"Probe" (1988) TV series

User Rating:

6.7/10   

Creators:

Isaac Asimov
William Link
Michael I. Wagner

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

10 March 1988 (USA)

Genre:

Mystery | Sci-Fi

Plot:

An eccentric scientific prodigy and his secretary investigate mysteries.

Plot Keywords:

Genius | Think Tank | Computer

Cast

Parker Stevenson	...	Austin James (7 episodes, 1988)
Ashley Crow	...	Michelle Castle (7 episodes, 1988)
Jon Cypher	...	Howard Millhouse / ... (7 episodes, 1988)
Clive Revill	...	Graham McKinley (5 episodes, 1988)

Runtime:

60 min (7 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

Company:

MCA Television

Quotes:

Michelle: You're not on drugs or anything, are you?
Austin: I have fragmented REM cycles. I'm slightly schizophrenic.
Michelle: Is that why you sleep in a tool cabinet?
Austin: Sensory deprivation tank. Helps me dream.

Movie Connections:

Follows "Probe: Computer Logic (#1.1)" (1988)

Overlooked and underrated

A literate, humorous, and intelligent series about a Tom Swift character (actually Rick Brant for those who recall) who solves crimes through scientific inquiry. Although Isaac Asimov was listed as the creator, the guiding light to this series was Michael Wagner, an Emmy winning writer (Hill Street Blues) whose wry humor and scientific curiosity was evident in the main character played by Parker Stevenson. Stevenson has commented that he based his characterization on Michael Wagner. Of course, placed opposite The Cosby Show, an intelligent outing like this had no chance in the ratings.