolen. The blackmail and potential leaking of confidential information could scuttle a deal with billionaire Brad Vinick (Gary Cole). To find the culprit, Charles must go undercover and onto campus.

As with its first season, the mystery and investigation are not the most important thing on A Man on the Inside’s mind. Instead, the show focuses much of its energy on the characters and their growing relationships. The emotions don’t hit as hard, but there’s still plenty of room for character growth, especially with the additions of Mary Steenburgen as Charles’ new love interest, Mona and Constance Marie as Julie’s estranged mother, Vanessa. These elements all come to a head in a standout Thanksgiving episode that brings everyone to Charles’ for a dinner that is anything but calm. It’s a pleasant reminder of how perfectly assembled this cast is.

Along with the recent additions, we have Stephanie Beatriz returning as Didi and an expanded role for Charles’ daughter Emily (Mary Elizabeth Ellis). We also get to see more of season 1 standout Calbert (Stephen McKinley Henderson). It’s a fantastic cast led by the always-charming Danson. Over 30 years removed from playing Sam Malone, Danson remains affable and self-effacing, quickly building a rapport with everyone he encounters. While there’s less emotional weight behind this season, he still finds the right moments to lend a dramatic note.

With only 8 episodes in the season, the show struggles to provide time for all of its characters’ stories and the central mystery. The pieces eventually come together for a satisfying conclusion, but the ride there is bumpy. The series occasionally feels at odds with its original premise and the cozy sitcom it’s morphing into. Still, at least we didn’t have to wait 2+ years for a new season.

There’s a lot to love about A Man on the Inside. This is a case where the joy of spending time with these goofballs outweighs the criticism. It’s a comfort watch of the highest order. The type of show that briefly restores your hope in humanity. That can be a tough thing for everyone to vibe with in the same way. If you like your comedy with a healthy dose of heart, you’ll find enough here to keep going. God and Netflix willing, Schur and his team will continue to explore these characters one half-baked mystery at a time.

A Man on the Inside is currently streaming on Netflix.

Final Verdict: Tune In

The Lowdown is a noir comedy focused on the community

Photo: FX

“You think people are one thing and then they turn out to be another.” This line, spoken during an encounter between two characters who thought they hated each other, is at the crux of FX’s series The Lowdown. It’s far from the only message the show has, but it’s one that comes up frequently. There’s no better show this year that perfectly captures the gap between how someone is perceived and who they actually are.

Created by Sterlin Harjo, the co-creator of the fantastic Reservation Dogs, The Lowdown is a neo-noir set in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Our story follows Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke) a “truth-storian” who has more in common with Jeffrey Lebowski than Phillip Marlowe. Lee joins in our mystery after hearing about the apparent suicide of Dale Washberg (Tim Blake Nelson). Dale’s death comes at a bad time as his brother Donald (Kyle MacLachlan) is running for governor. There’s also the messy business of Lee’s recent expose on the Washbergs. As expected, things only get more complicated from there.

The Lowdown pulls from a host of influences, including westerns, mysteries, and crime fiction. There’s even a host of directing flourishes that reference the works of the Coens, David Lynch, and Hawke collaborator Richard Linklater. The mish-mash of styles works in the show’s favor, creating a tone that feels unique while paying homage to various inspirations. The visual style is as rich as the characters that populate this tale.

What helps The Lowdown stand out among the pack is the care it takes with all the eccentrics Lee meets on his journey. From allies like antiques proprietor Ray (Michael Hitchcock) to insidious real estate developer Frank Martin (Tracey Letts), the show finds something for everyone. Even bit characters like the store owners that share the block with Lee’s bookstore/apartment feel real. The attention spent on everyone we meet pays off long-term too. By the season’s end, we see why Lee fights so hard for this community.

Photo: FX

It helps to have incredibly talented actors for these roles. Keith David plays actual detective Marty, a man whose history with the Washbergs initially puts him at odds with Lee. Their eventual team-up proves crucial in solving the mystery. David’s ability to convey exasperation, especially as the case comes together, is always welcome. Jeanne Tripplehorn is Dale’s widow, Betty Jo, a former rodeo star accustomed to her life of privilege. Tripplehorn’s work here is nothing short of incredible, imbuing a potentially unlikeable character with an instantly relatable level of weariness. The most surprising star turn comes from Ryan Keira Armstrong as Lee’s daughter Francis. As a rule, I keep expectations low with child actors. Armstrong is an exception. Francis is smart, caring, but ultimately still allowed to act and think like a child. That she can go toe-to-toe with Hawke in their scenes together is a testament to her ability.

One of the keys to The Lowdown’s success is the chemistry Hawke seems to have with everyone in the cast. Lee Raybon is the type of unkempt detective truth-storian that we’ve seen in previous works, but Hawke instantly locks into what makes him so uniquely charming. We see it many times throughout the show’s run, how Lee disarms those he encounters and appeals to their better selves. His actual detective skills are subpar, but his people skills are next level.

At its heart, The Lowdown is a show about community. Through Lee’s journey, we see all the different sides of Tulsa and how the people there take care of each other. That sense of collective power is key to unlocking the mystery of Dale Washberg’s death. It’s also what fuels Lee. He cares deeply about the truth of the city he calls home, even if it’s ugly.

