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MacGyver - The Complete Sixth Season
Paramount // Unrated // June 13, 2006
List Price: $38.99 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Movie:
One of the most entertaining shows of the 80's, "MacGyver" offered a spy series that entertained audiences with a fairly clever and intriguing premise: the show focused on MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson, who later went on to TV success with the "Stargate" series), a freelance special operative who can make a laser out of a paper clip and a broken mirror. That's being a bit much, but "MacGyver" became famous for its lead character's ability to make gadgets out of whatever happened to be lying around at the time.
Aside from the clever gadgets, the show was also helped along by a solid, compelling lead effort from Anderson, and fine supporting performances ("Desperate Housewives" star Teri Hatcher often guest starred on earlier seasons, while this season sees the return of MacGyver pals Pete (Dana Eclar) and Jack) With somewhat similar action shows on TV in the 80's like "A-Team" and "Knight Rider", "MacGyver" fit right in and quickly became a hit, as audiences eagerly awaited to find out what MacGyver would pull together to outsmart his foes and get himself out of trouble.
The sixth season (at this point, the series is almost over, with the seventh season being the final run for our hero) continues the mixture that has been seen since around season 4: while MacGyver often heads on international adventures that are more epic, there are the episodes that are closer to home, with MacGyver confronting crime on a local level, with examples being "Twenty Questions" (MacGyver deals with teen alcoholism) and "Tough Guys" (the opening episode, where MacGyver confronts a group of young vigilantes.) The seventh season also sees MacGyver return to the Old West (see also season 5's "Serenity"), as "MacGyver's Women" has the character transplanted into the old West in a dream sequence, where he's confronted by the women from his past, who all have one thing in common: believing that MacGyver isn't able to commuit to a relationship.
While the sixth season does have a few episodes that don't work or are simply average, but there's also a set of engaging, cinematic adventures that stand as a good example of what the show is capable of, including: "Harry's Will" (after MacGyver inheits a vintage station wagon from his late grandfather, an assortment of cons come looking for it, all under the belief that a priceless diamond is hidden inside), "Eye of Osiris" (in Turkey, MacGyver helps an archeologist and his daughter search for the lost tomb of Alexander the Great, with another ruthless archelogist on their tail) and "Strictly Business", which sees the return of villain Murdoc (Michael Des Barres), who must fix the only mistake he's ever made and take down MacGyver. The sixth season also turned quite moving towards the final episodes, as two of them ("Blind Faith" and "Hind-Sight") focused on Pete's battle with glaucoma while actor Dana Elcar was actually battling with the ailment at the time.
Season 6
105. 6- 1 17 Sep 90 Tough Boys
- The city's crack houses are being destroyed by a gang of vigilantes and MacGyver suspects that they are being trained by an ex-marine at the youth center.
106. 6- 2 24 Sep 90 Humanity
- MacGyver is taken hostage by a Romanian soldier, but he then saves the soldier's life and tries to appeal to his humanity.
107. 6- 3 1 Oct 90 The Gun
- A gun used to assassinate a presidential candidate years ago resurfaces when a cop is shot, and MacGyver's friend from the youth center is accused of the crime.
108. 6- 4 8 Oct 90 Twenty Questions
- When he learns that his young friend Lisa was found passed out at a house that was burglarized, he suspects that she might be a teen alcoholic.
109. 6- 5 22 Oct 90 The Wall
- MacGyver helps reunite an elderly German man with his long-lost granddaughter, not realizing she's now a deadly agent involved in a plot to steal the old man's gold.
110. 6- 6 29 Oct 90 Lesson in Evil
- Dr. Zito escapes the courthouse after an insanity hearing and proceeds to play an elaborate cat-and-mouse game with MacGyver and the cops.
111. 6- 7 5 Nov 90 Harry's Will
- After MacGyver inheits a vintage station wagon from his late grandfather, an assortment of cons come looking for it, all under the belief that a priceless diamond is hidden inside.
