Ep 1. Pilot

M.A.N.T.I.S. is a science fiction television series that premiered on the Fox network on August 26, 1994. The show follows the story of a paralyzed African-American scientist named Dr. Miles Hawkins, played by Carl Lumbly, who creates a high-tech exoskeleton that allows him to walk and fight crime. The acronym M.A.N.T.I.S. stands for Mechanically Augmented Neuro-Transmitter Interception System.

Season 1 episode 1, titled "Pilot," sets the stage for the series. The episode opens with Dr. Hawkins, a brilliant scientist and former football player, being paralyzed after being shot by a group of thieves during a convenience store robbery. He becomes frustrated with his wheelchair-bound life and is determined to find a way to walk again.

With the help of his friend and colleague, Dr. Amy Ellis, played by Gina Torres, Dr. Hawkins creates an exoskeleton that attaches to his body and allows him to walk, run, and jump. The exoskeleton also enhances his strength, agility, and speed. Dr. Hawkins decides to use his new abilities and becomes a crime-fighting vigilante known as M.A.N.T.I.S.

As M.A.N.T.I.S., Dr. Hawkins disrupts a group of arms dealers who are about to sell dangerous weapons to a local gang. He is able to stop the transaction and destroy the weapons, but not without drawing the attention of the police. Captain McQuade, played by Roger Rees, is the head of the local police department and is not happy with M.A.N.T.I.S.'s vigilante actions.

Despite the police department's efforts to stop him, M.A.N.T.I.S. continues to fight crime on the streets of the city. Dr. Hawkins also has to contend with his personal life, as he is torn between his duties as a scientist and crime fighter, and his attraction to Dr. Ellis.

The pilot episode sets the tone for the series, with a blend of science fiction, action, and drama. M.A.N.T.I.S. is a unique superhero, as he relies on technology to enhance his abilities, rather than supernatural powers or abilities.

The show also addresses important social issues, including race, disability, and crime. Dr. Hawkins is a groundbreaking character, as he is one of the few African-American heroes on television, and he is also a disabled character who uses his scientific knowledge to overcome his physical limitations.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, as M.A.N.T.I.S. finds himself surrounded by the police and Captain McQuade, who warn him that his vigilante actions are illegal. Dr. Hawkins is forced to make a choice between continuing his crime-fighting activities or giving up his alter ego.

Overall, "Pilot" is an exciting and engaging episode that introduces viewers to a unique and memorable superhero. M.A.N.T.I.S. is a show that combines action, drama, and science fiction elements, with a strong emphasis on diversity and social issues. The show was groundbreaking when it first aired, and it remains a beloved cult classic to this day.