The Texas Wheelers

This was one of the best TV comedies ever, but if you didn't happen to be viewing in the mid-70s, or if you blinked twice, you missed your chance to see it. Jack Elam, one of the great character actors of all time (for instance, he is the only reason to watch Rio Lobo even though it stars John Wayne and was directed by Howard Hawks), and pre-Buddy Holly Story Gary Busey had great chemistry and this was about as off-beat as they come for television, especially when you consider it is more than 30 years old. As far as I know, it has never been picked up for re-release by any cable channel. I would love for someone to finally bring this neglected television classic to DVD.

There must be a reason I remember this series so fondly so many years later. It really made an impression. Casting Jack Elam, the evilest-looking villain character actor in Hollywood history, as the father was a stroke of genius. And seeing Gary Busey and Mark Hammill just before they took off for stardom was a thrill. At the beginning of course everyone was expecting long-lost Dad to be a real jerk. But a couple of episodes of watching him get reacquainted with his children really left you wanting more. Then all of a sudden it was gone and you felt betrayed.........A warm, feel-good series with a bite. What I wouldn't give to see this one again!

This was a very quiet comedy about a family where the two younger siblings are being raised by the older brother, their ne'er-do-well father having deserted years ago. Suddenly, the "ever lovin' daddy" returns. After a bit of resistance to having him back, the family re-unites in this quiet, warm comedy. Great reviews and rock-bottom ratings, a deadly combination, but if you have the chance to see this on tape (if someone had the foresight), catch it. There weren't too many episodes made, but those that were made were wonderful.

If this series had succeeded, it could have changed the course of movie history. It wasn't too long after that Mark Hamill did Star Wars and Gary Busey starred as Buddy Holly.