The rating I give, is mainly out of the pleasure I feel, that Chiun finally got his dream. Not only did he make it to Hollywood, but he's a star, as well!! I'm a huge Remo fan, and while I'm happy that there was a movie release, and a series planned & pilot aired, I have to agree with most other comments. I would put a lot of blame on Dick Clark, who was involved with both projects, as producer. Both needed more story-line, to establish who Remo truly is! I don't recall much of the TV pilot, except to say I was very disappointed with the whole plot and story. Can't blame actors, when they're not given much to work with, or given better direction. If I recall, Roddy was wanted for the movie role of Chiun, as well. But, for some reason, he wasn't able to do it, so they had to get Joel (who did a very nice job!!). Hopefully, the new film in the works will stay true to the books, and they'll devote more to the story and plot.
30 Reviews
A failed attempt with a few bright spots.
rog17-14 February 2007
I saw this one, and I'm not quite sure how--it aired once and then disappeared without a trace. As an avid Destroyer book reader, I felt the concept of a television series based on the books was a can't-miss prospect. Then I saw this. When it comes to re-creating the books, the movie may have missed the boat, but this series missed the water entirely. The biggest problem is the lead actor. The grinning, poofed-hair goofball they brought in to play Remo almost certainly never read any of the books. He missed the dark, brooding persona that even Fred Ward managed to capture in the movie.
The next problem is similar to that of the movie--it tries to create a new plot line instead of just using one of the 120+ available in the books. This deteriorates quickly into some nonsense about a hit man trying to kill Remo to take his place and some kind of a fight with a photon-torpedo shooting robot guarding a chemical weapons plant (I'm not making this up). The Sinanju training and Chiun's hilarious antics were kept inexplicably in the background for the whole episode.
Surprisingly, the supporting cast isn't too bad. McDowell does an admirable job as Chiun, although he doesn't quite lose himself in the role the way Grey did. It's hard to imagine anyone being more Harold W. Smith than Wilfred Brimley, but the seasoned vet they brought in for this role did a fairly nice job (a little more gruff than he needed to be, but not bad). There were also a few funny lines like "There has never been a Master of Sinanju named Big Mac" (okay, I thought it was funny). All in all, a bad series based on the Destroyer is better than most good series based on other subject matter, but this one comes nowhere near the potential of the concept. It's not quite "The droppings of a diahrettic duck" as Chiun would say, but not really good, either.
The next problem is similar to that of the movie--it tries to create a new plot line instead of just using one of the 120+ available in the books. This deteriorates quickly into some nonsense about a hit man trying to kill Remo to take his place and some kind of a fight with a photon-torpedo shooting robot guarding a chemical weapons plant (I'm not making this up). The Sinanju training and Chiun's hilarious antics were kept inexplicably in the background for the whole episode.
Surprisingly, the supporting cast isn't too bad. McDowell does an admirable job as Chiun, although he doesn't quite lose himself in the role the way Grey did. It's hard to imagine anyone being more Harold W. Smith than Wilfred Brimley, but the seasoned vet they brought in for this role did a fairly nice job (a little more gruff than he needed to be, but not bad). There were also a few funny lines like "There has never been a Master of Sinanju named Big Mac" (okay, I thought it was funny). All in all, a bad series based on the Destroyer is better than most good series based on other subject matter, but this one comes nowhere near the potential of the concept. It's not quite "The droppings of a diahrettic duck" as Chiun would say, but not really good, either.
mostly pathetic
merlyn6167 July 2009
I'm a longtime fan of The Destroyer series. I started reading the books when they first came out and have collected most of them and re-read them often.
The movie "The Adventure Begins" was a worthy effort considering that Hollywood can't leave any successful characters as they are and has to try and make everything P.C. and squeaky clean but this piece is entirely another matter.
Roddy McDowall was an excellent choice for Chiun and did his usual excellent performance. Smith was also done very well. The rest of it makes me wonder if the writers ever even bothered to look at the covers, let alone read any of the series of books this is supposed to be based on. Granted someone did glance through "The Day Remo Died" for the story line.
This is another example of the kind of lifeless writing and lack of imagination that is permeating most of television programming today. It's no wonder that "reality" shows are so common. They take no writing skill.
The movie "The Adventure Begins" was a worthy effort considering that Hollywood can't leave any successful characters as they are and has to try and make everything P.C. and squeaky clean but this piece is entirely another matter.
