Best (non-animated) Superhero TV show?

[bigdamnhero]

We’ve talked about the movies, now let's look at the small screen. (Warning: serious cheese alert!)

I excluded animated shows, because 1) I’m not familiar with most of them, and 2) there are too many to fit in one poll. I’ve also left out some borderline shows like Smallville and other non-costumed fare.

Any others I forgot?


bigdamnhero
“Aren’t you a little short for a stormtrooper?”

[Supreme Serpent]

Out of the ones I've seen, I'd probably say Lois&Clark, followed by the Flash and the 1950's Superman.

Don't forget the Flash! And Greatest American Hero. And things like Mantis, Automan, etc.

Did they wear costumes in Birds of Prey? I mean, superhero costumes?

[lapsedgamer]

Not knowing Teri Hatcher's name is bordering on blasphemy. She was the best Lois ever, with Margot Kidder a fairly close second.

As for shows, don't forget Birds of Prey, which I've heard is good, but did not see. Also, Greatest American Hero is out there. That show was pure gouda. There are a few other out there I can't bring to mind right now.

From your list, I went with Hulk. By the way, I can hear the Electra Woman and Dyna Girl song in my head right now. Did you know they did a never-seen pilot for a remake in like 2000? It was going star Markie Post, who I have always wanted to see in spandex.

[WhammeWhamme]

Birds of Prey had some costuming. Mostly it seemed like something the "real" Bat Family did.


I'd like to vote for My Hero.

[megaplayboy]

Huh--Smallville and Greatest American Hero not on the list.

In terms of writing and acting, Hulk was the best show. Beyond that, maybe Lois & Clark.

[GestaltBennie]

I'd have gone for the Flash if it were listed. But the Adam West Batman manages to do camp and make it fun, not Schumachery, with a visual style and a flare for invention that many modern series lack. No small achievement.

[Supreme Serpent]

It was going strar Markie Post, who I have always wanted to see in spandex.

Well, you can! I was surprised a few months ago watching an old Buck Rogers episode to see Markie Post, in a spandex outfit no less.

(quick Googling...)

http://forums.superiorpics.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Number=121460

[Supreme Serpent]

I'd like to vote for My Hero.

Is that the one with the hero with the agent, dealing with paperwork at the Ministry of Superheroes and somesuch? Saw an episode of that, pretty funny.

[John Desmarais]

My pick is Wonder Woman - but only season one (the WWII series). The two season that followed, set in modern day, were silly but lacked the period charm of season one. (Besides, Linda Carter in that costume was a joy to behold).

[Hermit]

I definitely would have gone with "The Flash" for top spot. Wesley Ship did a great job, and Amanda Pays just did it for me.

Besides, Mark Hamill played the Trickster!

But many of those listed were good or at least "fun"


I occaisionally caught showings of "Nightman" and found myself liking them despite my better judgement :)

[lapsedgamer]

Well, you can! I was surprised a few months ago watching an old Buck Rogers episode to see Markie Post, in a spandex outfit no less.

(quick Googling...)

http://forums.superiorpics.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Number=121460

I'll be in my bunk.

Seriously, thanks you made my day, perhaps my week.

[Hermit]

Did they wear costumes in Birds of Prey? I mean, superhero costumes?

No masks, which was a shame, because the exception to that was when Oracle put on the batgirl costume and she looked great and a lot less cheesy than whatever gothic trench coat thing they were trying to do with Huntress.

IMO, natch. That show could have been so much better.

[bigdamnhero]

Doh! That's the problem with posting this kind of poll - as soon as it's up, you realize all the options you forgot. Greatest American Hero and Birds of Prey should definitely have made the list, `tho I wouldn't have voted for either of them. And I've only seen a couple episodes of My Hero, but it should've been on the list too. Never even saw Flash. (In hindsight, Shazam/Isis should really be one show anyway.)

