Friday, March 02, 2007

TV Westerns

This Mavs team is incredible! They have had three win streaks of 12 games or more this season. Starting 0-4, they now stand at 49-9! They seem to have great team chemistry. However, I think the most credit belongs to Avery Johnson. He just seems to know exactly what to say and do to motivate his team.
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As I work out each day, I have been watching old westerns on TV. Yes, the story lines are pretty hokie by today's standards. But you know what? There is usually a good feeling by the time you get to the end. It takes me back to some of the good memories from my childhood. Every night was westerns. The Rifleman. Have Gun Will Travel. Rawhide. Bonanza. Gunsmoke. Wagon Train. Maverick. The Big Valley.

My favorite? Gunsmoke. Matt Dillon was the Jack Bauer of his day. And Festus. Ken Curtis, who played Festus, was one of the best actors on TV -- a delightful character (I would vote for him and Don Knotts as all-time best). Then there's Doc -- another character who you couldn't help but love. Now Kitty? I don't know. Her relationship with Matt always seemed to be inconsistent with the moral level of the show. A US Marshall "dating" a saloon owner who hired "escort women." Oh, well. You just have to overlook that part.

But consider this: The show ran for nearly 20 years!

Bonanza ran a fairly close 2nd for me. Loved Hoss! And I always liked The Rifleman, too -- although Lucas could be a little self-righteous at times. I don't remember Rawhide much from my childhood, but have liked it when I see it in reruns. Clint Eastwood as Rowdy Yates was another great TV character.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

They are great. I got to see Ken Curtis as Festus Hagen @ the Ft. Worth Stck Show when I was about 9. But the Sat. morning westerns were my favorites, especially "Sky King". And while it may not be a true "western", can anyone remeber Jack Lord playing "Stony Burk"? .

Rick Ross said...

I don't remember Stony Burk. But Hawaii 5-0, starring Lord, was another really good, long-running show.

Bev Ross said...

I old tv shows! I have such sweet memories of watching Bonanza on Sunday nights while eating a large can of bean dip, big bag of Fritos, and Coke - then wondered why on earth I could never sleep - HA!

Danna said...

Rick,

When I was a kid I remember channel 39 had Western Weekend every Saturday and Sunday. We watched the Lone Ranger, Rifleman, Rawhide and Bonanza. I loved watching those shows. Hokey or not they were great entertainment and a lot cleaner than some of today's shows. I hope all is going well with you and your family. Love you guys!

Liz Moore said...

I grew up watching and loving all those westerns too. One more I remember watching that was a favorite of mine (of course because of the good lookin' guys!) was Laredo. It starred Phil Carey as the head ranger. 2 of the other characters were Chad and Joe although I don't remember their real life names. I don't ever hear to much about it, so I don't know if I'm the only one who remembers that one or not. Oh well, it's still my favorite! :)