Automan – Pilot

Our latest episode is about the short-live sci-fi show Automan. Wally creates a computer hologram that is able to exist in real life and help fight crime. Makes total sense! In this episode someone is kidnapping scientists. It’s up to Wally and Automan to find out what is going on and to rescue Lt. Curtis who is the only cop to trust Wally. 

The 1980s was a decade rich with groundbreaking television, particularly in the realm of science fiction. Among the standout series was Automan, which first aired in December 1983. Created by Glen A. Larson, known for hits like Knight Rider and Battlestar Galactica, Automan was a show that blended cutting-edge computer graphics with action and comedy. The pilot episode sets the stage for a unique narrative that follows a police officer who creates a holographic crime-fighting partner. This detailed recap dives into the pilot, highlighting its plot, characters, and a few behind-the-scenes tidbits that fans of retro TV will appreciate.

The Premise of Automan

Automan centers around Walter Nebicher (played by Desi Arnaz Jr.), a computer expert working for the police department. Walter is brilliant and passionate about using technology to fight crime, but his colleagues don’t take him seriously. Despite his innovative ideas, he is often relegated to less significant work, fueling his determination to prove the potential of his creations. Enter Automan (played by Chuck Wagner), a highly advanced holographic being brought to life through Walter’s programming and powered by massive computer resources.

Setting the Stage: The Opening Scene

The pilot episode kicks off by establishing Walter’s character and his work environment. Viewers see Walter struggling to earn respect from his peers at the police department. His passion for technology is portrayed through scenes of him laboring away at the department’s underfunded computer lab, tinkering with code and computer systems late into the night. The show emphasizes the skepticism that surrounds Walter, which only fuels his desire to demonstrate the power of his creation.

The turning point comes when Walter activates a program he has been perfecting for years: Automan. This holographic entity is capable of interacting with the physical world and can think and adapt in ways that no other technology could at the time. The visual effects used in creating Automan, especially for the 1980s, were ambitious. His glowing blue suit, traced with neon lines, was an innovative design that signified his digital nature.

The Debut of Automan

When Automan is first introduced, it is clear he is more than just a typical computer program. With the ability to converse, reason, and strategize, he surpasses any existing AI. His appearance alone—sleek and glowing—catches the attention of viewers and characters alike. Walter’s initial interaction with Automan sets the tone for the dynamic partnership that will develop throughout the episode.

One of the pilot’s standout scenes is Automan’s demonstration of his capabilities. He showcases superhuman strength and reflexes, effortlessly analyzing situations and solving problems. This leaves Walter awestruck, realizing that his creation could be the answer to the department’s crime-solving challenges. Automan’s personality is confident and charismatic, which contrasts with Walter’s more humble and cautious demeanor.

The First Mission

Walter’s first test of Automan’s abilities comes when they set out to stop a major criminal operation. The pilot wastes no time in putting their partnership to the test, sending them on a mission involving corrupt businessmen and high-stakes deals. This storyline introduces the main antagonist of the episode, a powerful tycoon involved in a web of illegal activities.

One of the pilot’s most memorable action sequences involves Automan creating the “Autocar,” a futuristic vehicle that defies physics. With its glowing frame and sharp turns that seem to break all natural laws, the car is controlled by Cursor, a floating, glowing sphere that assists Automan in generating tools and vehicles. This sequence not only showcases the unique capabilities of Automan but also highlights the creative special effects of the show. The Autocar becomes an iconic element, representing the technological ingenuity that Automan brought to the screen.

Humor and Character Interaction

While Automan is packed with action and sci-fi elements, it also injects a good dose of humor, particularly in the interactions between Walter and Automan. Walter often finds himself playing the role of the cautious sidekick, trying to keep Automan from exposing his existence to the world. Automan, on the other hand, is confident and often amused by Walter’s reluctance. This dynamic creates comedic moments that help to lighten the tone of the show.

The pilot episode does an excellent job of showcasing this dynamic. In one scene, Automan decides to show up at a crime scene uninvited, leaving Walter scrambling to explain how this mysterious, glowing figure suddenly appeared. Automan’s literal understanding of human expressions and his attempts to blend into the world also provide lighthearted moments that balance the episode’s more intense scenes.

Fun Facts and Trivia

1. State-of-the-Art Visual Effects: The special effects used in Automan were considered state-of-the-art for television at the time. The glowing suit worn by Chuck Wagner was designed using retroreflective material, and scenes involving Automan were filmed with blacked-out sets and special lighting to create his neon glow.

2. Cursor’s Inspiration: The character Cursor, Automan’s assistant, was inspired by the early days of computer graphics. The idea of a free-moving, sentient cursor that could create vehicles and tools was cutting-edge and showcased the team’s vision of futuristic AI technology.

3. Glen A. Larson’s Signature Touch: Glen A. Larson, the creator of Automan, was known for blending technology with storytelling. His other works, such as Knight Rider and Battlestar Galactica, also featured advanced technology aiding human protagonists. Automan was his attempt to push the boundaries of what television could do with sci-fi.

4. Pop Culture Impact: Although Automan only lasted for a single season, its pilot and concept left a mark on the landscape of sci-fi television. The show gained a cult following over the years, with fans praising its imaginative take on artificial intelligence and computer-generated heroes.

The Climax of the Pilot

The pilot builds up to a climactic showdown where Automan and Walter must outwit the villains while keeping Automan’s true nature hidden. The tension rises as they close in on the criminal operation, showcasing Automan’s ability to navigate through complex situations and adapt to unforeseen challenges. In a dramatic scene, Automan uses his powers to create a high-tech escape route for both himself and Walter, leaving the audience with a clear sense of his vast capabilities.

The episode wraps up with Walter realizing the full potential of his creation and the new set of challenges that come with it. This sets the stage for the rest of the series, where the duo continues to tackle cases that the police cannot solve alone. Walter’s character arc begins to evolve from an overlooked computer expert to a crucial member of a high-tech crime-fighting team.

Reception and Legacy

The pilot episode of Automan was met with excitement for its innovative concept and visual effects. Viewers were captivated by the possibility of a holographic hero with the intellect and charm of a human being. The series’ use of then-modern computer technology inspired other sci-fi shows that followed, even though Automan itself had a short run.

Chuck Wagner’s portrayal of Automan was particularly well-received, and his chemistry with Desi Arnaz Jr. brought a relatable and entertaining dynamic to the screen. The show’s pilot remains a beloved piece of 1980s television, remembered for its ambition and unique premise.

Automan may have only lasted for 13 episodes, but the pilot laid the groundwork for an imaginative blend of crime-solving and cutting-edge technology. The series stands as a testament to the era’s fascination with computers, holograms, and artificial intelligence, cementing its place in the annals of classic sci-fi TV.