Probe

A literate, humorous, and intelligent series about a Tom Swift character (actually Rick Brant for those who recall) who solves crimes through scientific inquiry. Although Isaac Asimov was listed as the creator, the guiding light to this series was Michael Wagner, an Emmy winning writer (Hill Street Blues) whose wry humor and scientific curiosity was evident in the main character played by Parker Stevenson. Stevenson has commented that he based his characterization on Michael Wagner. Of course, placed opposite The Cosby Show, an intelligent outing like this had no chance in the ratings.

As I recall, the show was canceled during the writer's strike of 1988. I don't believe the cancellation had anything to do with the quality of the show, it was just too new for the network to take a chance on, it's the same thing they do today. I just wish they'd release it on DVD.

It was very much ahead of its time, the scientific approach just wasn't that interesting to people at that time, I think. It will always be one of my most favorite shows, and perhaps someday I'll get to watch it again.

Wow, I can't believe I'm being forced to write more just to post this flippin opinion! I never thought anyone would want 10 lines of my kind of BS, but hey, who am I to complain?

wistful in Los Angeles

By proving that the average TV viewer isn't smart enough to get a show like this. This, and other shows like it that depend on sheer intellectual ability, sharp thinking, and complexity never survive on American television. This series proves that. Asimov was an absolute Genius, and almost all of his products were light-years above the quality necessary for commercial success. No flash, no high-tech machine or vehicle, no stupid gimmicks, no buffoonery, no T & A, and nothing but sheer brain candy. You have to be smart to get a show like this.

What a shame that programs which require audiences to be intelligent never make it. Asimov created a series that had nothing more than a smart main character, who used his wits and abilities to move through the world. The series itself only lasted for seven episodes.

Probe was one of the best sci-fi shows I have ever seen and coming from me, that's high praise because I'am not easy to please. The acting was wonderful. My main beef is that it was done away with so soon. My other problem is that it is only shown ,like, once every three or four years!

This show was too smart for it's own good. A detective show with a twist. Parker Stevenson is a scientist that solves mysteries by way of science. Created by Isaac Asimov, the show centers around eccentric scientist Austin James and his assistant Michelle Castle. Both are tasked with investigating mysteries that can only solved by deductive logic. Fortunate enough for Austin, he possesses the uncanny ability to solve crimes by science alone...I was sad when this show ended after one season. It was the thinking-mans detective/mystery show. Each episode centered around a crime that could only be solved by Austin and his side kick. The show was pre-CSI...