the townpeople in Virginia City) became skeptical about his . He became, by his own admission, a jerk to the writers for not pushing the envelope more (on BONANZA of all shows) and to the co-stars who were less vocal in their support of liberal causes, he wanted Adam to marry an American Indian played by an A.I. The High Noon-style Vendetta comes in at no. He ultimately passed away after a postoperative pulmonary embolism. During its peak, Virginia City had a population of nearly 30,000 residents. The Chinese Alumni Association of the University of California, Berkeley offers a scholarship named after him. He was 81. Pernell Roberts, the outspoken actor who played Adam Cartwright, the thoughtful eldest son on television's seminal western series "Bonanza" and who was the last surviving member of the show's original family, died Sunday at his home in Malibu, Calif. In Season 14, the writers attempted to fill the hole left by Dans death with a new character named Griff King, a parolee looking to reform his life on the Ponderosa Ranch, and the return of cowboy Candy Canaday, but the loss of Hoss caused Bonanzas ratings to plummet. Dawber has married to NCIS star Mark Harmon for more than three [] More, Jan Smithers is a former television actress that is best known for her portrayal of the character Bailey Quarters on the television series WKRP in Cincinnati. Dan Blocker is one of the true television immortals, having played Hoss Cartwright the heart and soul of Bonanza (1959) for 13 seasons, before his untimely death in 1972 at the age of 43. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_City,_Nevada, Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled. "The Cartwrights" lost one of their own when Pernell Roberts quit Bonanza in 1965. Meanwhile, the Cartwright family has passed away, unfortunately, but two members of the Bonanza main cast are still alive! Producers made the difficult decision to kill off Hoss after determining that no one else could possibly step into the role. To be or not to be Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. What was Ben Cartwrights horses name on Bonanza? As with Lorne Greene, his early career consisted of bit parts on television shows though he didnt gain any prominence from these appearances. Roberts was an exceptional actor loved by his colleagues and on-screen fans during his six years on "Bonanza." He brought the Adam Cartwright character to life, and many applauded his dedication to work. Sadly, weve lot many of the main actors who entertained us over the years and will continue to do so through reruns of the show. His co-star Michael Landon was one of the last persons to visit him in the hospital. Did Adam Cartwright die off bonanza? 1, closely followed by Blood on the Land and Stranger in second and third place. actress (Sasheen Littlefeather?) In 1963, Dan Blocker, who played Eric Hoss Cartwright on Bonanza, started the Bonanza Steakhouse chain. Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. Bonanza premiered on television in 1959. There were several made-for-television movies released well after Bonanza went off the air, one of which described how Little Joe went on to marry and have a son named Benji, according to IMDb. What gave the Ponderosa Ranch its name? actress (Sasheen Littlefeather?) In 1959, Pernell Roberts was cast as Adam Cartwright, the oldest son of prosperous rancher Ben Cartwright, in the TV series Bonanza. How did Ben Cartwright get the Ponderosa Ranch? The legendary western series Bonanza attracted millions of viewers in the sixties and seventies. And while Bonanza was fictional, the ranch was not. The characters in Bonanza fell in love and had affairs. Ben and Marie had a son, Joseph, born in 1840. June 20, 2021, 9:06 am, by March 28, 2021, 6:21 am, by Bonanza is a show with quite a fan base. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Michael Landon, who portrayed Charles Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie, could actually ride a horse. What happened to Adam Cartwright on Bonanza? There were several made-for-television movies released well after Bonanza went off the air, one of which described how Little Joe went on to marry and have a son named Benji, according to IMDb. As a character, Adam possessed architectural savvy, which he enriched with a university education. He lived a fulfilling life with his second wife, Cara Knack, and had a close . music: Ennio Morricone - Guns Don't ArgueBonanza Star: Pernell Roberts@RikazPonderosy But uncertainty plagued the oldest Cartwright boy, enough to cause Roberts to leave the cast of Bonanza. When Adam was twelve another brother, Joe, was added to the family. Which Teeth Are Normally Considered Anodontia. He appeared in over 90 episodes throughout the show. His death didn't sit well with the mourning fans as the show suffered from low viewership ratings thereafter. But while his work became regular, he remained relatively unknown to most Americans. ). Facts Verse 5:05 pm ET/2:05 pm PT pic.twitter.com/6H2Uwquo6x. He would eventually tag along for different appearances at events around the country. The producers also introduced a replacement, Will Cartwright (Guy Williams), nephew of Ben and cousin of Adam, Hoss and Joe. