Grossberg's Return (2 Oct. 1987)

Grossberg wages a grim vendetta against Edison and Network 23 by taking firm control of their arch rival Network 66.

Director:

Janet Greek

Writer:

Steve Roberts

Stars:

Matt Frewer, Amanda Pays, Chris Young

Cast

Episode credited cast:
Matt Frewer	...	Max Headroom / Edison Carter
Amanda Pays	...	Theora Jones
Chris Young	...	Bryce Lynch
Jeffrey Tambor	...	Murray
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Sharon Barr	...	Lauren
Donald Burda	...	Harrison
Rosalind Chao	...	Angela - Chopper Reporter
George Coe	...	Ben Cheviot
Stephen Elliott	...	Thatcher
Hank Garrett	...	Ashwell
Karen Hensel
Andreas Katsulas	...	Mr. Bartlett
Caroline Kava	...	Harriet Garth
Saida Pagan	...	Network 66 Newscaster
Brett Porter

Storyline

Grossberg wages a grim vendetta against Edison and Network 23 by taking firm control of their arch rival Network 66.

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Genres:

Comedy | Sci-Fi

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Details

Release Date:

2 October 1987 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lorimar Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Thatcher: My congratulations, Mr. Grossberg. You certainly seem to be able to upset Mr. Cheviot. But of course, you once worked for him, didn't you?
Grossberg: On the contrary, Mr. Thatcher. HE once worked for ME!

User Reviews

Riveting episode

Smarmy and ruthless executive Grossberg (a sublimely slimy portrayal by Charles Rocket) takes over rival network 66 in order to get revenge on Edison (Matt Frewer, fine as usual) and Network 23. Edison investigates a seamy story involving politician Harriet Garth (well played by Caroline Kam) only to discover too late that it's all an elaborate scheme devised by Grossberg to ruin Edison and the network's reputation. Director Janet Greek, working from a crafty and incisive script by Steve Roberts, ably creates and sustains an extremely dark and cynical tone. Roberts' script offers a pungent and provocative exploration of ethics by showing how morals are compromised in order to elicit high ratings. Moreover, this episode chillingly illustrates how advanced technology can be used to fabricate the truth. In fact, this particular show with its dirty double dealings and underhanded plotting possesses a certain charged tabloid urgency that's both compelling and exciting in equal measure. Grossberg makes for a wonderfully oily and calculating villain. Paul Goldsmith's energetic cinematography and Michael Hoening's pulsating electronic score both further enhance the crackling vitality. And the sexual tension between Edison and Theora (a splendidly poised and sultry Amanda Pays) really keeps things humming throughout. A stand-out show.