Automan

‘a balanced blend of humour and action’

^{Review by Sunday Simmons}

Automan is one of those series’ that aired in the early eighties that people either watched and loved, watched and forgot about, or missed entirely. Personally, I’m in the first camp, and I was gutted when it didn’t renew for a second season. Only 12 of the 13 episodes aired, but on the upside that does mean you can binge the entire season in one go – something I’ve been known to do just because. For the uninitiated – or if you just need your memory jogging – Automan was action packed, futuristic fun, and an overlooked gem that deserves some love.

First airing on US television in December 1983 and running until April 1984, Automan isn’t your run of the mill cop show. Walter Nebicher (Desi Arnaz, Jr.) is a cop, a tech savvy computer genius, and he’s just dying to get out on the streets and leave his desk behind. When he creates the Automan program, he gets to do just that. This artificially intelligent computer programme generates a holographic crime fighter, allowing Automan to leave the digital world and enter reality with his sidekick Cursor. Awesome! When he’s not glowing like an extra from Tron, Automan (Chuck Wagner), can take on the guise of government official Otto J. Mann, in order to blend in.

That’s the general premise, now back to the action. The blend of superhero and sci-fi was a new take on an old trope, and the computer nerd/dashing digital crimefighter dynamic between Walt and Automan works so well. Most sci-fi series of the era were set in space – Battlestar Galactica, for example – making Automan a one of a kind action series at that point. It’s a shame the series didn’t get chance to pan out, as it’s hard to get much character development from just a single series. I’d like to have seen Automan explore his humanity, the way Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation did, or the Emergency Medical Hologram from Star Trek: Voyager.

There wasn’t much this series didn’t have – from romantic interest to gadgets. And what epic gadgets they are! The aptly named ‘Autocar’ – a special effects souped up Lamborghini, and of course the ‘Autochopper’. There had to be a chopper, just to keep up with the likes of Airwolf and Blue Thunder! And of course, these gadgets could defy the laws of physics, obviously! The idea that Automan could also envelop Walter, not only to share consciousness and skills but to protect him, was another nice touch, and hinted at what would undoubtedly have become a solid partnership. I would be remiss if I didn’t give honourable mention to Cursor – a floating polyhedron sidekick that could draw useful things when needed. Handy!

Ultimately, though, it was the flashy special effects and low viewing figures that ground the series to a halt after just one season. Due to a time slot that clashed with Scarecrow and Mrs. King, the series just couldn’t compete. Still, it’s absolutely worth a watch if you’re into 80s action television, and the techy twist makes for some fun viewing as this series manages a balanced blend of humour and action -  and a brilliant opening theme tune. And all episodes are available to watch on YouTube.