112. 6- 8 12 Nov 90 MacGyver's Women
After being accused by the women in his life of not being able to commit, MacGyver has a dream that he is in the Old West...with all the women as mail-order brides.
113. 6- 9 19 Nov 90 Bitter Harvest
- MacGyver goes undercover in order to investigate the death of a farm-worker organizer who uncovered evidence against fellow growers who are using pesticides.
114. 6-10 3 Dec 90 The Visitor
- Our hero tries to stop a rural couple from turning over their life savings to two "visitors" who are offering a perfect life on another planet.
115. 6-11 17 Dec 90 Squeeze Play
- A sports legend is pressured into stealing valuable memorabilia in order to pay off debts.
116. 6-12 7 Jan 91 Jerico Games
- MacGyver is reunited with his high school sweetheart, now the wife of an abusive businessman who is sponsoring an international sports competition.
117. 6-13 21 Jan 91 The Wasteland
- A land developer whose latest project may seriously harm the environment is in serious trouble himself, as his children are planning a very hostile takeover.
118. 6-14 4 Feb 91 Eye of Osiris
- In Turkey, MacGyver helps an archeologist and his daughter search for the lost tomb of Alexander the Great, with another ruthless archelogist on their tail.
119. 6-15 11 Feb 91 High Control
- A former motorcycle gang member who's now a parolee trying to go straight, is pulled into one last job with his old crew.
120. 6-16 18 Feb 91 There but For the Grace
- MacGyver poses as a homeless person in order to find out who killed his friend, a well-loved priest active in the homeless community.
121. 6-17 4 Mar 91 Blind Faith
- While suffering from glaucoma, Pete tries to help an old friend expose mass murder of innocent citizens in her Latin American country.
122. 6-18 18 Mar 91 Faith, Hope & Charity
- After he steps into an animal trap, MacGyver is rescued by two old ladies who own a nearby inn. While healing, he suspects another boarder may have been murdered by the mob.
123. 6-19 8 Apr 91 Strictly Business
- The evil assassin Murdoc is back and he's been ordered to kill MacGyver.
124. 6-20 26 Apr 91 Trail of Tears
- A dispute over Indian rights pits MacGyver and a Native American attorney against a powerful electric company.
125. 6-21 6 May 91 Hind-Sight
- Pete anixously awaits his glaucoma operation. Meanwhile, he and MacGyver must figure out who's been sending him threatening messages while he's been in the hospital.
The DVD
VIDEO: "MacGyver" is presented by Paramount in the show's original 1.33:1 full-frame aspect ratio. The presentation does look somewhat dated and a bit worn, but it's not too bad overall and, as with the fifth season, this season looks slightly better than the seasons that came before it. Sharpness and detail are generally fine, although inconsistent. Some scenes appear -somewhat soft, while others are crisp.
The presentation did not suffer from any noticable edge enhancement or pixelation, but some wear was occasionally visible - seemingly a bit less so than prior seasons on DVD. The picture appeared a bit rough and grainy at times, and there were a few specks, marks and similar issues present in the occasional scene. This didn't take away from the overall impression a great deal, but it certainly knock it down a notch or two. Colors did not appear smeared or otherwise problematic, but they did look a touch faded.
SOUND: The show's stereo soundtrack wasn't anything to write home about, but it fared fine. Dialogue was easily understood and clear, music and effects seemed fairly well recorded and no distortion or other issues were heard. The elements were certainly not up to modern standards, but in comparison to other shows of the time, "McGyver"'s mono track came out even.
EXTRAS: Nothing. It's especially dismaying that there isn't a profile of the late Dana Elcar included here, as the actor was really battling glaucoma during the episodes (his final ones on the show) his character was in late in this sixth season. Gathering the producers and his co-stars to offer a few words on Elcar's contribution to the show and their experiences working with the actor would have been a nice addition.
Final Thoughts: Although not among the show's hardcore following, I think "MacGyver"'s sixth season offers some very solid episodes and remains entertaining more often than not. The DVD set once again offers fine audio/video quality, as well. The lackluster point, as with the prior seasons, remains the lack of supplements. Still, I'd recommend this one to fans.
