John Rich Movies

In this telemovie spinoff of the popular series MacGyver, the titular hero (Richard Dean Anderson) - an astonishingly resourceful scientist ere-equipped with his trusty Swiss Army Knife - embarks on an Indiana Jones-style quest to find the lost treasure of Atlantis. Brian Blessed, Sophie Ward and Christian Burgess co-star. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

Whether or not one thinks that MacGyver was the best TV adventure hero to come down the pike, one cannot dispute that he was one of the most inventive and resourceful. Played by Richard Dean Anderson, MacGyver (we never knew he had a first name -- "Angus" -- until the series' last season!) was a former Special Ops agent who worked as a troubleshooter for the Phoenix Foundation, a private concern devoted to capturing evildoers and righting wrongs. Seldom resorting to fisticuffs or any other sort of violence, MacGyver preferred to reason his way out his various and sundry predicaments. Using his awesome backlog of scientific knowhow -- not to mention his ever-present Swiss Army Knife and roll of duct tape -- MacGyver was able to fashion a bomb out of an ordinary cold capsule, a lock pick out of a broken light bulb, a paper clip as a blocking device on a "killer" computer, a kitchen fan to stave off a helicopter attack...and he was able to do all of this in the same amount of time that it would take a normal person to blink! Peter Thornton (Dana Elcar) was MacGyver's contact man at the Foundation, a job he was able to do with utmost efficiency even as he began losing his sight in later episodes (just as actor Elcar himself was going progressively blind). Aiding and abetting MacGyver from time to time were fellow Phoenix operative (and the hero's sometimes love interest) Nikki Carpenter (Elyssa Davalos), his reckless pilot buddy Jack Dalton (Bruce McGill), and teenager Lisa ( Mayim Balik), a reformed "runaway." Occasionally complicating and interfering with MacGyver's life and work, albeit in a well-meaning fashion, was kooky artist Penny Parker (Teri Hatcher). And on the flip side, there was the sinister Murdoc (Michael Des Barres), a surly hit man who adopted all manner of disguises, and who seemed to live only to put MacGyver out of existence. Though generally MacGyver was escapist fare, the series tackled a number of serious social issues, ranging from racism to the environment. And in the final episode, MacGyver was surprised to learn that he had a son named Sam Malloy (Dalton James), who was eager and willing to join his dad on all future adventures. Debuted September 29, 1985, on ABC, MacGyver lasted seven seasons, ending its run on August 8, 1992. Two made-for-TV movies based on the series aired in 1994. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Mike thinks that the husband should be the "aggressive" member of a married couple. Gloria claims she doesn't care, but Mike thinks he can read through the lines of her indifference. As a result, Mike and Gloria's romantic evening degenerates into a high-decibel argument. Focusing almost exclusively on series regulars Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers, this episode was written by Don Nicholl. "Mike and Gloria Mix It Up" first aired on January 5, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Archie tries to help out his unemployed friend, Joe Tucker (Vic Tayback), who used to hold Archie's job at the loading dock. Things get dicey when it looks as though Joe is going to get his old job back -- and where does that leave Archie? A pre-Charlie's Angels David Doyle rounds out the supporting cast as Jim Sanders. Written by All in the Family story editors Bernie West and Michael Ross, "Et Tu, Archie" was first telecast on January 26, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Lionel Jefferson's engagement party promises to be a fun occasion for everyone but Archie, who discovers that Lionel's dad, George Jefferson, does not want to invite him. Even so, Archie attends, only to get into an argument with George's indomitable mother. The episode ends with Archie and George once more finding out they have more in common than either man would wish. Zara Cully makes her first appearance as Mother Jefferson, a role she would carry over into the All in the Family spin-off The Jeffersons. Written by Michael Ross and Bernie West, "Lionel's Engagement" originally aired on February 9, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

