Michael Des
Barres TV Appearances
Text
© 1997+ Cyndi Glass - updated 4-20-04
For more information on some shows, see the News & News
Archive.
Photo
from Sledge Hammer! episode "Sledgepoo," (1987) from the Sledge Hammer! Episode Guide; Photo at left: The
Pretender, "Once In A Blue Moon" (Oct. 31, 1998) from TV Guide.
If you are
looking for Michael's TV schedule for this month or news on works in progress,
see the News Page.
Plot
summaries taken from web pages about the shows, dates are the dates the shows
originally aired. If anything is blank, it's because I don't know yet. WARNING:
Plot summaries and comments will contain spoilers. 
Please email me and
ask for a spoiler-free synopsis if you want one.
Murdoc Fans
- I have separated the MacGyver information into a new page. Do me a favor
first, before you go there - scroll through this page and see all the stuff
Michael's done. Go ahead, be amazed. Then prepare to enter the world of Murdoc
by clicking at the MacGyver section for show info, links
to web pages for all seven episodes, photos, sounds, etc.
Alf
* Adventures of Superboy * Batman: The
Animated Series * Cagney & Lacey * Charmed
* Commish, The * Dead Last * Ellen * Father Dowling Mysteries * Frasier * Freakazoid * Gilmore
Girls * Hart To Hart * Hat Squad * Hitchhiker, The * Hitz * Insiders
* Jackie Thomas Show * J.A.G. * J.J. Starbuck * Just Shoot Me * L.A. Law * Life On The Flipside (Pilot) * Lois & Clark * MacGyver * Marker
* Melrose Place * Miami Vice * My Guide To Becoming A Rock Star * My Sister Sam
* Nash Bridges * New WKRP In Cincinnati * Northern Exposure * Ohara * Pretender,
The * Providence * Real Adventures of
Jonny Quest * Renegade * Rockford Files
* Roseanne * Seinfeld * She
Spies * Sledge Hammer! * Sliders * Spiderman * St.
Elsewhere * Super Force * Too Something
* 21 Jump Street * Wild On The Set * WKRP In Cincinnati
Alf (1988, ABC)
IMDB Listing
Episode: 3.6 (58), "Promises, Promises" (Fall/Win 1988)
German Title: "Reden
Ist Blech"
Michael's Role: Eddie (a date of
Lynn's)
Plot Summary: "Betrayed confidences cause a falling out
between ALF and Lynn." Basically, Lynn, who appears to be in her late
teens, brings Eddie home to meet her parents, and his charm fails to win them
over. A week later, a different boy picks her up for a date, and the parents
like him. Alf sees, however, that it's not the new man who brings her home,
it's Eddie - Lynn has sneaked out with him and tricked her parents. Alf
apparently tells the parents, they confront Lynn, and Lynn gets angry with Alf.
They eventually make up.
Disclaimer: My copy is in overdubbed German, so I may have some facts
incorrect.
Commentary: Michael is totally
charming, cute & slick in this. Although the episode is formulaic and
Michael's character is obviously a plot device, he makes a vivid impression,
especially when he kisses Lynn's hand at the end of their second date.
Adventures of Superboy (1991)
IMDB
Listing
Episode: #78/79, "A Change of Heart," Sept. 30 & Oct 7, 1991
German Title: "Sinneswandel"
(Teil 1 & 2)
Michael's Role: Adam Verrel "a
seeming philanthropist and romantic rival for Superboy's girlfriend, Lana
Lang."
Plot Summary: According to someone on Usenet, "A
Change of Heart" opened Superboy's fourth and final season. He says that
Lana Lang turns out to be "bombarding people with subliminal messages
encouraging evil acts." Michael's character wears a tuxedo, kisses the
girl, gives her expensive jewelry and is honored at a special ceremony. Near
the end, he reveals his true nature by trapping people in an underground
hideout and locking up some of them in a suspended cage. Then, of course, he
gets thrown into a raging fire and killed.
Commentary: Michael plays such a
great bad guy, and this is no exception. This character is much like Murdoc -
relentless, irritable, and pensive - but Michael added a debonair dash to this
one with his hand gestures and facial expressions.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992) (Animated)
IMDB
Listing
Episode: #519, "Prophecy of Doom," Oct. 6, 1992
Michael's Role: Nostromos
Plot Summary: "Bruce Wayne becomes concerned when some
of his richest friends are seduced into a new age Brotherhood scam by
Nostromos, a fraudulent psychic. Bruce joins the Brotherhood in an attempt to
debunk Nostromos' claims. Nostromos, predicting the fall of civilization, urges
his acolytes to transfer their bank funds to the Brotherhood's coffers. Batman
exposes Nostromos' scheme to bilk the members of their money and captures him
after a chase through a planetarium. In the end, Bruce's friends learn an
important lesson about where to place their faith"..."Batman
infiltrates a cult which is defrauding many of his rich friends. When Batman exposes
the leader as a fraud, Batman's friends learn an important lesson about where
to place their faith."
Commentary: Brilliant. Michael gives
voice to Nostromos and his diabolical plan. The animation is less than could be
desired, but for fans, it's a treat. Heather Locklear (Amanda, Melrose Place)
does the voice for Lisa, another character in the show.
Cagney & Lacey (CBS, 1983)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #26 (Season 1), "The Gang's All There," Mar. 28, 1983
Michael's Role: Malcolm Kingsley, a robber
Plot Summary: "To celebrate Petri's promotion to
detective first grade, the gang goes out to celebrate. Alas, they got robbed (including
their guns and shields), and have to restore face. LaGuardia is so upset that
he threatens to quit."
Commentary: He's not in this one
much, but he plays Kingsley with flair. He even manages to intimidate
Christine! Cute Cockney accent, and a brilliant addition to an already good
show (except for the fact that the guy getting in the van is quite obviously a
stunt double and not him).
Charmed (WB, 2002)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #84 (4.19) "We're Off To See The Wizard," April 25,
2002
Michael's Role: Dark Priest
Plot Summary: "Michael and Faith team up with a
magical wizard to stop the coronation of a new Source, not realizing that the
new head of the underworld is Cole and Phoebe is his evil Queen-to be."
Commentary: Michael's back in
magical realms here. Love the robe.
Commish, The (ABC, 1995)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #4.17, "Cry Wolf," Mar. 2, 1995
Michael's Role: Aaron DeForrest (DeFord?), an artist
Plot Summary: Predictable crime drama, what you're
interested in is the subplot: The Commish, in a subplot, attends an art show
and is outraged that everyone is fawning over one of Aaron's paintings: a
canvas with one big, blue dot on it. He feels that he could paint a smaller red
dot and be just as successful. He isn't.
Commentary: I always love it when
Michael plays an artist, and he does not disappoint, though he gets too little
airtime. Delightfully snooty and well-dressed.
Dead Last (WB, 2001)
IMDB Listing
Episode: : 1.12 "The Crawford
Touch," Nov. 17, 2001
Michael's Role: J.L. Crawford
Plot Summary: "The Problem are shocked when they receive
an invitation from the famous music producer, J.L. Crawford, to stay at his
home and discuss recording possibilities. Of course things aren't what they
seem because all Crawford wants from them is their ghost-talking power to
exorcise a very annoying dead rocker from his home.
