The Highwayman (TV series)

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The Highwayman
Format	Action-adventure
Created by	Glen A. Larson and Douglas Heyes
Starring	Sam Jones “Jacko” Jane Badler Tim Russ
Narrated by	William Conrad (uncredited)
Country of origin	United States
Language(s)	English
No. of episodes	10
Production
Running time	60 min.
Broadcast
Original channel	NBC
Original run	1987-09-20 – 1988-05-06
External links
IMDb profile
TV.com summary

The Highwayman is an action-adventure themed television series starring Sam J. Jones, set in "the near future." It was created by Glen A. Larson and Douglas Heyes. The pilot aired in September 1987, and was followed by a short-lived series of nine episodes, with significant changes to the cast and format, that ran from March until May 1988. It was summed up by many reviewers as a cross between Mad Max and Knight Rider (the latter being Larson's previous hi-tech hit).

1 Synopsis
2 Cast
3 Episodes
4 Date
5 Trivia
6 External links

[edit] Synopsis

The movie and subsequent series follow the adventures of "The Highwayman", one of a mysterious group of U.S. Marshals conducting crime-fighting missions and solving bizarre mysteries. Each Highwayman is equipped with a hi-tech, multi-functioned truck.

Opening narration:

"There is a world, just beyond now, where reality runs a razor thin seam between fact and possibility; where the laws of the present collide with the crimes of tomorrow. Patrolling these vast outlands is a new breed of lawman, guarding the fringes of society’s frontiers, they are known simply as "Highwaymen"... and this is their story..."

The 1987 pilot movie stars Sam Jones, best known for playing the title role of Flash Gordon in the 1980 movie (in which he was blond haired). Playing the lead, only known simply as "The Highwayman" (or "Highway"), he drives a large black computerized truck with a bullet-shaped cabin, which actually belongs to a concealed helicopter (an Aérospatiale Gazelle) which can detach from the rest of the truck. The truck could also operate in "stealth mode" where it became invisible, and also featured a futuristic sports car which came out of the truck's rear.

Jones was joined in the pilot by Claudia Christian (who would later go on to star in Babylon 5) as Highway's liaison Dawn, and Stanford Egi as technical wizard Mr. Toto. The pilot was later titled "Terror on the Blacktop" when shown as a stand-alone TV movie.

After the 1987 pilot film, only Sam Jones (and his truck, minus the ability to become invisible) returned for the revamped weekly series. He was joined by a new side-kick, Australian outback survival expert "Jetto", played by Mark "Jacko" Jackson (best known in America for a series of Energizer battery advertisements); Jane Badler (from the sci-fi series V) as Highway's "boss", Ms. Tania Winthrop, and Tim Russ (who would later star in Star Trek: Voyager) as D.C. Montana (a play on writer D.C. Fontana), who was responsible for the maintenance of the vehicles. Perhaps as an indication of the lawless future they were trying to police, Highway and Jetto were armed with sawed-off shotguns in holsters instead of regular sidearms.

After Jetto's truck (identical to Highway's) is destroyed in the first regular episode, "Road Ranger", he is given his own, unique truck, the front half of which can separate into a futuristic car.

The exact organization that Highway and Jetto work for is never revealed in any great depth. Working under it, the highwaymen seem to have powers beyond - but occasionally conflicting with - the ordinary police. Although the organization shares elements with that of F.L.A.G. (the Foundation for Law and Government) from Larson's previous series Knight Rider, it shares more with the mysterious Firm from the original three seasons of Airwolf.

Despite its short run, the series was broadcast in various other countries including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom (where most regions broadcast it in a late-night Friday or Saturday slot). It is thought that the series was cancelled after low viewing figures in comparison to high production costs (including futuristic vehicles and devices, and a lot of explosive scenes). It also somewhat marked the end of an era, as television moved from the comic book-like stories of the 1980s into the generally more serious and politically correct 1990s.

[edit] Cast

Sam Jones as The Highwayman (aka "Highway")
Claudia Christian as Dawn (pilot only)
Stanford Egi as Mister Toto (pilot only)
Mark "Jacko" Jackson as "Jetto"
Jane Badler as Ms. Tania Winthrop
Tim Russ as D.C. Montana
William Conrad as the Narrator (uncredited)

[edit] Episodes

Note, two episodes were shown out of their intended order. They are listed here in the intended order with explanatory notes.