When Gloria is depressed, everyone in the family suffers. The reason for Gloria's doldrums is her belief that she has fallen out of love with husband Mike. It is up to Edith to save the day -- and to again reveal that, when the chips are down, she is anything but a mere "dingbat." Written by All in the Family story editors Michael Ross and Bernie West, "Gloria Sings the Blues" made its first network appearance on March 2, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Despite his fears and trepidations, Mike passes his final exams and graduates from college. No one is happier than Archie; at long last, Mike will be able to move out of the Bunker household. But Archie's exultation is brief, as it turns out that Mike will neither be gone nor forgotten (and you'll have to see the episode to find out why). Written by Don Nicholl, "Mike's Graduation" originally aired on March 16, 1974, as the final episode of All in the Family's fourth season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Season four of Sanford and Son was ushered in on Friday, September 13, 1974, with wonderful news for longtime fans of the series: after a well-publicized volley of recriminations between star Redd Foxx and the series' producers over Foxx's numerous (and somewhat bizarre) contractual demands, the actor was back to stay in the role of irascible Los Angeles junk dealer Fred Sanford. Before long, it was "business as usual," with Fred ruling the roost over his backyard junk business and his long-suffering son Lamont seeking out better means of making a living. Likewise, Fred resumed his ongoing war of words with his Bible-quoting, purse-swinging sister-in-law Esther (LaWanda Page), and his hot-and-cold engagement to nurse Donna Harris (Lynn Hamilton). Having more or less replaced Fred as head of the Sanford household during the waning months of season three, Whitman Mayo was back as Fred's oldest friend Grady Wilson, though by the end of season four Mayo would himself temporarily exit the series to star in his own spin-off sitcom, the short-lived Grady. Other regulars returning to the Sanford fold during the 1974-1975 season were Hal Williams and Howard Platt as police officers Smitty and Hoppy, Don Bexley as Fred's shifty pal Bubba, Nathaniel Taylor as Lamont's crony Rollo, and Gregory Sierra as rival junk dealer Julio Fuentes. Only one character of significance joined the series during this season: Pat Morita as Japanese-American restauranteur Ah Chew. The return of Redd Foxx performed wonders for Sanford and Son's ratings. Ranked third among America's most popular series during season three, the program was restored to the coveted "Number Two" spot during season four. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Archie has often overstepped his bounds in expressing his dismay over Gloria's marital relationship with a "liberal meathead" like Mike. But never before has he expressed his mistrust of Mike in so extreme a manner as in this episode. Considering himself within his rights to search Mike and Gloria's room, Archie succeeds only in nearly tearing his family asunder -- and this time, even Edith lowers the boom on her husband. Written by Austin and Irma Kalish, "Archie Goes Too Far" first aired on January 27, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Problems on the job manifest themselves in a huge backache for Archie Bunker. Landing in the hospital, he strikes up a warm friendship with his roommate, who is separated from Archie by a transom. Unbeknownst to him, Archie's unseen new friend is a black man. Roscoe Lee Browne guest stars as Mr. Duval. Scripted by Don Nicholl from a story by Stanley Ralph Ross and Martin Cohan, "Archie Goes to the Hospital" first aired on January 6, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Though Archie resists the notion, Edith insists that they celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary at the Atlantic City hotel suite where they spent their honeymoon. Edith's romantic notions are quickly dissipated by Archie's refusal to enter into the spirit of the occasion. But by episode's end, that ol' magic has again woven its spell. Also appearing is Mel Bryant as an obsequious middle-aged bellhop named Albert. Written by Michael Ross and Bernie West, "Second Honeymoon" originally aired on December 1, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Even under normal circumstances, Archie feels threatened by his intelligent and resourceful neighbor Irene Lorenzo. When Irene challenges Archie to a high-stakes game of pool, he is so intimidated by the possibility of losing that he begs off, using a "bad back" as his excuse. Written by John Rappaport, Michael Ross, and Bernie West, this episode is a low-key spoof of the "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match between Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King, which had occurred only a few weeks earlier. "Archie Is Cursed" first aired on December 15, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide