I remember it. I also recall that there was an updated version that came out in the late 80s. I would have beentoo old for it by then, but I remember thinking it was cool to see it again.
And here it is! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WppJEf3ZtFU
I watched the show (I believed it aired on my local PBS station at 4:30) too. My parents also subscribed me to the magazine. That and National Geographic World were my favorite pieces of mail to look forward to each month.
Incidentally, I know I’ve cited the “Factoids” section of 3-2-1 Contact magazine more than once on the internet to back up some factual information I’ve given.
It was Mathnet, parody of Dragnet. I loved Mathnet.
The Bloodhound Gang was my favorite part of 3-2-1 Contact.
I met Ranger Rick when I was out doing field work one day. In fact, I tramped through his backyard. Nice guy, awesome backyard. I was so excited that I had my coworkers take my picture with him.
I remember it, though not very well. The only things I remember them actually doing were a forced-perspective room, and showing why airplane flight paths didn’t look like straight lines on a flat map. I think there was also one where they had a football star on set while one of his games was showing on TV, and they explained about most television being recorded.
Mr. Wizard I loved, but could only watch at Gramma’s house, since I think he was on cable. And the only times I ever saw Square One was when a teacher would show an episode in class (though I remember the detective as being a Dragnet parody, not Matlock).
3-2-1 Contact was a bit before my time, but I have vivid memories of my parents showing me a 3-2-1 Contact video that was all about sex at one point to help explain stuff. Now whenever someone mentions the show I think," Oh yeah, the sex show" but somehow I don’t think that is how 3-2-1 Contact wants to be remembered.
I enjoyed watching 3-2-1 Contact using the excuse that it would be good for the kids. They remember it with enthusiasm, so I guess it was a good excuse.
There was a switch at some point from the three teens to one kid actor, with more sharp cuts, computer graphics, and repetitions of phrases. I didn’t like that as much. Actually, looking it up onWikipedia, there were only three regular seasons and each one had a different cast. So I guess that one kid just really annoyed me.
Stupid fact o’ the day: my husband’s college roommate played Skip in the Bloodhound Gang.
“Bloodhound Detective Agency! Mr. Bloodhound isn’t here!”
Mr. Bloodhound was NEVER there…I suspect a Remington-Steele-type thing going on where there WAS no Mr. Bloodhound but these three kids knew they’d never get any jobs or respect if everyone knew it was just them.
A relative was a major (off-camera) part of the show.
You met a racoon in a Park Ranger hat? And he held still for photos?
Hmmm. I need a detective, and fast. This guy’s ad looks pretty good…
And you know what, if he isn’t there, I will not leave a message. I will hire whoever answers the phone, regardless of experience or qualifications.
*
Naw, that’s just his avatar.
I loved 3-2-1 Contact. Especially the memorable theme song. Was also a Square One fan, especially Mathnet.
Definitely watched the show but don’t remember much about it other than the theme.
Anyone else remember the Pac-man ripoff on Square One? Or the cartoon superhero?
I remember both 3-2-1 Contact and the Goodbody show. I remember there was some episode of Contact about the sun either dying or blowing up. I was up for days…
I also loved Mr. Wizard. I think about his experiment using a girl dropping a can full of dirt from chin height, and as it swung side to side it didn’t come back to hit her chin. I think of it when I push my son in a swing.
Oh, yeah! Math man!