As I sit here writing this article I am surrounded by books, videos, and images.
Many of which were either directly or indirectly inspired by a remarkable Television series that ran for only one season. It has been called the Most magnificent failure in Television History. It starred as its Protagonist a Very common man.
Carl Kolchak is a reporter for the I.N.S. News service. Grouchy, irritating, yet street wise and Tenacious. He possessed a charm and keen intelligence that allowed him to take on and out wit. Every thing from Vampires to the mob. Before the X files or Buffy both of which he either directly or in directly inspired. Kolchak was stalking the underbelly of society. Taking on every thing from Man Made Monsters to Vampires and Witches.
While a small man who was not physically imposing. He was a fearless, tenacious man who possessed a sharp mind and hunger for the truth. In pursuing the Nasties he would encounter, he was aided and more often than not impeded by his co workers, including his Boss Tony Vincenzo and Grand Motherly advice columnist Miss Emily. He also found himself at odds with the local authorities who would deny facts and suppress evidence. Many times to the point of being jailed and accused of the crimes he was trying to end.
His Rogues Gallery included every thing from a were wolf on a cruise ship. To an Alien who had stopped on earth apparently lost and hungry. The shows it must be pointed out were well written, acted and directed. But most importantly, at least to many of us, they Were exciting and Scary as Hades it self. The show was truly ahead of its time. In that it was a gritty serious look at the Monsters both human and other wise. That inhabit our worst Nightmares.
A partial list of shows that were as I have said earlier were either directly or indirectly inspired by The Night Stalker. Include
The X files
Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
The Hard Edged Horror anthologies of the 80's
Supernatural.
Happy Town
and More.
I have included an episode list. Many of which can be found on Youtube and on DVD. They are.
The Ripper.
The Zombie.
They have been, They are, They will Be.
The Vampire.
The Werewolf.
Firefall.
The Devils Platform.
Bad Medicine.
The Spanish Moss Murders.
The Energy Eater.
Horror In The Hights.
Mister R.I.N.G.
Primal Scream.
The Trevi Collection.
Chopper.
Demon In Lace.
Legacy of terror.
The Knightly Murders.
The Youth Killer.
The Sentry.
This article is simply meant as an Introduction to this Remarkable show. If you wish there is so much more to be found and enjoyed. I Joyfully encourage you to cruise the net and for your selves discover what millions of us already have. that is A common Man With an Uncommon Legacy.
Kolchak The Night Stalker.