Max Headroom (TV Series) Security Systems (1987) User Reviews

Max Headroom--Security Systems

[Scarecrow-88 · 8/10 · 22 May 2013]

World wide security systems (the company icon is SS) offer protective services and it appears as if its artificial intelligence has gained too much control over humankind. Edison learns that SS's CEO, Valerie Towne (Carol Mayo Jenkins) could be on the outs, and that an investigation by the reporter into what's going on here lands him in hot water. Locked out of his apartment, his financial situation in detriment, and accused falsely by the A-7 SS technological security system for credit fraud, Edison finds himself in deep trouble as Metropolice are on the lookout for him. Edison will need assistance from the technical know-how of Bryce in order to bypass the complex structure within the SS system in an attempt to right the wrongs caused by the A-7. Max Headroom decides to "travel" into the circuit leading to the A-7 and begins to flirt with her (the A-7 has a feminine voice and is actually aroused by Max who even puckers up and passes off kisses directed for her!) in the hopes of clearing Edison of the false accusations by manipulating her with romantic gestures and dialogue! This is too funny. Seeing Murray, Theora, and Bryce all caught on camera helping fugitive Edison, having to flee the Network 23 office because of the A-7 computer "all seeing eyes" with their reporter is rather amusing. Bryce's kid genius once again plays a major part in Edison's rescue. The cryogenic chamber is used as a suspense device when Towne reveals her true colors, with Bryce contemplating an early demise as Edison wonders if this is it for them. Max and his sweet-talking might just save the day. Listening to the soft, sensuous voice of Sally Stevens getting all hot and bothered by the confident Max putting the moves on her is just marvelous. Despite the dystopian, rather odd cyberpunk future of "Max Headroom", the personality and general air of the show is lively, humorous, and knowingly wink-wink. Against all odds, Edison always seems to get his story and sheds light on corrupt practices uncovered through his investigation and willingness to face certain peril in order do so. Murray's being allowed to leave the Network floor / building during an episode was refreshing and fun, and he even gets to act out an argument with Theora so that Edison can gain access to a circuit that directly leads to A-7 (the very circuit Max follows) by gaining the attention of a security guard, her slapping him so that their performance could have a level of authenticity (Murray's reaction to the slap is priceless).

Involving episode

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 17 September 2010]

The CEO of Security Systems, the world's largest security center, fears that there may be danger behind the purchase of the company by an unknown buyer. Edison (Matt Frewer, fine as usual) investigates and becomes a wanted fugitive who seeks refuge from the police from his friends. Director Tommy Lee Wallace, working from an intriguing script by Michael Cassutt, does an ace job of creating and sustaining an edgy and paranoid atmosphere. Moreover, this episode neatly illustrates the loyalty amongst the lead characters, with Jeffrey Tambor in sterling form as the antsy Murray who's totally out of his element being on the lam. William Morgan Sheppard as merry anarchist Blank Reg, Concetta Tomei as Reg's kooky companion Blank Dominique, and J.W. Smith as the street savvy Rik shine in cool guest roles. Carol Mayo Jenkins delivers a splendidly icy performance as ruthless and duplicitous CEO Valerie Towne. Max's cheeky conversations with main computer A-7 (delightfully voiced with sultry aplomb by Sally Stevens) are a hoot. Kudos are also in order for Paul Goldsmith's nifty noir-style cinematography and Cory Lerios' moody score. And this episode not only makes interesting points about how advanced technology makes it easier to obtain secret information and thus destroy someone's life (Edison is accused of credit fraud, a crime that's considered worse than murder in the bleak near future!), but also manages to make computer hacking seem awfully exciting.