As with most reviewers, this was a seminal movie for any motorcyclist growing up in the 60's & 70's. Unlike Easy Rider with hard-tail choppers, drugs and hippie idealism, TCB had a more gentle approach to discovering America, dealing with 60's angst, while having adventures and meeting people along the way. Looking at the pilot movie & series 47 years later is a case for 20-20 hindsight. The pilot was a wonderful set-up for the series. You wanted to be Jim Bronson. Despite obvious technical stretches like Bronson's Sportster being replaced with the not-quite-look-a-like Aermacchi 250-350 twin for the stunts, an AMF Sportster that always managed to start on the first kick and the amazing amount of stuff he managed to pack in the 2 relatively small duffel bags, it still managed to provide a wonderful escape for our generation. The series itself was hit and miss. I ordered a DVD set almost 20 years ago that someone made from Super VHS recordings. The picture and sound quality were barely adequate. You had to turn the volume way up to hear soft-spoken Michael Parks. Most of the episodes contained very uneven plots, but there were a few that met the feel and depth of the show's potential. I recently ordered a new set online and hope the video and sound quality are better. Is it just me or do other Bronson fans wish that Jim Bronson and Temple Brooks would have become a couple? Bronson could never quite verbally share his feelings for her and Temple would never try forcing the issue. It would have been a nice touch to either see her continue with him after the post accident hospital stay or have the series conclude with his return to her after he completes his trip. The former would have expanded the plot possibilities, but would have sacrificed the "lone wolf" appeal of the premise. The later would deliver a happy ending, but considering the era, would have been a little too 1950's clean. One thing Bronson should have thought of: Temple Brooks was obviously from a wealthy family and he probably could have parleyed his romance on his return into a cushy job. Not important in your idealistic 20's, but very important after 40.
Review of Then Came Bronson