I left off the "non-costumed" hero shows (like Smallville) because I didn't want to reopen the whole "what is a superhero show" debate. No disrespect to Smallville, but apart from the fact that we all know Clark grows up to be Superman, is there anything in the show itself that makes it more (or less) of a "superhero show" than Buffy? Or Highlander? How about Man From Atlantis? It's a totally subjective definition, to be sure.


bigdamnhero
“One swift knee in the happy sacks and it'll go down like anyone else.”

[Log-Man]

I'll be in my bunk.

Seriously, thanks you made my day, perhaps my week.
That goes double for me. :yes:

[bigdamnhero]

Not knowing Terri Hatcher's name is bordering on blasphemy.
True enough. Father forgive me, etc. ;)

I didn't care much for the show, and I thought her character was a bit too shrewish for my taste. (Tho Lois does come across fairly shrewish in the comics.) But Teri almost made it worth watching.


bigdamnhero
“This is stupid.”
“When did that ever stop us.”

[Susano]

Any others I forgot?


Greatest American Hero and the Flash TV show (which has Mark Hammil as the Trickster!).

[bigdamnhero]

..and before anyone else catches it, yes it should be Bill Bixby, not Bruce.


bigdamnhero
“And they made a very satisfying thump when they hit the floor.”

[Log-Man]

Misfits of Science?

[WhammeWhamme]

Is that the one with the hero with the agent, dealing with paperwork at the Ministry of Superheroes and somesuch? Saw an episode of that, pretty funny.

Well, I haven't seen an episode like that (although I think I do know which character is the agent).

British Comedy, very good at being comedy, and I really liked it (seems to have stopped screening here).

[swbaxter]

Any others I forgot?

Dark Angel (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0204993/) might be considered borderline, but she does have something close to a secret identity so I'd call it a superhero show. Plus, you know, Jessica Alba!

There was a Witchblade (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0169514/) TV series for a while. That should count.

The Green Hornet (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059991/) was on TV around the same time as Batman.

There was also a pretty campy TV series called "Black Scorpion (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0155425/)", from a Roger Corman movie of the same name, which was a pretty direct ripoff of Batman but with a female lead. Adam West even appeared as one of the villains.

I'd probably vote for the Flash (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099580/) if he was on the poll, I have fond memories of that show. Or Dark Angel... because, you know, Jessica Alba!

[Powerhouse]

I left off the "non-costumed" hero shows (like Smallville) because I didn't want to reopen the whole "what is a superhero show" debate. No disrespect to Smallville, but apart from the fact that we all know Clark grows up to be Superman, is there anything in the show itself that makes it more (or less) of a "superhero show" than Buffy? Or Highlander? How about Man From Atlantis? It's a totally subjective definition, to be sure.

While I understand, I respectfully disagree. Smallville is a superhero show, simply done in another way. Rather than stick on a costume and shout, "here I come to save the day!", we see how someone deals with his powers and live the events that will shape him into the superhero that he will become. Also, it still has its super powered bad guys and fights.

Hmm.. how about Mutant X? It wasnt that good but better than alot of the stuff already mentioned. And yeah, the Flash was great too. A pity they stuck it up against Cosby AND the Simpsons.

[McCoy]

Mr. Terriffic, Captain Nice, Green Hornet, Greatest American Hero, Flash,the live action and much lamented Tick, My Secret Identity, and borderline, but let's check the list, costume, sidekick, code vs killing, vengence based obsessive need for justice, yes, The Lone Ranger counts.

[assault]

borderline, but let's check the list, costume, sidekick, code vs killing, vengence based obsessive need for justice, yes, The Lone Ranger counts.

Yeah, but what about Zorro then?

[Susano]

Yeah, but what about Zorro then?

Yup. Batman with a sword.

[McCoy]

Yeah, but what about Zorro then?
You're right.

