Parents need to know that this adventure drama is about an ex-secret agent who uses his investigative skills and prowess with gadgets to ferret out bad guys on missions for his justice-seeking employer. Although MacGyver is a clever, admirable hero who prefers to use his smarts -- rather than weapons -- to defeat his opponents (making him a rarity in the media world), in some scenes he has to physically defend himself. Other scenes include relatively mild violence like car crashes and explosions (which mostly harm things, not people). Some kids might try to re-create Mac's homemade devices, so a refresher on the difference between TV and real life may be in order.

Families can talk about the law enforcement system. What are the different branches of law enforcement -- from local police to the FBI -- and how are they distinguishable from one another? Are there some situations that mainstream law enforcement officials can't handle? Do you think there are real operatives like MacGyver out there? Families can also talk about MacGyver's methods. What makes him different from other action heroes? How do you think he learned all of the tricks he uses to get out of jams? How could a real-life person acquire that kind of knowledge? What would you do in his place?