The Best Pilot That Never Lasted: 'The Greatest American Hero'

One of the best pilots for a TV show that didn't last is The Greatest American Hero, created by Jeffrey Reiner, based on a concept by David Gerrold. The pilot, which aired on March 18th, 1981, introduced viewers to Ralph William Katt, a high school teacher, transformed into a secret superhero by a malfunctioning alien spacecraft. This article explores the excellent pilot and examines why the series ultimately succumbed to its network's preferences.

The Pilot: A Stellar Start

The 2-hour pilot for The Greatest American Hero was very well-written, had great production quality, and featured an equal blend of comedic and semi-serious acting. William Katt, known for his acting talent before this role, steps into the shoes of Ralph Hinkley, a high school teacher who becomes the superhero 'Hanley' with a minuscule flying machine and a super-suit. Katt's performance was a highlight, showcasing his dramatic range and his ability to handle both comedy and action scenes.

Co-star Connie Selleca plays the sharp intelligent lawyer, Pam Davidson, who is skeptical of Ralph's claims to be a superhero. Their characters' initial conflict evolves into a reluctant but strong team of crime fighters. Michael Cudlitz (Bill Maxwell) adds depth to the series, portraying a man who takes action first and asks questions later. His character's drinking issue and his disdain for the modern world add layers to the story.

Elements That Made It Stand Out

The action sequences in the pilot were very well-staged, even amidst the clumsiness of Ralph William Katt's flying maneuver. The bad guys in early episodes were not cartoonish but were portrayed as seriously dangerous real-life criminals, complete with plenty of gun violence. At times, the show was even gritty, which added a unique depth to the series.

After the Pilot

While the pilot received critical acclaim and a passionate fanbase, the series faced numerous challenges. The original writers and producers, as well as the actors, aimed for a balance of comedy, drama, and a character study, reflecting on the characters' personal and social issues. However, network executives at ABC had different ideas, wanting a more straightforward superhero story with a clear hero and villain.

The show's first season was very short, consisting of only 5 episodes. After some success on Wednesdays, it was moved to Fridays and then to Thursdays. Despite facing a myriad of changes and challenges, the show managed to air 45 episodes in total, with the remaining 45 episodes being syndicated and released on DVD.

Conclusion

Ultimately, 'The Greatest American Hero' was a poster child for why certain series failed to meet expectations. Its unique blend of comedy and drama, along with the well-developed characters, made the pilot a standout piece. However, network interference and shifting audience preferences meant that the show didn't receive the platform it deserved. To this day, it remains a beloved cult classic, showcasing the potential for a series that unfortunately never got to fully bloom.

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