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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:26:07 GMT -5
SEASON TWO This is the first full season of the A-TEAM and had several wonderful episodes and added new elements. In this season, we say good-bye to Amy Allen and hello to Tania, we go to different places in the world, see the A-Team get poisoned, and we meet the most consistent nemesis of the A-Team: Colonel Decker. Enjoy.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:26:35 GMT -5
DIAMONDS 'N DUST First Aired: 9/20/1983 Prod Code: 215B The A-Team is hired by the daughter of a murdered diamond mine owner. Their assignment is to transport explosives to Zimbabwe, where they run into some violent mine owners. Writer: Patrick Hasburgh Director: Ron Satloff Guest Star: Kristen Meadows (Toby Griffith), Michael Halsey (Schelzter), Albert Salmi (Jonathan Fletcher), Sam Scarber (Landers), Brian Libby (Unknown), Garnett Smith (Unknown), Peter Elbling (Unknown) Commentary:A great episode to start off the second season. The A-Team gets a case halfway around the world which means that B.A. has to fly and that is always fun. Murdock is wonderful in his rendition of being an English officer who is working with the U.N. attache (played by Face) to secure dynamite for the mines. There is a great fight sequence at the mine to end the picture as well. Overall, four bullets for this one. The only thing that kept it from being five is Murdock. This is one of the worst Murdock episodes because he keeps saying that he wants to go home and that they will die. It is very defeatist and does not seem to fit in with the Murdock character. Notes:- References: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
- mentioned by Murdock and Face when determining how to secure the dynamite necessary.
- Second on-screen death implied. The first one was THE RABBIT THAT ATE LAS VEGAS when Christian flies out the window. In this episode, the opening scene has a man getting shot and run off the road and dying. We don't see the actual gunshot that kills him, but we DO see the man aim and pull the trigger...and in the next scene find out he is dead.
- When the men in the opening scene are shooting at the old man, watch how they fire. The first shot takes the tire, which is good shooting. The next one takes out the front window...almost like a warning shot. The third shot blows up the dynamite. Did he miss on the second shot or did he give the man a warning shot and then have him shot anyway?
- Most people might not understand where the episode is supposed to take place. Most places on the internet and the covers of the DVD say in Zimbabwe. The episode itself refers to South Africa several times. However, the address they get is for a place called Zulabwe, which is not a real country and never was in Africa. Face even introduces himself as the UN attache to Zulabwe...a country that doesn't exist.
- We learn a little about B.A.'s father in this episode.
Goof: Miscellaneous: The action is supposed to take place in south Africa. In this country, they drive on the left side of the road so the driving wheel is on the right hand side of the car. But all the cars you see in this episode have their wheel on the wrong side...
Special guest stars:- Michael Halsey only appeared once on the A-Team as Alan Scheckter. He had previously appeared in the GREATEST AMERICAN HERO episode THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA as Collins.
- Garnett Smith would have two unrelated appearances in the A-TEAM. In this episode he played Griffin, the representative of the airline. In his second appearance, he would play an unnamed character in BEVERLY HILLS ASSAULT. Fans of other SJC works would recognize him as Hanson in the GREATEST AMERICAN HERO episode CLASSICAL GAS.
- Jophery C. Brown would guest star twice in the A-TEAM...once in this episode as a bartender...and once in the episode RECIPE FOR HEAVY BREAD as Ted. They would be his only two acting roles but he was also a stuntman for the series in a number of episodes.
- Steve Vandeman would make his first of two appearances on the A-TEAM in this episode as Jaspers. He would be Teach in his second and final appearance in the episode BENEATH THE SURFACE.
