MacGyver – The Complete First Season

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Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Richard Dean Anderson as Angus MacGyver

Dana Elcar as Pete Thornton

Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton

Elyssa Davalos as Nikki Carpenter / Lisa Kohler/Mrs. Lisa Kosov

Robin Mossley as Wilt Bozer / Earl

Michael Des Barres as Murdoc /Jacques LaRue

Teri Hatcher as Penny Parker

Susan Chapple as Helen Wilson

Special Features:

Features 22 episodes on 6 discs

Number of discs: 6

Other Info:

Fullscreen

Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono Sound

Running Time: 1045 Minutes

Synopsis:

This is the first season of the TV series MacGyver which aired from 1985-1992. Here’s the text from the DVD cover:

“He’s everyone’s favorite action hero… but he’s a hero with a difference. Angus MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) is a secret agent whose wits are his deadliest weapon. Armed with only a knapsack filled with everyday items he picks up along the way, he improvises his way out of every peril the bad guys throw at him.

Making a bomb out of chewing gum? Fixing a speeding car’s brakes… while he’s riding in it? Using soda pop to cook tear gas? That’s all in a day’s adventures for MacGyver. He’s part Boy Scout, part genius. And all hero.”

This DVD is not rated.

The Movie:

I have to admit that I was never a die-hard fan of MacGyver. I saw a few episodes when they first aired in the 80’s, but I can’t say I’ve ever had a real desire to revisit the show since then. It was entertaining enough and I liked the premise, but there were shows I liked better. Despite my indifference to the series, I recognize that it was a popular, long running show with a lot of loyal fans. Getting this series on DVD should make them quite happy.

The main gimmick of MacGyver is that this secret agent never uses a gun. Instead he uses his wits and improvises with various bits of junk he picks up along the way in order to get out of dangerous situations. For example, he uses a paperclip in order to defuse a missile or he makes a rocket launcher out of a flare gun. He generally uses his vast knowledge of chemistry and physics in order to get out of a mess. Looking back at his solutions now I realize that most of them wouldn’t work in the real world, but it doesn’t make MacGyver’s routine any less entertaining. You always wonder how he’s going to get out of a mess.

This series really made Richard Dean Anderson a well known star. He was handsome, witty, and a generally well-rounded Boy Scout / Super Spy. It’s no wonder he was appealing to audiences. Any time you go back and watch these old series, there’s always a big name star that turns up here and there from before they became famous. This DVD set is no exception. Here you’ll find cameos by Teri Hatcher, Joan Chen, and John De Lancie (from Star Trek: The Next Generation). (OK, they’re not all “big name” but they are recognizable faces.)

If you’re a fan of MacGyver, then you’re probably going to want to add this DVD set to your collection. Be warned, though, that Paramount hasn’t cleaned up the picture or sound for this presentation. If you’ve never seen MacGyver, you might find it a bit outdated. Alias may be more of interest to you if you’re looking for a good spy TV series.

The Extras:

There are no bonus features included on this DVD set.

The Bottom Line:

MacGyver fans should enjoy finally getting the first season of the series on DVD. Everyone else may find the show a little dated.

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