Bret Maverick: The Complete Series [DVD]

Love these old shows. Wholesome for the family.

Grew up with Maverick! Great show in the 60's! Love James Garner

Afterall it's James Garner.

Maverick didn't come there to lose, as Ed Bruce sang in the theme song. This reprisal of Garner's original western hero may have lasted only one season, but it was a very entertaining show. Garner brought along a few members Casting singer Ed Bruce as the co-star was a brilliant move. Bruce proved to be a fairly good actor and was the perfect foil to Garner's portrayal of the iconic Bret Maverick. While the episodes all take place in or around the town, as opposed to the perambulating in the original series, this suited the new format of a semi-retired Maverick who wanted to settle down and relax. It was unfortunate that the show was canceled after one season, despite good ratings. Garner's former Maverick co-star, Jack Kelly, who guest-starred on Rockford, made a surprise appearance at the end of the last episode, and was set to resume his role as Brother Bart had the show been renewed. As it stands, the series wraps things up effectively in the last episode, giving the feeling of closure that gives the reader the feeling of having completed a good novel. Garner would go one to play Mel Gibson's father in the movie version of the original series a few years later. He was a wonderful actor and projected authenticity and charm into every role he played. Do yourself a favor and get this complete series package and watch it over the course of a few days. It's to be savored, like a fine wine.

Though short-lived, Bret Maverick was one of my favorite TV series of all time. The plots were engaging, and the characters had charm and humor. Sure, it was a simple western melodrama , but the addition of the various hustles gave it a similarity to the movie The Sting, also one of my favorites. Granted, Ed Bruce wasn't really much of an actor, but he fit the part so well, or the part was written to fit him so well, that it didn't matter. He made you like him. Similarly, the vary talented Darleen Carr may have played the part a little over the top, but that's what a Western heroin is supposed to do. Add her non-traditional attitude, and the character had some real snap. Through it all, James Garner's natural likeability and the outstanding western character portrayals by the supporting cast made me enjoy it all the way through.I do, however, think it's great that the show only ran one short season, because it didn't become tiresome. Too many modern series run FAR too long. They run out of surprises and become jaded. This show was almost like a mini-series. The last episode with Jack Kelly's reprise of the Bart Maverick role and the circumstances circling back around plot-wise made a nice little "button" on the end. Take a bow, well done!

The day James Garner died was a sad one for me. I liked him in everything he did, so I ordered this series and wasn't disappointed. I have many TV series DVDs that serve as bedtime stories most nights. He was an excellent actor, you always believed his character. Sometimes he was not as nice as one might wish, but you are on his side at the end, and besides, I just like looking at him.

I love James Garner. He was great in everything. Too bad networks cancel good shows. Very entertaining. One of his finest roles.

Was just a nice western series and also in color.