- Kristen Meadows would make her first of two unrelated appearances in this episode. She played the A-TEAM client, Toby, and hired them to work the mine. She would play Park Ranger Jenny Sherman in the third season finale INCIDENT AT CRYSTAL LAKE.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:26:59 GMT -5
RECIPE FOR HEAVY BREAD First Aired: 9/27/1983 Prod Code: 216B Face runs into an old friend from the POW camp the A-Team used to be in. The friend was the cook there who helped them to flee and now needs their help, when he gets involved in a drug deal of former camp members, especially the former Vietnamese commander. Writer: Stephen J. Cannell Director: Bernard McEveety Guest Star: Makoto Iwamastu (Lin Duk Coo), Marjoe Gortner (Tom Anderson / Angel), John Fujioka (General Chow), Michael Alldredge (Unknown), Liam Sullivan (I) (Unknown), John Quade (Garber), Robin Strand (Doug), Len Wayland (Cal), Rebecca Stanley (Betty), Daphne Maxwell Reid (Unknown), Gene Dynarski (Unknown), Ross Elliott (Unknown), Gerald Berns (Unknown), Steven Whulkinger (Unknown), Shawn Weatherly (Woman), Bob Hilgenberg (Parking Attendant (as Robert Destri)) Commentary:To me, this episode has always been about middle of the road. I think it is great we get to see the Team connect with someone from Vietnam and try to help him out of a bind. Even the connection to the man trying to kill him was well played. In my mind, the second drug storyline about ANOTHER member from the A-Team's Vietnam past who did not get along with them well was a little forced and the man was not a good actor. It was a great attempt to show the Team in a good light, but it made the episode seemed too forced in the end to get more than three bullets. Even Murdock's belief that his golf ball could talk was forced in this episode, which is a shame since his delusions can be so much fun. Notes:- Continuity:While tailing the bad guys' car in the beginning (after Lin is captured), Hannibal removes his coat and tie. As the van makes a right turn, Hannibal is still wearing his coat and tie.
Goofs: In almost every scene where the A-Team van makes its way through the golf course, you can see multiple tire tracks in the grass. Every shot of the scene required multiple takes, evidently.
Special guest stars:- John Fujioka would seem to be typecast when starring in SJC productions. In this episode of the A-Team, he was General Chow. In an episode of the GREATEST AMERICAN HERO, he was also named General Vin Chow. The episode was THE HAND-PAINTED THAI.
- Mako would guest star as Lin Duk Coo, the A-Team's friend from Vietnam. However, he would be just as easily remembered as the Master of Flowers from the GREATEST AMERICAN HERO episode THIRTY SECONDS OVER LITTLE TOKYO.
- Liam Sullivan would make two appearances on the A-TEAM, both times playing the role of Dr. Peters even though it was not the same character. His second appearance was in the episode HOT STYLES.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:27:22 GMT -5
THE ONLY CHURCH IN TOWN First aired: 10/11/1983 Production Code: 217B Face convinces the A-Team to take his case when he receives his fraternity pin in a package from Ecuador from a woman who disappeared from his life fifteen years earlier. When they arrive in Ecuador they learn that the entire village was captured by gangsters. Writer: Babs Greyhosky Director: Christian I. Nyby II Guest Star: Elizabeth Hoffman (Mother Superior), Markie Post (Leslie Bektall), Ismael 'East' Carlo (Salvador), Beau Starr (), Deborah Shelton (Unknown), Don Knight (Unknown), Judd Omen (Unknown), Patrick Moore (Unknown), Caesar Cordova (Unknown), Larry Duran (Sanchez), Tony Brubaker (Bantu) Commentary:This is a GREAT second season episode. We get to know a lot of background material on Face and how he joined the A-Team and why he joined them. We get to see him actually have to HIRE the A-Team so they can go to Ecuador to save his former fiancee. Great guest star appearances, especially by Markie Post. Great ending action sequence as well. This has five bullets blown all through it. Notes:- References:"Star Trek" (1966)
- Murdock says 'Beam us up, Scotty'
- Patrick O'Moore would guest star as Father O'Malley in this episode of the A-TEAM. It would be the last role he ever undertook because he would die a couple of months later from complications during surgery.
Special guest stars:- This would be the first of three unrelated appearances for Beau Starr on the A-Team...however this episode would be the only one in which he did not have a character name. He would guest star in TIMBER! as Bull McEwan and in THE HEART OF ROCK N' ROLL as Starger.
- Elizabeth Hoffman would make her one and only appearance on the A-TEAM in this episode as Mother Superior. SJC fans might better recognize her from the GREATEST AMERICAN HERO episode DREAMS where she played Margaret Detwiller.
