The Equalizer (1987) – Encounter in a Closed Room, and Mission: McCall: Part 1

Encounter in a Closed Room feels a little uneven, the editing and narrative a little choppy, but it’s still an enjoyable episode, and features some solid guest stars in the form of Michael Moriarty, Maureen Mueller and Jamey Sheridan. Written by Ann Lewis Hamilton from a story by Hamilton and Schott Shepherd, this episode first…

Moonlighting (1987) – Take a Left at the Altar, and Tale in Two Cities

Karen Hall pens this episode in the seemingly never-ending drama between David (Bruce Willis) and Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) now that they’ve slept together. Take a Left at the Altar debuted on 13 October, 1987, and sees David and the Blue Moon Detective Agency taking a case that involves a missing groom on the day of…

Moonlighting (1987) – A Trip to the Moon, and Come Back Little Shiksa

With the shark firmly behind them, Moonlighting Season Four got underway on 29 September, 1987 in A Trip to the Moon written by series creator Glenn Gordon Caron. David (Bruce Willis) and Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) have been together for four weeks, and both of them seem to have different opinions on what and where the…

Miami Vice (1987) – The Big Thaw, and Child’s Play

All series have their handful of weaker episodes, but most Miami Vice has been solid storytelling, but of course they are going to stumble on occasion. And this, The Big Thaw,  is definitely one of those. Written by Joseph DiBlasi (Michael Duggan), it aired on 23 October, 1987. Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson), Ricardo Tubbs (Philip…

Doctor Who (Sylvester McCoy) -Paradise Towers

The Doctor (McCoy) and Mel (Bonnie Langford) end up in a strange adventure, when they arrive at Paradise Towers, a supposedly luxurious residential complex that is nothing like the adverts make out. Written by Stephen Wyatt, this four-part story ran from 5 to 26 October, 1987. The building is overrun by gangs, all who have…

Magnum, p.i. (1987) – Pleasure Principle and Innocence… A Broad

  Things get a little weird in Hawaii this week with the Pleasure Principle. This one was written by Jay Huguely and aired 14 October, 1987. For some strange reason, Thomas (Tom Selleck) is acting like Higgins (John Hillerman) and Higgins is acting like Magnum. Thomas, still recovering from his injuries (including being partially blind…

Magnum, p.i. (1987) – Limbo and Infinity and Jelly Doughnuts

  Originally meant to be the final episode of the series, before they were picked up for a shortened 8th season, this week’s trip to Hawaii has a sense of finality to it. Limbo was written by Jay Huguely, Bruce Cervi and Chris Abbott from a story by Chas. Floyd Johnson and Tom Selleck. It…