Roddy McDowall was an excellent choice for Chiun and did his usual excellent performance. Smith was also done very well. The rest of it makes me wonder if the writers ever even bothered to look at the covers, let alone read any of the series of books this is supposed to be based on. Granted someone did glance through "The Day Remo Died" for the story line.
This is another example of the kind of lifeless writing and lack of imagination that is permeating most of television programming today. It's no wonder that "reality" shows are so common. They take no writing skill.
Not great by any means but had potential in its comic lack of seriousness and sense of adventure
bob the moo13 August 2009
With his contract up, Master Chiun leaves his student Remo to return to Korean. However Remo's boss Harold Smith convinces him that he must stay and continue Remo's training, making him a more effective weapon for Smith but also ensuring that nobody could ever suggest that Chiun's training produces a poor student. In the time it takes him to go to the airport and come back again, he finds that Remo already has a stunning blonde in the flat and has drunk beer. Remo's defence that it was a light beer doesn't wash and the training recommences. While Smith assigns Remo a new task, Chiun arranges a professional hit-man to assist with the next lesson in his long road to personal completion.
I watched the Remo Williams films recently as part of reminding myself of some of the films from the 80's and I saw some potential in it even if it was neither good or bad as a total. I came to the TV pilot wondering what the TV would have made of it and, if I'm honest I found the same thing – a solid but far from perfect TV show that had potential in terms of its rugged light entertainment value. The pilot picks up from the end of the movie more or less and it reproduces the same sense of humour and adventure as well. Many reviewers lay into this pilot as being the worst thing ever but I assure you that it is only very basic and in need of love. I say this because many shows are not what they become at the pilot stage, they get the interest in the pilot and work out the kinks over the next few episodes (Burn Notice's pilot had one character do an awful Irish accent, which was gone by the next episode – one recent example I can think of). The plot offers itself for weekly "missions" and training events and I'm not sure why that alone didn't appeal to anyone.
The problem may have been how cheap it was because, although time has dated it to make it look worse, it does appear to have been made on the cheap – but again, devil's advocate, it was a pilot, not a full show. Personally I liked it and I was surprised that I did. I could see potential in the comedy that it does so well, in particular with Master Chiun having things like his love of Barbara Streisand for example. I even thought that the comedy inherent in the rather silly action sequences worked because, like the movie, it didn't take itself too seriously. This would have made for a great bit of weekly entertainment for a male audience. OK so the robot in the chemical factory was daft but again, it sort of worked for me. Likewise, the breaking of the 4th wall at times worked quite well – particularly at the start but it was a bit overdone and some of the "to camera" looks didn't work.
McDowall did a good job as Chiun – no more or less non-PC than the film version but still enjoyable, getting the outrage and impatient comedy just right. Meek doesn't quite cut it though. He is too light and "80's soap opera" to fit the bill – Fred Ward had a tougher charisma that suited the character much more. He doesn't kill it though and one could see it working despite him, but it would be despite him. Elliott has big shoes to fill but he does OK as Smith. Overall this is a trashy piece of television but it is actually quite fun and, with some work, I could see it as a weekly TV show in the mould of Magnum or MacGyver from the same sort of period. I am not saying it is good by any mean but equally I cannot understand why it never got a shot and I do feel like I should add my voice to those asking why now, in 2009, it is not worth a studio taking another look and seeing what they can do with the concept.
I watched the Remo Williams films recently as part of reminding myself of some of the films from the 80's and I saw some potential in it even if it was neither good or bad as a total. I came to the TV pilot wondering what the TV would have made of it and, if I'm honest I found the same thing – a solid but far from perfect TV show that had potential in terms of its rugged light entertainment value. The pilot picks up from the end of the movie more or less and it reproduces the same sense of humour and adventure as well. Many reviewers lay into this pilot as being the worst thing ever but I assure you that it is only very basic and in need of love. I say this because many shows are not what they become at the pilot stage, they get the interest in the pilot and work out the kinks over the next few episodes (Burn Notice's pilot had one character do an awful Irish accent, which was gone by the next episode – one recent example I can think of). The plot offers itself for weekly "missions" and training events and I'm not sure why that alone didn't appeal to anyone.
