I believe
THE SPIRIT pilot was filmed in 1986, but not aired until summer of 1987, as part of a block of "unsold pilots" (along with
KUNG FU: THE NEXT GENERATION-- the only one of those that, due to
KUNG FU: THE LEGEND CONTINUES, became out-of-continuity with all the others-- it's also the only one that David Carridine was not involved in, though Brandon Lee DID return from the previous year's
KUNG FU tv-movie attempted series revival).
I clearly recall seeing it-- and taping it-- the same night that
THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS debuted in theatres!
Sam Jones was a real surprise. Though my estimation of him has increased in recent years (due to his personality and attitude more than his acting), I do feel
THE SPIRIT featured the best acting I've ever seen from him, by a mile.
Looking back some years later, I had completely forgotten Nana Visitor played Ellen Dolan. She just about steals the film! Back then, I'd seen her in such shows as
NIGHT COURT (where she played a woman suffering from multiple personalities, who Dan takes out for "drinks"-- heh) and a really tragic episode of
IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT. Watching her in
THE SPIRIT reminded she REALLY had a knack for comedy. She really captured the character of Ellen, who was always a mix of romantic and screwball.
Bumper Robinson as "Eubie" made a strong argument in favor of kid sidekicks. I'd also seen him in a couple episodes of
NIGHT COURT.
Gary Walberg did not look like Commissioner Dolan-- but I think he genuinely captured the personality of the character. MY favorite bit is when he tries to explain something to his daughter. "Daddy, WHY must the mask never come off?" "Well because..." (he has to think about this one) "...because-- criminals FEAR the unknown-- and a man without a fask is a man without limits!" "Oh, Daddy, do you know what that sounds like?" "Yeah, The Lone Ranger, it can't be helped..."
I think Laura Robinson DID steal the film as "P'Gell Roxton". HER personality they changed quite a bit, making her rather more murderous than I ever recall her being in the comics. But she was also crazy and very sexy. I particularly loved the moment when she forces The Spirit to join her in crime, in exchange for not blowing up an entire building of innocent people. She decides to seal the deal with a kiss, and is about to take off his mask, when she stops herself, saying... "
NAHH, it's KINKIER with the mask ON!" And then realizes from his kiss that he isn't sincere.
I saw it as a LESS-DUMB version of the Adam West
BATMAN... and that made it something I wish had sold as a series.