Production number order, reflecting the order that the episodes began filming, do not match either the actual nor the intended airing order.

Ep.#	Episode	Director(s)	Writer(s)	Original airdate	Prod. #

Pilot	"Terror on the Blacktop" a.k.a. "The Highwayman"	Douglas Heyes	Glen A. Larson and Douglas Heyes	September 20, 1987	5L79
The mysterious Highwayman becomes involved when a biker gang called ‘The Bullets’ rob a small-town bank, with their leader, Bo Ziker, ending up in jail. But it emerges that The Bullets were set up to take the fall for a huge fraud instigated by a local bigwig and the town sheriff... This Pilot film was later re-titled "Terror on the Blacktop" and shown as a stand-alone movie. A two-part syndicated version also exists. Special Guest Star: Jimmy Smits (Bo Ziker). Guest Stars: Wings Hauser (Sheriff Wyatt), Jennifer Runyon (Amanda Merrick), Lyle Alzado (Iron Butt), Rowdy Roddy Piper (Preacher), Ken Morrison (Travis Ziker), Theresa Saldana (Angela Brown), Bill McKinney, Jon Menick and G. Gordon Liddy (Ed Merrick). Co-starring: John Quade (Bartender), Paul Drake (Deputy Bricker), Tommy Lamey (Deputy Dogget), Branscombe Richmond (Geronimo), Michael Berryman (Chromedome), Mickey Jones (Pepper Hansen), Michael Carr (Deputy Turley), Keith Barbour (Entertainer #1), Micael McGinnis (Entertainer #2), Mindi Iden (Hot Tub Girl #1), Joanne Wolf (Hot Tub Girl #2), Carmen Kotta (Woman Controller), Ed Hooks (Guard), James Griffith (Old Duffer #1), Patrick Cranshaw (Old Duffer #2), Marion Wright (Woman), Maura Soden (Reporter), Jack Ging (head of Stealth, uncredited).
1	"Road Ranger" a.k.a. "Road Lord"	Dan Haller	Glen A. Larson & Mark Jones	March 4, 1988	8803
When Steve, a fellow Highwayman, is murdered, his friend Highway investigates, and uncovers some sinister goings on at a local, secretive production complex. But Highway is shocked to find Steve there seemingly alive; and now, something is very different about him... The title of this episode does not appear on screen, the only episode of the series not to do so. The title is given as "Road Lord" and "Road Ranger" in different sources. "Road Ranger" is most likely the 'proper' title, as it is Steve's nickname. "Road Lord" most probably originates from an earlier version of the script. Guest Starring: Clarence Williams III (Jessie), Anne Lockhart (Battlestar: Galactica) (Shelly North), Clyde Kusatsu, George McDaniel, George Mudock (Doc North), Darby Hinton, Jesse Dizon. Special Guest Star: Kent McCord (Battlestar: Galactica 1980) (Steve North, a.k.a. "Road Ranger"). Featuring: Len Carli (Auctioneer), Andy Schwiebert (Davey North), Mark DeMichele (Driver Deputy), Steve Easterling (Shotgun Deputy), Mark Jones (Nebbish).
2	"The Hitchhiker"	Larry Shaw	Glen A. Lason	March 11, 1988	8802
The Highwayman is assigned to transport a supposedly dead alien body from a U.F.O. crash site to a research lab. But a reporter is determined to find out what is going on - and the alien is far from dead... Special Guest Star: Christina Raines-Crowe (Pepper McKenzie). Guest Starring: Joe Regalbuto (Street Hawk) (Major Fury), James Staley, Robert DoQui, Wendy Malick, and Arlen Dean Snyder (General Nordhoff). Featuring: Stuart Grant (Dr. Long), Will Hannah (M.P.), Toby Noakes (Brig M.P.), Robin Wayne (Gate M.P.), Ron Brott (General's Pilot).
3	"'Til Death Duel Us Part"	Larry Shaw	Jonathan Day and Steven L. Sears & Burt Pearl	March 18, 1988	8805