Commentary: Brilliant - he manages
to make Crawford both pathetic and commanding at the same time. His cavalierly
tossed off "Ghost band" is just perfect. Spooky times in the LA
sunshine, interesting storyline - enjoyable all around.
Ellen (ABC,
1995 and 1997)
IMDB Listing
****Episode: #3.23, "The Movie
Show," Nov. 22, 1995
Michael's Role: Nigel, the movie
director
Plot Summary: "Paige shoots her first film project at
Buy The Book." - "Paige arranges for a scene in a Meg Ryan movie to
be shot at Ellen's book store to make up for having no time for her. Carrie
Fisher is the only star in the scene, but Ellen is too obtrusive, ruining the
scene. Ellen is upset to learn her store was not the first choice. Spence tries
to assemble some flat pack furniture for Ellen. Carrie Fisher guest stars as
herself."
Commentary: Completely fantastic -
you'll laugh yourself sick. Everyone must see this. It was pure pleasure.
****Episode: #4.21, "The Clip
Show Patient," Apr. 8, 1997
Michael's Role: The patient in
the hospital bed
Plot Summary: Ellen decides to volunteer at the hospital,
and is assigned to take care of an English Patient! He tries to tell Ellen
about the adventures that led him to be in his current state, but is constantly
interrupted by Ellen's recollections of events in her life. Clips from the
first three seasons are spotlighted, including ones from "The
Dentist," "Pilot," "Salad Days" and "When The Vow
Breaks." Opening: The Boogie Knights take us to Funkytown with their
disco-funk rendition of the theme song. Meanwhile, the cast shake shake shakes
their booties in full 70's gear.
Commentary: Funny show, with Michael
playing essentially the same character as his other Ellen character, only this
time wrapped up in gauze bandaging. We see his eyes and body movements, and we
hear his voice, and it's enough to convey his exasperation with Ellen and his
well-justified fear of her efforts to take care of him. I only wish he had been
able to finish the story about the black velvet pants!
Father Dowling Mysteries (ABC, 1990)
IMDB
Listing
Episode: #89.02, "The Exotic Dancer Mystery," Jan. 11, 1990
Michael's Role: Alex Sawyer (in credits) (referred to by name as Alex
Slater twice in episode)
Plot Summary: "The investigation of an exotic dancer's
death leads Dowling and Steve to a crooked gambling ring with a plan to strip a
wealthy mobster of a load of cash. Steve poses as a card dealer in the
casino."
Commentary: Michael's performance is
a bit more muted here than usual. He's not the head bad guy, but he gets to run
around with a gun and yet another metal briefcase, and he kills the stripper
early on. Near the end he is shot by a police officer and dies, after receiving
absolution from Father Dowling and apologizing for his crimes.
Frasier (2004)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #260, "And Frasier Makes Three," April 20, 2004
Michael's Role: French maitre'd in one scene.
Plot Summary: Frasier's plan to woo Charlotte (Laura
Linney) away form her boyfriend (Aaron Eckhart) backfires
Commentary: Michael is in one scene, which he said was funny and worth every second. This
episode is part of the historic final episodes of the series.
Freakazoid
(WB, 1995) (Animated)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #1.3 (part two, "Sewer Rescue" 4:40), Sept. 23, 1995
Michael's Role: "Man in Hole" (voice)
Plot Summary: "The superhero business doesn't seem to
be paying off for Lord Bravery, and even his first big break--rescuing a man
who's fallen down a hole-- turns out to be less heroic than he'd
anticipated."
Gilmore Girls (WB, 2002)
IMDB Listing * Read
the script here.
Episode: #52 (3.9), "A Deep Fried Korean Thanksgiving," Nov. 26,
2002
Michael's Role: Claude Clemenseau
Plot Summary: "It's Thanksgiving, and Lorelai and Rory
have dinner at four different places: the Kim's, where Lane has managed to get
Dave invited and Lorelai is forced to eat tofurkey; Luke's, where Luke and Jess
make it a foursome with Lorelai and Rory; Sookie's, where Jackson and his
family have deep-fried the turkey, the lawn and just about everything else; and
Emily and Richard's, where, to Lorelai's horror, Rory reveals that she has
applied to Yale. Kirk gets a cat, with disastrous results; Dave asks Lane out,
and then kisses her; Paris is afraid her difficulty getting into a shelter will
impact her acceptance to Harvard; and Dean faces off with Jess and lets him
know that it's no more "Mr. Nice Guy" for Mr. Forester."
Commentary: Michael appears only in a short scenes at Emily & Richard's dinner
(the main character's parents) as a dinner guest, part of a French couple. A
few funny lines, including one about Mickey Mouse that is amusing to fans who
have read Pamela's books and what she wrote about his real-life dislike of
Disneyland. See the transcript (linked above) for more information.
Hart To Hart (ABC, 1980)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #16, "Downhill To Death," Feb. 5, 1980
Michael's Role: Sid Sado, a rock star that Jennifer interviews briefly in
beginning
Plot Summary: Some married guy has a girl on the side and
decides to kill his wife, or have her killed, or something. Jennifer is
interviewing Sid at the beginning of the episode, when he is called to the
phone and leaves. She continues to sit in the booth and overhears the plot. A
bunch of skiing and dog show and gunfight scenes later, the bad guy is caught.
Sid never appears again after that first scene.
Commentary: It's brief, but it makes
an impression. He plays a punk rocker with black leather pants, spiked black
& silver (half and half) hair and tons of charm. He's polite and cocky all
at once, and unfortunately he's just a plot device shown only in the opening
minutes of the show.
Hat Squad (CBS, 1992)
IMDB Listing
Episode: : 1.3 "92 Seconds to
Midnight," Sept. 30, 1992
Plot Summary: Series is about three
brothers, adopted by a cop, who grow up to be cops. One of the leads is Billy
Warlock.
Hitchhiker, The (HBO, 1985)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #20, "O.D. Feelin'," 1985
Michael's Role: The Wise Man
Plot Summary: "Rat (Sandra Bernhard) witnesses a group
murder among feuding drug dealers, steals the drugs from the dead bodies, and
leaves the scene of the crime. The Wise Man (Michael Des Barres) and The Fool
(Dennis Buckley) find her lying dead and then take the package of cocaine.
Unbeknownst to all of them, Mr. Big (Gene Simmons), the original owner, sends
his henchmen out to retrieve it at any cost."
Commentary: This is really fun -
short but significant with its anti-drug message. He is in most of it, playing
the opportunistic and beautiful Wise Man, hampered only by his bumbling
sidekick, the Fool. In just 20 minutes of air time he completely dominates
every scene he's in with amusing dialogue and cool mannerisms. He's constantly
on the go, watching Rat, finding the drugs, neatly killing the Fool instead of
letting the Fool kill him, finding someone to cut it, messing around with the
girl, and coming to a nasty violent end with his lips wrapped around the wrong
end of a gun.