- This episode marks the first of two unrelated appearances by Markie Post. The second is "Hot Styles" in 1984 where she would play Face's love interest for a second time as a model named Rina Turian.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:27:49 GMT -5
BAD TIME ON THE BORDER First aired: 10/18/1983 Production Code: 218B BA finds a girl lost in L.A. so he decides to help her. Hannibal goes undercover as an illegal alien when the A-Team is asked to find a sick woman who was apparently left behind by alien smugglers. Writer: Richard Christian Matheson Director: Bruce Kessler Guest Star: Dennis Lipscomb (Prince), Joey Aresco (Presley), David Graf (Copper), Edie Marie Rubio (Maria), Jeffrey Johnson (Unknown), Scott Nemes (Robert), Carlos Lacamara (Unknown) Commentary:This episode was four bullets overall. BA finds a missing girl and we get to see his softer side instead of just his bad attitude. Hannibal goes undercover and taken hostage, which means it is up to the rest of the A-Team to break him out. Great guest star appearance by Jack Ging as well. Overall, a great episode, but it lacked some of the finesse that other episodes had and some of the scenes with Hannibal being "tortured" were a little forced to seem realistic. Notes:- Continuity:Edie Marie Rubio's character, Maria, is listed as "Marie" in the ending credits. This was also her first of only three acting credits ever.
- Aside from future regular Jack Ging, we also meet future regular Marla Heasley for the first time. She played Cherise in this episode
Special guest stars:- Dennis Lipscomb would appear only once on the A-Team and it was as a character named Prince in this episode. However, SJC fans would recognize him from two unrelated GREATEST AMERICAN HERO episodes. He first started out as Dave Tanner in THE GOOD SAMARITAN and would star the second time as Dr. Tom Gardener in HEAVEN IS IN YOUR GENES.
- David Graf of POLICE ACADEMY fame as Tackleberry would make his one and only guest appearance as Cooper in this episode.
- Scott Nemes would make his only guest appearance on this episode of the A-TEAM as Robert. However, if you want to see him hook up with Mr. T again, he was in the 1983 movie DC CAB. as the ambassador's son.
- Jeffrey Lynn Johnson would make his first of only two acting credits in this episode of the A-Team in an unnamed role.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:28:16 GMT -5
WHEN YOU COMIN' BACK, RANGE RIDER? (parts I and II) First aired: 10/25/1983 Production Code: 219B The army has tracked down the A-Team in L.A. and so the A-Team leaves L.A. with the help of David Running-Bear they go to the Midwest, where he has an task for them. As soon as the A-Team arrives in the Midwest they have to face a gang of horse rustlers. Writer: Frank Lupo Director: Christian I. Nyby II Guest star: Carl Franklin (Captain Crane), Lance LeGault (Colonel Roderick Decker), Tony Ciccone (Parking Attendant) , Richard YƱiguez (Daniel), Morgan Woodward (Bus Carter), Dana Kimmell (Lane Carter), Mills Watson (Stryker), Walter Brooke (Unknown), Philip Gordon (Unknown), Alicia Fleer (Unknown), Will Hunt (Wino), Anita Merritt (Gretel), Kevin McBride (M.P. #1), Bill Dyer (Engineer), Bobby Bass (Dexter), Jack Verbois (Flint), Norman Howell (M.P. #2), Lynn Sheerer (Unknown) Commentary:This two hour episode of the A-Team was jampacked and worth every second of viewing and worth every bullet hole it received. We get to see a new nemesis go up against the A-Team, who they knew from Vietnam and who did not like Hannibal: Colonel Decker. We get to see a great chase scene involving Face and Hannibal trying to get away from Decker. We get to see them travel again and take a chance to save some wild horses from being slaughtered. Murdock is great pretending to be the Range Rider. Great stunts and old west ideas such as stopping a train and horse riding and bows and arrows. This episode has it all, even a great song to end out the episode. Notes:- References:"Mister Ed" (1961)
- Theme tune sung by Murdock
- Features:"The Range Rider" (1951)
- Murdock watches this show on TV
- On the DVD, we get to see the long version of the interview with Colonel Decker. In most syndications, it seems to be shortened to just the highlights.
Goof: When the van goes over the dock into the water it turns into a Ford van, but it's supposed to be a GMC. We see this shot again in the third season episode HOT STYLES.
