#george mcdaniel

The Last Starfighter (1984)

Director - Nick Castle, Cinematography - King Baggot

"Things change. Always do. You'll get your chance! Important thing is, when it comes, you've got to grab with both hands, and hold on tight!"

Stingray 2.10

Weak ending to episode with good cast, story, location and visuals.

With Doug Savant in almost every scene and people like Bill Calvert in the supporting cast, this one has a top-notch cast.

The story hooks you from the get-go, when Savant’s character sees a murder but nobody will believe him. Also: his own life is in danger, for reporting what he saw. Great hooks to get a story up and running.

Everything takes place at a military academy and the script does a great job of fleshing out the world that these characters live in. It would be easy to imagine other episodes taking place here. I always enjoy when shows do such a great job creating a place that you could almost believe it’s a crossover with another TV series.

The visuals are superb throughout. STINGRAY had a unique editing style in most episodes (quick cuts timed with the music) and there are several great examples in this hour.

The ending lets it down, however, as events come to a close much too easily. Savant’s character (previously smart) is very easily captured by the villains, after doing something very stupid. The villain of the piece is revealed to be a megalomaniac with a bizarre, something with doesn’t suit the establish tone of the piece. Even the action climax (impressive in many ways) feels contrived.

Still, there is much to to enjoy here. The main character is at his best: mysterious and enigmatic. The script pays great attention to the mysteries of who he is, and what he does.