Every Cop show and Drama show of the 1970's and 1980's had a "Boxing Episode". The main characters (the police) had front row seats to the Boxing matches; they were childhoold friends of all the Boxers, managers, and promoters.
Totally improbable, but that theme appeared in every "Quinn Martin Production", and a host of other TV shows.
So this episode of Dan August fits the mold. But there are a lot of problems here.
First, notice that in the opening scene, the stadium is almost empty. It's supposed to be an exciting match featuring the hometown boxer. But hardly anyone is there. Couldn't the producers find enough extras to fill the seats?
Later, Dan August is able to out-box a guy who is way superior in physical size and ability. This is explained away by his manager friend saying, "Danny, I taught you how to box!" Granted, Burt Reynolds was a star athlete in real life, he did most of his own stunts, but for him to beat down the bigger guy, well it just doesn't work.
But worst of all is the acting by Karin Wolfe, as character Tina Abrams. You can't even hear her words when Dan August is interviewing her in the drug dealer's apartment. She chirps like a little bird! No stage presence, absolutely nothing is appealing about her. The only time she showed any emotion was screaming like a Banshee when the Boxer goes down in the first scene. Very, very poor acting.
Watchable show, with stereotypical boxing managers and trainers, etc. But 6 stars is all I can rate for "The Meal Ticket".
Totally improbable, but that theme appeared in every "Quinn Martin Production", and a host of other TV shows.
So this episode of Dan August fits the mold. But there are a lot of problems here.
First, notice that in the opening scene, the stadium is almost empty. It's supposed to be an exciting match featuring the hometown boxer. But hardly anyone is there. Couldn't the producers find enough extras to fill the seats?
Later, Dan August is able to out-box a guy who is way superior in physical size and ability. This is explained away by his manager friend saying, "Danny, I taught you how to box!" Granted, Burt Reynolds was a star athlete in real life, he did most of his own stunts, but for him to beat down the bigger guy, well it just doesn't work.
But worst of all is the acting by Karin Wolfe, as character Tina Abrams. You can't even hear her words when Dan August is interviewing her in the drug dealer's apartment. She chirps like a little bird! No stage presence, absolutely nothing is appealing about her. The only time she showed any emotion was screaming like a Banshee when the Boxer goes down in the first scene. Very, very poor acting.
Watchable show, with stereotypical boxing managers and trainers, etc. But 6 stars is all I can rate for "The Meal Ticket".