Special guest stars:- Mills Watson would make his first of three unrelated appearances in this episode. He played Stryker in this episode; he would play Hoyt Plummer in TROUBLE ON WHEELS; and he would play Lou Canter in WITHOUT RESERVATIONS.
- Morgan Woodward would guest star as the bad guy Bus Carter in this episode. He would return in the third season episode SHOWDOWN! as Captain Winnetka of the Wild West Show.
- Tony Ciccone (I) would make several guest apperances on the A-TEAM in minor roles. In this episode he played a parking attendant. He would play a waiter in THE BIG SQUEEZE, a security guard in BEVERLY HILLS ASSUALT, and an orderly in FIRING LINE.
- Bobby Bass would make his first of two unrelated appearances on this episode of the A-TEAM as Dexter. He would later return as a Thug in THE LITTLE TOWN WITH AN ACCENT. However, he worked on the A-TEAM in a number of episodes doing stunts.
- Jack Verbois would star a number of times on the A-TEAM in unrelated roles. In this episode, he played Flint. Just like Bobby Bass, he would guest star as a thug in THE LITTLE TOWN WITH AN ACCENT too. His last appearance was in THE CRYSTAL SKULL as McVee.
- Carl Franklin (I) would make his first of sixteen related appearances as Captain Crane, Colonel Decker's faithful aide, in this episode. Each episode Decker and Crane are in will be mentioned separately so as not to take up TONS of space on this post.
- Lance LeGault would make his first of nineteen guest appearances as Colonel Roderick Decker, the A-Team's army nemesis.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:28:44 GMT -5
THE TAXICAB WARS First aired: 11/1/1983 Production Code: 221B A small troubled cab company calls for the help of the A-Team. A bigger company tries to destroy this company with every possible method. Soon the A-Team has to face Michael Ironside and Brion James. Writer: Stephen J. Cannell Director: Gilbert M. Shilton Guest star: Edward Lynch (Strike), Greg Monaghan, Tom Reese (Unknown), Brion James (Ryder), Ivor Barry (Unknown), Ernie Hudson (Cal Freeman), Michael Ironside (Miler Crane), Michael Crabtree (Thomas Hart), Liz Sheridan (Tina Lavell) Commentary:This is a definite FIVE BULLET episode. We get to see the team take on a rival cab company by stealing their cabs and repainting them, fighting back on calls, and of course Murdock dressing up as Captain Cab. He has two personas AND a sock puppet in this one, one of his best A-Team performances EVER in my mind. This episode has just the right touch of humor and action, especially with Hannibal's interpretation of Clarence Wickersham III. Notes:- Face's car is a 1984 Corvette, the first time we see it.
- Continuity: When one of the Love cab company's cars crashes through the Lonestar company's building, the cab's windscreen is alternately smashed/intact.
- Goof:
When the Love cabs are painted in the car wash, their windshields are naturally covered up to prevent being painted. An interior camera, however, shows spray paint being applied to the windshield.
Special guest stars:- Michael Ironside makes his one and only appearance in this episode of the A-TEAM as Miller Crane. Most people probably recognize him as Jester from TOP GUN.
- Ernie Hudson of GHOSTBUSTERS fame would make his only appearance in this episode as Cal Freeman.
- Brion James would make his first of two unrelated A-TEAM appearances in this episode as Ryder. He would return in the episode LEASE WITH AN OPTION TO DIE as David Plout.
- Liz Sheridan (I), best known as Jerry Seinfeld's mom on SEINFELD, would make her first of two unrelated appearances in this episode. She would play Tina Lavelle, the passenger in one of Face's cabs. Her second apperance would be as Hildegard Harrison in the episode LEASE WITH AN OPTION TO DIE.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:29:17 GMT -5
LABOR PAINS First aired: 11/8/1983 Production Code: 222B The A-Team helps migrant workers to organize against a landowner that is forcing them to live and work under slave-labor conditions. Meanwhile the A-Team realises that Decker might be the bigger threat than Lynch. Writer: Thomas Szolski, Richard Christian Matheson Director: Arnold Laven Guest star: Carl Franklin (Captain Crane), Lance LeGault (Colonel Roderick Decker) , Alan Autry (Gary Crenshaw (as Carlos Brown)), John Vernon (Jarrett), Charles Napier (Cross), Penny Peyser (Laura), Ted Markland (Giddings), Belinda Babash (Unknown), David Glover (Unknown), Bob Larkin Commentary:This episode is good in that it shows just how much of a pain Colonel Decker will be to the A-TEAM. It also talks about the plight of migrant workers and allows the A-TEAM to come in and help them overcome the problem by starting a union. Some great guest stars in their roles and some great misdirection sequences by the A-TEAM make this a four bullet episode. And who could forget the first time we saw the van jump that missing bridge? Notes:- When the van jumps the missing bridge, it lands and loses all of its hubcaps, the front left headlight and the grill falls loose. When the van stops and Hannibal climbs out, none of these are in evidence.
