Street Hawk

...really count)

Street hawk seemed to come out in the middle of the other more popular tv series of the same type and so never really caught on…lasting only five months… maybe because of the pretty tame challenges that the man on the scooter had to over come… but in reality the show was quite entertaining and not too over the top… unless you count a motorbike jumping out of some warehouse doors every time a case came up as over the top…
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1) Street Hawk (pilot) (January 4th)
When police officer Jesse is injured in a hit and run he ends up working behind a desk as he is deemed unfit to patrol the streets, so when Norman Tutttle offers him a chance to get back on the streets he jumps at the chance, using the newfound technology for his own advantage, avenging some wrongs.

2) A Second Self (January 11th)
When Jesse and Street hawk are involved ... more

Creators: Bruce Lansbury, Paul M. Belous and Robert Wolterstoff.
Directors: (Various including) Birgil W. Vogel, Richard Compton, Daniel Haller and Joel Zwick.
Producers: (Various including) Burton Armus, Paul M. Belous, Robert Wolterstorff and Medora Heilbron.
Writers: (Various including) Hannah Louise Sheare, Burton Armus, Deborah Dean Davis and Robert Wolterstorff.
Stars: Rex Smith, Joe Regalbuto, Richard Venture and Jeannie Wilson

Released in January 1985 this short lived series lasted only until May of the same year… creating 13 quite good 50 minute episodes about a rather special motorbike.

** BRIEF IDEA **

When ex-police officer Jesse Mach, (played by Rex Smith) is chosen by federal agent Norman Tuttle, (played by Joe Regalbuto), to trial "Street Hawk", a top secret creation of a futuristic and very powerful motorbike with some hidden surprises, he soon realises that it is a lot more dangerous than he first thought.
So with the incredible power under his seat, including a top speed of 300 miles per hour and a vast array of weaponry and defensive tools on board the crime fighter takes to the streets to bring justice for all…

** IN CONCLUSION **

Well… what can you say about this 1980's wanna-be hit tv show.
The eighties tv scene was a time of futuristic vehicles which are intent on saving the world from over the top criminal activists… such as the car with attitude and the chopper with style… so there was only one vehicle missing which could be used as a futuristic type weapon… and here it is… the bike with the same as the car and the chopper, only on two wheels and slightly less popular… (lasting only one series for it's sins)… but to be honest, no one tried to add a motorboat to the list of super hero vehicles, (apart from an episode of the Simpson, which doesn't really count)

Street hawk seemed to come out in the middle of the other more popular tv series of the same type and so never really caught on…lasting only five months… maybe because of the pretty tame challenges that the man on the scooter had to over come… but in reality the show was quite entertaining and not too over the top… unless you count a motorbike jumping out of some warehouse doors every time a case came up as over the top…

The all round acting was nothing special, although Rex Smith plays the part of the heroic motorcyclist who just want to ride his precious super machine, even if he comes across as a little wooden at times… a little like Mr Bean dresses up and joins the Hells Angels for a bit…
The stunts and so called special effects are not brilliant but are good enough to keep the show crawling along, but you can sort of see why this show only lasted for one series… especially when you realise just how totally far fetched this show really is… I mean, taking a corner on Honda motorbike at over 200 miles per hour is just not right at all… no matter how much garnish you slap on it… and as for the daft effects used to try and convince the viewer that the bike was 'speeding' along doesn't really do the trick… it merely adds to the comical side of the idea.

Don't get me wrong, if you do see this advertised on some sky channel, like bravo or gold, (as I do not believe it has ever been released on DVD… or even video in the UK…? but please correct me if I'm wrong). then give it a go… it can be quite entertaining, depending on which episode you happen upon…

* Would I recommend this..?

A difficult question to answer… this show is like marmite… you either love it or hate it…
If I said yes and you hated it then please don't shout at me… but if you're a big fan of the show then don't slate me for speaking negative about it.
It failed in the 80's and would most definitely fall flat on its face if released now… but as I previously said, if you see it advertised then give it a go.. You may become addicted.

* SERIES RUNDOWN

1) Street Hawk (pilot) (January 4th)
When police officer Jesse is injured in a hit and run he ends up working behind a desk as he is deemed unfit to patrol the streets, so when Norman Tutttle offers him a chance to get back on the streets he jumps at the chance, using the newfound technology for his own advantage, avenging some wrongs.

2) A Second Self (January 11th)
When Jesse and Street hawk are involved in the death of a car thief it is not long before Jesse life is under threat by the car thieves brother… but a blast from the past could save the day. ( This episode does star the soon to be world famous George Clooney)

3) The Adjuster (January 18th)
With policeman who are really killers and some very dodgy jewels it is not long before Jesse comes up against an old foe he hasn't heard of for a long time..

4)Vegas Run (January 25th)
Bodyguarding is the name of the game in this episode as Jesse is needed to protect a witness who is giving evidence against the 'mob'… only the 'mob' will try anything to protect their racket.

5) Dog Eat Dog (February 1st)
Jesse is set a simple task of getting a rock star to appear on television but the task turns into something more sinister.

6) Fire on the Wing (February 8th)
Jesse has to investigate several arson attacks to find out who or what is causing them?

7) Chinatown Memories (February 15th)
An old girlfriend of Jesse's turns up pleading for help when her parents are under threat due to a mysterious statue

8)The Unsinkable 453 (February 22nd)
When a mix up at a prison is discovered Jesse soon realises that the escaped prisoner is heading for more sinister dealings than anyone realised.

9)Hot Target (March 1st)
Norman is seduced by an old girlfriend, only for things to turn nasty as Jesse uncovers some rather high powered firepower whilst chasing gunrunners.

10) Murder is a Novel Idea (March 8th)
When a book naming a killer is about to be published Jesse has to protect the author from the man responsible before it is too late.

11) The Arabian (May 2nd)
With the murder of a stable hand and some suspicion of horse swapping Jesse son becomes involved, only he has competition with an insurance agent.

12) Female of the Species (May 9th)
Also known as the Assassin… When a hitman seeks revenge for what he calls a miscarriage of justice it is up to Jesse and a reluctant friend to bring justice.

13) Follow the Yellow Gold Road (May 16th)
Street hawk shows signs of fatigue whilst Jesse is chasing some so called vigilantes who have stolen some gold… 

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