Highway breaks Cody Teague, his friend and mentor from Vietnam, out of prison for stealing an armored car, of which Highway is certain he is innocent. Now both of them are fugitives, and a number of parties - including Jetto - are after them as they search for the evidence to prove Cody's innocence... Special Guest Star: Chad Everett (Ron Bonham). Guest Starring: Joseph Bottoms (Cody Teague). Featuring: Jim Maniaci (Tattoo), Melissa Grier (Turbo), George Salazar (Prison Doctor), Corelio Hernandez (Guard #1), Albert Ruiz (Guard #2), Marcus Wright (Derek Sutton), Rusty Lee (Old Timer), Thom Khaler (FBI Agent), Steve R. Burns (Agent #2),
4	"Haunted Highway"	Don Weis	Teleplay by William Rabkin & Lee Goldberg and Burt Pearl & Steven L. Sears. Story by William Rabkin & Lee Goldberg	May 6, 1988	8804
When an American Indian is accused of murder, Highway and Jetto investigate and stumble onto a long-forgotten gold mine, and an ancient curse "of fire and ice", which will kill anybody who tries to mine there... This episode was originally scheduled for 1988-03-25 but was postponed, and was eventually aired after all the other episodes (although it is referred to in "Frightmare", confirming that it takes place earlier.) Guest Starring: Marla Heasley (The A-Team) (Liz Redstone), Paul Koslo, Rodger Gibson (Jake Redstone), Michael Horse (Sheriff Jerry New Eagle), Dehl Berti, Gary Grubbs (Harrison), Tim Rossovich, Andy Romano, Jean-Pierre Dorleac, And as Snyder, Steven Keats. Featuring Larry Soller (Prosecutor), Don Champlin (Judge), Steven Carry (Burcher), Frank Sprague (Bernie), Donna Brown (Reporter #1), Joe Corocoran (Reporter #2), Steven R. Burns (Henchman), Ana Auther (Model), Jacky Christian (Model), Carol Gossler (Model), Chon Linesch (Model), Tess Swain (Model).
5	"Summer of 45" a.k.a. "1945"	Rob Bowman	Teleplay By Mark Jones and Steven L. Sears & Burt Pearl. Story by Glen A. Larson & Mark Jones	April 1, 1988	8806
Highway and Jetto travel back in time to 1945, to rescue Ms. Winthrop, who has not returned after pursuing a twisted genius who is intent on ending the atomic age before it has even begun... Tim Russ (D.C. Montana) does not appear in this episode. This is the only episode not to feature Highway's truck; Jetto's truck is used throughout. Special Guest Star: Lloyd Bochner. Guest Starring: Bill Hudson (Donald Travers), Greg Mullavey (Edward Travers), Liz Keifer (Leslie), Patrick St. Esprit, Les Brown Jr.. Featuring: Richard Kelley (Guard at Gate), Peppi Sanders (Helen), Gary Clarke (Sheriff), Donald Hall (Deputy), Paul Mancuso (Larry), Nick Young (M.P.), Dan Mara (M.P. #1), Richard Ryan (Private), Thom Khaler (FBI Agent), Steven R. Burns (FBI Agent).
6	"Send in the Clones"	Allan Holzman	Glen A. Larson and David Garber & Bruce E. Kalish	April 8, 1988	8811
Highway befriends a strange but friendly man called Mac, who is promptly snatched away by the Army. Investigating just what is going on, Highway and Jetto discover that Mac is a clone, programmed with a deadly assignment... Guest Starring: J.D. Cannon (Chief Clifton), Terry Carter (Lt. Broadside), Pamela Shoop (Dr. Chadway), Gary Lockwood (Colonel Westcourt), Greta Blackburn (prostitute), Michael Pataki (Detective), and Howie Long as Mac). Featuring: Tony Acierto (Hood), Perry D'Marco (Hood), Mel Young (Reporter #1), Margie Girgo (Girl's Mom), Nicole Frierson (Little Girl), John L. Wade (Clone #1), Michael Morris (Clone #2), Shawn Patterson (Clone #3), Warner McKay (Bum), William Forsythe (Mounted Cop), Phil Allen (TV Announcer), Jan Sandwich (Wendy), Henry M. Kendrick (Mayor), Thom Khaler (FBI Agent), Steven R. Burns (FBI Agent).
7	"Billionaire Body Club"	Ivan Nagy	Glen A. Larson	April 15, 1988	8801
