Since the basic premise of The Fugitive remained the same each week–Dr. Kimble has moved to a new location with a new identity and job to avoid authorities–a cursory look at the storylines might have led some television executives to believe the show was destined to fail. However, while the series finished 28th in the Neilsen ratings after the first season, the show was ranked 5th by the end of the end of the second season–television’s second highest rated drama, behind only Bonanza which was the highest rated series in the United States.
It is hard to pinpoint exactly why The Fugitive was so popular with American viewers. Some say it’s because of the series striking similarities to the Dr. Sam Sheppard case that was in the news during those years–Sheppard was a doctor convicted of killing his wife, despite his claims of innocence. While others believe that the plot more closely resembles that of Les Miserables. There are certain parallels that can be drawn between Lt. Gerard’s (Barry Morse) dogged pursuit of Kimble and the pursuit of Jean Valjean by Inspector Javert in Les Misérables. While Javert followed every law in his pursuit of Valjean, Javert kills himself when Valjean receives the justice he sought. Likewise, Lt. Gerard is so obsessed with catching Kimble, that he risks the lives of his men on several occasions. Series creator Roy Huggins said at times that The Fugitive was not based on the Sam Sheppard case, at other times, he insisted it was. Producer Quinn Martin claimed the series was a, “sort of modern rendition of the outline of Les Misérables.” Whatever the inspiration, The Fugitive struck a chord with viewers and remains a fan favorite today. In 1993, the series was voted the best dramatic series of the 1960’s in TV Guide.
As the only actor to appear in all 120 episodes of The Fugitive, David Janssen deserves much of the credit for the series success. He received three Emmy nominations for his role as Dr. Richard Kimble; include one for the second season. Janssen is utterly believable as a likeable, innocent man on the run from the law. He gives Kimble a uneasiness that lays not far beneath an exterior of calm and pleasantness. While the tension obviously centered around Kimble’s fear of being captured from week to week, and whether he would find the one armed man he believed killed his wife, some forty years later it is amazing to watch the number of famous, soon to be famous and occasionally downright legendary actors that made guest appearances on the show.
As in past releases of The Fugitive, Paramount has decided to release the second season in two different sets. The Fugitive – Season Two, Volume One contains the first fifteen episodes from season two. I know some collectors are not fans of the “split season” practice, but at least this classic series is finally available on DVD.
Here’s a list and brief synopsis of the episodes included on The Fugitive – Season Two, Volume One:
- “Man in a Chariot.” An old law professor whose been confined to a wheelchair because of an accident is left angry and disdainful. Kimble sees the man (Ed Begley) boasting on television that he could get him an acquittal or at least a hung jury. Hopeful, Kimble contacts the professor for help. To test his theory’s merits, the professor attracts the attention of the media and Lt. Gerard, who flies into town. Harold Gould also guest stars.
- “World’s End.” The daughter of Kimble’s former defense attorney (Suzanne Pleshette) who knew both Kimble and Lt. Gerard back in Indiana and who attended every trial session has apparently been carrying a torch for Kimble, and her ads in the newspaper set up a meeting, and another threat of capture. Dabney Coleman also guest stars.
- “Man on a String.” Kimble helps a young woman with her car, and he later learns she is accused of killing her married lover. Kimble realizes he is the only one who can prove her innocence, putting his own freedom at risk. Lois Nettleton guest stars and Sydney Pollack directs.
- “When the Bough Breaks.” While hopping freight trains, Kimble helps a young woman with a baby before realizing she is a kidnapper and mentally ill person, who now believes Kimble is her boyfriend. Diana Hyland guest stars.
- “Nemesis.” Kimble steals Lt. Gerard’s car to escape, only to find Gerard’s young son (Kurt Russell) in the back seat. In the first real twist of the season, Gerard’s son decides Kimble is innocent and helps him elude capture. Slim Pickens also guest stars.
- “Tiger Left, Tiger Right.” An oddly serious Leslie Nielsen guests stars in this episode that finds Kimble posing as a gardener for a wealthy man. And he’s kidnapped by people who mistake him for his boss.
- “Tug of War.” Kimble finds himself caught in the middle of a rivalry between a brash, young sheriff and older one, set in his ways.
- “Dark Corner.” Tuesday Weld stars as a blind farm girl who uses Kimble in order to steal her sister’s boyfriend.
- “Escape into Black.” Kimble is involved in an explosion that gives him amnesia. A doctor urges him to turn himself in, but a social worker (Betty Garrett) who believes he’s innocent, has other ideas.
- “The Cage.” While working in a fishing village, Kimble ends up quarantined with the rest of the residents after he learns the village is beset by a plague epidemic.
- “Cry Uncle.” After finding refuge in an orphanage, Kimble becomes entwined in the plight of a troubled teenage boy who passes him off as his uncle. Ron Howard and Brett Somers guest star.
- “Detour on a Road Going Nowhere.” A robbery at a resort where Kimble is working forces the good doctor to run again; but which is worse, running into the thief or the police blockade? Phyllis Thaxter guest stars.
- “The Iron Maiden.” Kimble is trapped underground with a Congresswoman and a work crew, and when their photo makes the AP wire, it’s not long before Lt. Gerard is on his tail. Nan Martin guest stars.
- “Devil’s Carnival.” While hitchhiking, Kimble is picked up by a man who is also a fugitive, and both men get thrown in jail. Warren Oates and Madeleine Sherwood guest star.
- “Ballad for a Ghost.” Kimble finds himself working with Hallie, a woman who bears a strong resemblance to his late wife. Hallie knows of the resemblance, and Kimble’s danger is increased when Hallie’s husband becomes jealous. Janis Paige guest stars.
What makes The Fugitive so interesting to watch is how well the series stands up, more than forty years after its original broadcast. Aside from the age of the props, there is nothing about the show that’s impossible to envision happening today. The scenarios are melodramatic but not overwrought and the acting is first rate; from the series regulars to the myriad of guest stars who appeared on the show each week.
The DVD set us presented in 1.33:1 aspect ratio and transferred from the original negative with restored audio. The audio is remarkably clean, with no audible hisses or pops on the English Dolby Digital Mono soundtrack.
The Fugitive – Season Two, Volume One has no special features.