[bigdamnhero]

While I understand, I respectfully disagree. Smallville is a superhero show, simply done in another way. Rather than stick on a costume and shout, "here I come to save the day!", we see how someone deals with his powers and live the events that will shape him into the superhero that he will become. Also, it still has its super powered bad guys and fights.
You make excellent points, and since I don't watch the show -- I tired, but it just didn't grab me -- I can't really argue with you.

And yeah, I forgot about Mutant X, Green Hornet, and the Tick. Most of the others McCoy mentions I haven't even heard of, so I bow to your geek creds. :hail: :D (Lone Ranger - no comment.) I guess maybe I should've done a poll first to determine what shows should've been included in the poll?


bigdamnhero
“Mercy is the mark of a great man. [stab] Guess I'm just a good man. [stab] Well, I'm okay.”

[Edsel]

Has anybody mentioned the show Night Man (http://xoomer.virgilio.it/amasoni2002/shl/independents/night_man_(1997).htm) which was a three-year long series about a decade ago. It was a sort of interesting concept but I never did watch it much.

I grew up watching Adam West as Batman. Then I was just old enough to find Wonder Woman to be very interesting. ;)

[swbaxter]

Yeah, but what about Zorro then?

If Zorro's in, then the Queen of Swords (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0252781/) might make the cut, too.

[ShinDangaioh]

If it was up, I'd vote for the Zorro TV series that was on the Family Channel.

Felipe who pretended to be deaf to help Zorro.

A change in Alcades that was explained in a movie.

It was one of the better shows on television. I wish I had recorded it when it was on. Hopefully, it comes out on DVD.

[OddHat]

I left off the "non-costumed" hero shows (like Smallville) because I didn't want to reopen the whole "what is a superhero show" debate. No disrespect to Smallville, but apart from the fact that we all know Clark grows up to be Superman, is there anything in the show itself that makes it more (or less) of a "superhero show" than Buffy? Or Highlander? How about Man From Atlantis? It's a totally subjective definition, to be sure.

Those are all Superhero shows. :)

And don't forget the Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman.

The Invisible Man series (both of them) counts as well.

[OddHat]

Of the series with cotumes, the only one I could re-watch and enjoy today is probably the Tick.

Expand the show list to include non-costumed Superheroes, and Buffy, Angel, the recent Invisible Man series (the one that borrowed so much from the Destroyer novels), and even Smallville all had their moments.

[shadow_walker]

Smallville and Greatest American Hero.

[Supreme Serpent]

I never watched it, but the Zorro talk reminded me - howabout Queen of Swords?

[shadow_walker]

Queen of Swords?

[OddHat]

Queen of Swords?

Female Zorro.

[Lord Liaden]

Mr. Terriffic, Captain Nice, Green Hornet, Greatest American Hero, Flash,the live action and much lamented Tick, My Secret Identity, and borderline, but let's check the list, costume, sidekick, code vs killing, vengence based obsessive need for justice, yes, The Lone Ranger counts.

I didn't think anyone else would remember Mr. Terrific and Captain Nice! Two 1960's shows with heroes who used special chemicals to gain superpowers. They rode the camp-superhero wave started by Adam West's Batman, but were more overtly comedy than that series - even included a laugh track.

Of the choices above, the Bixby/Ferrigno Incredible Hulk was always my favorite. It was a generally serious treatment of the classic Jekyll and Hyde dilemma. The scripts were often layered, acting was solid overall, and Ferrigno gave us an enraged Hulk that was truly terrifying to behold. When you saw some scumbag abusing people, you just waited in anticipation for Banner to "hulk out" and deliver a well-deserved @$$-kicking. :eg:

And let's face it, "You won't like me when I'm angry" is firmly in the popular lexicon.

[bigdamnhero]

Those are all Superhero shows. :)
Personally, I would tend to agree. What can I say? I only had 10 slots. :o

Years ago, I wrote up a Champions campaign kinda based on Greatest American Hero, but meant to be taken seriously. A small handful of people had been given alien technology that make them, in effect, superheroes. Never got to play it, but I think it would've been interesting to play with "realistic" superheoes and see how society relates to their sudden appearance.


bigdamnhero
“I can't keep track of her when she's *not* incorporealy possessing a spaceship.”

