The 2000 version of the '60s Fugitive TV series was one of the very few remakes that was actually good and refreshing. Tim Daly was a fine Dr. Richard Kimble (the man wrongfully accused of murdering his wife), but no one could ever hold a candle to David Janssen's portrayal of the doctor on the run. (Ironically, when this remake debuted in 2000, it had been a full 20 years since Janssen's untimely death.)
But believe it or not, when I first heard about plans to remake the old Fugitive, I was convinced that it wouldn't last. And guess what? I was right! Whenever a classic TV show gets remade, the remake is usually a ratings failure. You know the old saying: "Been there, done that!" And I think that apathetic response played a role in the new Fugitive's premature cancellation. In addition, the series aired on Fridays (one of the least watched TV nights). It did, however, garner strong ratings on its first two weeks on the air, only to have those ratings trail off afterwards. Therefore, the show was axed after only one season.
Worst of all, the last episode ended with a cliffhanger! (WARNING: Stop reading here unless you want it given away!) An FBI man, supposedly tracking the one-armed man, shoots Lt. Gerard, and then corners Richard Kimble and the one-armed man. As more shots ring out, the screen goes black--and THAT WAS IT!!! No one really knows for sure if Kimble and/or the one-armed man were actually shot and killed. Nor do we know for sure whether Gerard lived or died.
It's a real shame that the cancellation of the new Fugitive wasn't confirmed until after production had officially wrapped for summer hiatus. And unless the series is miraculously brought back or followed by a post-series TV-movie, we may never know what actually happened to the unfortunate doctor.
But believe it or not, when I first heard about plans to remake the old Fugitive, I was convinced that it wouldn't last. And guess what? I was right! Whenever a classic TV show gets remade, the remake is usually a ratings failure. You know the old saying: "Been there, done that!" And I think that apathetic response played a role in the new Fugitive's premature cancellation. In addition, the series aired on Fridays (one of the least watched TV nights). It did, however, garner strong ratings on its first two weeks on the air, only to have those ratings trail off afterwards. Therefore, the show was axed after only one season.
Worst of all, the last episode ended with a cliffhanger! (WARNING: Stop reading here unless you want it given away!) An FBI man, supposedly tracking the one-armed man, shoots Lt. Gerard, and then corners Richard Kimble and the one-armed man. As more shots ring out, the screen goes black--and THAT WAS IT!!! No one really knows for sure if Kimble and/or the one-armed man were actually shot and killed. Nor do we know for sure whether Gerard lived or died.
It's a real shame that the cancellation of the new Fugitive wasn't confirmed until after production had officially wrapped for summer hiatus. And unless the series is miraculously brought back or followed by a post-series TV-movie, we may never know what actually happened to the unfortunate doctor.