Hitz (1997)
IMDB Listing
Episode: : 1.14 "What's Your Name,
Who's Your Daddy?" (not listed in the http://epguides.com/Hitz/ episode guide)
Michael's Role: Unknown
Plot Summary: No idea about this specific episode, but here
is the summary for the show: "As the "A&R guys" at HiTower
Records, Robert and Busby have to deal with their obnoxious boss, unruly
artists, and confused love-lives, while the threat of losing their jobs always
hangs over their heads." Show featured Andrew Dice Clay.
Insiders (ABC, 1986?)
IMDB Listing
Episode: ?? "?," 1986?
German Title:
"Raubkopierer"
Michael's Role: Jimy Randall, a rock
star
Plot Summary: It's hard to tell, since my copy is in
German, but it seems that this is a copy of Miami Vice, with even more emphasis
on background music, hairstyles and clothing. Instead of cops, these two are
detectives. I really couldn't tell much about what was going on, but the music
was great. There are fast cars, a fight, a fire, a funeral, and meetings in a
bar, a scene where we hear Foreigner's "Waiting For A Girl Like You"
while someone drives around, a blind blues musician who gives the detectives
some help and performs a song, several indistinguishable blonde women, romance,
a trip to the Bahamas, and a great theme song by Phil Collins (some song I had
totally forgotten about but liked). Michael plays a rock star who is somehow
involved in whatever goes on. Besides meeting people at a bar and throwing a
few savage rock star tantrums, he also wears some mighty tasty clothes. The
show opens with a performance by Michael of "Money Don't Come Easy"
(see below).
Disclaimer: My copy is in overdubbed German, so I may have some facts
incorrect, and I think my English copy is incomplete.
Plot Summary: From what I can tell, this is about
counterfeiting in the music industry. Jimy Randall, played by Michael, is a
rock star who is 35 and having his very first hit. He's been with the record
company 15 years, and now he thinks they are producing counterfeit albums to
rip him off, in addition to owning his catalog of 150 songs.
Commentary: Although the show itself
looks pretty average, any Michael Des Barres fan must have this, because of the
performance of "Money Don't Come Easy" at the beginning - and yes,
it's a totally different audio mix than what is on his solo album. He's angry
and electric in most of this, ordering people around and yelling, and he
manages to look totally great while doing so. Plus, he drives a cool
convertible.
Jackie Thomas
Show (ABC, 1993)
IMDB
Listing
Episode: #13, "Strike," Feb. 23, 1993
Michael's Role: Documentary Director
Plot Summary: "When the writers strike, Jackie makes
Nancy the head writer and hires scabs." - during the strike, Jackie hires
a film crew from Australia to follow him around and produce a documentary about
him. Michael is the director of the three-person film crew.
Commentary: Michael himself is not
given much to do here, and hardly any lines, but he looks great in blue jeans,
a white t-shirt and a black leather jacket. The show has a cool theme song,
which is, however, a total rip off of Metallica's "Enter Sandman,"
but beyond that, the show stinks, with a typical joke being Jackie saying
"Give my fans a big kiss down under!" to his Australian film crew.
J.A.G. (CBS, 1997)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #2.9 (#31), "Washington Holiday," Feb. 28, 1997
Michael's Role: King Josif
Plot Summary: "Harm is assigned to escort a
rambunctious and ravishing Romanian princess, whose life has been threatened if
her father petitions to join NATO. Meanwhile, Bud wrestles with starting a
romance with Ens. Harriett Sims"..."When Harm is assigned to escort a
rambunctious Romanian princess whose life has been threatened, he becomes the
object of her affections; while Bud tries to kindle a romance with Ensign
Sims."
Commentary: This is one of his more
recent roles, and he's more than able to lend it the command and dignity it
deserves, though unfortunately he doesn't have much air time. He portrays well
a king who must weigh what is best for his country against the demands of a
rebellious faction and the safety of his daughter.
J.J. Starbuck (1988)
IMDB Listing
Episode: "Rag Doll" (1988)
Michael's Role: Benny "Ben
Franklin" Bijou, a slick and wealthy man who runs a dubious group of
businesses.
Plot Summary: (from the IMDb) "Texas billionaire J.J.
Starbuck drives around the country in a 1961 Lincoln convertible, with horns on
the hood, acting as a private detective solving crimes. He charms the police
and anyone else in his way and never charges the victims anything for solving
the crime. In 1988, he acquired an assistant, "Tenspeed" Turner, a
con man who helps him J.J. out, often in a disguise" - summary of this
episode - J.J.'s niece goes undercover in Los Angeles to investigate the
"suicide" of one of her high school friends who left to become a star
and became involved in oil wrestling, counterfeit films, and drugs.
Commentary: Michael's pretty cool in
this, and he's got some of the best dialogue I've seen in his television
appearances. His trademark is never carrying anything less than $100 bills, and
he's threatening and suave, with a heartless charm that barely covers his
ruthless, cold soul. "Perhaps I've gotten radioactive from my tanning
bed," he says mirthlessly. He is described by another character as
"slender, good-looking, wears an earring," and he's involved with a
slimy guy who features female oil-wrestling in his bar, along with a slightly
psycho-acting movie maker with a penchant for country girls and a drug habit.
One of the best things about this is the attention to detail - well-portrayed
guest characters, a gorgeous marble bar, neon lights, and what has to be the
largest and most ostentatious chandelier I've ever seen in my life. Wince
moment: when he gets the crap kicked out of him by J.J.'s karate-trained niece.
My favorite line is when he threatens J.J. with the possibility of his niece
becoming "a thing that you won't even stop seeing when you close your
eyes." Yikes.
Just Shoot Me (NBC, 1998)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #216, "Nina In The Cantina," Feb. 24, 1998
Michael's Role: Nick Hewitt
See screen captures contributed by Michele! Picture 1 * Picture 2 * Picture 3
* Picture 4 * Picture
5 * Picture 6 * Picture
7 (shown at right)* Picture 8 * Picture 9 * Picture 10
* Picture 11 * Picture
12 * Picture 13 * Picture 14 * Picture
15 * Picture 16 * Picture 17 * Picture
18 * Picture 19 * Picture 20 * Picture
21 * Picture 22 * Picture 23 * Picture
24
Plot Summary: "When Maya scores
an interview with legendary, "bad boy," British rocker, Nick Hewitt
of "Nina and the Cantina" fame, Nina reveals he was the love of her
life and she was the song's inspiration. But Maya's planned Nick and Nina
reunion spells disaster, when the rock star tells her he's never heard of Nina
Van Horn."
Commentary: Even better than I
thought it would be, which is saying a lot. Michael completely steals the show
here, with his portrayal of a marvelously partied-out rock star who would have
been stylish and entertaining without even having to say one word. But the
dialogue is fabulous, allowing Michael to show off his comedic skills.
Definitely a must-have. This episode of "Just Shoot Me" followed a
huge publicity blitz and was the first new episode after the Olympics. It
received an 11.6 rating/17 share and won its time slot!
L.A. Law (1994)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #168, "Silence is Golden," Apr. 14, 1994
Michael's Role: An attorney representing the young model
Plot Summary: " New associate
Patrick throws his weight around and gets Douglas' son into an exclusive prep
school, but he crosses Arnie while assisting in a civil case. Jonathan's case
puts him between a young model and her over-protective father, who is suing her
for breach of contract."
