Best of TV (Short Run), No. 2 (Monday)



Today I continue my look at the best shows that were cancelled too soon with a personal favorite, “The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.”

The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. (1993)
Network: FOX
About: The Western is a genre that has faded significantly from our cultural viewpoint. But once upon a time, Westerns dominated at the Box Office and on the small screen. “The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.” was a family-friendly Western that came out the same year that “The X-Files” debuted. In fact, they debuted on the same night. One became a cult classic that lasted nine seasons. One never found an audience, lasted on 27-episode season and lives on in the hearts of fans. One of the show runners from “Brisco County Jr.” is Carlton Cuse, who went on to be one of the two main show runners for “LOST.’ This was a more family-friendly show, but it was still highly serialized and had somewhat of an ongoing mythology. But that, combined with the Western trappings, is likely what kept audiences from getting hooked. However, the show featured a fantastic lead performance from Bruce Campbell — perhaps the consummate “B” movie star. The show had fun plots, fun guest stars (including a running arc with John Astin), and some light comedy. The show probably feels a little dated now, but you can see how the series would have set up. Sadly, it wasn’t afforded a second season. Still, the first season remains a treasure that few people have had a chance to see.
How to Find It: The complete first season of “The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.” is now available on DVD.

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