The problem may have been how cheap it was because, although time has dated it to make it look worse, it does appear to have been made on the cheap – but again, devil's advocate, it was a pilot, not a full show. Personally I liked it and I was surprised that I did. I could see potential in the comedy that it does so well, in particular with Master Chiun having things like his love of Barbara Streisand for example. I even thought that the comedy inherent in the rather silly action sequences worked because, like the movie, it didn't take itself too seriously. This would have made for a great bit of weekly entertainment for a male audience. OK so the robot in the chemical factory was daft but again, it sort of worked for me. Likewise, the breaking of the 4th wall at times worked quite well – particularly at the start but it was a bit overdone and some of the "to camera" looks didn't work.
McDowall did a good job as Chiun – no more or less non-PC than the film version but still enjoyable, getting the outrage and impatient comedy just right. Meek doesn't quite cut it though. He is too light and "80's soap opera" to fit the bill – Fred Ward had a tougher charisma that suited the character much more. He doesn't kill it though and one could see it working despite him, but it would be despite him. Elliott has big shoes to fill but he does OK as Smith. Overall this is a trashy piece of television but it is actually quite fun and, with some work, I could see it as a weekly TV show in the mould of Magnum or MacGyver from the same sort of period. I am not saying it is good by any mean but equally I cannot understand why it never got a shot and I do feel like I should add my voice to those asking why now, in 2009, it is not worth a studio taking another look and seeing what they can do with the concept.
The Prophecy
BandSAboutMovies1 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Three years after Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, this pilot was made, starring Jeffrey Meek as Remo and Roddy McDowall as Chiun.
It's based on the novella "The Day Remo Died." Chiun feels that his student is becoming complacent, so he hires an assassin to teach him a lesson. What Chiun doesn't know is that the killer wants to become Chiun's student and will stop at nothing to kill Remo.
Andy Romano, who played Eric von Zipper's henchman J.D. in sixties beach movies, is in this, as is Judy Landers from Dr. Alien.
This movie didn't air until 2009, when the Encore network finally played it. The one other time it did air - August 15, 1988 - a speech by President Reagan cut off the first forty five minutes of the movie.
It's based on the novella "The Day Remo Died." Chiun feels that his student is becoming complacent, so he hires an assassin to teach him a lesson. What Chiun doesn't know is that the killer wants to become Chiun's student and will stop at nothing to kill Remo.
Andy Romano, who played Eric von Zipper's henchman J.D. in sixties beach movies, is in this, as is Judy Landers from Dr. Alien.
This movie didn't air until 2009, when the Encore network finally played it. The one other time it did air - August 15, 1988 - a speech by President Reagan cut off the first forty five minutes of the movie.
Bad, and not in a good way
watsondog-116 February 2006
Remo Williams was the pilot episode for a TV series which was never filmed. It was only seen by viewers in some US cities, as a major speech by President Reagan at the Republican National Convention pre-empted it in most areas. I suspect that most viewers out West who did see it were so numbed by its dullness that they've forgotten.
The writers stuffed every stereotype, every stock character, and every banality they could fit into the pilot. Every tired joke is played out; every move is telegraphed. Even McDowell and Meek couldn't do much about the stale dialogue and poor directing.
Sadly, the depth of character, original humor and slight moral ambiguity of the original movie and the books on which it was based were erased in a weak attempt to cater to the lowest common denominator. It didn't work.
The writers stuffed every stereotype, every stock character, and every banality they could fit into the pilot. Every tired joke is played out; every move is telegraphed. Even McDowell and Meek couldn't do much about the stale dialogue and poor directing.
Sadly, the depth of character, original humor and slight moral ambiguity of the original movie and the books on which it was based were erased in a weak attempt to cater to the lowest common denominator. It didn't work.
Not Great
davervisuals21 August 2009
This film was broadcast in it's entirety in 1988. I taped it off TV and still have the VHS copy. Not nearly as good as the 1985 theatrical movie. Remo character is a weak and whiny pretty-boy. Chiun is so-so; not a believable master of Sinanju. Title music is from the 1985 movie, which is the only really good thing about this attempt. Not a bad script, and might have been great with Fred Ward and Joel Grey, but this version "walks like a pregnant yak". Has "made for TV" written all over it. Boring, which is inexcusable for an action film. If you liked the 1985 movie beware of this pale sequel. How about a theatrical remake???
Mediocre TV pilot, but better than nothing
rick-91825 July 2006
The only reason I gave it a rating of 7, and not the 4 I wanted to, was Roddy Macdowell's portrayal of Chiun. I found the head-wrap annoying, but he does not sport Chiun's wispy quaff. If you're a fan of the movie or book series, you really need to see the pilot.
