“Manimal” is an American television series that aired on NBC in 1983. Created by Glen A. Larson and Donald R. Boyle, the show blends crime-fighting with supernatural abilities, centering on a character who can transform into different animals to solve crimes. While “Manimal” had a short run, consisting of only eight episodes, it remains a cult classic due to its unique premise, special effects, and its imaginative fusion of adventure and fantasy elements. The show starred Simon MacCorkindale as Dr. Jonathan Chase, a wealthy and enigmatic professor who uses his extraordinary gift of animal transformation to assist law enforcement in battling criminals.
Set against the backdrop of urban crime, “Manimal” combines the traditional detective format with a supernatural twist, allowing the main character to turn into various animals to infiltrate, investigate, and capture wrongdoers. Despite its brief run, the show developed a loyal fan base, largely due to its innovative concept, special effects, and MacCorkindale’s charismatic performance.
Plot Overview
“Manimal” follows Dr. Jonathan Chase, a brilliant and wealthy professor of animal behavior and a man with a mysterious past. Chase has the unique ability to transform into any animal at will, a skill he developed through his deep understanding of animals and ancient techniques he learned from his father during his travels in Africa. Armed with this extraordinary ability, Chase uses his gift to fight crime and help those in need, often working alongside the police to catch criminals who would otherwise be beyond their reach.
Chase’s main ally is Detective Brooke McKenzie (Melody Anderson), a New York City police officer who becomes his confidante and partner in crime-fighting. Though initially skeptical of Chase’s abilities, McKenzie quickly comes to rely on his transformations to help solve difficult cases. With the help of their mutual friend, Ty Earl (Michael D. Roberts), who serves as a source of street-level information, the trio forms a tight-knit team that takes on a variety of criminals, from drug dealers to smugglers, in each episode.
Chase’s transformations into different animals—most frequently a hawk and a black panther—allow him to gather intelligence, pursue criminals, and infiltrate places that would be otherwise inaccessible. His ability to adopt the form of a powerful predator or a swift bird makes him an invaluable asset to McKenzie’s crime-solving efforts, as he can track down and outsmart criminals in ways no ordinary detective could.
The show’s structure follows a procedural format, with each episode presenting a new crime or challenge for Chase, McKenzie, and Ty to tackle. Whether it’s solving a murder, thwarting an illegal arms deal, or stopping a kidnapping, Chase’s ability to shapeshift becomes the key to their success. Along the way, the series delves into the mystical origins of Chase’s powers, adding a layer of intrigue and mystery to his background.
- Dr
- Jonathan Chase, wealthy, young and handsome
- A man with the brightest of futures, a man with the darkest of pasts
- From Africa's deepest recesses to the rarefied peaks of Tibet, heir to his father's legacy and the world's darkest mysteries
- Jonathan Chase, master of the secrets that divide man from animal, animal from man
Key Characters
- Dr. Jonathan Chase (Simon MacCorkindale): Chase is the protagonist of the series, a professor of animal behavior with the extraordinary ability to transform into any animal. He is calm, intelligent, and highly resourceful, using his deep understanding of animals to fight crime and protect the innocent. Chase’s powers come from ancient techniques passed down by his father, and his mastery of these skills makes him a formidable crime-fighter. Simon MacCorkindale’s portrayal of Jonathan Chase gave the character a sense of mystery and gravitas, making him a compelling and charismatic lead.
- Detective Brooke McKenzie (Melody Anderson): McKenzie is Chase’s primary partner and ally in the police department. Initially unaware of his powers, she becomes a crucial part of the team once she learns the truth. McKenzie is a tough, determined detective who is dedicated to solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice. Her partnership with Chase evolves over the course of the series, as she comes to trust and rely on his unique abilities.
- Ty Earl (Michael D. Roberts): Ty is Chase’s close friend and confidant, providing street-level information and resources that help Chase and McKenzie in their investigations. Ty is a former military man with connections to various networks of informants, which proves invaluable when tracking down criminals. He is also aware of Chase’s abilities and often aids in covering for him during his animal transformations.
- Professor Arthur Crandall (William Conrad, voice only): Professor Crandall is a mentor figure to Chase, offering advice and wisdom as Chase navigates the complexities of his powers and their moral implications. Though his role is limited, Crandall’s voice provides a guiding presence throughout the series, reinforcing the sense that Chase’s abilities are part of a larger, ancient tradition.
Themes and Storytelling
“Manimal” stands out for its unique blend of crime drama and supernatural elements, with the central theme of transformation at its core. The series explores how Chase’s extraordinary ability to shapeshift into animals allows him to achieve justice in ways that ordinary humans cannot. Each episode typically features Chase using his transformations to gather intelligence, pursue criminals, or infiltrate places where the police have no access. His ability to take on the form of powerful animals like hawks, panthers, and even snakes gives him an edge over the villains he faces, while also adding a sense of wonder to the otherwise grounded crime drama format.
The show also touches on the theme of balance between man and nature. Chase’s deep respect for animals and his understanding of their behavior are central to his character. His transformations are not just physical but also involve him tapping into the instincts and strengths of the animals he becomes. This connection to nature sets Chase apart from the more traditional action heroes of the 1980s, who relied on guns and brute strength. Chase’s intelligence, compassion, and knowledge of the animal kingdom provide a refreshing contrast to the typical crime-fighter archetype.
Another significant theme is the idea of using knowledge and intelligence over violence. Chase, despite having the power to turn into dangerous predators, often uses his skills to avoid unnecessary harm. He prefers to use his animal forms for reconnaissance, tracking, and outwitting his enemies rather than directly attacking them. This approach aligns with his character’s calm and thoughtful demeanor, reinforcing the idea that brains and strategy are just as important as physical strength.
While the show is largely episodic, with each installment presenting a self-contained crime or mystery, the overarching narrative explores the origins and ethics of Chase’s powers. The mystical aspect of his ability to shapeshift hints at a deeper mythology, which is touched upon throughout the series, particularly in episodes that involve flashbacks to his training and time spent learning about animal behavior in Africa.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
“Manimal” faced challenges during its original run, including stiff competition from other shows and mixed critical reviews. As a result, it only lasted for eight episodes, but it has since developed a cult following due to its unique concept and imaginative storytelling. The show’s premise of a man who can transform into animals set it apart from other crime dramas of the time, and its special effects, which were groundbreaking for the era, left a lasting impression on viewers.
The transformation sequences, particularly Chase’s changes into a hawk or a panther, were a highlight of the series and demonstrated impressive visual effects for 1980s television. These scenes have since become iconic, contributing to the show’s enduring appeal among fans of classic science fiction and fantasy television.
While “Manimal” was short-lived, its influence can be seen in later shows and films that explore themes of shapeshifting, animal behavior, and the use of supernatural abilities to solve problems. The series also made a crossover appearance in the 1990s show Night Man, giving fans of Manimal a chance to revisit the character.
“Manimal” remains a distinctive entry in the realm of 1980s television, remembered for its innovative premise, memorable special effects, and its blend of crime-solving and supernatural adventure.
