Outlaws

Outlaws was a mid-season replacement, and those shows are often hard for people to find, especially when the premier comes between Christmas and New Years Day. Outlaws was shown on the Sunday before New Years, and it aired opposite For Your Eyes Only on one network and The Sound of Music on another.

We watched it, but it only got about a 12.5 share, and that wasn't going to be enough to build an audience throughout the winter and spring.

The premise itself was interesting, having an accident of nature propel a marshall and four outlaws, whom he formerly rode with, into 1986 Houston. The fantasy of real Old West gunslingers adapting to modern times, and modern times to them, played well.

The big draw for us? Rod Taylor ... always great, and the rest of the cast, including Richard Roundtree, just added flavor.

I loved the series, however, short lived. I to this day can't figure out why people didn't watch it. I guess at the time people wasn't interested in westerns. I loved Patrick Houser. I wonder what he's doing now, haven't seen him in anything.

I lived in Houston, Texas and since this show was based in Houston, I decided to watch it. I enjoyed it therefore I knew it would be canceled. I though the writing and acting were excellent. I was sad when it wasn't renewed for a second season. Sadly since they only made 13 episodes it probably won't be rerun, unless there is a Western Cable Channel that I don't know about. If you do see it in your local listings, watch it. It's a hoot.

The plots weren't really all that great when you get right down to it.

What I really watched it for, for the few weeks it lasted, was the character interaction and the excellent actors who worked on the series.

I've always enjoyed Christine Belford since her days on "Banacek"; Rod Taylor, of course, has always been a joy (where is he lately?); William Lucking I liked from the time I saw him playing Babe Ruth in an episode of "Voyagers!" in the 80s; Charles Napier is one of those faces most recognize without knowing who he is (anyone remember him playing Adam in the episode The Way to Eden on Star Trek?); Richard Roundtree has remained one of my favorite actors over the years; and Patrick Houser managed to hold his own among all those illustrious performers.

Every so often I pull out my tapes and revisit this silly guilty pleasure just for fun.

Yeah, I saw it. I remember it as being quirky and unusual. It's a slick joke including Rod Taylor in the cast of time travelers, and the Lieutenant was one tough hombre herself. I even recall one memorable scene when the cowboys just take their time and shoot down these guys with Uzis. The commentary suggested that you had to aim first before shooting. Very enjoyable.