It's based on the Novella "The Day Remo Died." This short story was part of "The Assassin's Handbook," later reissued as "Inside Sinanju." Warren Murphy recently reissued a new version of "The Assassin's Handbook" and "The Assassin's Handbook II." Both are available at warrenmurphy.com.
I managed to procure a copy of the TV pilot through the generosity of the DestroyerClub.com website (the official site.) They produced a FREE DVD that is yours for the asking. All I had to do was send them a mailing label and a few stamps, and my free DVD arrived. What was cool was the extras the TV promo spot and movie bloopers! I have also seen very poor quality bootlegs for sale on eBay (don't but this trash!)
It's based on the Novella "The Day Remo Died." This short story was part of "The Assassin's Handbook," later reissued as "Inside Sinanju." Warren Murphy recently reissued a new version of "The Assassin's Handbook" and "The Assassin's Handbook II." Both are available at warrenmurphy.com.
I managed to procure a copy of the TV pilot through the generosity of the DestroyerClub.com website (the official site.) They produced a FREE DVD that is yours for the asking. All I had to do was send them a mailing label and a few stamps, and my free DVD arrived. What was cool was the extras the TV promo spot and movie bloopers! I have also seen very poor quality bootlegs for sale on eBay (don't but this trash!)
Remo Williams TV
mel21-130 December 2006
i have seen this pilot and have a poor copy videotaped off the t.v.i am hoping it will eventually be released, as i would like to own a better copy for my martial arts library i think Roddy Mcdowell did a good job as Chiun i believe Dick Clark had something to do with the project.Jeffrey Meek, who played Remo, went on to star in raven another martial arts t.v. show. i think the t.v. version was better than the theatrical one Meek did a better job than Ward as Remo.i think the biggest problem with both versions is that they didn't bother to include Warren Murphy and Richard Sapir, their advice would have improved the quality of either project, but then again that would have made sense and Hollywood usually can't figure that out. thanks
the destroyer is born
trainsneagles13 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
this was shown once on TV,it was supposed to be a new series based on the destroyer series and it never made it past the pilot episode.i was disappointed that it didn't follow the books as close as it could have. Roddy McDowell did a good job as Chuin,he was a lot more believable than Jeffrey Meek as Remo.i think a different actor in the lead role would have made the difference in the show.if this had better previews with an explanation of its origin it might have stood a chance.would like to see this remade today,with a believable cast. this has so much potential for a TV series and with 139 (and counting!)books it could have a long life with the right people behind it.
I've seen better!
tomcsr29 January 2005
I've seen better! This TV movie has been on more than once and once was to much. This is a poor ripoff of the big screen version. The Destroyer series is known for corny jokes but Roddy McDowell's Chiun is pathetic when compared to Joel Grey. One bright spot is Jeffrey Meek who appears to have some training in martial arts and tries to fill the character but lacks Fred Ward's on the money Remo, wisecracks and all. Meek goes on to star in short lived Raven TV series paired with a wonderfully overweight Lee Majors and set in Hawaii. If it does come on and you choose to watch do so in the vein of Mystery Science Theater and just enjoy how bad this movie really is.
I love this movie...
John_Mieske29 January 2005
I for one own the movie on DVD. You can get it off of Amazon.com. But if you want the TV Version (Only one episode) then you can get it on VHS from amazon.com ....
The story starts out with a cop that gets beat up. He is shoved off of the pier and supposedly left for dead. There is a funeral and the movie leads you to believe that that is the end of him.
HOWEVER. You see him wake up in a hospital with his face rearranged. The actor Fred Ward does a good job as he plays Remo Williams. He gets his butt whipped by a china man named Chiun. (Pronounced CHOON) The comedy starts when these two meet for the first time. And it stays funny throughout the movie.
I recommend this movie for any movie library. Get it on DVD.
The story starts out with a cop that gets beat up. He is shoved off of the pier and supposedly left for dead. There is a funeral and the movie leads you to believe that that is the end of him.
HOWEVER. You see him wake up in a hospital with his face rearranged. The actor Fred Ward does a good job as he plays Remo Williams. He gets his butt whipped by a china man named Chiun. (Pronounced CHOON) The comedy starts when these two meet for the first time. And it stays funny throughout the movie.
I recommend this movie for any movie library. Get it on DVD.