Commentary: Michael gets about a
minute and a half of screen time, as the young model's agent, who gives a
deposition against the father and says that he is ruining his daughter's
career. Favorite line - when he points out that the model is twenty-three and
if she wants to show off her body, she should do it now, because "they
don't stay ripe for long."
Life On The Flipside (Pilot starring Don Johnson)
(NBC/Universal) (1988)
IMDB Listing
Michael's Role: road manager
Lois & Clark (ABC, 1994)
IMDB
Listing
Episode: #23, "Wall of Sound," Sept. 25, 1994
Michael's Role: Lenny Stoke, rock star/villain
Plot Summary: "Clark's nomination for a prestigious
journalism award elicits surprise and jealousy in Lois, and a new villain
cripples both Metropolis and the Man of Steel with devastating
sounds"..."An underground rock star takes a day job as the Sound Man,
using ultrasonics to engineer his crimes."
Commentary: This is a must-have.
Michael's brilliant here, with sharp dialogue that sounds ad-libbed half the
time. The arrogance suits him perfectly, and there is something to surprise and
please the fan in every scene. Those of you like me who don't watch this show
and only know Teri Hatcher from MacGyver will be happy to see that she's not as
clueless in this role, though her perkiness still grates. It's fun to see Teri
& Michael acting together again (see MacGyver - "Cleo Rocks"
& "Serenity"). The real treat is when Lenny gets up on stage and
performs "Wall of Sound" - a rock song that lets us know that
Michael's still got it. The scene is long & obviously edited to showcase
him, perfect for those of us who discovered his music before his acting.
MacGyver (ABC, 1987-91)
Click here to go to my MacGyver pages…lots of pictures, sounds,
links, collecting info & more.
Marker (UPN, 1995)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #03, "Cloud Warriors," Jan. 31, 1995
Michael's Role: Beau Brazilicus
Plot Summary: "A dead girl
washes up on the beach and involves Richard and Pipeline in a government
conspiracy."
Commentary: Michael plays the dead
woman's husband, who is suspected of her murder because of the similar plotline
of a book he has written (he is a writer). Richard & Pipeline go to his
home to talk to him and the whole group is abducted by federal agents, who turn
out to be the bad guys. Beautiful Hawaiian scenery, and Michael's cool as the
cynical writer, looking good in a bright red shirt.
Melrose Place (Fox, 1996/97)
IMDB Listing
Episode: Several episodes (brief scenes) in the 1996/97 season
Michael's Role: The recurring
role of Arthur Field, Craig's father & CEO of D&D Advertising)
Kato's Melrose Place Guide has this to say
about Arthur Field: "A cold-hearted swine who was at constant odds with
Amanda, Arthur Field boasted a total disregard for: a) Others' feelings; b)
camaraderie; and c) common courtesy. Add to that list character believability,
for that matter - he showed up as the all-powerful corporate ruler of D&D
in early '96, even though Amanda supposedly gained control of the company after
driving her first boss to suicide. Moreover, Arthur spoke with an English
accent, had a son with an American accent and bore a last name curiously
similar to Matt The Obligatory Gay Character's. He died of a heart attack on
the floor of Amanda's office while his son - Snot-Nosed Craig - looked on,
whooping it up as if he was at a cock fight."
Plot Summary: I don't watch Melrose Place, so all I've seen
are Michael's scenes that a friend sent to me. Basically, over the course of
several episodes, Arthur comes to D&D and stirs things up with Amanda,
taunts his son, Craig, and when he pushes things too far, Craig threatens to
blackmail him, they fight, and Arthur has a heart attack and suddenly dies.
Commentary: His scenes are too
brief, but he got to be in several episodes. He's smirky and charming, holding
all the cards and even having Amanda on the run in a few scenes. His tenuous
emotional hold over his son doesn't last long, and though the heart attack
death seemed a little quick, the rest of the scenes were done well. Highlights
include a tennis court scene where he's in shorts and a few scenes where he
tells off the smarmy Craig. His interaction with Amanda is electric. Michael
also worked with Heather Locklear in the animated "Batman" (scroll
up).
Here is a Season 5 Episode Guide that mentions
Michael.
Miami Vice (NBC, 1985 and 1988)
IMDB Listing
****Episode: #024, "Whatever
Works," Oct. 4, 1985
Michael's Role: Cameo appearance
as Power Station vocalist
Plot Summary: "Crockett, Tubbs & Castillo contact
a Santerian priestess to help find the link between ritualistic killings of
officers and a group of drug traffickers; Crockett wheels and deals to try to
get his city-repossessed Ferrari returned."
Commentary: Another must-have for
fans. This is really wonderful. Basically, Crockett and Tubbs go to this club,
and Crockett proceeds to taunt this group of corrupt cops until a free-for-all
melee breaks out. The band is performing the whole time. The original version
has a nice long version of the song, with lots of closeups of Michael and the
rest of the band, but the current re-run is sloppily edited, with much of the
band scenes being cut out. If you try to get this, get it from a Duran Duran
fan. Most of
them taped and kept it in 1985 when it was originally broadcast on NBC.
****Episode: #082, "Baseballs
Of Death," Feb. 19, 1988
Michael's Role: Shane DuBois,
photographer running scam with a girl.
Plot Summary: "Crockett & Tubbs suspect a Chilean
police chief in a double murder."
Commentary: Be sure to watch the
beginning - he's only in the opening scene before the theme song! Another
must-have, though it's only about 8 minutes long. As "Pump Up The
Volume" plays, a girl walks through the crowd and picks up a guy in a car.
Up in a building, a man dressed in black, Shane DuBois, photographs the entire
thing, including the car's license plate. Using a computer, he finds the owner
and calls him to blackmail him over it. He's arty, callous and determined,
focusing only on his goal - he and the girl are making a living running this
scam over and over...until tonight. When they go to get the money from the guy,
he has brought backup, and the pair is shot. That's when the real action begins
(they are the double murder), but it's pretty unforgettable.
|
My
Guide To Becoming A Rock Star (WB, 2002) |
|
|
|
My Sister Sam (CBS, 1986/87?)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #?, "?" , Date-1986 or 1987
Michael's Role: Emmett Gentry, rock
star photographed by Sam.
Plot Summary: Sam is a photographer who is supposed to
photograph a stereo with a rock star, Emmett Gentry. She is clueless about his
popularity but gracious, while younger sister Patti is a huge fan and
starstruck. When he comes to the apartment to be photographed, Patti skips
school and accepts his invitation to come to the studio to watch him record a
song, over Sam's objections. Sam accepts that Patti's growing up, Patti accepts
her concern, and they bond, end of episode.
Commentary: One of the most amusing
items I have seen. He is full force energy here, bouncing off the walls, singing
at the top of his lungs, posing, charming everyone, etc...completely stealing
the show. Pam Dawber is good as the older sister, and the actress who plays
"Dixie" is deadpan and funny as well.