- During that same scene we see an exterior shot of the van showing B.A. driving and wearing his red long sleeve shirt. Flash to the inside shot and we see he is wearing a green vest with no shirt.
- The town they drive into looks a lot like some of the opening scene of BLACK DAY AT BAD ROCK.
- When they are shooting cabbages at the bad guys, two are flying out at a time, yet only one ever seems to hit a bad guy.
- The billboard the A-Team crashed through at the beginning has been repainted by the end. However, the painter jumped down to avoid being hit by the van BEFORE he could see that they would go through it. His whole view was blocked BY the billboard.
Special guest stars:- Charles Napier would make his first of two unrelated appearances in this episode as Ray Cross. His second stint on the A-TEAM came in the episode FIRE as Colonel Briggs, the man charged with capturing the A-Team.
- Alan Autry would make his first of two unrelated appearances in this episode as Gary. His second appearance would come in the fifth season episode QUARTERBACK SNEAK as Mike 'The Hammer' Horn.
- David Clover would make his only appearance in this episode of the A-Team in an unnamed role. He had previously guest-starred twice in the GREATEST AMERICAN HERO, where he might be easier to spot. He first starred in MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COWBOYS as a police officer and his second role was as a guard in the episode NOW YOU SEE IT.
- Last, but not least, we have John Vernon (I) who plays Ted Jarrett in this episode. SJC fans will recognize him from the GREATEST AMERICAN HERO episode DESPERADO where he played Justin King.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:29:39 GMT -5
THERE'S ALWAYS A CATCH First aired: 11/15/1983 Production Code: 223B The A-Team must once again duck Decker. They do so in a small hospital, where they meet Shana, who tells them her story. So they try to stop an extortionist terrorising a small fishing village. Writer: Richard Christian Matheson, Thomas Szolski Director: Ron Satloff Guest star: Lance LeGault (Colonel Roderick Decker) , Tracy Scoggins (Shana), John Quade (Garber), Robin Strand (Doug), Len Wayland (Cal), Carl Franklin (Captain Crane) Commentary:Overall, I had to give this one four bullets, but it does not get it by much. I like that Decker again has the A-Team cornered and they have to hide out. While doing so, they stumble across someone who needs their help and they do something about it while waiting for the heat to clear. They do good work until the bad guy teams up with Decker to take the A-Team down. Then, it is up to Amy and Murdock to spring the team so they can take down Garber, the bad guy, before Decker takes the A-Team to jail. It got the four bullets because we get some idea of the lengths that Decker will go to in order to capture the A-Team. Notes:- This is the final appearance of Tracy Scoggins as a guest star. It also must have been very cold in her skimpy clothing because there were several times where you could tell she was not wearing a bra.
- The footage of Decker invading Lobster Bay hospital will be recycled and used again in the episode BREAKOUT!
- We learn that B.A. and Hannibal have diving experience from Vietnam where they mined VietCong bridges.
- When the final scene starts, a far-off view shows Hannibal in a plaid shirt. Yet, when we zoom in, he is wearing a dark solid blue.
Continuity: B.A. starts out the episode limping...and it varies from almost nonexistent to him being crippled throughout the episode with no explanation as to what is causing the drastic shifts.
Special guest stars:- John Quade would guest star as Garber in this episode. He would return in the episode SKINS as McKaydoo.
