The F.B.I.

Now that the show is back in syndication, I've watched as many as I can and see some major differences between the early shows (1965 or so) and later ones (in the early 70s). The early ones SHOWED more violence and often the bad guys were "pushing up daisies" by the end of the show. Later, the FBI agents hardly ever shot the bad guys or if they did it was just in the leg or arm--hardly realistic, but an apparent bow to overly sensitive pressure groups that had grown in the early 1970s. Also, while Inspector Erskine shot a lot of crooks, they tended to be non-lethal shots in later shows.

Another difference is by the end of the series, the FBI and its abuses had come to light...such as warrantless wiretaps, warrentless breakins and the like. So, to counter this, Inspector Erskine OFTEN would ask things like "makes sure we have a warrant"!

Finally, the earlier episodes made the characters seem a little more human--often, Erskine was shown with a good looking woman or would complain about having to work too hard, while later he was pretty much a robot. Finally, the earlier episodes were occasionally more histrionic--sometimes too much and some times very juicy and exciting! In general, I prefer the earlier shows--they may have been a little campier, but they seemed more exciting. Still, despite this, it's an exceptional series and holds up very well today.

I can still hear it now... The four notes of the series theme, and that familiar voice over, "The F.B.I, A Quinn Martin Production!"...

Great show, great cast, and well deserving of a run in syndication, someplace. Or sold by Time-Life on video. I am amazed that this show is buried somewhere, and not seen. "Hawaii Five-O", was missing in action for years, and then came back to life, so why not this gem.

And remember this, car nuts out there, how Inspector Erskine would, at the end of the show, hop into a new Ford Motor Company product? A friend of mine and I would bet on what it might be, that week. A new pointy nosed 1970 T-bird? A lowly Custom 500, LTD, or Mustang? I wonder if Ford's catch phrase slogan of that era, "Ford has a Better Idea", came from "F.B.I"? See the connection?

I remember watching this great crime drama as a child every Sunday night with my Father. He was a big fan of the show and I got to be one also. Ephrem Zimbelist Jr. was great in the part and the stories were always very believable. I think this was one of the best crime dramas ever made. (I'd rank this one up there with Dragnet.)

My complaint is: Please bring back this wonderful series in reruns! I do not think I've seen it since it went off the air in 1974 and I'd love to see it again. It's hard to believe a great show like this was never shown in syndication.

The great shows are the ones that are many times overlooked.

The FBI With Efrem Zimbalist JR Can be seen if you have cable every Friday night on the American life TV network at 7 PM. central time. Check with your local cable company about getting American life TV the have 6 episodes every Friday the say a whole evening of crime busting action. Both Steven Brooks and William Reynolds have been on in different episodes and Phillip Abbott and Efrem Zimbalist JR are in all episodes I never miss it. They call it FBI Friday. American Life is good every night Monday is the private Eyes which include 77 Sunset Strip which also has Efrem Zimbalist JR. also Harry O with David Jansson and several others. Tuesday night is the American Soldier Wednesday night is the Secret agents Thursday night is the American west Friday is FBI Friday Saturday is good comedy and Sunday is the American family. It is a good channel all around but if you turn on American life TV at 7 PM central time you will get all the reruns of the FBI with Efrem Zimbalist JR. David Kerr Minnespolis Minnesota.

As opposed as some people commented here, FBI hated "The FBI" TV show, Hoover's right hand at the time tried to cancel the show multiple times citing it as "shocking" (nowadays it seems very light, though).

As FBI wasn't able to cancel the show, they reviewed each episode (more specifically, Clyde Tolson). They even checked actors background before accepting them in the show.

It is a very interesting watch. Seeing the customs and FBI views of criminals and crimes. There is romance and drama as well, but that part is from QM Production writer or director of each episode.

Nevertheless, it is a much for fans of QMP's works. I'm a fan of The Fugitive, for example.