[OddHat]

Years ago, I wrote up a Champions campaign kinda based on Greatest American Hero, but meant to be taken seriously. A small handful of people had been given alien technology that make them, in effect, superheroes. Never got to play it, but I think it would've been interesting to play with "realistic" superheoes and see how society relates to their sudden appearance.

May I sugget this thread (http://www.herogames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38884)?

Learn the connections between the OSS and the Justice Society of America!

Discover the strange legacy of the Hinkley family!

Thrill and wail to the tragic tale of the rise and fall of Clark Savage Junior!

The secret history of the world is waiting.

[Brandi]

But the Adam West Batman manages to do camp and make it fun, not Schumachery....

I think the secret there (besides avoiding Akiva Goldman when it comes to genre work) is having *affection* for what you're sending up. Anyone who remembers the Freakazoid! Toby Danger episode (a great piss-take on Jonny Quest) knows what I mean. Goldman and Schumacher acted like they were slumming when they did their films.

[BobGreenwade]

You all got in and identified Teri Hatcher, but not Dean Cain as Clark Kent. For shame; he's my personal favorite Superman so far, and he's who I voted for.

I was also unhappy to see The Greatest American Hero left out, though the others cited I can see as being either non-costumed or (as with MANTIS, The Flash, Black Scorpion, or The Tick, all of which I watched and loved) too short-lived.

And yes, Duncan Regehr's Zorro totally ruled.

[levi]

^
|
--- Greatest American Hero, of course

[pinecone]

What can I say? I Still have dreams about Linda Carter...I was a little miffed not to see The Flash though...it was one I liked a lot...I even liked Black scorpian...:)

[Lord Liaden]

You all got in and identified Teri Hatcher, but not Dean Cain as Clark Kent. For shame; he's my personal favorite Superman so far, and he's who I voted for.

Cain was probably the most fully-realized and believable Clark Kent who has yet taken on the role. He and Lois were a major focus of that series, at least as important as Superman's exploits.

In capturing the nobility and impressiveness of Superman, though, Dean Cain still pales next to Christopher Reeve IMHO.



And yes, Duncan Regehr's Zorro totally ruled.

I was distracted by Duncan Regehr's obvious awkwardness in the fencing scenes - it was apparent that swordwork is not his strong suit. And it's tough to sell a Zorro who isn't an impressive fencer.

The TV Zorro I loved in my youth was Guy Williams (who later played the Robinson patriarch in Lost In Space) on the Disney series. That man knew how to handle a blade. And he had the elegant mustache and devilish grin going for him, too.

[Matt Frisbee]

Hey, you forgot Black Scorpion! Green Hornet! The Sentinel! Knight Rider!

I had to give the nod to Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, only because who wouldn't want to see Dierdre Hall in bondage every single week?

What do you mean, "My Freudian Slip is showing?"

Matt "Not-geting-too-personal-am I?" Frisbee

[MCMaenza]

From what was there, I picked Batman (gotta love Yvonne Craig in that purple Batgirl costume - yummmy) and Wonder Woman (season 1 only - during WWII). Had the Flash and Birds of Prey been there, I would have picked those too. Flash comes out on DVD in January - can't wait!

[Inu]

[B]Rather than stick on a costume and shout, "here I come to save the day!", we see how someone deals with his powers and live the events that will shape him into the superhero that he will become. Also, it still has its super powered bad guys and fights.
Same reason I loved Now and Again (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0212395/). I thought it was a really interesting experiment, and by rights, it should have been far more successful than it was. It failed to attract much of a male audience, however, due to the lack of action and the focus on the emotional effects on the main character and his family. Despite a fairly good female audience (at least around here; almost every woman I talk to at least saw an ep and liked it) it got canned after one year and one of the greatest cliffhangers ever. I guess the networks went 'hey, superhero show, should be successful among men... men aren't watching it? It's a failure, can it.'

