I was in my senior year of high school when Centennial came on TV, and from the very first episode - I was hooked. I'd never read the book (but, I did afterwards), so it was all new to me and I just loved it. The whole story line, the characters and the actors and actresses that played them - it was just an incredible TV watching experience that I don't think has ever been equaled by anything else I've watch in all these years.
Robert Conrad, has always been one of my all time favorite actors, but as Pasquinel he was at his very best. Richard Chamberlain as McKeag - I loved his Scotsman's brogue. Barbara Carrera as Clay Basket loved by two men any woman would have been happy to have, and later torn by the love for her children. Richard Crenna's Colonel Skimmerhorn was a character to both hate and gleeful when he was disgraced. Dennis Weaver as R.J. Poteet on the cattle drive was so level headed and brave. Brian Keith, another all time favorite - I just loved Sheriff Dumire and his belief in law and order. Chad Everett, also another all time favorite of mine, his Major Maxwell Mercy was such a compassionate soldier just trying to do his job but also keep his integrity when it came to the issues of the Indians and the reservations. Gregory Harrison was new to me, but as Levi Zendt he was a wonderful character. I could go on and on about all of the characters, but I won't. Well, except I have to mention Mark Harmon - good lord but he was so young and good looking back then and just starting out. When each beloved character died, I would feel so sad - for some I even cried, like I had just lost one of my own friends, that's how immersed I became in the story and the characters.
There were so many great characters, with an incredible cast. Over the years I found myself keeping track of most of the actors/actresses and their careers - like Mark Harmon for example - I think he is aging very well. I loved Brian Keith in Hardcastle & McCormick, and I cried when they reported his death.
As soon as video tapes became so popular I waited for Centennial to come out in video - and as soon as it did, I bought it. Whenever today's news and world chaos gets me down, and I feel the need for some mental piece - I sit down and put in a tape and I'll go back in time, to when America was young. My parents also like to borrow the video set.
What I would like to know now is when will it come out in DVD! My video tapes are getting a little worn. It has to come out in DVD! What is taking them so long? Everything else is coming out in DVD, why not Centennial? In fact I was checking to see if it was out in DVD yet, when I came across this website and read everyone's comments. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who loved the show so much.
And now after all this reminiscing, I think I'll have to get the tapes back from my parents so I can spend a weekend watching it again.
Kelly Lake Ariel, PA