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Born on May 18, 1928, Pernell Roberts played the eldest Cartwright boy, Adam. the cartwright clan and their family bonanza. Originally, Roberts was going to leave the cast of Bonanza at the end of Season 5. Palomino, colour type of horse distinguished by its cream, yellow, or gold coat and white or silver mane and tail. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. "After Dan's death, I didn't see how the show could continue," Lorne Greene, who played family patriarch Ben, admitted to TV Guide shortly after his co-stars passing. He became, by his own admission, a jerk to the writers for not pushing the envelope more (on BONANZA of all shows) and to the co-stars who were less vocal in their support of liberal causes, he wanted Adam to marry an American Indian played by an A.I. His rider is the youngest Cartwright in the bunch. February 19, 2023, 6:22 am, by Lorne Greene actually bought Buck (whose real name was Dunny Waggoner) when the Gunsmoke series ended. These great actors are sadly no longer with us. The loss of Dan Blocker's character, Hoss Cartwright, was never depicted on the final season of Bonanza (1972-73); there were only mentions of his loss w/o explanation. Historically, Virginia City dates from 1859. He would get into disputes with show writers over his characters dialogue. But on set, he could only play one character, Adam, and as for costume changes? CIMARRON CITY'S #DanBlocker also guest stars on today's THE RESTLESS GUN w/ #JohnPayne. Cast members said they knew the series wouldn't survive without the . Facts Verse The Bonanza property is far from the only TV show location to rake in millions. That explains Schwartzs miserable commercial failures like Gilligans Island and The Brady Bunch. According to the 9th episode (Mr. Blocker brought empathy and gentle energy to the role of Hoss Cartwright, and fans all over the world loved his characterization of the cowboy. It turns out to be someone who has sailed with Adam. Pernell Roberts made his presence felt on "Bonanza" as elder brother Adam Cartwright. Why did Adam Cartwright always wear black? Finally, Michael Landon, along with his fellow writers and directors, made the decision to kill off Hoss on the show, since they couldnt think of recasting the role. Joe rose and made room for his other brother . Hassan Roberts died on Jan. 24, 2010, of pancreatic cancer at his home in Malibu, Calif., according to an article from The New York Times. In April of 72, just before shooting for the new fall season was to commence, Dan fell ill and went into the hospital for gall bladder surgery. He loved playing Ben Cartwright and happy to recognized as the patriarch of the Old Wests most lovable family. and after two years in service, he enrolled in college, where he focused on classical theater. According to IMDb, several made-for-television films were released shortly after Bonanza went off air, one of which described Little Joe marrying and having a son named Benji. Jamie Cartwright (born Jamie Hunter) was the adopted son of Ben Cartwright. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. He left the show in the mid-1960s. One of the most loved characters from the show was Hop Sing played by Chinese-American actor Victor Sen Yung. Also, he did not care about the consequences, including losing his relationship with the show's producers. It does not store any personal data. Whats The Difference Between Dutch And French Braids? The colour does not breed true. Dan Blocker was an American Korean War veteran and iconic TV actor whois best known for his role as Hoss Cartwright in the NBC TVseries Bonanza. In the early 1970s, at the height of his fame, Dan Blocker underwent gallbladder surgery. But the actor played other roles in his career. Victor also appeared as Charlie Chans son Jimmy Chan in the Charlie Chan series. Dont forget Dustys Trail! Blocker, in particular, resonated with audiences, and as the gentle giant Hoss Cartwright, he made television history in several ways. September 14, 2021, 5:02 am, by A strange show in many ways, but I liked it. Nov 09, 2021 04:20 P.M. Pernell Roberts, who starred on the TV show "Bonanza," left after six seasons because he felt he was too good to be on it. According to Distractify, Blockers death was a major blow to the cast and crew