[Redmenace]

The Flash, just a fun show across the board.

Honorable mention to the Superboy live action series from the late 80s or early nineties, Stacy Haiduk as Lana Lang and a fun version of Luthor.It also had the advantage of airing at a time when the only other show that had a man in tights on was Richard Simmons.

[Dr. Anomaly]

Knight Rider!
Super-vehicle and follower all in one! ;) I miss you, K.I.T.T.!

[Beetle]

Another vote for The Flash. A very good show. (I believe it's coming out on DVD soon...)

I'm watching season 1 of Lois & Clark and have been pleasantly surprised at how well it holds up. A fun show that didn't try to be too much.

[OddHat]

Same reason I loved Now and Again (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0212395/). I thought it was a really interesting experiment, and by rights, it should have been far more successful than it was.

I liked what little I saw of Now and Again. It had some nice elements borrowed from Six Million Dollar man, the Destroyer series, and elsewhere, and it seemed to be doing a good job with them. Shame it didn't get more of a chance.

If I can find the DVD box set used at a fair price, (if and when it's available) I'll pick it up.

[st barbara]

"My Hero" (I think that was the title) a British show that I enjoyed some time back ! "The Champions" (The one with the plane crash in Tibet or somewhere and the people all come back with "powers", but no costumes !)

[bigdamnhero]

FYI - According to Netflix The Flash comes out on DVD January 10th. Zorro appears to be out on VHS (they still make those?) but not DVD. No word on My Hero, MANTIS or Now and Again.

If nothing else, this thread has added significantly to the length of my Netflix queue. :D


bigdamnhero
“This sounds like a twelve change-of-underwear trip.”

[Thia Halmades]

Well, if we eschew costumes for a moment, I'd almost submit some of the more obvious camp:

Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) - Code v. Killing, always questing, kooky sidekick, crazy villains in every episode, and it's own professional uncontinuity.

Xena (Lucy Lawless) - except Gabrielle was hawt.

Mutant X is pretty much a shoe-in for the X-Men without a license.

The Vampire Show I Can't Remember The Name Of - Nick Knight, Vampire Detective. Has super powers. Has a code against killing which makes him morally conflicted, because he drinks blood. From bottles. And hangs with a doctor type person. Had a fat, comic relief side kick. Usually ended the series with a "super power" manuever or two.

Y'all flame me for this one.

Knight Rider. Hero with a lost identity rides around in his Multi-Power car built with Intelligence, effectively making the "hero" the sidekick to the more powerful of the two.

Total tangent:

MacGyver.

[Kaeto]

The Vampire Show I Can't Remember The Name Of - Nick Knight, Vampire Detective. Has super powers. Has a code against killing which makes him morally conflicted, because he drinks blood. From bottles. And hangs with a doctor type person. Had a fat, comic relief side kick. Usually ended the series with a "super power" manuever or two.
.
It was called Forever Knight.:thumbup:

[Thia Halmades]

I knew there was a "Night/Knight" in there somewhere. Thanks!

[swbaxter]

Mutant X is pretty much a shoe-in for the X-Men without a license.
They kinda sorta had a license. Marvel threatened to sue 'em early in development, and various changes were made to avoid infringement - originally the mutants were going to have code names and uniforms, and Adam's last name was going to be "Xero". As well, I believe Marvel's production company was brought on as a partner.

[bigdamnhero]

Thread bump just to thank everyone who recommended The Flash. I've been Netflix-ing my way through the DVDs and have really been enjoying it! :thumbup:

[Pyre-Archer]

Another nod for the Flash. On the list, I'd take the Hulk (Bixby/Ferrigno). Still catch the movies when they come on channel 48. Series used to be on the same channel, then vanished.

Has anyone mentioned Super Force? 90's-ish, cop with a suit of powered armour?

