Trapper John, M.D.: was this CBS Sunday medical series a good one? I’ve been looking at parts of episodes from YouTube, and I seem to have developed somewhat of an interest in it.
It wasn’t bad. It filled a niche.
it was one of our favorite shows at the time.
What I most liked about the parts I’ve seen is its opening theme, not to mention its title sequence (especially the one with the color changes). I think that it was (and still is) one of the best I’ve ever seen (and the theme song, one of the best I’ve ever heard).
It is #7 on my list of all-time favorite T.V. shows, most of which come from the 1970s and '80s. It is formulaic (in almost every episode, the central conflict involves the patient of the week refusing consent for surgery) but the characters are interesting and enjoyable to watch. You can also see a lot of changing attitudes as the series progresses. In the first season, the doctors mainly date nurses (a la MASH), and talk about them in a sexist way. Later, the doctors date female doctors and have a lot of respect for their abilities. They also moved from a more medicine-centric approach to the '80’s drama style of confronting a different social issue each week.
Besides, it’s Pernell Roberts, who in spite of apparently being one of the grouchiest, most curmudgeonly actors in all of television, has some kind of super charisma that makes it totally believable that beautiful women are routinely throwing themselves at his feet. Even balding and gray-bearded, he far outshines his “young hottie” costar, Gregory Harrison.
I do find myself humming the theme song at odd times, even years after hearing it. But watch for being suckered into a show by the theme song/credits. That happened to me with the new version of Hawaii 5-0. The first time I watched the show, I thought it was absolutely the greatest thing ever. It took about six episodes for me to realize that I couldn’t stand the show, I just loved the opening.
Missed the edit, but wanted to add that if you like the TJMD opening, you should check out the one for Cagney & Lacey, another show from the same time period. It has a similar theme and opening design, and is another one that I frequently find myself humming.
It was a late 70s/early 80s medical drama: pretty much exactly average for that. Don’t expect any connection whatever to MAS*Hl; it’s referenced in the very first episode and never again. There’s never a special guest appearance by any of the characters from the original series (same actor or different).
Brian Stokes Mitchell, who played ‘Jackpot’ on TJMD, is now a major star on Broadway. I don’t remember ever hearing him sing on the show, but his voice is amazing.
Per a court decision over rights, TJMD is officially based on the movie version of MAS*H and has no connection to the T.V. show. While the movie isn’t specifically referenced in the show, Trapper’s time in Korea is, and serves as a plot point in numerous episodes.
Good point! I have the first (and so far) only release of that one, and I feel much the same way (not to mention that this is also, in my opinion, a very good show from what I’ve seen of it).
Trapper’s ex wife was played by Jessica Walter in several episodes. She’s become a near goddess in recent years from playing Lucille Bluth.
Although only one season of Cagney & Lacey has been released on DVD, all 7 seasons are available free from Hulu. They hold up very well.
That would be great: unfortunately, I am on limited (metered) Internet access (10GB/mo.) Thanks for the tip, though!