Watch CONtv Movie Night: The Greatest American Hero: Pilot

ConTV Movie Night brings one of the greatest superheroes of the 1980s back to our screens with The Greatest American Hero: Pilot. Starring Clarke Wolfe, this action-packed series follows the life of Ralph Hinkley, an average man who gains extraordinary superpowers after a chance encounter with aliens. The Greatest American Hero: Pilot introduces viewers to Ralph Hinkley, a high school teacher trying to make ends meet, but facing challenges both in his professional and personal life. During a field trip with his students, his life takes a drastic turn when he and his students come across a UFO, and its occupants give him a special suit with incredible superpowers.

Ralph quickly finds himself the recipient of this otherworldly suit, a red jumpsuit that gives him superhuman strength, super speed, and the ability to fly. However, as thrilling as all this sounds, Ralph is significantly unprepared and struggles to control his newfound abilities. Nevertheless, he has to step up and save the day when his FBI friend, Bill Maxwell, entrusts him with the task of stopping a group of terrorists from detonating a nuclear bomb.

The plotline of The Greatest American Hero clearly reflects the superhero genre's influence, as action, suspense, and humor run throughout the episode. The pilot does a great job of setting the scene for the show, introducing viewers to the characters, their personal struggles, and how they work together. Clarke Wolfe as Ralph Hinkley successfully brings the character's lovable sense of humor and relatability to the forefront, making him someone that audiences would root for.

Another significant aspect of the pilot is the relationship between Ralph and Bill, played by Robert Culp. Bill serves as Ralph's guide and partner, helping him understand what it means to be a superhero while also serving as the comedic foil in many of the scenes. Culp and Wolfe's chemistry on screen is a highlight of the pilot, and the dynamic between these two characters lays the foundation for several of the show's subsequent episodes.

The pilot episode's special effects were state-of-the-art for the '80s, and while the show might seem dated by today's standards, it still manages to charm viewers. The fight scenes, superpowers' depiction, and other special effects add to the overall appeal of the show. The cameras and music pieces add a sense of immediacy and excitement to proceedings, with the overall production quality of the pilot being surprisingly well-made and immersive.

The Greatest American Hero: Pilot is all about how Ralph tries to come to terms with his new powers and the responsibilities they bring, and the impact it has on his personal life. We get to see how he tries to balance his work as a teacher and superhero, while also dealing with his life as a single father while managing his relationship with a new woman in his life, lawyer Pamela Davidson, played by Connie Sellecca.

The romantic chemistry between Ralph and Pamela is also a highlight of the pilot episode. Their initial conversations are awkward, and it's evident that they come from very different worlds. Still, their shared moments throughout the episode are interspersed with comedic timing, adding levity to a conversation that could have quickly gone overboard. The showrunners do an excellent job of highlighting their characters' differences, setting the stage for a will-they-won't-they dynamic that will span throughout the rest of the series.

The Greatest American Hero: Pilot is an excellent introduction to a show that captures the excitement and wonder of a bygone era of superhero TV shows. The pilot episode sets up the show's mission statement, introducing viewers to its world, and the engaging characters that populate it. Its blend of humor, action, and romance keeps audiences entertained throughout, making it an excellent addition to ConTV Movie Night's lineup.

Overall, Clarke Wolfe brings charisma and heart to Ralph Hinkley, while Robert Culp delivers a standout supporting performance as Bill Maxwell. The show's creative team does an excellent job of balancing the diverse elements of the superhero genre while also creating something unique and memorable. Fans of the superhero genre, in particular, will appreciate the show's contribution and the pilot's introduction to Ralph's origin story.