Kamryn Schnieder ~ Copy Editor
In 1985, the original MacGyver introduced the problem-solving genius of Angus MacGyver. Now I didn’t watch this show, but I caught glimpses of reruns and heard the references and whispers of titular characters. I, personally, can’t watch old television, just personal opinion, but I was/am still fascinated by the idea of a character that workshops on the fly to solve overly dramatic problems. So, I can’t say how it compares to the original show, but I can say that of what I’ve seen so far, the 2016 MacGyver remake has been pleasantly over the top and buddy cop.
MacGyver (2016) is another one of those NCIS, CSI, LAW & ORDER, “we’ve got a case, let’s solve it,” government special forces show about a discreet government organization called “The Phoenix Foundation.” Phoenix is a special forces organization that is so secret even other government organizations don’t know they exist. They work to solve threats and hazards to America that either can’t be handled by other organizations, illegal investigations, or investigations into other government organizations. Each member of the team has their specific skill. I can’t list every character due to spoilers, but I can list the core members of Phoenix.
The star and namesake of the show, Angus MacGyver (played by Lucas Till), is incredibly intelligent. He is the kind of guy who can make a bomb from bathroom chemicals, a soda can, and a shoelace. On top of that he is charismatic and a pacifist, allowing him to comfort hostages and civilians, as well as avoid further death or violence.
Jack Dalton, played by George Eads, is a military hardened, ex-delta forces firearm. He’s the brawn to MacGyver’s brain. He also acts as Mac’s father figure and tries his best to teach him life lessons in the middle of a firefight. He is sarcastic and snarky to a point and struggles to take threats seriously, which is helpful at times and harmful the other 80 percent. He’s a loud and proud Texan and half of his dialog is references to old movies.
Tristan Mays plays Riley Davis, a tech wizard who was in jail for hacking into the NSA. She is the classic, typing nonsense but it works out kind of hacker, but softens up to the group rather quickly. She has her own sense of justice, not afraid to break rules to help her friends, but she does know her strengths and steers clear of the physical conflict as best she can.
Lastly, there is Wilt Bozer (played by Justin Hires). Bozer, or Boze, is the silly sidekick to Mac’s witty hero. He has known Mac the longest and they both think they have to protect one another. Boze is highly skilled in crafting and special effects. He makes disguises for Phoenix. On top of that, his more casual observation to situations allows for logical conclusions to be reached in regard to human behavior. He seems silly but is socially smart in a way the others aren’t.
The show follows the route of any other buddy cop show. Combating terrorism, preventing nuclear explosions, saving hostages, and arresting gang leaders are just some of the activities they manage to get up to. The show follows an episodic flow, with each episode holding its own singular story, but also slowly tracks an overarching story.
I have only seen a few episodes into season two, but the fifth season just started airing on CBS in December.
