Stingray (1986)

Crime fighting has been a standard for television programming for the last half century, since the medium initially invaded our living rooms. While it is not uncommon to show a tightly knit group working together to further the cause of justice one trope that is constantly repeated is the lone wolf; one man dedicated to making a difference. This archetype is universal, found in virtually every human society it is particularly prevalent in the United States. Our modern mythology is fill of tales of the single gunslinger or solider cut off from all assistance pushing ever forward to get the job done no matter what the cost. One show that provided one of the best examples of this rugged solitary journeyman of justice was a little series that ran on NBC in 1986; ‘Stingray’. It’s somewhat difficult to realize that twenty five years have passed since I first became a fan of this series but the release of the entire series to DVD slammed that fact home. This series was one of an increasing number that found a place on the regrettable list of shows cancelled far before their time. ‘Stingray only lasted two seasons but I admit it made enough of an impression on me that even after all that time and countless shoes that have come and gone since I was eager to have the opportunity to review this title. As I sat down with disc one queued up the memories began to return as if I last watched an episode only a week or so ago. NBC, owned by Universal, has made the distribution of what are considered ‘lesser’ shows like this to smaller distributors. In this case the one that is providing this memorable show is ‘Mill Creek Entertainment’. This, as it turns out, is one of the best purposes of DVDs, there preservation of memories of fun shows exactly like this one. Although this was not an exceptional series it did manage to provide something that has become exceedingly rare; a fresh twist on a venerable old genre.

The series was from the creator of some of the most popular crime action series on television, Stephen J. Cannell. The list of his shows is a gallery of series that helped defined TV in the eighties with offerings ranging from ‘The Team’, ‘Rockford Files’ as well as the more fanciful ‘Greatest American Hero’. While most of his showed featured an individual of heroic disposition it was a frequent occurrence to provide a side kick or at the very least some form of support network to help out in pinch. The protagonist in ‘Stingray’, the aptly named Ray (Nick Mancuso), really didn’t have or require much, just his wits and a cherry 1965 black Stingray. One of the aspects of this show that drew me to it was the fact that it really didn’t depend on a gimmick. Unlike a similar series, ‘Knight Rider’, there was nothing tricked out about this car other than the muscle car appeal it has over most American men. It couldn’t talk or jump over traffic. The only time it had anything out of the ordinary was a special bumper that switched headlights making it seem different cars, or a motorcycle, was in pursuit. The opening sequence of the series is historically significant as the very first time as director for Rob Bowman. He is widely considered one of the most interesting television directors of the Sci-Fi genre. His claim to fame among the fans is in the way he could take an average story and transform it into something memorable with is stylistic flair. He helmed some of the better episodes of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ and several of the X Files finer offerings. He currently is the executive producer for another interesting twist on the crime drama, ‘Castle’.

One of Ray’s most unique attributes is his method of operation. He eschews monetary remuneration. He works on a sort of ‘pay it forward’ pyramid plan of promises. He runs an ad in various publications offering a ’65 Stingray, barter only. For those in the know, largely word of mouth, this is only a front for the actual service he provided. He worked as a problem solver who could extricate you from particularly messy predicaments. In return the ‘client’ gives Ray a promise for a favor, not to be denied, payable any time in the future. The series did provide a degree of continuity by having former clients return a few episodes later as promise keepers. Just as his car is not extraordinary Ray is not a super hero by any stretch of the imagination. Still, with that stated Ray is an amazing kind of a guy. He possesses an eidetic memory, ability to memorize a page with a glance and a master strategist. Matching his mental acuity was his prowess in various forms of martial arts. This combination made Ray a formidable opponent in the conflicts he takes on. Another plot device that set this series above the rest is the subtle way the writers insinuated a sinister background that must likely include training in an elite military force and intelligence training by the C.I.A. this air of mystery greatly reinforced the lone bastion of justice persona as with the job finished Ray gets into his car disappearing into the night. Another little running tease is glimpses into Ray’s favors book that includes some rather well connected and famous addresses. The series still holds up remarkably well for the quarter century

Posted 01/16/11