Nash Bridges (CBS, 1999)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #68 (Season 4 #14), "Superstition," Feb. 12, 1999
Michael's Role: Niles Maynard (singer's manager)
Plot Summary: Nash protects a beautiful singer (Jenny
McShane) from fanatical fans.
Commentary: As usual, Michael steals
the show, whether it is yelling on a cell phone, raising an eyebrow or talking
in the background. Not enough of him in this one, but it's good to see him
acting with Don Johnson (about time Don got him a role on his show!)
New
WKRP In Cincinnati (1st run synd./ MTM, 1991/92)
IMDB
Listing Complete Season 1 episode guide by Tardis
Episodes: Pilot and most of 1991/92 season.
Michael's Role: regular leading
role of Jack Allen, morning DJ.
Commentary: Michael was truly one of
the highlights of this season of WKRP, which I watched in large chunks while
dubbing a very generous person's originals. Aside from a few exceptions, they
inexplicably chose to use him as a very minor character, with only a few lines
per show. Deserving special notice are "Cincinnati's Favorite
Couple," in which Jack and Dana get in a food fight at a fancy restaurant,
"Chicken A La Russe," in which Jack decides to DJ in the nude and
interviews a hypnotist, and "Mamma Was A Rolling Stone," in which he
has 3-way chili & beers in a bar with Dr. Johnny Fever and Herb. My
personal favorite is "Where's Jack?" in which Jack, upset over his
divorce, gets hungover and bonds with Mona. Beyond these episodes, which
feature Jack in good scenes of his own, there are lots of little scenes
sprinkled throughout other episodes as well, though he is not in every episode.
Other things to look out for are the fantastic clothes he wears and some
background music in some of the earlier episodes that I suspect he helped with.
Northern Exposure (1994)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #6.6 (093), "Zarya," Oct. 31, 1994
Michael's Role: Dzerzhinsky (an assistant to Lenin)
Plot Summary: "Marilyn tells Ed an amazing story about
the visit to Cicely of Russian princess Anastasia and revolutionary
Lenin"..." As filmmaker Ed captures Marilyn telling an amazing story
of her Grandfather Emery's Alaskan encounter with Russian princess Anastasia,
he finds his filmmaker's vision in a tale of Cicely's early days that unfolds
on-screen. It involves a secret meeting that took place between the princess
and Lenin."
Commentary: He doesn't get much
airtime in this, but he's coldly brilliant and passionate, adding flair to
every scene he is in.
Ohara (ABC, 1987)
IMDB Listing
Episode: Title: "Seeing Something That Isn't There"
Michael's Role: Roderick McConnell, a con-man involved in a fraudulent art
scam
Plot Summary: Pat Morita stars as an investigator who uses
Eastern philosophy and martial arts to solve crimes, along with his
Brooklyn-bred partner, Shaver. In this episode, a foursome of friends
(Roderick, Barbara, Kevin and Paul) have entered into a conspiracy to fake
Paul's death, thereby creating a demand for his last works - which he has
continued to produce for the last six months so they can all keep making money.
His girlfriend, who is not in on the deal and thinks he is dead, is angry that
they are profiting off of Paul's death and when she tells Ohara, it quickly
becomes apparent that Paul is not dead after all. Things get ugly when Roderick
decides that the quickest way to solve everything is to murder Paul for real.
Commentary: Sorry to say this,
because it's nearly impossible, but this is a must-have. Michael absolutely
steals the whole show in his role as Roderick, a scruffy, gorgeous, long-haired
ragamuffin with ripped jeans, stylish clothes, and a playful, grinning
presence. Completely riveting. He looks completely at home in the art world,
painting a woman and rolling her down the wall, all the while keeping everyone
interested in what he is saying. Later, he's resplendent in a black shirt with
white polka dots. "Do you kill everyone?" Barbara asks, and he
replies, "Well...maybe." He speaks of Paul's "tragic
identification with Jimmy Dean" and orders Barbara not to turn on a light,
because he prefers the neon - "it helps me think." He drinks, getting
more witty as he goes, and then he quite deliberately smashes a neon sculpture
with the bottle as if it were nothing. When called a bastard, he replies
"Bastard. Ah...how touching." For any of you who love his movie
"Midnight Cabaret," Barbara is played by Carolyn Seymour - the same
actress who co-starred with him in that. It's hard to choose favorite lines
from such a vast array of choices, so there's a tie. In one scene he tempts
Paul to flee to a far away island, saying "You could paint the foam on the
ocean if you want." And in another, he says, "My art shall burn like
a fire in the world." No doubt.
Pretender, The (NBC, 1998)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #3.3, "Once In A Blue Moon," Oct. 31, 1998
Michael's Role: Douglas Willard (The Blue Moon Killer)
Please visit my picture page about this episode!
Plot Summary: In order to try to find a kidnapped girl
before she's killed, Jarod enters into a battle of wills with a kidnapper whose
capture he caused 20 years ago. That time around, Jarod came too late to save
the victim."
(From TV Guide (check out the cool photo, too!): "Recommended Viewing: The
Pretender matches wits with an evil mastermind (Michael Des Barres) in a
chilling race against time to save a kidnapped girl, whom Jarod believes will
be murdered at the next full moon." And, in the same issue's
"Editor's Choice," it says, "Jarod is haunted by a 20-year-old
murder in one of the drama's best episodes. When a 17-year-old girl is
kidnapped, Jarod realizes that it's a copycat crime--the abductor is using the
same method as Douglas Willard, a serial killer whose capture Jarod caused 20
years earlier and who has been in solitary confinement ever since. Knowing that
his only chance to save the victim is to get inside Willard's mind, Jarod
decides to arrange an interview with the killer. But he finds himself reluctant
to meet Willard, vividly recalling the fear he had as a boy trying to crack the
case."
Commentary: Excellent work! Michael
turned in yet another chilling and perfect performance. Can't say enough great
things about this. It won its timeslot. It was praised all around, and the
Pretender fans think it's one of the best all-time episodes of their show,
along with Michael being one of the best guest-villains. As for me, I think
it's a definite must-have! He gets so much airtime, and he's SO good in
this...anyone who loved Murdoc will adore the Blue Moon Killer.
And here are some Pretender Fan Comments! Don't miss them!
Want to see? View the NBC trailer. Here's another version!
Be sure to check out Lois' Daily Planet "The
Pretender Pages," where she's devoted lots of space to Michael's episode,
including lots of pictures! Here is her page about
"Once in a Blue Moon"
Providence (NBC, 2002)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #4.14, "All The King's Men," Feb. 1, 2002
Michael's Role: Yule (Singer in band)
Plot Summary: Michael appears as a singer of an 80's rock
band that is still playing today. One of the main characters is a fan, meets
him, is ecstatic about it and temporarily becomes the band's manager.
Commentary: Michael's bits, as
usual, are brilliant. The rest of the show is a bit boring if you're not into
the white-bread, uplifting type of show. The dog wedding was sweet, though.
Real Adventures of Jonny Quest (1996) (Animated)
IMDB
Listing
****Episode: 1.10 (#10), "The
Spectre Of The Pine Barrens," Sep. 10, 1996
Michael's Role: Rodney
Plot Summary: "The Revolutionary War ended 200 years
ago. But in the backwoods of New Jersey, the feud goes on - and the Quest team members
find themselves stuck in the middle.
