"The Fugitive" TV series on DVD (1963-1967)

[AnamorphicWidescreen]

Haven't seen a thread discussing the 1960's "The Fugitive" TV series, so wanted to create one (though there are plenty of threads discussing the 1993 film).

I started watching this great show earlier this year; never saw this before, but had heard great things about it over the years. So far, I've seen S01. This is a fantastic series! Really gripping, compelling, and exceptional. I'm seeing this on the old DVD sets (Volume 1, Season 1, etc.). Some comments/observations:

The PQ is, overall, excellent on these DVD's. Very impressed, especially given that this is an older show.

I don't typically watch older b&w shows, but this format really works for The Fugitive. It adds to the "noir" atmosphere/vibe, and is perfect for the show/storyline. I know some of the later episodes are in color, but I'm glad that these early ones aren't.

David Janssen is extremely well-cast in the role of Richard Kimble. He does a very convincing job of being aloof/secretive around strangers & being evasive when asked personal questions about his past (for obvious reasons). But, at the same time, he does go above & beyond and tries to help people when he thinks it's important. Going along with this, he has a very strong sense of justice/fairness.

I like the storyline(s) involving Kimble having various adventures each week. He has to move into a new area & make some money, and then leave before the authorities (or anyone else) recognizes him. He's always looking over his shoulder & inadvertently getting into altercations/scrapes wherever he goes - though he is always able to get away in the end.

It's interesting how Kimble inadvertently gets caught up in other people's lives when trying to help them - and this ends up becoming detrimental to him because he draws unwanted attention to himself. This is obviously something he's fully aware of. In addition, he always draws suspicion/hostility from many he comes into contact with, because they justifiably wonder why someone that's obviously as educated as he is, etc. is working odd jobs - when he sounds/looks like he could do a lot better. This makes them think (in some cases) that he's "spying" on them and/or has some kind of ulterior motive for being on that job - or, that he's on the run from the authorities, etc. The end result is that - for the most part - he has to "skip town" at the end of every episode. And, this is probably something he would have had to do anyway, given that Gerard is one step behind him at any given time.

The show also made me think about how much easier it was for a drifter like Kimble to effectively function by going from job to job & city to city, etc. & also be anonymous back in the early-late 1960's (the setting of the show). That was before my time, but my understanding was that during that era & probably even well into the '70's/early '80's, it was much more difficult to check people's credentials (SSN, work history, birthplace, etc.). Conversely, now everything is computerized & it's very easy to check up on people - at the click of a button.

As with other Quinn Martin productions, the show features a lot of great guest stars, including: Vera Miles, Brian Keith, Sandy Denis, etc.