No mask, but I think Automan (Holographic crimefighter created on a computer) might qualify. If only for the 'I was talking to my good friend Zaxxon' line.

[Karma]

We’ve talked about the movies, now let's look at the small screen. (Warning: serious cheese alert!)

I excluded animated shows, because 1) I’m not familiar with most of them, and 2) there are too many to fit in one poll. I’ve also left out some borderline shows like Smallville and other non-costumed fare.


Put me down for Mutant X, I know it's not costume but it's the best non-animated Superhero show.

[svwerley]

Ok, I tried to read all 4 pages of this thread, and I admit I didn't scrutinize it, but it seems people completely overlooked the live action Spiderman from back in the late 70's or 80's.

Am I the only one who remembers this?

[Susano]

Ok, I tried to read all 4 pages of this thread, and I admit I didn't scrutinize it, but it seems people completely overlooked the live action Spiderman from back in the late 70's or 80's.

Am I the only one who remembers this?

I'm trying to forget it.

[John Desmarais]

Ok, I tried to read all 4 pages of this thread, and I admit I didn't scrutinize it, but it seems people completely overlooked the live action Spiderman from back in the late 70's or 80's.

Am I the only one who remembers this?

Oh, we remember it - we wish we didn't, but we do.

[bigdamnhero]

It's in the poll.

[input.jack]

My vote is for The Flash. I recently got the entire series on DVD. Id loan it to you, BDHero, if I knew where you lived ;)

....Or maybe Isis. Just because she was so frikkin HAWT!

[bigdamnhero]

I appreciate it, but that's what I got Netflix for. :thumbup:

[BNakagawa]

Suitchi On Wan Tsuu Surii
Denryuu hibana ga karada wo hashiru
Jiroo Cheinji Kikaidaa
Daaku Robotto mukae ute
Jinzoo Ningen Kikaidaa
Cheinji Cheinji Goo Go Goo Goo……

Suitchi On Wan Tsuu Surii
SaidoMashin de yatte kuru
Jiroo Cheinji Kikaidaa
Daaku Robotto oikakero
Jinzoo Ningen Kikaidaa
Cheinji Cheinji Goo Go Goo Goo……

Suitchi On Wan Tsuu Surii
EaaKurafuto daisharin
Jiroo Cheinji Kikaidaa
Daaku Robotto nagetobase
Jinzoo Ningen Kikaidaa
Cheinji Cheinji Goo Go Goo Goo……

Suitchi On Wan Tsuu Surii
Seigi to aku to no ao to aka
Jiroo Cheinji Kikaidaa
Daaku Robotto buchikowase
Jinzoo Ningen Kikaidaa
Cheinji Cheinji Goo Go Goo Goo……

(english translation)
Switch On One, Two, Three
Electrical sparks run his body
Jiro, Change, Kikaida,
Greet the Dark Robots!
Android Kikaida
Change, Change, Go, GoGo, Go……

Switch On One, Two, Three
He arrives by the Side Machine
Jiro, Change, Kikaida,
Pursue the Dark Robots!
Android Kikaida
Change, Change, Go, GoGo, Go……

Switch On One, Two, Three
Aircraft, Giant Swing
Jiro, Change, Kikaida,
Hurl the Dark Robots!
Android Kikaida
Change, Change, Go, GoGo, Go……

Switch On One, Two, Three
Right and wrongs' blue and red
Jiro, Change, Kikaida
Destroy the Dark Robots!
Android Kikaida
Change, Change, Go, GoGo, Go……

[Egyptoid]

MIGHTY ISIS

oh zephyr winds, which blow on high, lift me now, that I may fly !

[CrosshairCollie]

I voted for Batman, just for all its classic cheesy flavor.

For more modern cheez, though, I'd've voted Power Rangers.

[FenrisUlf]

Does Ultraman count as a superhero? I loved that show as a kid. Kaiju rule!