of Bonanza for several reasons. The eldest of the Cartwright brothers, Adam had a degree in architectural engineering and built the ranch house. So, for the 196465 season, Roberts departed Bonanza. Roberts died on Jan. 24, 2010, of pancreatic cancer at his home in Malibu, Calif., according to an article from The New York Times. Where does the show take place? I told Lorne I was quitting the show and he told me I was insane. Sadly, Blocker died from blood clots after complications of gall-bladder surgery in May 1972. Fortunately, we stayed out of the dining room that day," he added, noting, "We've had so many laughs in that dining room over the last 13 years and that's where Dan and Lorne and I did most of our horsing around.". True or false: "Bonanza" was in black and white when it first premiered. - Westerns (2011) TV episode, Played by Pernell Roberts (as Adam Cartwright from . During the Korean War, Dan Blocker was drafted. He sadly left us too early at the age of 54 in 1991. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Ultimately he left by mutual decision: he was fed up with the show and they were fed up with him. That was just before the 14th season for Bonanza entered production. Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete? However, every time the relationship went beyond such a relationship, the woman either died or left with somebody else. How did Little Joe die on Bonanza? Thats no way to live. Bonanza first hit TV screens on NBC in 1959 and would last until 1973. He appears in plays like a 1973 production of Gone With The Wind alongside actress Lesley Ann Warren. The Ponderosa Ranch theme park opened in 1968 and featured a full scale replica of the Cartwright ranch house. Pernell Roberts, the outspoken actor who played Adam Cartwright, the thoughtful eldest son on televisions seminal western series Bonanza and who was the last surviving member of the shows original family, died Sunday at his home in Malibu, Calif. To this day, generations old and new continue to entertained by the Bonanza cast. He also had a supporting role in the classic crime film The Saint Valentines Day Massacre. Lorne Greene passed away in 1987 from a respiratory arrest following cardiac arrest. "I think the show is popular basically because of the four characters, not because of the stories which are sometimes terrible," he reportedly said in an interview. The script was written by Michael Landon for Dan Blockers Hoss, but Blocker died months earlier and Landons Little Joe got hitched instead. Which was NOT one of Ben's . The marriage storyline, according to Heldenfels, was originally lined up for Dan Blocker, who played Hoss Cartwright on the popular NBC western. She fell in love with a young seaman on her father's ship, Ben Cartwright. February 19, 2023, 6:17 am, by The narrative zooms into the day-to-day life of family patriarch Ben Cartright (Lorne Greene) and his three sons Adam Cartwright (Pernell Roberts), Eric "Hoss" Cartwright (Dan Blocker) and Little Joe Cartwright (Michael Landon), each by a different deceased . By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Roughly a quarter million of these unlucky souls sustain injuries so severe that they end up dying. For that, we are truly in debt to their incredible talents. Whether youre a new fan or a veteran fan, how much do you know about the Bonanza cast? 4 Why did Adam Cartwright always wear black? The show decided to give Hoss a heroic death with him drowning in an attempt to save a woman. The God-fearing, Bible-quoting, and logically-minded gentleman built up his dreams on his ranch, the Ponderosa, with three wives behind and his future with his boys before him. Heres how it all goes down. Hes remembered today as one of the actors who paved the way for future generations of Asian-American actors. The Bonanza was primarily about the Cartwrights. This happened just a month after the season 13 finale aired in 1972. It was clear that without Hoss, there was no desire to watch the show. The show followed widowed aeronautical engineer named Steven Douglas and his three sons. Though it wasn't the first show shot in color, it was the first show to be entirely in color. Back to Bonanza for a minute. If its going to upset you that I poke a little fun at Bonanza, please do not continue to the story. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While Bonanza was still on TV, Dan Blocker (Hoss) died of a pulmonary embolism. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Before the final season aired, Michael hinted that viewers might feel dissatisfied with the way Bonanza planned to address Hoss' absence. The shows lineup changed slightly over the years, with Pernell Roberts leaving the show after the 1964-65 season. Inger did n. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Each of Ben Cartwright's sons came from each of his three deceased wives. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Those fans received a surprise when Little Joe Cartwright ends up getting married. Its impossible to mention the classic television western Bonanza without name-dropping Hoss Cartwright. And so [] More, Sex, Drugs, and Rock n Roll. He died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 81. The character actor had begun his career as a football player and showed lots of promise. "It was perhaps not surprising that, despite enormous success, he left Bonanza after the 1964-65 season, criticizing the show's simple-minded content and lack of minority actors". But his ambitions went beyond teaching drama. If you liked this story, be sure to hit the like button and be sure to Subscribe to FactsVerse for more great stories! Those fans received a surprise when "Little Joe" Cartwright ends up getting married. But the shows [] More, You might remember her as Mindy in the off-beat yet endearing 70s and 80s sitcom Mork and Mindy. Do you think that the show will continue to be popular in years to come? And even though the western series was set between 1861 and 1867, the show often dealt with contemporary social issues which distinguished it from many of the other shows of its time - especially other westerns. Bonanza is an American Western television series that ran on NBC from September 13, 1959, to January 16, 1973. Facts Verse Hot January 28, 2023, 4:29 pm, by These horses carried your fave #Western stars, including @JohnDukeWayne, #DanBlocker and more! I dont have the psychological stamina to last under artistic compromises over a prolonged period of time. Hes remembered as an actor who managed to take advantage of every opportunity that came his way. According to writers, Will Cartwright was introduced specifically to give Roberts an opportunity to leave the show, which he seemed very intent to do. Damn. Throughout Monroe and Kennedys alleged affair, Lawford supposedly acted as a liaison for the President. Joes the only Cartwright that seems to really care about his horse. He did regional theater (including the 70s abomination- dinner theater) and lost his house and money due to divorce and not working as often or as lucratively and by the late 1970s he was considering leaving the business altogether when he got TRAPPER JOHN. Who was Adam Cartwright's mother in Bonanza? Ironically, Dan Blockers death (as well as Hosss) caused the show to fall significantly in television ratings, and the show would end up going off the air after the fourteenth season. It got so I was upset the minute I arrived for work, Roberts says in a 1986 interview with The Washington Post. Lets look back at the main members of the Bonanza cast who have left us and their incredible lives and careers. Roberts would go on from Bonanza and appear in other TV shows as well as stage plays. While Robert Urich was famous for doing battle with tough foes on the screen. These included TV shows such as You Are There and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. The Series Bonanza was a Western TV series that aired on NBC, in "glorious technicolor."It centered on a family in which the women are all dead. As a character, Adam possessed architectural savvy, which he enriched with a university education. Sadly, this pillar in the acting and activism world passed away on January 24, 2010. and episodes about slavery and the KKK. [1] Famed madame Julia Bulette was one of the notable residents. What season did Hoss Cartwright die? On ratings site Ranker, Bonanzas top-episode list is dominated by classic season 1 favourites. While Bonanza was still on TV, Dan Blocker (Hoss) died of a pulmonary embolism. There was an inside joke on one show, in that Hoss was practicing Shakespeare for a show in Virginia City that went something like: Hoss: I gotta practice my lines. Still when Bonanza was cancelled, Lorne bought Buck, for fear that the horse would end up in a bad way. Pernell Roberts, the outspoken actor who played Adam Cartwright, the thoughtful eldest son on television's seminal western series "Bonanza" and who was the last surviving member of the show's original family, died Sunday at his home in Malibu, Calif. In the new millennium, Jan has turned her interests [] More, Each year over 1.5 million patients become victims of medical malpractice in the US alone. "Everybody was just trying to force good humor, because here we were, back in the same place again. Realtor.com reported that the homes high selling price makes it the most expensive waterfront home sold on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Other actors stepped in to take his place on the show, including David Canary as Candy Canady, an honorary