His other
shows included S.W.A.T. (1975-76), Soap (1977-81) and Spenser: For Hire
(1985-88). In Vega$,
Urich played private detective Dan Tanna who solved crimes in and
around Las Vegas basing his operations in a warehouse/garage apartment
next to the Circus Circus Hotel.
In yet another example of the
frustrating marketing practice of splitting the release of TV show
seasons into two parts (series screened on the CBS Network in the US
are the worst offenders), Vega$ : The First Season - Volume 1 features the original pilot and the first 11 of the 22 episodes from the First Season.
Each
episode is jam-packed full of quick segments with big name guest stars
(although some are well past their prime, like June Allyson) and the
Las Vegas strip. In fact, it is interesting just to watch many of the
action sequences that were actually filmed on-location on the strip.
Robert
Urich is personable and tends to carry the show. He is ably supported
by Phyllis Davis as Bea, his secretary and sidekick, in a role similar
to Marlyn Mason’s support to James Franciscus in Longstreet and Larraine Stephens to Anthony Franciosa in Matt Helm – two TV series of the same era that had a similar look and feel.
Although
Tony Curtis is billed above the title on the DVD boxset, he only
appears fleetingly in these particular episodes. He occasionally
delivers his renowned comic performance but is primarily there to add
marque value to the series.
Although the boxset makes a specific
reference to the background music having been changed in some
instances, the brassy electronic soundtrack is jarringly stuck in the
1970s!
As to the episodes themselves, they are fast paced and
interesting in parts. Unfortunately, the practice of having
famous actors making ‘special guest appearances’ and ‘special cameo
appearances’ tends to encourage you to fast-forward the action until
you get to see your favourite on the screen.
I have a couple of
personal favourite episodes, including Episode 2 in which Elvis
Presley’s ex-girlfriend Linda Thompson appears just one year after his
death alongside Shelley Fabares and Don Porter who both co-starred with
Elvis during his own movie years. For novelty value, Episode 9 is also worth a look to see Robert Reed and Maureen McCormick (from The Brady Bunch) reunited, probably for the first and only time after the demise of the Brady franchise.
Overall, Vega$ is a good piece of action-packed and star-studded entertainment right out of the 1970s! DVD Special Features
The Extras are restricted to the original 30-second promotions for each of the episodes. They basically set up the storyline but are all over before you know it!
Conclusion: 70% Extras: 60%
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