- Daphne Reid (starring as Daphne Maxwell) would make her first of two unrelated appearances in this episode as Nurse Lewis. She would return to star opposite John Quade in SKINS as Game Warden Kamora Kaboko.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:30:08 GMT -5
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE First aired: 11/22/1983 Production Code: 224B A land developer is trying to run three disabled Vietnam vets off the desert property they're renovating. For the A-Team this is a question of honor to help fellow Vietnam vets. Writer: Jo Swerling, Stanley Ellis Director: Stanley Ellis Guest star: William Frankfather (Man at water pumping station), Robin Riker (Amanda Houston), Jim Knaub (Jaimie), Michael Rider (Harry), John L. Feather (Bump), R. David Smith (Les), Alan Fudge (Frank Gaines), Roy Jenson (Unknown) Commentary:To me, this episode has always been just a three bullet episode. It has some great action sequences and face offs with the bad guys, but the whole premise seemed forced. Yes, it was great to see the Team helping out Vietnam veterans, especially since each had a handicap like a wheelchair, etc. However, it seemed unrealistic in some sense to have the bad guys beat up the vets, and then leave the hotel and water rights alone while they were recovering. The whole plot seemed too forced and tidy to fit in with the A-Team scheme of stories in my mind. Notes:- Continuity: At the very end, when everyone is sitting together celebrating the victory of the A-Team, people are drinking red wine while B.A. is having milk. The level of milk in the glass changes inconsistently between shots.
- This is the last time we see William Frankfather as a guest star.
Special guest stars:- Jon L. Feather would guest star as Dave in this episode: It is his one and only acting credit.
- Robin Riker would make her one and only guest apperance on the A-Team as Amanda Huston in this episode. She is probably most notably remembered by SJC fans for the work she did in SJC's GREATEST AMERICAN HERO episode OPERATION: SPOILSPORT as Nancy Ratner.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:30:33 GMT -5
STEEL First aired: 11/29/1983 Production Code: 225B Mickey Stern and his construction company have a series of misadventures when he contracts with the city to demolish an old high rise. It seems that a prominent mobster buried his partner there years earlier and doesn't want the building torn down since the evidence will be exposed. Stern hires the A-Team to help him get the project back on schedule. Things take an interesting turn, however, when Face is captured by the mobster and the team must rescue him before taking down the bad guys for good. Writer: Frank Lupo Director: Gilbert M. Shilton Guest star: Duke Stroud (Scott), Carol Baxter (Nurse Beth Billings), Norman Alden (Mickey), Mary-Margaret Humes (Randy), Ray Giradin (Denham), Michael Baseleon (Tommy Tillis), Luke Andrews (Unknown), William Boyett (Unknown), Michael Alldredge (Unknown), Tim Rossovich (Boyle) Commentary:I have changed my mind about this episode. It used to be just a three bullet but I have re-evaluated and I love it more every time I watch it. It has some great scenes, including the breakout scene. It is so far-fetched, but it works so well and they play it up the entire episode which is very nice. About the worst thing here is the lack of Amy Allen with no real reason as to why she is missing. Notes:- References:Frankenstein (1931)
- Hannibal talks to Frankensteins' monster at Universal Studios Jaws (1975) - The team meets their client at Universa's Jaws ride "Battlestar Galactica" (1978) - A Cylon walks past Face at Universal Studio's
- This episode sees the title sequence featuring the Cylon from Battlestar Galatica (as well being in this episode) for the first time. An in-joke to Dirk Benedict's association with that series, he was the original Starbuck.
- This is the first episode so far that does not have Amy Allen in it at all.
Special guest stars:- Ray Girardin makes his only guest appearance on the A-Team in this episode as Carl Denham. SJC fans would recognize him as Colonel Nelson in the GREATEST AMERICAN HERO episode THE SHOCK WILL KILL YOU.
- Michael Baseleon would make two of unrelated appearances in this episode of the A-Team as Tommy Tillis or known as Crazy Tommy T. He would return in DOUBLE HEAT as mobster Tommy Largo. GREATEST AMERICAN HERO fans will remember him fondly from the episode DREAMS as Johnny Sanova.