Cartwright, and lovable ranch hand. What more could you ask for? It's a site that collects all the most frequently asked questions and answers, so you don't have to spend hours on searching anywhere else. In addition to guest-starring in over 60 television series, he was best known for his roles as Ben Cartwright's eldest son Adam Cartwright on the Western television series Bonanza (1959-1965), and as chief surgeon Dr. John McIntyre, the title character on . The real Ponderosa Ranch, a sprawling 24-acre property in Nevada, looks a little different today. Little Joe: Naw, we got rid of him "Bonanza" first hit TV screens on NBC in 1959 and would last until 1973. What did Pernell Roberts do after he left bonanza? Pernell Roberts played the oldest Cartwright son, Adam. Roberts came from a rather extraordinary background himself. He was 38. Advertisement. What happened to Little Joes horse on Bonanza? Roberts took issue with Adams reliance on his father along with the shows simple content and lack of minority actors. July 2, 2021, 6:38 am, by They nearly did the same thing to Hoss after Dan Blocker died. In the late forties, Roberts began acting in summer stock, eventually moving to off-Broadway productions. 1 Year-Later She Realizes Her Huge Mistake, Bebe Buell Reveals Everything About Her Rock Star Romances, The Real Reason Peter Lawford Got Kicked Out of the Rat Pack, Pam Dawber is Unrecognizable Today (Try Not to Gasp), Why Jan Smithers DISAPPEARED After WKRP in Cincinnati, Celebrities Who Died Due to Medical Malpractice, The ONE Time Dolly Parton Got Naked in Public, Rare Photos of Lynda Carter Not Suitable for All Ages, The Tragic Death of Robert Urich & His Wife, The Tragic Life and Demise of Angie Dickinson, How Each Gilligans Island Cast Member Died. In any other case, this would be a big source of pride. Roberts played Adam from 1959 until leaving the . Incredibly rare. TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. "Bonanza" was a hit TV show that premiered in the year 1959 and ran for over 14 years. "Bonanza" is a show with quite a fan base. He had developed fame in his work prior to Bonanza. The last season of the . The Ponderosa was the fictional setting for Bonanza. Bonanza: What Happened to Little Joes Wife, Alice Harper? He also took issue with NBC hiring white individuals to play people of color; the network actually acknowledged his pressures. One of the best aspects of Bonanza, is that it was one of the first American shows to give acting opportunities to minority actors. Mitch had guested on Bonanza two years before. But despite the fact that Bonanza enjoyed enduring popularity for so many years, the show's cast seemed . In a back-story related by the show's characters, the elder Hunter's customers (i.e. The eldest son in the Cartwright family was Adam, played by Pernell Roberts. Roberts disliked the treatment of Adam, a grown man kept under the thumb of his father (Lorne Green), and felt constricted by the lack of range in his character. But uncertainty plagued the oldest Cartwright boy, enough to cause Roberts to leave the cast of Bonanza. Apparently, they arent subscribers to the old adage that too much of a good thing can actually be a bad thing. Here's how it all goes down. Chris Roberts, who was Roberts' son from his first marriage to Vera Mowry, died in a motorcycle accident in 1989. How Do You Get Rid Of Hiccups In 5 Seconds. Roberts, who played Adam Cartwright in Bonanza for 202 episodes from 1959 until 1965, thought himself capable of far greater things, and left the television horse opera at the height of his, and the show's, popularity. Rock stars are infamous for their insatiable appetites for all things in excess. Pernell Roberts, Star of TV's 'Bonanza,' Dies at 81. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Sherwood Schwarz once said that if Robert Reed bombed in Hamlet hed blame the poor writing. He was 54 years old. Many of the things he did back in the 60s were admirable, and especially from a guy with a solid flyover fanbase and born and raised in Waycross Georgia: he was a major supporter (in presence and with money) of the civil rights movement, marched with MLK, and spoke out against the lack of minorities in show biz (particularly when Mexican actors were used to play Indians), but being an actor it didnt end there. Benjamin "Ben" Cartwright is one of the main protagonists of Bonanza. By the end of the show he was a widower. While heading west, Ben was married to Inger, a native of . Jamie Hunter was the son of a rainmaker, who traveled to shows around the southwestern United States selling his wares. On one day, in 1980, he was creating clayware using his oven. "Bonanza" was a color television trailblazer. He kindly suggested to David that he wanted Adam to dress in black garb, so