"MacGyver" has always been nothing if not derivative. While this episode has a superficial resemblance to "The Manchurian Candidate" with a man preconditioned by hypnosis to assassinate someone, it's more like an "Avengers" episode whose title i can't recall (with Mrs. Peel) without the laughs.
Of course, even by early twentieth century standards, it's impossible to program people like that. Even on "The Avengers." So far as we know. But it makes for a tense episode. Though it features Jack Dalton, there's nothing light-hearted here.
It also demonstrates what I believe: all people, whatever their differences, are the same inside, once you peel off their skins. We all have different problems, but at heart we're all equally greedy, grasping, selfish and venal. That's the view that keeps us from being judgmental. Thanks, MacGyver.
Of course, even by early twentieth century standards, it's impossible to program people like that. Even on "The Avengers." So far as we know. But it makes for a tense episode. Though it features Jack Dalton, there's nothing light-hearted here.
It also demonstrates what I believe: all people, whatever their differences, are the same inside, once you peel off their skins. We all have different problems, but at heart we're all equally greedy, grasping, selfish and venal. That's the view that keeps us from being judgmental. Thanks, MacGyver.