There’s plenty of ugliness in the world, and the series doesn’t shy away from it. The show doesn’t linger on it either. It’s just part of the experience of life. That’s the beauty of The Lowdown. It encompasses all the elements that life throws our way while telling an engaging story. If there’s any justice left, we’ll get to see more of these characters. Lord knows there’s plenty of truth left to uncover.

The Lowdown is currently streaming on Hulu.

Final Verdict: Tune In

Death by Lightning assembles a great cast to revisit forgotten history

Photo: Netflix

If you look at any list of least remembered presidents, you’ll likely find James Garfield near the top. He held the office for only 200 days, not long enough to accomplish anything but not so short as to be a record. Destined to be forgotten the moment an assassin shot him in the back. As a history buff, I’m familiar with Garfield, but not so knowledgeable that the Netflix miniseries Death by Lightning couldn’t teach me a thing or two.

The series begins in the lead-up to the 1880 presidential election, with the Republican party in disarray. James Garfield (Michael Shannon) sees his stock rise as a compromise candidate between the various factions of the party. Meanwhile, conman and political wannabe Charles Guiteau (Matthew Macfadyen) leaves prison and searches for a new opportunity. Death by Lightning traces the arcs of these two men leading up to their fateful and ultimately fatal encounter.

The show examines a particularly fraught time in US politics, full of corruption and unchecked greed. It isn’t hard for the writers to draw parallels between that era and ours. The program is at its best when exploring the game of politics, specifically the Republic National Convention that leads to Garfield’s unexpected nomination. So interesting is the inter-party feud between Garfield and New York Stalwart Roscoe Conkling (Shea Whigham) that we never even see his opponent in the Democratic party. There are some people who still end up forgotten.

With just 4 episodes, Death by Lightning tries to cover a lot of ground. This leads to the series feeling overstuffed with people and events. Frederick Douglass appears in a single scene. Alexander Graham Bell arrives to announce his invention of the metal detector. These historical cameos are fun, but feel like the Marvel version of US history. A distraction from our story’s focus and from the terrific performances on display.

Death by Lightning boasts a cast of talented actors that brings these overlooked figures to life. Besides those already mentioned, we also have Bradley Whitford, Nick Offerman, and Betty Gilpin. In particular, Gilpin as Garfield’s wife Lucretia gets her big moment at the end, as she damns Guiteau to the dustbin of history. It’s our two leads who shoulder much of the heavy lifting, though. Shannon imbues Garfield with a meekness unbecoming of most politicians while also letting his virtues shine through. There’s a sense that, given time, he would have acquitted himself well in the role of president. Macfadyen is all sweat and smarm as Guiteau. What makes the role so mesmerizing is how his desperation slowly morphs into resentment with each rejection. He is a man deluded into believing his life must have a higher purpose even as it continues to elude him.

There are a lot of ideas floating around Death by Lightning. The most important ones speak to our current political climate. A reminder that history rhymes, even in the untold stories. It’s doubtful that the series will elevate Garfield to anything more than a historical footnote. What it captures instead is the feeling of promise and its all too quick demise. Maybe there’s a lesson to be learned there, if that feeling ever returns.

Death by Lightning is currently streaming on Netflix

Heated Rivalry melts the ice with its frisky queer romance

Photo: HBO Max

It’s been a rough year in general, but especially for queer media on TV. While there’s still shows being produced, the tremendous shift rightward leaves dim hope for their continued production. It’s the perfect time for a show like Heated Rivalry, one that is unafraid to get hot and heavy. A series with an interesting journey to American screens.

Based on the romance novels by Rachel Reid, Heated Rivalry is a production for Canadian streaming service Crave. Fan enthusiasm for the adaptation ultimately caused HBO Max to buy the U.S. rights. A sports love story, the series follows Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) two superstar hockey players. They meet as rookies, and the show follows their blossoming relationship as the duo navigate their professional and personal lives.

Heated Rivalry is far more interested in the personal. If you’re coming to the show hoping for some fast-paced hockey action, you’ll leave disappointed. Instead, the focus is on the fiery romance between our two leads. Williams and Storrie have incredible chemistry, and it shines through in their many scenes together. Ilya is the flashier role, and Storrie imbues the Russian native with a charm that’s hard to resist. In comparison, Hollander is a less dynamic character, but you can see Williams holding back the emotions. There’s more that he wants to say, but knows that he can’t.

The couple have put up a lot of walls, but they all come tumbling down in the bedroom. The show spends plenty of time on the sex scenes, and doesn’t hold back. It’s still rare that we see a series that depicts gay sex this openly and honestly. It’s also where we see our duo at their most vulnerable and connected. While the directing goes to great lengths to keep the scenes from getting too mature, there’s a sense of genuine passion that helps sell this relationship. Which is good because there isn’t much left to the program outside of it.

Heated Rivalry ultimately tells a pretty simple love story but overcomes it thanks to the strength of its central relationship. There’s a chemistry that is impossible to deny, like the best of romances. That it offers an oasis of sex-positive storytelling in our current desert is simply a plus. It’s a joy, then, that this series landed on American screens. If we can’t produce this type of work, the least we can do is import it.

Heated Rivalry is currently streaming on HBO Max. New episodes air on Fridays.

Final Verdict: Tune In