I saw a smart post today remarking that Fred Dryer was cast as Sam Malone, Sam would have been much less likable. I agree — though Ted embodied Sam so well, and Ted is such a remarkably good television actor, that it’s hard to imagine anyone be more likable than Ted’s Sam.
But … what if Ted had the titular role of Sergeant Rick Hunter on television’s Hunter?
While I have great respect for Ted and his ability to shape shift into any television role, I’m not sure the Dirty Harry archetype is one he could have pulled off. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that Fred was the right pick. As was Ted as Sam.
Thoughts?
(Addendum, are there any tv dramas from the 80s that Ted could have pulled off? I think Magnum PI is an easy one to imagine him doing well. Knight Rider’s Hasselhoff is another one. Greatest American Hero? Mmmm, I think that might be a stretch but comedically, I have faith in Ted.)