Commentary: This one is the better
of the two, with Michael having much more to do. He plays the present day
Rodney, as well as the ancestor Rodney. Basically these people have been living
in their own little feud world where the British and the Colonials are still at
odds, and they have the original copy of the Declaration of Independence.
Michael's got a slightly different type of British accent here, says some funny
things. Another trivial thing to know is that Carolyn Seymour, his co-star in
"Midnight Cabaret," does the voice for "Sarah," the girl
with black hair and the tattoo on her hand.
****Episode: 1.24 (#24), "The
Alchemist," Oct. 18, 1996
Michael's Role: Merlin
Plot Summary: Guarded by a mystical eagle for centuries,
the ancient Philosopher's Stone has powers no mortal man is meant to possess.
In the hands of a corrupted scientist, the stone's power threatens disaster -
unless Jonny can return it.
Commentary: Michael makes a brief
but memorable appearance as Merlin, the most famous magician of all time. He is
conjured up a couple of times as an apparition that warns the greedy scientist
of his folly. It's pretty short, but definitely worth having! Yet more trivia:
the person doing the voice of Montague is Marc Singer, one of his co-stars in
"Silk Degrees."
Renegade (1995)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #66, "Hit Man," May 8, 1995
Michael's Role: Michael St. John, terminally ill assassin with young daughter
Plot Summary: "A terminally ill hitman sets his sights
on making Reno his protégé - a job that includes taking over his 'business' and
taking care of his wheelchair-bound daughter."
Commentary: This is a must-have.
It's kind of like having a backstage pass to the daily life of a hit man, and
it's also kind of like a "whatever happened to Murdoc" story. The
story is sort of like "Halloween Knights," but it is taken a bit
farther and in a slightly different direction. As Michael St. John, he gets a lot
of airtime in this episode, which was a season finale for Renegade. He's got
terminal lung cancer; it's a matter of weeks, and he's also got a lovely 12
year old daughter who loves him very much and has been kept in the dark about
his occupation. His dogged determination to sway Reno and have someone to take
care of Lisa contrast with his bitter resignation in the other scenes. As he
trains Reno, we're told of his methods. Unfortunately, stupid Reno rats him
out, and he is shot in the hallway.
Rockford Files (ABC, 1979)
IMDB Listing
****Episode: #5.13, "With The
French Heel Back, Can The Nehru Jacket Be Far Behind?" Jan 5, 1979
Michael's Role: Keith, rock star
who shows up at funeral
Plot Summary: "Rockford investigates the supposed
suicide of a fashion model who dies the same night a jet-setter is
murdered."
Commentary: His appearance is very
brief, beginning when a limo pulls up at the funeral. When he gets out of the
limo, in a black and white striped shirt and black leather pants, his grin and
black armband tell the whole story. He has his arm around a girl and his hand
around a bottle of beer, and a thick accent, along with kind of poofy blond
Peter Frampton-ish hair. Basically he asks if his girlfriend is presentable at
the funeral, Rockford says yes, and they go in. This is near the end of the
episode.
****Episode: #6.2, "Lions,
Tigers, Monkeys & Dogs," Oct. 12, 1979
Michael's Role: Gordon Flack, a celebrity that gets a good
table when Rockford can't, at restaurant
Plot Summary: "Rockford is hired to protect a
jet-setter after several unaccountable attempts on her life (2 hrs)." -
Michael appears only at the very beginning of the episode, in the restaurant
scene. Rockford is going to dinner with a woman. A few fancy cars pull up at
the restaurant's valet parking, and people get out. An even fancier car pulls
up and Gordon hops out, dressed in tight, tan pants. He's accompanied by a
blonde date (Melody Thomas, who has been playing Nikki on the Young & the
Restless since just about this same time). He puts his arm around her, grins,
and they go in. Rockford pulls up in his junky old car, and goes in with his
date. They have trouble getting a table and are finally seated by the kitchen
door.
Notes: This was originally a 120 minute TV movie. Lauren Bacall played the
older, blonde jet-setter and was nominated for an Emmy for her performance.
Commentary: In syndication (if you
watch a rerun on TV), it has been edited to two one hour regular episodes (and
Michael's lines were cut). The episode is currently available for purchase from
Amazon - if you buy that version, Michael's lines have been restored! In the
background as Rockford and his date talk, Gordon and his date are talking away
(we can't hear them) and he's holding a glass of red wine. That's it. In the
original version, which is available from Amazon, Michael and his date arrive
at the restaurant, and he schmoozes the maitre'd and has some lines, including
a funny bit about chicken that you would never know came from a barnyard.
Gordon is a famous person, as shown by Rockford's date's excited comments about
him, and he grins at his date, looking like he's having a blast.
Roseanne (ABC, 1991 and 1997)
IMDB Listing
****Episode: # 070 (3.23),
"Dances With Darlene," Apr. 30, 1991
Michael's Role: Jerry, Leon's
boyfriend.
Plot Summary: "The family fusses over Darlene when she
is invited to her first dance, but she'd rather be noticed for her basketball
skills."
Commentary: During the closing
credits, Michael arrives, as Jerry Kimball, to pick up Leon at work. They are
very cute together, and from their conversation it slowly dawns on Roseanne and
Bonnie that Leon is gay. It was controversial at the time because Leon was one
of the first semi-regular characters on television to have a recurring
boyfriend. Of course, Michael's character was on a lot less than had been
planned (only 2 episodes) and they even renamed him for the second episode!
****Episode: #077 (4.05),
"Tolerate Thy Neighbor," Oct. 15, 1991
Michael's Role: Steven
(renamed), Leon's boyfriend
Plot Summary: "Roseanne's in hot water with her uppity
neighbor, Kathy, and at work she can't help but meddle in Leon's tiff with his
lover. Jackie gets her trucker's license. Bob Hope has a cameo."
Commentary: The episode as a whole
is really good. Leon and Steven are arguing about where Steven should stay
while Leon's mother comes to visit. Steven thinks that he should not be kicked
out of his own home. Roseanne takes his side, and Leon reluctantly agrees,
after some dignified pleading by Steven. Even when they are arguing, you can
really sense a connection and bond between these characters, who have
apparently been together for a few years. In the next scene, Leon arrives at
the diner, tells Roseanne and Bonnie that everything is fine, and kicks the
door. Steven arrives then, griping because Leon left him alone with his mother
and she is buying them a waffle iron, which they won't even use. They get into
a snitfest over who does what around the house, who pays for what, etc, and
they get on the elevator continuing this until the doors closed. This was
Steven's last appearance, as Leon moved on to new men in subsequent episodes.
****Episode: #216 (9.19), "The
Miracle," Feb. 25, 1997
Michael's Role: Dr. Phillips,
British specialist
Plot Summary: "When Darlene gives birth to a very
premature baby, the doctors offer very little hope for the child's survival.
But Roseanne sets out to prove that love, affection and human contact are
better than any medicine."
Commentary: First of all, Dr.