One of the most entertaining shows of the 80's, "MacGyver" offered a spy series that entertained audiences with a fairly clever and intriguing premise: the show focused on MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson, who later went on to TV success with the "Stargate" series), a freelance special operative who can make a laser out of a paper clip and a broken mirror. That's being a bit much, but "MacGyver" became famous for its lead character's ability to make gadgets out of whatever happened to be lying around at the time.
Aside from the clever gadgets, the show was also helped along by a solid, compelling lead effort from Anderson, and fine supporting performances ("Desperate Housewives" star Teri Hatcher often guest starred on earlier seasons, while this season sees the return of MacGyver pals Pete (Dana Eclar) and Jack) With somewhat similar action shows on TV in the 80's like "A-Team" and "Knight Rider", "MacGyver" fit right in and quickly became a hit, as audiences eagerly awaited to find out what MacGyver would pull together to outsmart his foes and get himself out of trouble.
The sixth season (at this point, the series is almost over, with the seventh season being the final run for our hero) continues the mixture that has been seen since around season 4: while MacGyver often heads on international adventures that are more epic, there are the episodes that are closer to home, with MacGyver confronting crime on a local level, with examples being "Twenty Questions" (MacGyver deals with teen alcoholism) and "Tough Guys" (the opening episode, where MacGyver confronts a group of young vigilantes.) The seventh season also sees MacGyver return to the Old West (see also season 5's "Serenity"), as "MacGyver's Women" has the character transplanted into the old West in a dream sequence, where he's confronted by the women from his past, who all have one thing in common: believing that MacGyver isn't able to commuit to a relationship.
While the sixth season does have a few episodes that don't work or are simply average, but there's also a set of engaging, cinematic adventures that stand as a good example of what the show is capable of, including: "Harry's Will" (after MacGyver inheits a vintage station wagon from his late grandfather, an assortment of cons come looking for it, all under the belief that a priceless diamond is hidden inside), "Eye of Osiris" (in Turkey, MacGyver helps an archeologist and his daughter search for the lost tomb of Alexander the Great, with another ruthless archelogist on their tail) and "Strictly Business", which sees the return of villain Murdoc (Michael Des Barres), who must fix the only mistake he's ever made and take down MacGyver. The sixth season also turned quite moving towards the final episodes, as two of them ("Blind Faith" and "Hind-Sight") focused on Pete's battle with glaucoma while actor Dana Elcar was actually battling with the ailment at the time.
Season 6
105. 6- 1 17 Sep 90 Tough Boys
- The city's crack houses are being destroyed by a gang of vigilantes and MacGyver suspects that they are being trained by an ex-marine at the youth center.
106. 6- 2 24 Sep 90 Humanity
- MacGyver is taken hostage by a Romanian soldier, but he then saves the soldier's life and tries to appeal to his humanity.
107. 6- 3 1 Oct 90 The Gun
- A gun used to assassinate a presidential candidate years ago resurfaces when a cop is shot, and MacGyver's friend from the youth center is accused of the crime.
108. 6- 4 8 Oct 90 Twenty Questions
- When he learns that his young friend Lisa was found passed out at a house that was burglarized, he suspects that she might be a teen alcoholic.
109. 6- 5 22 Oct 90 The Wall
- MacGyver helps reunite an elderly German man with his long-lost granddaughter, not realizing she's now a deadly agent involved in a plot to steal the old man's gold.
110. 6- 6 29 Oct 90 Lesson in Evil
- Dr. Zito escapes the courthouse after an insanity hearing and proceeds to play an elaborate cat-and-mouse game with MacGyver and the cops.
111. 6- 7 5 Nov 90 Harry's Will
- After MacGyver inheits a vintage station wagon from his late grandfather, an assortment of cons come looking for it, all under the belief that a priceless diamond is hidden inside.
112. 6- 8 12 Nov 90 MacGyver's Women
After being accused by the women in his life of not being able to commit, MacGyver has a dream that he is in the Old West...with all the women as mail-order brides.
