elshikh4
OK, call me a freak, a devoted lover, a guy who lives the nostalgia powerfully, or call me all of that together ! Simply I have a theory that says something about the TV at an era named the 1980s. I'll cut to the chase, presenting my point of view with enough proofs that this era was childishly funny, innocently entertaining, and boldly imaginative more than any other era I know. Whether these works worked or not just speculate on their ideas well and honestly : A crime fighter battles the forces of evil with the help of supercar (Knight Rider - 1982). A 1930's Pacific islands bush pilot plunges into adventures (Tales of the Gold Monkey - 1982). A married couple co-run their own private-detective agency, the wife's superpowers are a tremendous asset in solving cases (Tucker's Witch - 1982). 4 Vietnam vets, framed for a crime they didn't commit, help the innocent while on the run from the military (The A-Team - 1983). A man who can change himself into any animal fights crime (Manimal - 1983). Probationary angel sent back to Earth to help people (Highway to Heaven - 1984). A secret agent uses no guns, armed with only scouts' resourcefulness (MacGyver - 1985). A man of mystery, gets people out of trouble, asking for favors in return (Stingray - 1986). Scientist finds himself trapped in time leaping into the body of a different person in a different time period each week (Quantum Leap - 1989). OH MY GOD, have you ever seen anything like that before?!.At such a time you find real matchless experiences with no precedent at all, for instance a parody in the form of a series : (Fresno - 1986) which was nothing but a sarcastic show that makes fun of the same era's lavish soap operas like (Dallas) and (Falcon Crest). Or (Cop Rock - 1990) the only cop series in history to have been based on a Broadway musical format. Or even (Baywatch - 1989) the most sexy TV series ever which was one gutsy, sizzling, exceptional idea from the 1980s. So why not to have a show that mixes : the western, time travel, and the detective stories in one form under the name of (Outlaws). Again that was made in 1986, and let's say 1986 only, because I didn't run into such crazy ideas much around any era except this adorable decade.I believe the production companies' bosses were much adventurous back then, being a bit creative persons themselves, convincing in the methods of entertaining the viewer yet stylishly. So that what made their work a classic fun and fresh chimera hitherto, and without any comparing to nowadays' TV which the most of it stands aside and falls flat apart !Surely the fancy premise is super. I'm already in love with the time travel theme, so how about a magnificent 6 from Texas 1899, find themselves living in our modern life, solving crimes in their own unique ways. We saw detective agencies that was run by handsome guy (Vega$), 2 brothers (Simon & Simon), ex-model and insane detective (Moonlighting), or 3 ravishing beauty queens (Charlie's Angels), but never with a six stiff REAL cowboys from the 19th century before !Yes, Rod Taylor, William Lucking, Patrick Houser, Charles Napier, Richard Roundtree, Christina Belford weren't my dream cast, but they harmonized well. True that it suffered from main vice whereas there were no explanations or whatsoever for lots of ironies concerning the time travel and other issues, but I surrendered to its different tone, having the biggest kick out of the idea itself; which's, despite some weakness, a dazzling one and most of all nothing was like it, or is like it until now. (Outlaws) is the kind of shows that you watch and be entertained with under your quilt while the sky is gray-clouded and the hot chocolate is right beside you.It's the 1980s where the ideas were too original, and the enjoyment was wild.
Brian Washington
This was one of those great shows that burned like a shooting star. I really enjoyed it especially for the fact that it combined three different genres; westerns, detective shows and science fiction. All the characters really stood out especially Charles Napier as the eccentric Wolf. Too bad this show didn't stay on long enough to catch on. This was a really good show.
shelaghc
The plots weren't really all that great when you get right down to it.What I really watched it for, for the few weeks it lasted, was the character interaction and the excellent actors who worked on the series.I've always enjoyed Christine Belford since her days on "Banacek"; Rod Taylor, of course, has always been a joy (where is he lately?); William Lucking I liked from the time I saw him playing Babe Ruth in an episode of "Voyagers!" in the 80s; Charles Napier is one of those faces most recognize without knowing who he is (anyone remember him playing Adam in the episode The Way to Eden on Star Trek?); Richard Roundtree has remained one of my favorite actors over the years; and Patrick Houser managed to hold his own among all those illustrious performers.Every so often I pull out my tapes and revisit this silly guilty pleasure just for fun.
MarMitch
I lived in Houston, Texas and since this show was based in Houston, I decided to watch it. I enjoyed it therefore I knew it would be canceled. I though the writing and acting were excellent. I was sad when it wasn't renewed for a second season. Sadly since they only made 13 episodes it probably won't be rerun, unless there is a Western Cable Channel that I don't know about. If you do see it in your local listings, watch it. It's a hoot.
