It’s probably fair to say I was more than a little nerdy as a kid. I was that kid who wanted to read through my great-grandma’s set of Encyclopaedia Britannica, then quiz the adults around me on what I had just read. I could get lost in a book or TV show to the point the rest of the world ceased to exist. Some of that was due to the dysfunctional way I was raised by my mom — a childhood that forced me to learn how to entertain myself. But I think I still would have been a Brainy Smurf–level nerd even if I had had a “normal” childhood.
I truly believe I was born gay — and a nerd. Even as an adult, I read anywhere between 350 to 500 books a year, and my Funko Pop! collection is just a little excessive. Even my taste in TV would have been a dead giveaway. Perry Mason and Murder, She Wrote were must-watch television, and so was Scarecrow and Mrs. King.
Anchored by the crush-worthy Bruce Boxleitner as suave secret agent Lee Stetson and Kate Jackson as divorced housewife Amanda King, Scarecrow and Mrs. King was the kind of show I wanted to be in when I grew up. Like a lot of us, I was fascinated by the idea of being a spy, and I devoured every episode I could. Yes, the missions they went on were a lot of fun to watch — but it was Lee and Amanda who truly captured my attention as a kid, a fondness that has carried over into my adulthood.
They aren’t the kind of couple who fall instantly in love. In fact, I’m pretty sure annoyance and exasperated amusement were the predominant emotions they initially felt for each other. But even then, the chemistry between them lit up the screen. There was something about their partnership that grabbed your attention as a viewer, even at my tender, impressionable age. The annoyance eventually turns into respect and admiration, but it’s when they both realize there’s a spark between them that they truly become a couple worthy of a happy ending.
For a kid who found comfort in books and television, Lee and Amanda weren’t just characters — they were proof that even unlikely partnerships can grow into something lasting. Maybe that’s why they still matter to me. Their slow-burn story taught a lonely, nerdy kid that love doesn’t always arrive in a flash; sometimes it builds quietly and steadily, until you realize it’s exactly what you’ve been waiting for.
13 comments:
Lovely review! I have to admit to never watching this series - I googled it, and it was titled "Top Secret" in Italy, plus for some reason the Scarecrow was called "il Falco" (the Hawk).
Ha! I've watched every installment of "Murder, She Wrote", though! It was a huge hit here, and it's still being broadcast regularly on one of our channels.
On a side note, I started "Grimm" based on your recommendation, and I'm really enjoying it! I'm halfway through Season 2. The cast and characters are great, though admittedly, I have a soft spot for Monroe 😁. He's so funny. Lots of familiar faces, too (also among the guest stars). starting with Bitsie Tulloch from "Superman and Lois" and proceeding onto Titus Welliver (I've seen/see him around a lot, including "Supernatural" of course) and Michael Grant Terry from "Bones" (where did he go after that?).
Oh! and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio of course.
Makes me want to watch this series, which somehow I never watched. I like this genre of show--my favorite in this category was Remington Steele.
I don't think I've ever heard of this series but it looks like a fun one. I was definitely born a reader. I don't remember a time when I didn't fall into books - even back in middle school/high school when I was trying to be cool and didn't think reading fit with that.
I agree! This partnership had the connection that made it special. Very insightful thoughts on why it works and how you connected with it as a kid.
I remember watching that show as a kid. I didn't read a lot as a kid but when I was 15 I picked up my first Stephen King book, Cujo and loved it. I was hooked on reading from then on.
Roberta, That makes me ridiculously happy. It's such a good show, I'm so ecstatic that you are enjoying it!
Jane, Remington Steele is good to!
Katherine, Reading saved my life. I'm convinced of it.
Sophia, Thank you. It was such a great show. I actually own the series on DVD.
Mary, It's so true that it takes that one single book, it's different for everyone, to hook someone for life.
I have no idea if they have showed this one here
Linda, if they have and it's still available, I hope you give it a try.
Post a Comment