When a dead body drained of blood and missing organs is uncovered, Highway and Jetto are sent in to investigate, and are soon on the trail of a blood-thirsty doctor trading in spare body parts for the rich and the powerful... Special Appearance: Christopher McDonald (Joshua Towler). Guest Starring: Cindy Morgan (Mary "Mink" Mincowitz), Kim Ulrich (Melissa Mincowitz), Ken Swofford (Mayor), Mark Lonow, Ed Hooks and Nicholas Guest (Mason). Co-Starring: Blackie Dammett (Jazz), Kim Milford (Cotton). Featuring: Blueberry (Lead Girl), JoAnne Wolf (Model), Thom Khaler (FBI Agent), Steven R. Burns (Agent #2).
8	"Warzone"	Rob Bowman	Tom Blomquist	April 29, 1988	8807
After an accident, Jetto's mind reverts back to five years previously, when he was double-crossed by comrades in battle, who turned out to be dealing in illegal drugs and weapons, and tried to murder him. In a dazed and confused state, he hunts down the two men, who are now in high positions, as Highway and Montana try to stop him before the Army takes him out, but uncovers a vein of corruption... Special Guest Star: Roger Davis (Chief Jim Townsend). Guest Starring Ted Lange (Mayor John Fletcher), Terry Kiser (Colonel Halsted), Lara Parker (Dr. Terwishe), Mark Thomas Miller. Special Appearance: Wayne Newton (Bartlett). Featuring: Joe Faust (Police Captain), Heather McNair (Virginia), J.B. Warren (Private; uncredited).
9	"Frightmare"	Rob Bowman	Teleplay by Glen A. Larson and David Garber & Bruce E. Kalish. Story by Burt Pearl	April 22, 1988	8812
Mafia crime-lord Manetti's men use a high-tech machine that can read agents' minds, to try and find the one man that is set to testify against him. When their first victim dies, Manetti's men capture Ms. Winthrop, and Highway and Jetto are in a race against time to save her before Manetti discovers the witness' true location... This episode, the last to be filmed, was originally designed to be the last broadcast episode, and in some ways bookends the series, making references to and via the memory machine, re-working scenes from "Road Ranger", "Billionaire Body Club", "'Till Death Duel Us Part" and "Haunted Highway" (which had not yet aired). However, "Haunted Highway" had been postponed on March 25, 1988, and ended up being broadcast as the final episode. Special Guest Star: Vince Edwards (Manetti). Guest Starring: Stanley Kamel (Cisco), Jack Ging (Riptide, The A-Team) (Admiral Conti), Alex Courtney (Dr. Sebring), Otto Felix, Janet Curtis, Judd Omen (Bronson), Zitto Kaxann. Featuring: Michael Waltman ((Dan) Wheeler), Doug Cotner (Doctor #3), Ed Gabel (Agent #1), Stephen Hastings (Lieutenant), Thom Khaler (FBI Agent), Steven R. Burns (Agent #2), Fred Neslon (Plain Clothes Agent), Harold Dixon (Morgue Doctor #1).

[edit] Date

The series is at first vague on the exact year that it takes place. Other than Highway and Jetto's trucks, Highway's occasionally seen sports car (a silver Lotus Esprit) and Ms. Badler's car, the other vehicles are generally that of the era in which the series was filmed. It is generally indicated that the series takes place a couple of years after that in which it was made. A coin in the episode "Summer of 45" is said to be dated 1992. It is not until "Warzone" that the date is given on-screen as 1992 (October for that episode).

[edit] Trivia

Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines.
The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones.

Some of the futuristic dashboard design of Highway’s truck is re-used from Larson’s previous hi-tech hit Knight Rider.
The Highwayman was filmed entirely on location in the American Southwest.
Some automobiles were provided by Ford Motor Co.
Jetto's truck was seen in the first episode of Power Rangers Time Force. It was used to transport the prisoner Ransik until it was ambushed by Ransik's forces.