Pilot is going to be shown again
DMCourt11-14 July 2009
Encore's Action and Wam channels are showing it in July and August. The first time, to my knowledge, that it's been seen since it aired during the summer of '88.
Air dates are:
All Times ET/PT Tuesday, July 7th Encore Action 7:15am
Tuesday, July 21st Encore Action 5:10am
Friday, July 24th Encore Action 10:35am
Tuesday, August 4th Encore Wam 1:45am
Friday, August 21st Encore Wam 3:15am
Wednesday, August 26th Encore Wam 4:30am
Sunday, August 30th Encore Wam 3:05am
Air dates are:
All Times ET/PT Tuesday, July 7th Encore Action 7:15am
Tuesday, July 21st Encore Action 5:10am
Friday, July 24th Encore Action 10:35am
Tuesday, August 4th Encore Wam 1:45am
Friday, August 21st Encore Wam 3:15am
Wednesday, August 26th Encore Wam 4:30am
Sunday, August 30th Encore Wam 3:05am
Ugh!
TommyShag16 January 2005
My friend tracked down a copy of this on eBay. He says he spent $8 on it, which is $7.99 too much. What a complete and utter waste of time and effort.
The best part of this failed TV pilot is Roddy McDowell who takes the role of Chiun and does a decent job. The only other positive I can tell you is the awesome (if overused) theme music from the movie is used for the TV show. Jeffrey Meek as Remo is so bad. The stunts and fights are slow and poorly choreographed. Everything else is just flat-out poor. The original movie was good and deserved better than this. See it (if you must) out of morbid curiosity, just don't pay more than 1¢!
The best part of this failed TV pilot is Roddy McDowell who takes the role of Chiun and does a decent job. The only other positive I can tell you is the awesome (if overused) theme music from the movie is used for the TV show. Jeffrey Meek as Remo is so bad. The stunts and fights are slow and poorly choreographed. Everything else is just flat-out poor. The original movie was good and deserved better than this. See it (if you must) out of morbid curiosity, just don't pay more than 1¢!
Cover pic incorrect
citizenspace16 August 2005
I never knew this existed! But I do know that the cover pic is from the movie, not the TV show.
I have read many of the books and seen the original movie. I was surprised that they had to get another WHITE GUY to play a Korean - what's the matter? Not enough Asians to play Asian roles? Mako would have been perfect. I love Roddy McDowell, but I do think that you should get a good Asian actor for the part of Chiun - there are so many and there were so many even then.
This should hopefully show up on one of the Action channels or maybe as a bootleg.
I have read many of the books and seen the original movie. I was surprised that they had to get another WHITE GUY to play a Korean - what's the matter? Not enough Asians to play Asian roles? Mako would have been perfect. I love Roddy McDowell, but I do think that you should get a good Asian actor for the part of Chiun - there are so many and there were so many even then.
This should hopefully show up on one of the Action channels or maybe as a bootleg.
I can see why this one only ran once...
planktonrules15 November 2011
Back in the mid-80s, I went to the theater to see the Remo Williams movie. I liked the concept but disliked the overall movie because the fist half and the second half of the film were oddly different. The first portion was great--with an interesting concept about creating a perfect assassin. The second, though, was dreadful--and suddenly looked like the movie merged with an episode of "The Love Boat"! But, because I liked the concept, the notion of a TV series based on this had some promise. Unfortunately, the folks who made the TV pilot seemed to use the bad from the movie with none of the good.
Like the original film, the TV show was automatically offensive because they had a white guy (Roddy McDowell) playing an Asian! Why not just hire some Asian actor?! And, instead of Fred Ward, they cast some pretty-boy with LOTS of hair--hardly the assassin type! And, instead of doing lots of cool martial arts and tricky ninja-like work, this one was mostly played for laughs. When they did actually have some fighting, the lead showed that he really had minimal training in martial arts--and I seriously wonder if McDowell could have taken him in a fight in real life! In addition, there are dumb killer robots...need I say more?! If you are curious, this pilot is floating around the internet. But I wouldn't bother...my score of 3 is probably over-generous.
Like the original film, the TV show was automatically offensive because they had a white guy (Roddy McDowell) playing an Asian! Why not just hire some Asian actor?! And, instead of Fred Ward, they cast some pretty-boy with LOTS of hair--hardly the assassin type! And, instead of doing lots of cool martial arts and tricky ninja-like work, this one was mostly played for laughs. When they did actually have some fighting, the lead showed that he really had minimal training in martial arts--and I seriously wonder if McDowell could have taken him in a fight in real life! In addition, there are dumb killer robots...need I say more?! If you are curious, this pilot is floating around the internet. But I wouldn't bother...my score of 3 is probably over-generous.
