The A Team

                       

The A-Team is an iconic American action-adventure television series that aired from 1983 to 1987. Created by Frank Lupo and Stephen J. Cannell, the show became a defining part of 1980s television, with its thrilling action sequences, memorable characters, and lighthearted tone. The premise revolved around a group of former U.S. Army Special Forces operatives who were wrongfully convicted of a crime they didn’t commit. After escaping from military prison, they become mercenaries for hire, using their skills to help those in need while being pursued by the government.

The series became famous for its over-the-top action, clever one-liners, and its ensemble cast led by George Peppard, Dirk Benedict, Dwight Schultz, and Mr. T. The team’s black van, loaded with weapons and gadgets, became an iconic symbol of the show, and their slogan—”If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the A-Team”—resonated with viewers. The A-Team was known for its explosive action, but it also had a light, family-friendly tone, with the team often resolving situations without anyone getting seriously hurt.

The Premise of The A-Team

The premise of The A-Team revolves around a group of Vietnam War veterans who have been falsely accused of robbing the Bank of Hanoi during the war. After escaping from a military prison, they operate as soldiers of fortune, helping ordinary citizens fight back against corrupt officials, criminals, and bullies. The team works covertly, always on the run from the military police, led by Colonel Lynch, and later, Colonel Decker, who are determined to capture them.

Each episode typically follows a “mission of the week” format, where the A-Team is hired by a person or group in distress. The team takes on jobs that involve everything from rescuing kidnapped individuals to bringing down corrupt businessmen. Using a combination of clever tactics, improvisation, and specialized military skills, the A-Team always manages to outwit their enemies, building makeshift weapons and gadgets to overcome the odds. Although the show is action-packed, it maintains a sense of fun, with the team avoiding lethal violence and focusing more on creative and non-lethal solutions to their problems.
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The A-Team: The Complete Collection [DVD]
  • Ten years ago, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit
  • These men promptly escaped from a maximum-security stockade to the Los Angeles underground
  • Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune
  • If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire The A-Team
  • Be a part of The A-Team in this action-packed, 25-disc DVD set

Main Characters

The strength of The A-Team lies in its ensemble cast of characters, each of whom brought their own unique skills, personality, and dynamic to the group. Together, they formed a team that was more than just a group of soldiers; they were a family, bound by loyalty and camaraderie.

  • Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith (George Peppard): Hannibal is the team’s leader and the mastermind behind their operations. He is known for his brilliant strategies, quick thinking, and unshakable confidence. Hannibal often disguises himself to infiltrate enemy operations, and his catchphrase, “I love it when a plan comes together,” became one of the show’s most recognizable lines. He thrives on danger and enjoys being unpredictable, always staying one step ahead of their enemies. George Peppard’s portrayal of Hannibal gave the character a charismatic yet calculating edge, making him a fan-favorite leader.
  • Templeton “Faceman” Peck (Dirk Benedict): Known as “Face,” Peck is the team’s smooth-talking conman and master of disguise. He is responsible for acquiring the team’s supplies, vehicles, and equipment, often using his charm and good looks to manipulate people into giving him what he needs. Face is resourceful, confident, and a skilled negotiator, often talking his way out of tight spots. Dirk Benedict’s performance as Face brought humor and charm to the show, making him the suave ladies’ man of the team.
  • H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock (Dwight Schultz): Murdock is the team’s unpredictable, eccentric pilot. Officially declared insane, Murdock resides in a Veterans Administration hospital but frequently escapes to join the team on their missions. Despite his bizarre behavior, including talking to inanimate objects and pretending to be different characters, Murdock is a skilled and reliable pilot who can fly anything from helicopters to jets. His eccentricity adds a comedic element to the show, and Dwight Schultz’s portrayal of Murdock made him one of the most beloved characters on the series.
  • B.A. Baracus (Mr. T): B.A., which stands for “Bad Attitude,” is the team’s muscle and mechanical genius. He is known for his strength, no-nonsense attitude, and his iconic gold chains. B.A. is responsible for building and modifying the team’s vehicles, including their famous black van. He is fiercely protective of his teammates but is also known for his fear of flying, which often leads to comedic moments where the team has to trick or sedate him to get him on an aircraft. Mr. T’s portrayal of B.A. Baracus became iconic, with his catchphrase “I pity the fool” becoming synonymous with the character.

Action and Adventure

The A-Team is famous for its high-octane action sequences, which often involved explosive stunts, car chases, and shootouts. One of the hallmarks of the show was its inventive use of improvised weapons and gadgets. The team frequently found themselves outnumbered or outgunned, but they used their military training and ingenuity to build traps, armored vehicles, and makeshift weapons from whatever materials they could find. These MacGyver-like moments became a signature of the show, as viewers were treated to creative solutions to impossible situations.

Despite the intense action, The A-Team maintained a family-friendly tone. While the team was often involved in shootouts, no one was ever seriously hurt, and the show avoided on-screen deaths or excessive violence. Villains were typically knocked out, trapped, or scared off, with the team’s emphasis on non-lethal methods making it suitable for a wide audience. This balance of action and humor made the show appealing to both children and adults.
1983 GMC Vandura, The A-Team - Greenlight 84072 - 1/24 Scale Diecast Model Toy Car for unisex-children
  • 1/24 Scale collectible vehicle model
  • This 1983 GMC Vandura is a 7"L x3"W x3"H model with some plastic parts
  • opening doors, chrome accents, real rubber tires, detailed interior, exterior
  • Manufactured by Greenlight
  • Black
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Playmobil A-Team Van
  • Jump in the van through the sliding passenger door
  • Open up the back doors to load the cargo van with all the team’s equipment
  • Repair the vehicle with the included welding equipment
  • Pegged wall in the back of the cargo area to hang and store equipment

Humor and Catchphrases

Humor played a significant role in The A-Team, setting it apart from other action shows of the time. The dynamic between the characters, particularly the playful banter between B.A. and Murdock, provided comedic relief throughout each episode. B.A.’s frustration with Murdock’s antics and his constant refusal to fly were recurring gags that brought levity to the otherwise intense action scenes.

Hannibal’s love of disguise and theatricality also added a layer of humor to the show. Whether he was dressing up as a janitor, a businessman, or an old man, Hannibal’s commitment to his role-playing provided many of the show’s lighter moments. His famous line, “I love it when a plan comes together,” became a catchphrase that defined his character and the show itself.

The show also leaned into the cultural persona of Mr. T, whose popularity from Rocky III and his larger-than-life personality made B.A. Baracus a fan favorite. His tough-guy attitude, signature look, and memorable lines, including “I pity the fool,” became an integral part of the show’s identity.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

The A-Team became a cultural phenomenon during its run in the 1980s, with its unique blend of action, humor, and teamwork resonating with viewers around the world. The show’s portrayal of a group of misfits fighting for justice struck a chord with audiences, and the characters, especially Mr. T’s B.A. Baracus, became iconic figures in pop culture.

Merchandise, including action figures, lunchboxes, and toy vans, became popular, further cementing the show’s place in 1980s pop culture. The A-Team’s black van, with its red stripe, became one of the most recognizable vehicles in television history, and the show’s theme song, composed by Mike Post, became instantly recognizable.

Even after its original run, The A-Team continued to have a lasting impact through reruns, and its characters and catchphrases remain part of popular culture. The show’s influence can be seen in other team-based action series, and its legacy was further celebrated with the 2010 feature film adaptation, which introduced the characters to a new generation of fans.

The A-Team remains a beloved classic, remembered for its mix of action, humor, and heart, as well as its iconic characters who continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide.

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