- Nina Shaw (III) would debut in her one and only acting credit in this episode as a tourist in the amusement park.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:30:57 GMT -5
THE WHITE BALLOT First aired: 12/6/1983 Production Code: 226B Face replaces a candidate who was killed while running for sheriff against a corrupt incumbent, and ends up getting the military after the whole A-Team when his photo is published in the newspaper. With this success, Decker gets back on trail of the A-Team. Writer: Jeff Ray Director: Dennis Donnelly Guest star: Carl Franklin (Captain Crane), Lance LeGault (Colonel Roderick Decker) , Larry Marko (Ernie), Larry Marko-Ernie (Unknown), Clifton James (Sheriff Dawson), Andrew Robinson (Rance), Joshua Bryant (Baker), Martin Azarow (Unknown), James Lough (Unknown) Commentary:I have to give this episode five bullets. It has a lot of politics in it and it is fun to see Face in the public eye and use his con ways to try and enforce law and order with the help of the team. We get Decker involved trying to catch them and you have a great final episode for Amy Allen. Great quote from Hannibal to Amy about what she can put in her latest paper about the A-Team too...very well done overall. Notes:- This will be actress Melinda Culea's last appearance as Amy Allen.
- This is the last guest star appearance for both Andrew Robinson and Clifton James.
- Amy's reporter friend, Baker, was not punched in the eye in the opening scene. Yet, when he is talking with Face at the diner, he has one.
- When Face and Amy step off the little plane in town, there is a window directly behind Face that is supposed to be showing the country behind it. However, it is a fake because nothing moves, clouds or trees, which is impossible considering how the wind was blowing everything else on set.
- For SJC fans who enjoyed the GREATEST AMERICAN HERO, this episode has a throwback to that. In this episode we see that Colonel Decker is housed in the same Federal Building that Bill Maxwell used to be housed in.
- When B.A. is fighting the guys after they have been oiled at the end, he gets some on his shirt when picking them up and throwing them. Then, in the next scene moments later, his shirt is completely clean.
Special guest star:- James Lough would make his first of two guest appearance on the A-Team...and in both roles he played unnamed characters. His second appearance is in THE SHERIFFS OF RIVERTOWN.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:31:20 GMT -5
THE MALTESE COW First aired: 12/13/1983 Production Code: 227B Old friends who own a restaurant sponsored by the A-Team face an extortion threat from a Chinese tong. Hannibal takes care of this problem personally. Writer: Thomas Szolski & Richard Christian Matheson Director: Dennis Donnelly Guest star: James Hong (Wan Chu), Paul Mantee (Chris Tomas), Peter Kwong (Tommy Chen), Keye Luke (Sam Yeng), John Milford (Unknown), Richard Kellman (Unknown), Professor Toru Tanaka (Ling (Bodyguard)), Lydia Lei (Sun Yeng) Commentary:I would probably just give this one three bullets overall. It has some great moments, especially with Murdock in an alter ego wearing his fedora and pretending to be similar to Sam Spade in THE MALTESE FALCON. Plus, there are some fun lines with the bad guys and the police when the A-Team are arrested. However, most of the episode revolves around guest stars, most of whom are not good actors and that takes away something from the realism in the episode and can make it painful to watch. It is a good episode, but only about three bullets worth. Notes:- Murdock can speak and read Chinese.
- This episode's title alludes to the 1930 detective novel The Maltese Falcon. The story introduces Sam Spade as a classic hard-nosed detective, whom Murdock loosely emulates in "The Maltese Cow."
Goof: Moments after Hannibal destroys it with machine gun fire, the chandelier above the Lun Chin bad guys is shown fully intact.
Special guest stars:- Well-known actor James Hong would make his first of two unrelated guest star appearances as Wan Chu in this episode of the A-Team. He would return in the fourth season episode MIND GAMES as Chow.
- Before Peter Kwong (I) made his guest star appearance on the A-Team as Tommy Chen, he helped to round out the final episode of the GREATEST AMERICAN HERO. He played Tanaka in THIRTY SECONDS OVER LITTLE TOKYO.
- Professor Toru Tanaka would make his first of two stellar guest star appearances in this episode of the A-Team as Ling, the bodyguard. His second appearance would be as Frobe in the fifth season episode THE SPY WHO MUGGED ME.