Remo Williams: The Prophecy
kalel3084 August 2008
This was a one hour pilot for a new series for ABC, produced by Dick Clark Productions, the same company who produced the theatrical movie REMO WILLIAMS: THE ADVENTURE BEGINS. Both TV pilot and theatrical release were based on THE DESTROYER book series by Warren Murphy and Richard Sapir.
None of the actors from the movie were utilized in the pilot, with Jeffrey Meeks replacing Fred Ward as Remo (Remo getting 15 years younger in the process, presumably to bring in more women viewers)and Roddy McDowall replacing Joel Grey as Chuin. Even Wilford Brimley was replaced by Stephen Elliot as Harold W. Smith.
The music and main theme are present, but very little else resembles anything near any of the production values of the theatrical movie. The highlight of the pilot is Remo involved in a brawl with members of a motorcycle gang, while wearing a pair of woman's roller skates??? While the main plot does utilize a storyline from the book series involving the Sinanju prophecy of "the master who dies and lives on to become the greatest of all the masters of Sinanju", the writers tossed out other established story points from the books, all for the sake of cheap laughs about "hamburgers and beer..".
Judy Landers, an 'It Girl' from the 80's (who's only claim to fame is being famous, much like Jenny McCarthy or Carmen Electra today)) makes a token appearance as a dumb blonde who Remo tries to have sex with, thus framing jokes about "lesson 36", the Sinanju method by which to drive women wild with sexual desire...
From the pilot, it appears that the series would have been the continuation of Remo's training by Chuin, with dangerous missions undertaken for Harold W. Smith as needed. However, with the exception of minimal voice-over by Chuin at the beginning of the episode, the show spends NO time rehashing the origin story from the movie, which presumably left a large segment of the audience in the dark about the characters and premise, if they had not seen the theatrical release (which from the box office figures, meant the majority of the country).
Overall, a feeble attempt to squeeze money out of a concept which could have been a theatrical blockbuster if executed correctly but instead became a lackluster second rate action film, which this series pilot does nothing to improve upon...
If you are a fan of the book series, this is worth a look just to see how Hollywood will change even the smallest of details to demonstrate "artistic license"... However, for the rest of the viewing public, I recommend you do what you did the first time. Just skip it.
None of the actors from the movie were utilized in the pilot, with Jeffrey Meeks replacing Fred Ward as Remo (Remo getting 15 years younger in the process, presumably to bring in more women viewers)and Roddy McDowall replacing Joel Grey as Chuin. Even Wilford Brimley was replaced by Stephen Elliot as Harold W. Smith.
The music and main theme are present, but very little else resembles anything near any of the production values of the theatrical movie. The highlight of the pilot is Remo involved in a brawl with members of a motorcycle gang, while wearing a pair of woman's roller skates??? While the main plot does utilize a storyline from the book series involving the Sinanju prophecy of "the master who dies and lives on to become the greatest of all the masters of Sinanju", the writers tossed out other established story points from the books, all for the sake of cheap laughs about "hamburgers and beer..".
Judy Landers, an 'It Girl' from the 80's (who's only claim to fame is being famous, much like Jenny McCarthy or Carmen Electra today)) makes a token appearance as a dumb blonde who Remo tries to have sex with, thus framing jokes about "lesson 36", the Sinanju method by which to drive women wild with sexual desire...
From the pilot, it appears that the series would have been the continuation of Remo's training by Chuin, with dangerous missions undertaken for Harold W. Smith as needed. However, with the exception of minimal voice-over by Chuin at the beginning of the episode, the show spends NO time rehashing the origin story from the movie, which presumably left a large segment of the audience in the dark about the characters and premise, if they had not seen the theatrical release (which from the box office figures, meant the majority of the country).
Overall, a feeble attempt to squeeze money out of a concept which could have been a theatrical blockbuster if executed correctly but instead became a lackluster second rate action film, which this series pilot does nothing to improve upon...
If you are a fan of the book series, this is worth a look just to see how Hollywood will change even the smallest of details to demonstrate "artistic license"... However, for the rest of the viewing public, I recommend you do what you did the first time. Just skip it.