it would generally define his character for greater audience identification for the Bonanza viewers. On May 13, 1972 he sadly passed away from a pulmonary embolism a result of his surgery. Dan Blocker was born in 1928 and had a varied career prior to becoming a television star. Years later, he did return to play Trapper John, M.D. on CBS for a number of seasons. Ben Cartwright played by Lorne Greene. I'll still be watching over you, I promise." Joe nodded; his throat closed with tears. During the recovery process, he unfortunately developed pneumonia and became dependent on an oxygen tank. According to a 2015 article from the Visalia Times Delta, writer Rich Heldenfels says "Little Joe," played by Michael Landon, married Alice Harper, played by guest star Bonnie Bedalia.. Still, Roberts was able to carve out a very respectable career for himself after leaving Bonanza, and when he passed away in 2010, fans remembered a versatile star who brought Adam Cartwright to life in a way that no one else could. My being part ofBonanza was like Isaac Stern sitting in with Lawrence Welk.. It's finished.' The show was a success due to its excellent writing and directing. He appeared in several popular movies, including The Sheepman and Desire Under the Elms. According to the 9th episode (Mr. From a money pit 100 feet deep to Shakespearean manuscripts, the legendary finds on Oak Island have kept it in the news for centuries. A month after the season 13 finale of Bonanza aired, Blocker unexpectedly passed away due to a post-operative pulmonary embolism following gall bladder surgery. Apparently, the sudden death was not that sudden after all as he had already shown signs of illness before. His sons were Adam Cartwright, played by Pernell Roberts, Eric "Hoss" Cartwright, played by Dan Blocker, and Joseph "Little Joe . Subsequently, the writers also had to make the tough decision to write him off the show as they didnt wish to recast his character with anybody else. Roberts, who played Adam Cartwright in Bonanza for 202 episodes from 1959 until 1965, thought himself capable of far greater things, and left the television horse opera at the height of his, and the shows, popularity. This cheerful character was the Gentle Giant of the family. A month after the season 13 finale of Bonanza aired, Blocker unexpectedly passed away due to a post-operative pulmonary embolism following gall bladder surgery. Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? Best Answer. He died from natural causes in 2015 having been diagnosed with Alzheimers a few years earlier. He appeared as Charles Ingalls in The Little House on the Prairie and as Jonathan Smith in Highway to Heaven. Check out this We like ourselves, dont we? comment by Roberts in a 1965 interview: I feel I am an aristocrat in my field of endeavor My being part of Bonanza was like Isaac Stern sitting in with Lawrence Welk.. He eventually got used to TV acting enough to join Trapper John, M.D., the spinoff to M*A*S*H. There, he played the title character. He also took a few issues with the character feeling that the oldest son of the Cartwright family shouldnt always defer to his father for advice. He went on to act in several other high-profile projects, including Trapper John, M.D., a spinoff of the TV show M*A*S*H. Still, Roberts remains best known for his work in Bonanza, the series which he reportedly didnt like very much. Pernell Roberts as Adam Cartwright: Roberts portrayed Adam, Ben Cartwright's first son, the most responsible of the Cartwright Brothers . So, he actually said something to the effect of (my words, not his, but the Lorne Greene quote was at least that blunt) "This is an insane business and the money is as crazy as the business itself. With 431 episodes under its belt, it was named the longest-running Western series in NBC history when it ended in 1973. . He passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2010. What kind of horse did Hoss die on Bonanza? Best known as Adam Cartwright on the 1960s television western classic "Bonanza," Pernell Roberts may have had acting success, but his personal life reflected the opposite with the tragic death of his son and four marriages. By the end of the show he was a widower. The story of a family of prosperous Nevada cattle ranchers, Bonanza followed the exploits of Ben Cartwright and his three sons, each son by a different, late mother. According to a 2015 article from the Visalia Times Delta, writer Rich Heldenfels says Little Joe, played by Michael Landon, married Alice Harper, played by guest star Bonnie Bedalia. Roberts, just three years earlier in 1986, had wrapped up a seven-season run on "Trapper John, M.D." on CBS. Although Bonanza aired on television decades ago, in many ways, the series still seems fresh and relevant.