I-Man (1986) (TV)

Director:

Corey Allen

Writers:

Howard Friedlander (writer) &
Ken Peragine (writer)

Release Date:

6 April 1986 (USA)

Genre:

Family | Sci-Fi

Plot:

When a man is exposed to an alien gas, he acquires the ability to heal instantly and survive any injury or toxin.

Plot Keywords:

Gas | Immortality | Kids And Family

Cast

Scott Bakula	...	Jeffrey Wilder
Ellen Bry	...	Karen McCorder
Joey Cramer	...	Eric Wilder
John Bloom	...	Harry Murphy
Herschel Bernardi	...	Art Bogosian
John Anderson	...	Holbrook
Dale Wilson	...	Rudy
Cindy Higgins	...	Allison
Charles Siegel	...	Cabbie
Joseph Golland	...	Meek man
Ian Tracey	...	Robbery youth
Ted Stidder	...	Dr. Allen
George Josef	...	Guide guard
Campbell Lane	...	General
Terry Moore	...	Distinguished man

Also Known As:

Indestructible Man (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

96 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:PG | Iceland:L | Germany:12

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

I-Man Productions Inc.

Trivia:

Herschel Bernardi's final performance.

Quotes:

Karen McCorder: When this is over I think you should have a complete physical.
Jeffrey Wilder: I was perfectly alright before I became indestructible.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The Best TV Shows That Never Were (2004) (TV)

A show I've never forgotten

Apparently, I was 7 years old when I caught I-Man on television. I had no idea what it was, and I have no idea why I was watching it, but even at that age, the premise was so unique to me; so fascinating. Nearly twenty years later, the memory of that one viewing stayed with me until this very moment when, in doing a search on Scott Bakula, I found the entry for this show. Previously, I'd had no idea what it was called, who was in it, or even that it had been a pilot for a TV show that was never picked up. I had thought it was a made for TV movie.

It's hard to work from an 18 year old memory, but what stood out about I-Man was the combined science fiction premise of a man who's unique power is to heal (an understated ability, but one with many uses), as well as the family-oriented heart of the show. After all, the father and the son both share their unique ability. They work together with a Batman/Robin sort of dynamic, though their relationship obviously runs deeper.

Essentially, it's a feel good family show with a kick-butt sci-fi premise. I would have been fascinated to have seen where this would have gone, and would love to track down a copy of the pilot. And, of course, with Scott Bakula in the lead, you can never go wrong.