Phillips is a completely different character - he is not Leon's ex-lover in
this episode. He's a British specialist with an excellent global reputation for
work with premature infants. He and the South African doctor are summoned by
the newly rich Roseanne, who can't believe that her money can't fix this. His
performance is very muted in this, very sympathetic and factual. He conveys
compassion while delivering news that the Conner family doesn't want to hear.
As the family gathers in the NICU to hold the baby and say goodbye, he lifts it
out gently and leaves the room so they can have some privacy. The women of the
family all say goodbye and talk to her. Darlene names her, and then they put
her back in her crib. The camera focuses on the baby as a song plays, and then
she begins to move and breathe, and a voiceover is heard of someone paging Dr.
Phillips. The baby begins to move around a little more, and Dr. Phillips says,
in another voiceover, that it is the most incredible thing he has ever seen.
Then she cries for the first time, and the episode is over.
Seinfeld (NBC, 1993)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #61(422), "The Smelly Car," Apr. 15, 1993
Michael's Role: Restaurateur
Plot Summary: "A valet's body odor stinks up Jerry's
car, stays there, and 'jumps' on everyone in the car. Elaine can't get the
smell out of her hair, and Jerry can't get out of the car. So... Elaine loses
her boyfriend and Jerry tries to sell the car. George finds out Susan became a
lesbian after she dumped him. Kramer steals Susan's
girlfriend"..."The strong body odor of a valet is left in Jerry's
car. George can't believe it when he spots Susan holding hands with another
woman. Elaine loses her current boyfriend and Jerry is forced to try to sell
the car, because the odor has taken a life of its own and permeated everything.
George is turned by Susan's new outlook on life. Susan's friend is swayed to
heterosexuality by Kramer, though later turned back off by a whiff of a jacket
that Kramer borrowed from Jerry. When the car can't be sold, Jerry winds up
leaving it and the keys out on the street."
Commentary: The episode, as usual
for Seinfeld, is great as a whole. Michael's part comes near the end, when
Jerry and George finally take the car back to the restaurant and demand
compensation to get it cleaned. He's snooty and offended, at first refusing
them anything, but then reluctantly agreeing to go out and smell the car. When
he does, they refuse to let him out until he agrees to pay, and he throws a
fit. Later in the episode, the car has been cleaned, but the smell won't go
away, and Jerry gives the car to a homeless person by parking, pointing to the
car, tossing the keys and going away.
She Spies (UPN, 2002)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #1.3, "Poster Girl," August 3, 2002
Michael's Role: Dr. Zirby (The Evil/Dying/Dead Doctor)
Plot Summary: "Cassie poses as a socialite to attract
the attentions of the Divornak brothers tied to a bogus children's charity.
Meanwhile, D.D. and Shane work behind the scenes to dig up dirt on the shady
siblings and raise the suspicions of a sexy, single doctor. The brothers soon
catch on that the three women are working to conspire against them, and the
gals realize that their favorite handicapped child is in fact the mastermind: a
37 year old woman suffering from a disease that slows her physical aging.
Closing in, the Spies round up everyone."
Sledge Hammer! (ABC, 1987)
IMDB Listing
DVD Release: According to the TVShowsOnDVD
website, Season 1 of Sledgehammer (which
includes this episode) will be released on DVD July 27, 2004 by Anchor Bay.
Episode: #1.19 (019) , "Sledgepoo," Feb. 14, 1987
Michael's Role: Sir Guy, hairdresser
Plot Summary: "A hairdresser is suspected of being a
cat burglar"..."Hammer's search for a burglar leads to a man with a
blow dryer - and a new hairdo for Hammer."
Commentary: At first I thought this
show was really lame, but then I found out it was supposed to be a parody.
Michael is charmingly brilliant here, playing Sir Guy very campy and fun, with
a blow dryer shoved in his belt and two great lines: "Tis I, Sir Guy"
and "Perhaps I overmoussed you."
The creator and producer of "Sledge Hammer!", Alan Spencer, wrote me
to comment on Michael's appearance: "Michael was a delight, a total pro. I
had no idea he was a famed musician until someone told me... I had just assumed
he was an actor. When I found out who his ex-wife was, I was floored! He's a
witty and erudite fellow. Very pleasant and humble... and incredibly literate
and intelligent. He definitely has an 'I've seen it all' attitude."
Sliders (FOX, 1996)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #3.5, "Dream Masters," Oct. 18, 1996
Michael's Role: Vincent Cardoza, leader of the dream masters
Plot Summary: "Wade becomes the target of a group of
dream terrorists, who control people with their ability to tinker with the
victim's innermost fears"..."A world where the general public is
afraid of 'the dream masters,' people who can invade the dreams of others and
cause them physical harm. About five years previous, a scientist named Cardoza
began experimenting with lucid dreaming techniques. He used psychotropic drugs
and co-hypnosis to invade other peoples' consciousness. Cardoza was fired from
the university where he worked. Several students went with him and became the
dream masters. These dream masters have a vow to avenge any death, and anyone
who challenges them is severely punished. No one has the courage to stand up to
them (not even the police)."
Commentary: Sliders fans were
already lamenting the mediocrity that had taken over what evidently used to be
a really good show, and they had a lot of negative things to say about this
episode, most of which were justified. Still, Michael sticks out like a diamond
in dirt. He seems out of place here, out-acting even the regulars and looking
like he's straight out of a 1984 music video. The best parts are when he
brushes off one of his student's touches, and the fact that while the students'
hand markings look Magic Markered on, his looks like it was branded. He handles
this part well, with subtle body language and tones of voice.
Spiderman (1996/97) (Animated)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #3.5, "Rocket Racer," 1996/97 season
Michael's Role: Jackson Weele, villain
Plot Summary: "Under Peter's tutelage, inner-city
student Robert Farrell hones his scientific skills. But when Robert discovers the
technology invented by a criminal called 'The Big Wheel' and adapts it to
improve his own skateboard, big trouble follows. Thank goodness Spider-Man has
also followed Robert's progress."
Commentary: This was fun. Michael's
animated character (looks nothing like him) drives a huge rolling gyroscopic
wheel down the streets, crushing everything in his path and ramming into
buildings so that his band of thieves can loot them. Wonderful sharp dialogue
and attitude comes through, even though all he can use is his voice. Even
though he ultimately loses (of course) he puts up a relentless fight. After
seeing so many of his other TV shows and movies, this non-violent confrontation
between him and Spiderman was almost a shock - I kept expecting Spiderman to
pull out a gun and blow him away.
St. Elsewhere (NBC, 1985)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #78, "Loss Of Power," Dec. 11, 1985
Michael's Role: Donald, man trapped in elevator
Plot Summary: "Life goes on as the generator fails
during a city-wide blackout; Dr. Craig and Wade perform emergency surgery, Pru
returns to the hospital, as do the Valeres; Rosenthal is subpoenaed; Fiscus
finds the emergency romantic; and a man who believes he's a vampire appeals to
Morrison and Axelrod for help"..."Westphall is stranded in an
elevator with an embittered man (singer Michael Des Barres) during a power
outage at the hospital. Fiscus proposes to Monda after a night together in the
basement of the hospital. Pru returns, Caldwell visits friend's sick mother in
Baltimore, Rosenthal charged with assault and battery by Lucy."
