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Kolchak: The Night Stalker

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Kolchak: The Night Stalker, starring Darrin McGavin
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Kolchak: The Night Stalker – the complete series

Kolchak: the Night Stalker. Darren McGavin shines as Carl Kolchak, a reporter who keeps finding himself unwillingly investigating the supernatural

I have nothing but warm memories for the short-lived television series, Kolchak: The Night Stalker. It stars Darren McGavin (No Deposit, No ReturnThe Delicate Delinquent). I like it for a variety of reasons. First, Darrin McGavin does an admirable job portraying Carl Kolchak.  He’s a down-on-his-luck reporter. He’s reduced to working for a third-rate news bureau.  He frequently conflicts with his boss, Antonio Vincenzo (played well by Simon Oakland). A few other recurring characters at the news bureau are memorable, as are the various … things … that Kolchak keeps stumbling across. Vampires, werewolves, space aliens, zombies, and more.

Antonio Vincenzo (Simon Oakland) arguing with Carl Kolchak (Darren McGavin)

Much of the appeal of the series has to do with an ordinary man, thrust into circumstances that are anything but ordinary.  Carl Kolchak is no hero. But he has a strong sense of self-preservation that serves him well.  As well as a reporter’s dogged determination to get to the truth. He’s also an ordinary man. Not handsome, not young, not hyper-intelligent. But he is determined, not overly heroic.  And easy for the audience to identify with. It’s almost as if Lieutenant Columbo ran into the supernatural.

It’s very enjoyable, and I recommend it highly.

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