113. 6- 9 19 Nov 90 Bitter Harvest
- MacGyver goes undercover in order to investigate the death of a farm-worker organizer who uncovered evidence against fellow growers who are using pesticides.
114. 6-10 3 Dec 90 The Visitor
- Our hero tries to stop a rural couple from turning over their life savings to two "visitors" who are offering a perfect life on another planet.
115. 6-11 17 Dec 90 Squeeze Play
- A sports legend is pressured into stealing valuable memorabilia in order to pay off debts.
116. 6-12 7 Jan 91 Jerico Games
- MacGyver is reunited with his high school sweetheart, now the wife of an abusive businessman who is sponsoring an international sports competition.
117. 6-13 21 Jan 91 The Wasteland
- A land developer whose latest project may seriously harm the environment is in serious trouble himself, as his children are planning a very hostile takeover.
118. 6-14 4 Feb 91 Eye of Osiris
- In Turkey, MacGyver helps an archeologist and his daughter search for the lost tomb of Alexander the Great, with another ruthless archelogist on their tail.
119. 6-15 11 Feb 91 High Control
- A former motorcycle gang member who's now a parolee trying to go straight, is pulled into one last job with his old crew.
120. 6-16 18 Feb 91 There but For the Grace
- MacGyver poses as a homeless person in order to find out who killed his friend, a well-loved priest active in the homeless community.
121. 6-17 4 Mar 91 Blind Faith
- While suffering from glaucoma, Pete tries to help an old friend expose mass murder of innocent citizens in her Latin American country.
122. 6-18 18 Mar 91 Faith, Hope & Charity
- After he steps into an animal trap, MacGyver is rescued by two old ladies who own a nearby inn. While healing, he suspects another boarder may have been murdered by the mob.
123. 6-19 8 Apr 91 Strictly Business
- The evil assassin Murdoc is back and he's been ordered to kill MacGyver.
124. 6-20 26 Apr 91 Trail of Tears
- A dispute over Indian rights pits MacGyver and a Native American attorney against a powerful electric company.
125. 6-21 6 May 91 Hind-Sight
- Pete anixously awaits his glaucoma operation. Meanwhile, he and MacGyver must figure out who's been sending him threatening messages while he's been in the hospital.
The DVD
VIDEO: "MacGyver" is presented by Paramount in the show's original 1.33:1 full-frame aspect ratio. The presentation does look somewhat dated and a bit worn, but it's not too bad overall and, as with the fifth season, this season looks slightly better than the seasons that came before it. Sharpness and detail are generally fine, although inconsistent. Some scenes appear -somewhat soft, while others are crisp.
The presentation did not suffer from any noticable edge enhancement or pixelation, but some wear was occasionally visible - seemingly a bit less so than prior seasons on DVD. The picture appeared a bit rough and grainy at times, and there were a few specks, marks and similar issues present in the occasional scene. This didn't take away from the overall impression a great deal, but it certainly knock it down a notch or two. Colors did not appear smeared or otherwise problematic, but they did look a touch faded.
SOUND: The show's stereo soundtrack wasn't anything to write home about, but it fared fine. Dialogue was easily understood and clear, music and effects seemed fairly well recorded and no distortion or other issues were heard. The elements were certainly not up to modern standards, but in comparison to other shows of the time, "McGyver"'s mono track came out even.
EXTRAS: Nothing. It's especially dismaying that there isn't a profile of the late Dana Elcar included here, as the actor was really battling glaucoma during the episodes (his final ones on the show) his character was in late in this sixth season. Gathering the producers and his co-stars to offer a few words on Elcar's contribution to the show and their experiences working with the actor would have been a nice addition.
Final Thoughts: Although not among the show's hardcore following, I think "MacGyver"'s sixth season offers some very solid episodes and remains entertaining more often than not. The DVD set once again offers fine audio/video quality, as well. The lackluster point, as with the prior seasons, remains the lack of supplements. Still, I'd recommend this one to fans.
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