Commentary: Mesmerizing. Most of his
scenes in this one are filmed in total blackness (he is trapped in an elevator
with an older doctor), but in some you can see him, his eyes glowing in the
half light, and as the episode progresses, it's easier and easier to see him.
He bounces between a resigned friendliness and jittery anger, rants, gets high,
talks about his three days in jail, and shows a hurt vulnerability. Then he
gets mad and tries to climb out of the elevator, only he falls and breaks his
leg and arm. The two of them bond a bit and the doctor is able to get him to
calm down. At the end, he is helped onto a stretcher and makes them wait until
he can smile and say goodbye to his fellow elevator captive, Dr. Westphall, who
is also named Donald, they discover. A bit of trivia: this episode is somewhat
famous for Michael's character muttering a certain four-letter word under his
breath.
Super Force (1990)
IMDB Listing
Episode: 6, "As God Is My Witness" (1990)
Michael's Role: Jesse Caldwell
The Internet Movie Database says that this is a British
show, but other than that I know nothing about it.
Too Something (aka New York Daze) (1995)
IMDB Listing
Episode: #20 (1.20), "Meter Feeders" 1995/96 season (unaired)
Michael's Role: unknown
Plot Summary: Eric and Donnie are angry about the
constantly punishing parking tickets of the police women. Because of that, for
a few days they feed all surrounding parking meters with coins. Soon the act finds
eager imitators, so that the city administration sees itself damaged
because of escaped penalties."
21 Jump Street (Fox, 1989)
IMDB Listing
21 Jump Street Episodic Photo Gallery 1 (scroll to find
episodes 51 and 58 once you get there- you won't be sorry, there are TONS of
pictures!)
****Episode: #051, "High High," Apr. 23, 1989
(Season 3)
Michael's Role: Mr. Karst, drama
teacher
Plot Summary: "The Jump Street
cops enroll in a performing arts school to bust a drug ring being run
there."
Commentary: I've seen all the 21
Jump Street episodes, and this one is in my top 5. The Jump Street cops have
been assigned to bust a drug ring in a performing arts high school, where the
pressures are intense and nearly the entire school, they find, is doing or
dealing. Hanson's in a music class, Booker's in a performance art class, Ioki's
taking a film class, and Hoffs & Penhall join the drama class. Mr. Karst pressures
Hoffs and Penhall, along with the rest of his class, to become better actors.
Penhall smarts off a lot and when he has to perform the "high note"
scene from "The Honeymooners," he is singled out for criticism, which
Mr. Karst delivers sharply, riding him until he gets what he's trying to teach
him. Penhall begins the scene again, and nails it, and then Mr. Karst delivers
lines with him, hugging him at the end. At the end of the episode, when the
bust goes down, Mr. Karst is seated in the auditorium behind several boys who
are arrested, and he looks at the back of their heads disapprovingly.
Claire (a 21JS fan) writes: "He's wonderful as Mr. Karst. His strong,
rather exotic, and very stage-influenced style work for him in that role, where
they don't really in "Eternal Flame". And the "High Note"
scene is lovely!"
****Episode: #058, "Eternal
Flame," Oct. 2, 1989 (Season 4)
Michael's Role: Gavin McHugh, club owner
Plot Summary: "Hanson meets an old flame now married
to the owner of a 60's nightclub suspected of providing LSD to high school
students."
Commentary: This time, Michael plays
the bad guy. He's very crisp, shallow and sarcastic, almost daring his wife to
sleep with Hanson (Johnny Depp), who is her ex-boyfriend. Hanson is working at
the club, and Gavin is keeping all drug activity suspended, because he has
figured out that Hanson is a cop. At the end, Hanson tells the wife that Gavin
has been conning her, Hanson and Gavin end up with guns drawn, and the wife
steps in the middle. She tells Hanson about the drug activity and tells Gavin
that she never loved him. Gavin grabs her and holds the gun to her head. Right
when it looks really bad, the rest of the Jump Street cops arrive and one of
them (Penhall, I think) shoots Gavin.
Claire (a 21JS fan) writes: "MDB is trying his best, but he isn't given
anything to work with. His character is a melodrama villain, complete with
flourishing cape. His motivation for most of what he does is never explained.
The climax is a random collection of speeches and intense moments that don't
connect and don't resolve anything. MDB seems to have been cast simply because
he looks the part and fits into the brittle, jagged, unpleasant environment of
his club. Unfortunately, IMO, in trying to make the character more than it is,
he ends up compounding the problem. He's always throwing
"significant" looks at Hanson that aren't significant, because they
don't mean diddly. He's constantly trying to provide subtext to a script that
barely has text." And she also writes "He's got this look that
is singularly British and more than a little exotic (like David Bowie - all
angles and British weirdness). In the normal American consciousness, he can't
be somebody ordinary. He has to be evil or strange or some kind of distinct character
that can accommodate that entirely un-ordinary face."
Wild On The Set (Animal Planet, 1997)
Episode:
"Big Cats," 1997
Michael's Role: Himself, behind the scenes at the filming of "Jungle
Book" in the jungle of Costa Rica.
Plot Summary: "Each episode of
Wild On The Set begins with stunning sequences of the animals in action, either
taken from the finished movie or shot by cameras on the set. Viewers discover
the auditioning and selection of the animals as well as the specialized
training they undergo, to turn moviemakers dreams into reality."
WKRP
In Cincinnati (CBS, 1978)
IMDB Listing
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Episode: #04, "Hoodlum Rock," 1978
Michael's Role: Dog, member of rock band Scum of the Earth. His band,
Detective, supplied music.
Plot Summary: "What is the difference between punk
rock and hoodlum rock? According to the band Scum of the Earth, punk rockers
dress deplorably and they do not physically attack their audiences. Regardless
of this, Andy thinks that 'Scum' will make a perfect first concert for WKRP to
promote. Though the band members appear to be more trouble than they are worth,
the concert pays off in the end. Original music by DETECTIVE." The band
shows up, dressed in suits. They sweetly sabotage Venus Flytrap's interview of
them when Dog states that they hate Cincinnati and they refuse to answer any
questions seriously, ending up by telling the listeners not to listen to that
station. In the hotel, Johnny Fever is baby-sitting them, and he goads them
into trashing the room. Dog hops on a chair, knocks over a lamp and begins
circling the bed, barking and pouring coffee on the bed as the other members
trash the room around him while Johnny lies unperturbed and reads his paper.
The room service man comes, and they toss him out the ground-floor window, and
then they leave, ripping the phone out of the wall. Backstage, they declare
they will not play, and an offscreen fight ensues between the DJ's and the
band. They perform then (Detective's "Got Enough Love," lip-synched)
and hose down the audience with a fire extinguisher. At the end, they do
"Betcha Won't Dance."
Commentary: This was Michael's first
TV appearance, and it is really a must-have. You'll never forget it. Dog, along
with his bandmates, is obscenely polite, yet completely incorrigible, and he
has the Peter Frampton hair. He completely steals the show and gets several
great lines. For more info about Detective, see my MDB
Discography
If you're looking for The New WKRP, scroll up - it's under N.
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