[Hermit]

Thread bump just to thank everyone who recommended The Flash. I've been Netflix-ing my way through the DVDs and have really been enjoying it! :thumbup:

I was one of many who praised it, and yeah, I've been catching up via Netflix myself. The series has been a treat for me to review :) Glad you're enjoying it

[Matt Frisbee]

Electra Woman & Dyna-Girl! Yeah baby! You just gotta love that car they drove around. Me, though, I just loved seeing Diedre Hall in all that spandex! Yum!

Matt "Still-a-sucka-for-dames-with-80's-hair" Frisbee

[zornwil]

Out of this list, I picked Lois and Clark, which I barely watched. However, like many others (and it came to me before I even read their responses), I would go with Flash, that really should have been on here, great show. I also liked Sable a lot. Actually, I'd say Sable was the better show overall except towards the end it (Sable) faded as they scrambled to try to make it have more appeal.

[Sundog]

Out of this list, I picked Lois and Clark, which I barely watched. However, like many others (and it came to me before I even read their responses), I would go with Flash, that really should have been on here, great show. I also liked Sable a lot. Actually, I'd say Sable was the better show overall except towards the end it (Sable) faded as they scrambled to try to make it have more appeal.

It wasn't bad, but it was too wimpy to appeal to the fans of Mike Grell's comic series (which was pretty hard edged).

Personally, I've never seen a better TV superhero show than Misfits of Science. Funny, but also exciting and serious in the important places.

[bigdamnhero]

I would go with Flash, that really should have been on here, great show.
:thumbup: Had I seen the Flash beforehand, I wouldn't not only have included it in the poll, but voted for it myself. Missed Sable too - if they ever release that on DVD I'll check it out too.

[OddHat]

The non-costumed Superhero shows have, imo, been the best of the bunch.

Six Million Dollar Man (and spin offs)
Buffy, at least the first four seasons
Angel

You had Super Powers, Superheroes, Supervillains, all you lacked was costumes. The Wheedon shows often had good to great writing, and the Six Million DOllar Man was a major part of my childhood.

Smallville has actually come close to being very good in a few episodes, but usually falls short.

Honorable mention to:
The Invisible Man (most recent version)
The Man from Atlantis

Of shows with costumes, I'd place the Wonder Woman show at the top of my list, with honorable mention to The Incredible Hulk (good acting, but problems were too mundane) and the Flash (could have been great).

[Kenn]

Where's "the Electric Company" version of Spider-Man?

[Susano]

What happened to the Greatest American Hero?

[bigdamnhero]

Yeah, there were a lot that I missed. Some (like The Flash) because I didn't know about them. Some (like Greatest American Hero) because I just plain forgot. And some because the poll only had so many options. I never claimed it was a scientific sampling. :)

[OddHat]

What happened to the Greatest American Hero?

While I loved that show, ultimately I wouldn't have voted for it. It had a common live action Superhero show flaw. No (so far as I can recall) supervillains. Just lots of thugs in suits.

That's where shows like the Bionic Man appealed to me as a kid. He was mostly just fighting thugs as well, but every so often he'd face an Evil Android or Sasquatch. That's good TV. :)

The best thing about Buffy and Angel was the steady supply of Supervillains.

[BNakagawa]

I'm surprised how many pages this thread went before anyone mentioned the live action version of the Tick.

[OddHat]

I'm surprised how many pages this thread went before anyone mentioned the live action version of the Tick.

Another great one. :)

[Susano]

While I loved that show, ultimately I wouldn't have voted for it. It had a common live action Superhero show flaw. No (so far as I can recall) supervillains. Just lots of thugs in suits.

Didn't he meet some aliens, monsters, and someone in another version of his suit?

[OddHat]

Didn't he meet some aliens, monsters, and someone in another version of his suit?

