Rating: 
Summary: Long live Kolchak!
Review: The Night Stalker was almost the forerunner of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, both in subject matter and humorous handling. It ran out of steam after a mere twenty episodes (and its forerunner pair of top-rated T.V. movies), and has ever since been nothing more than a cult favorite, unknown to everyone but its small circle of ardent fans.Mark Dawidziak has done us all an immeasurable favor by keeping the legacy alive, introducing Carl Kolchak to new generations of viewers who might otherwise never hear his name. His wonderful book contains interviews with the principals responsible for bringing Kolchak to T.V., both before and behind the cameras, and the best available pictures from the series. For those who are already Kolchak fans, an invaluable resource and a welcome walk down memory lane. For those who are not (yet), a proper introduction to the original supernatural super-sleuth.
Rating:
Summary: Kolchak's comin' back......IN STYLE
Review: These were the last words the reporter said to Gail Foster as he left her in response to a summons from the Las Vegas' DA's office. Like the author of this wonderful book, I too have a respect and affection for the character so perfectly portrayed by Darrin McGavin. I watched both TV movies, and all 20 TV episodes, as much for that crazy reporter as for the weekly monster/plot. Mr. Dawidziak's book pays homage not only to an extremely talented actor and the character he portrayed, but to the entire wonderful crew (in front and behind the camera). It approaches these movies/series with the same feelings reflected by Carl and Tony Vincenzo during their regular confrontions. What feelings am I talking about? You're obviously not a Kolchak disciple. READ THE BOOK! If you're not a Night Stalker fan now, you will become such. To quote both Carl and Mr. Dawidaziak, ITEM: The reason any true devotee tuned in was not for the "monster of the week", the issue could have just as easily been pollution or political corruption, it was for Carl. Crazy, irreverant, funny, unstoppable Carl. Mr. Kolchak, you've always had style.
Rating:
Summary: Kolchak's comin' back......IN STYLE
Review: These were the last words the reporter said to Gail Foster as he left her in response to a summons from the Las Vegas' DA's office. Like the author of this wonderful book, I too have a respect and affection for the character so perfectly portrayed by Darrin McGavin. I watched both TV movies, and all 20 TV episodes, as much for that crazy reporter as for the weekly monster/plot. Mr. Dawidziak's book pays homage not only to an extremely talented actor and the character he portrayed, but to the entire wonderful crew (in front and behind the camera). It approaches these movies/series with the same feelings reflected by Carl and Tony Vincenzo during their regular confrontions. What feelings am I talking about? You're obviously not a Kolchak disciple. READ THE BOOK! If you're not a Night Stalker fan now, you will become such. To quote both Carl and Mr. Dawidaziak, ITEM: The reason any true devotee tuned in was not for the "monster of the week", the issue could have just as easily been pollution or political corruption, it was for Carl. Crazy, irreverant, funny, unstoppable Carl. Mr. Kolchak, you've always had style.
Rating:
Summary: Great TV Summary-type Book
Review: Vast improvement over the 20th Anniversary Guide, this is an excellent read: the story behind so many TV shows should be so interesting. Then again, maybe they are and Dawidziak just hasn't done books on them yet. The author corrects several of the errors from his first book (Monique _is_ in Firefall - the author listed Miss Emily), and you get the impression he actually has seen all of the episodes this time. There is also extended conversations with more of the surviving cast (although John Fielder isn't interviewed), more info on the music and production of the series. Overall, an excellent read.
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