- Al Leong, a well-known and easily recognized Asian-American stuntman, would guest star as a thug on the boat. His second guest appearance would be as an Asian-looking thug in the episode LEASE WITH AN OPTION TO DIE. It is interesting to note that both A-Team appearances were uncredited.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:31:51 GMT -5
IN PLANE SIGHT First aired: 1/3/1984 Production Code: 228B The A-Team employs a new method to prepare B.A. for a flight to South America after several attempts. They fly to Venezuela where drug smugglers are holding an innocent pilot prisoner. Writer: Babs Greyhosky Director: Tony Mordente Guest star: Judy Strangis (Judy), Anthony Charnota (Corliss), Rod Colbin (Jes Hicks), Lance Henriksen (Dalton), Carmen Argenziano (Colonel Sanchez), Bruce French (Jackson), Grainger Hines (Unknown), Crofton Hardester (Unknown), Chad Block (Cop) Commentary:This episode has always been three bullets for me too. I like the whole hypnosis bit with B.A., especially when he falls asleep during a firefight. I also like how Murdock is acting sane and that is making B.A. even more upset than normal. Overall though, the story is not that novel nor interesting and the action is pretty bland too. Notes:- Amy is mentioned several times in this episode, but is never seen.
- When Murdock is pretending to be sick, he has red blotches from rolling around in the sharp weeds. However, his blotches and scratches keep changing locations throughout the following scenes.
- When the jeep with Carmen Argenziano is wrecked, you can see the dummies being held in place by restraints so as not to fly out. Right before the accident, you see three men in the jeep, but as it is flipping, you only see two of the dummies.
Special guest stars:- Anthony Charnota would only make one guest star appearance on the A-Team in this episode as drug dealer Wilson Corless. However, he is instantly recognizeable to SJC fans who watched the GREATEST AMERICAN HERO: His first guest star appearance was as Mike in THE HIT CAR; his second appearance was as Mike (different character) in CAPTAIN BELLYBUSTER AND THE SPEED FACTORY; and his final appearance was as Chris Bunch in IT'S ONLY ROCK AND ROLL.
- Rod Colbin makes his one and only guest star appearance in the A-Team in this episode as Jes Hicks. He would be better known to GREATEST AMERICAN HERO fans as Theodore Svenson from THE BEST DESK SCENARIO and as General Enright from THE SHOCK WILL KILL YOU.
- Before his long stint on STARGATE SG-1 as Jacob Carter, Carmen Argenziano guest starred on the A-Team as Venezeulan Army Colonel Sanchez. Prior to this, he would guest star twice on the GREATEST AMERICAN HERO: Once as Nick Castle in THE 200 MPH FASTBALL and the second time as Murph in THE GOOD SAMARITAN.
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Post by HoudiniDerek on Jan 27, 2008 23:32:23 GMT -5
THE BATTLE OF BEL-AIR First aired: 1/10/1984 Production Code: 229B The A-Team must rescue Tawnia Baker, an employee of a security firm, after she warns them about an ambush. After the mission she gets invited to join the team. Writer: Frank Lupo Director: Gilbert M. Shilton Guest star: Marla Heasley (Tawnia Baker) , Michael Fairman (Raymond), Kurtwood Smith (Carson), Randolph Roberts (Ron), Edward Ansara (Sheik Fatasi), Ron Meszaros (Unknown) Commentary:This episode was just three bullets worth to me. One of the main things that made it work well was the element of Decker being involved and none of the Team believing Face. The worst apart about this episode was Tawnia Baker, the new addition to the team. She is just too forced, she knows all about the team from Amy, and she tries too hard to be involved. It makes it hard to watch her most of the time. Notes:- This is Tawnia Baker's first appearance.
- We learn that Amy was sent overseas on an assignment.
- Marla Heasley has been credited as "Tawnia Baker" but a computer screen shows her name as "Tanya Baker".
Special guest stars:- Best known probably for his role as "Red" Forman in THAT '70S SHOW, Kurtwood Smith also guest starred on the A-Team in this episode as Mr. Carson, his one and only guest star appearance.
- Charles Walker (I) played a guard in this episode of the A-Team, the only time he guest starred. SJC fans might be able to recognize him from two episodes he appeared in for the GREATEST AMERICAN HERO: First in MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COWBOYS as Man; and Second in LIVE AT ELEVEN as Shelton.
- This episode marked the last documented time that Edward Ansara (I) was credited for acting. He played Sheik Fatasi.
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