I originally posted this on my old website November 19, 2003.
"I'm not trying to be mysterious about it, it's just that what I do is tough to explain."
-MacGyver
ABOUT MACGYVER
MacGyver was a action-adventure television series created by Henry Winkler and aired on ABC from 1985 to 1992. The show's main character was the mono-named MacGyver, played by Richard Dean Anderson, who had the ability to find a solution to any situation using his knowledge of physics and chemistry, his Swiss Army knife, and whatever materials happened to be nearby. The basis for the show was that MacGyver would be a thinking hero; one that succeeded though the use of his mind, not his muscles or weapons. Though the series ended its run in 1992, it spawned two TV movies in the mid 1990's and still remains on television in syndication. In the United States, MacGyver is currently aired on TV Land, and is probably the most modern series they air, attesting to its quality.
WHO IS MACGYVER?
MacGyver originally worked for a government agency called the DXS or Department of External Services. He later went to work for an independent think-tank called the Phoenix Foundation. He also volunteers at the Challenger's Club, a community center for inner-city kids. In the past, MacGyver has been many things. He apparently did a stint in the military, he has been part of a bomb squad, he has done some work in archaeology, and he apparently has had some education in the field of nuclear power. He also knows the basics of flying a small airplane.
MacGyver is opposed to violence and will not use a gun (at least not as a weapon) due to a childhood incident. That's not to say he can't defend himself. MacGyver has knocked out many a bad guy (though his hand always hurts after) and he has also made many an ingenious trap to incapacitate the enemy. He is also afraid of heights, but that hasn't kept him from rock climbing, skydiving, or flying in (and under) a vast array of airplanes and helicopters, a hot air balloon and a makeshift airplane/hang glider.
MacGyver stands out among action heroes because he is an intelligent, educated hero. MacGyver has a vast knowledge of physics and chemistry and is very computer-savvy, especially for the 1980's. He is also quite the mechanic and handyman; he can fix just about anything with a paper clip and some duct tape. He also has a lot of regular old common sense. If MacGyver walks into a trap, it is because someone has exploited his one major weakness: he believes so much in the inherent good of people that he is likely to trust just about anyone.
WHO IS PETE THORNTON?
Pete Thornton is MacGyver's boss. More than that, MacGyver and Pete are also close friends. A former military man, Pete was MacGyver's boss at the DXS, and when Pete moved to the Phoenix Foundation, MacGyver went with him. Pete became Director of the entire Phoenix Foundation and would usually assign MacGyver to his most important assignments, knowing that MacGyver would be sure to accomplish them. Pete also sometimes accompanies MacGyver to the Challenger's Club, and Pete made the Phoenix Foundation a major contributor to the club. Pete has developed Glaucoma, and is almost completely blind. He uses special equipment to read printed text. (Note: During the run of the MacGyver series, actor Dana Elcar, who played the role of Pete, developed Glaucoma and began losing his sight. The writers of MacGyver wrote the actor's struggle into the character of Pete as well.)
WHO IS JACK DALTON?
Jack Dalton is an old friend of MacGyver and Pete. He is a pilot, and is always in the lookout for a business opportunity that will make him successful. One of Jack's catchphrases is "I have a plan," but Jack's plans usually end up having MacGyver get him out of trouble. In addition to being a pilot, Jack has also been a taxi driver, operated a messenger service, and been a magician. Jack's various business ventures have included Fly-By-Night, Jack-Be-Quick Messenger Service, Dalton Air, Dalton Air and Sea, and The Great Sheldrake the Magician.
WHO IS PENNY PARKER?
MacGyver met Penny Parker while on a mission in East Europe. The mission had been going fine until Penny slipped some jewelry she had taken from her ex-boyfriend into MacGyver's pocket at the airport. It turned out the boyfriend was a high-ranking government official and the jewelry was from the government's treasury! Such are the situations Penny, an long-winded, aspiring actress, gets herself into, and that MacGyver must get her out of.
WHO IS GRANDPA HARRY?
MacGyver's parents and maternal grandmother died when he was a child, and he had no siblings. His only family was his maternal grandfather, Harry Jackson, who raised him from then on. Grandpa Harry was a source of much grandfatherly wisdom for MacGyver, both as a child and later in life. MacGyver would often find himself remembering Harry's lessons. It would turn out that even at his death, Harry would leave one more lesson for MacGyver to learn.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
MacGyver and everything related is © Paramount Pictures. This includes all characters and the vague references to actual episodes of MacGyver. This post, and the content contained herein, including the "How-To's" and the accompanying diagrams, are my own creations and are © Robert D. West, 2003. I am not affiliated in any way with Paramount Pictures. Any opinions expressed in this website are my own and do not represent the position of Paramount Pictures in any way. This site is intended only as a fan tribute to the series, and as a way to showcase things I have done that reminded me of the series. Please do not take anything for your own use without permission.
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