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Maverick [8.0]

Maverick Plot Summary

Maverick told the story of Bret Maverick, a card shark who lived during the Old West era. The show was originally a straightforward tale of his adventures, but it evolved when the writers began adding comedy into the scripts. Bret quickly became the television western's first mercenary, a character who would help the forces of justice only if he stood to profit from doing so. When he did have to use a gun, he wasn't much of a marksman. In fact, he was much more likely to slip out the backdoor when trouble began instead of sticking around for the fight. The writers also added a straight man for Bret in the form of his brother, Bart. He was more conservative than the devilish Bret, but just as unlikely to join any fight that he could avoid. The two characters began alternating as leads on the show as they journeyed through small towns with odd names like Oblivion and Apocalypse. Along the way, they associated with fellow card sharks like Dandy Jim Buckley and Gentleman Jack Darby. There was also Samantha Crawford, a lovely female rogue who loved to challenge the Maverick brothers to see who could out-con the other. All these elements helped make Maverick a television western that stood out. Audiences responded to the mix of traditional Western adventure and good-natured humor, making the show an instant hit. Bret Maverick in particular became a hero for many armchair cowboys. As a result, the writers began to play up the comedy elements all the time, expanding the storylines to satirize other prime time programming-Maverick lampooned everything from Gunsmoke to Dragnet. The show would also use actors known for other roles, like Edd "Kookie" Byrnes from 77 Sunset Strip, for cameo roles designed to make viewers' heads turn. Maverick continued to enjoy solid ratings through the end of the 1950's, but hit a snag in 1960 when James Garner (Bret) left the program over a contract dispute. To replace him, the producers introduced a new Maverick cousin, Beau. Beau had been to London for disgracing the family name during the Civil War (by winning a medal). This character was played by Roger Moore, who would move on to greater fame as James Bond in films like For Your Eyes Only. The show later added another brother named Brent, played by Robert Colbert, before finally ending its run in the summer of 1962. Since then, Maverick has continued to be a popular member of the cult television pantheon. Even today, it is a favorite in syndication. Its enduring status as a beloved show has also led to two short-lived follow-up series, Young Maverick and Bret Maverick, and a 1994 movie version of Maverick that featured original star James Garner alongside the likes of Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster. The remakes and follow-up prove that Maverick's mixture of tumbleweeds and laughs was an enduring one indeed.

Aired Sunday nights at 7:30pm on ABC. The final season aired Sunday nights at 6:30pm.

Thanks to the Roger Moore Official Site for the details on episodes featuring Roger Moore.

Theme Song

Who is the tall, dark stranger there?

Maverick is the name.

Ridin' the trail to who knows where, Luck is his companion, Gamblin' is his game. Smooth as the handle on a gun. Maverick is the name. Wild as the wind in Oregon, Blowin' up a canyon, Easier to tame. Riverboat, ring your bell, Fare thee well, Annabel. Luck is the lady that he loves the best. Natchez to New Orleans Livin on jacks and queens Maverick is a legend of the west. Riverboat, ring your bell, Fare thee well, Annabel. Luck is the lady that he loves the best. Natchez to New Orleans Livin' on jacks and queens Maverick is a legend of the West.

Maverick is a legend of the West.



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