Parents need to know that MacGyver is adventure drama an 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.
In the classic '80s adventure drama MACGYVER, Richard Dean Anderson plays an ex-Special Forces operative who travels the world on missions for a crime-fighting organization called the Phoenix Foundation. Any given week might find him doing anything from rescuing a Russian dissident's kidnapped son to helping the grandmother of a graffiti artist who's in danger of eviction. What makes "Mac" such an interesting character (and a strong role model) is his tendency to eschew violence, instead relying on creativity, ingenuity, and science to solve his cases. Ultimately, his ability to use everyday items -- such as cleaning solutions, barbed wire, duct tape, and his trusty Swiss Army knife -- to come up with ways to effectively fend off his enemies turned him into a TV icon. The show's only other regular character is Pete Thornton (Dana Elcar), a fellow ex-agent who runs the field operations at the Phoenix Foundation and is Mac's good friend and colleague; recurring characters include Murdoc (Michael Des Barres), a hit man who constantly goes up against MacGyver, and Penny Parker (Teri Hatcher), a loopy would-be actress who can't stay out of trouble.
While this series does have moments of violence (explosions, crashes, etc.), they're usually the by-product of MacGyver's resourcefulness and aren't gratuitous or used as a means to an end. Although some viewers who prefer today's higher-quality productions or like their dramas more action-packed might be bored, thanks to its discussion-worthy situations and lack of brutality, MacGyver is perfect fare for a family that wants to enjoy a night together in front of the tube.
Families can 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?
Families can also 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?
How does MacGyver demonstrate communication, courage, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
| Premiere date: | September 29, 1985 |
| Cast: | Dana Elcar, Richard Dean Anderson |
| Networks: | Syndicated, TV Land |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Character strengths: | Communication, Courage, Teamwork |
| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Available on: | DVD, Streaming |
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