I remember the Aliens who gave him the suit, but not the rest. Maybe I should rent the DVDs. :)

[lynnlefey]

Wow. I have to go with Tick as far and above the #1 live action. You can get the entire sereis on DVD. If you haven't seen it yet, go do it...NOW! :)

I HATE the Adam West Batman, although i loved it as a kid.
Same with WW, although she does have a rather infectious charisma.
Hulk was pretty good.

By the way, no one has mentioned the Robocop TV series. Sure it sucked, but it's certainly superhero.

Okay... don't tell anyone... every now and then I watch Power Rangers. I'm so embarrassed.

Of the shows listed, I'd have to pick the Hulk.

[prodigyduck]

Smallville and the Flash. 'Nuff said.

[Great Beyond]

The problem is - best how?

Best drama? The Hulk, hands down.
Best represntation of the comics? Season 1 of Wonder Woman.
Best cheese? Batman without a doubt.
Best kids show? Isis, probably.

But to compare Hulk to Batman is an exercise of futility.

[zornwil]

The problem is - best how?

Best drama? The Hulk, hands down.
Best represntation of the comics? Season 1 of Wonder Woman.
Best cheese? Batman without a doubt.
Best kids show? Isis, probably.

But to compare Hulk to Batman is an exercise of futility.
Not necessarily, I think it's valid to say that Hulk does drama better than Batman does cheese or kitsch or camp. Not that I would say that. But I think such comparisons are "reasonable" (not the same as saying such comparisons are ultimately valid).

[GestaltBennie]

Drama? The Incredible Hulk ranks among the most painfully formulaic shows in the history of television. It was "Touched by an Angel" with 'roids and fewer hugs. :-)

As you might guess, I didn't care for it much, despite the charisma of its stars.

And Batman was a satirical gem (the episode where the Penguin ran for mayor said things about politics that no one else could've gotten away with at the time), though the third season is often very painful to watch (Yvone Craig excepted).

[Great Beyond]

Not necessarily, I think it's valid to say that Hulk does drama better than Batman does cheese or kitsch or camp. Not that I would say that. But I think such comparisons are "reasonable" (not the same as saying such comparisons are ultimately valid).

Well, I guess it all gets down to what mood I'm in. If I want the drama, then I'll turn to the Hulk, and if I wanted the kitch I'll reach for the Batman. . . or would if it were out on DVD. Stupid studios!

Actually - I changed my mind. This is the best superhero show *EVER*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Oaki3Droo

[Thrakazog]

Where's "the Electric Company" version of Spider-Man?

Spider Man vs. The Wall!!! :D

[Thrakazog]

Xena (Lucy Lawless) - except Gabrielle was hawt.

First season "Gabby in blue with long hair" was hawt. Middle seasons "Gabby with pony tail, short leathers, learning to fight with a staff" was rowr-hawwt. I didn't find final season "Gabby with crew cut, sais, I've embraced my womynhood" particularly hot. The bloom had left the rose at that point. The Gabby shark was truly jumped.

[Thrakazog]

....Or maybe Isis. Just because she was so frikkin HAWT!

True dat. I had to give my vote to Electra Woman & Dyna Girl though because, well, they were around when adolescent Thrak was discovering women n'stuff. :thumbup: :hush:

[OddHat]

The Gabby shark was truly jumped.

I understand that there are web sites where you can download the video.

[Killer Shrike]

Um, hello....the TICK!


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AUHQE/104-4744131-9263928?v=glance&n=130

[Inu]

First season "Gabby in blue with long hair" was hawt. Middle seasons "Gabby with pony tail, short leathers, learning to fight with a staff" was rowr-hawwt. I didn't find final season "Gabby with crew cut, sais, I've embraced my womynhood" particularly hot. The bloom had left the rose at that point. The Gabby shark was truly jumped.
Whereas I found her better than ever. :) She didn't look so great in the sari (not that it was a real sari, she just called it that for a single pun)... it just made her look like she was tottering around. But the final-season pseudo-western getup that she and Xena got? That was great.