Full Video Found on Youtube
meren20 July 2023
The Reason I am writing this Review is so others can actually find it if they have stumbled upon its existence. I had no idea about this Film which is listed under TV movie though it was actually a one hour Pilot that apparently did not get picked up because of the Reagan Speech and people only saw the last 15 minutes. I Remember watching the Original Remo Williams movie. Anyway I did a Google Search typing in Remo Williams the Prophecy and it came up on Youtube in English.
Alas a lot of good TV got Canceled too soon in the later 80s. Such as The Highwayman, Super Carrier whose demise did launch a Certain Mexican Rappers Music Career. A lot of beloved TV shows and TV Movies, Backdoor pilots etc have found new life on Youtube. Some of which was never released on DVD others that the only way you could see them were in Mini movies made out of the episodes. Plus if you notice old TV shows from the 70s some don't start with the 1st episode two of those being Starsky and Hutch as well as The Rookies. At least with Starksy and Hutch the Pilot was included on the DVD Release. The Rookies Pilot I found on youtube. So if you want to see this Pilot go to youtube. Also when I googled this someone from Breaking bad is trying to Adapt this into a TV Series now.
Alas a lot of good TV got Canceled too soon in the later 80s. Such as The Highwayman, Super Carrier whose demise did launch a Certain Mexican Rappers Music Career. A lot of beloved TV shows and TV Movies, Backdoor pilots etc have found new life on Youtube. Some of which was never released on DVD others that the only way you could see them were in Mini movies made out of the episodes. Plus if you notice old TV shows from the 70s some don't start with the 1st episode two of those being Starsky and Hutch as well as The Rookies. At least with Starksy and Hutch the Pilot was included on the DVD Release. The Rookies Pilot I found on youtube. So if you want to see this Pilot go to youtube. Also when I googled this someone from Breaking bad is trying to Adapt this into a TV Series now.
It did air, not sure when.
paul_bregman27 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
It was a very family friendly pilot. Remo is stuck on the roof of a burning building and rides the stream of water from the fireman's hose down to the ground. Chiun also picks a fight for him with some biker types while Remo is on roller skates. I recall one part towards the end where he is dodging lasers in a warehouse (which would be quite a leap for someone who could barely stand up on roller skates earlier in the show. Don't remember the plot or the villain. Harold Smith is not played by Wilfred Brimley, but rather by a dead ringer for My Gompers from It's a Wonderful Life :-) Someone needs to do this show the right way, with a focus not only on the action, but on the dialog between Remo and Chiun.
I've seen it - it wasn't worth it.
briana-522 December 2004
I've also collected many of 'The Destroyer' books, and at one time had close to 100 of them. When I came across this pilot, I sat down eagerly to see how they had handled the character. Two words: Very Disappointing. But what can you do in such a short time? The characters were wooden, the plot almost non-existent and the production values very low.
Having a copy of the program might be something that the hardcore Destroyer fan might covet, most people would simply tape over the program once they watched it.
If it had been produced a few years later, and came out on a cable channel, where the idea of a Perfect Assassin could be developed, then it might have had a chance.
Having a copy of the program might be something that the hardcore Destroyer fan might covet, most people would simply tape over the program once they watched it.
If it had been produced a few years later, and came out on a cable channel, where the idea of a Perfect Assassin could be developed, then it might have had a chance.
Another pilot that should have been a show...
LB-25 October 2004
I saw this when it first aired. It was dumped on TV over the summer after the movie came out, I guess after the Powers that Be decided not to make the series. I distinctly remember thinking that they had finally cast Remo correctly! Thin, big wrists, bad sense of humor, and a very good martial artist. (I love Fred Ward, but he was never Remo to me.) Joel Grey was a very good Chiun as well, though at the time I thought that they would never have him on the regular series, since it wasn't Broadway. Silly me. The humor was there, the characterization... the writers were much more in tune with the books than the movie was. I don't remember the details well, as it was a long time ago. I sure wish they had gone ahead with the series.
I hope they'll let me post another comment if I ever see this.
hoversj23 May 2004
I've never seen this. TO the best of my knowledge, it never actually got shown, and I've never been able to track down anyone who has seen it, let alone anyone who might have a copy.
Why would this be? I can tell you. I was in high school, and had read many of the Destroyer books, and seen the Remo Williams movie (incidentally, the other review in here is about THAT version, not this one, since I'm pretty sure Wilfrid Brimley was not in both), which was fun, so I was DYING to see what they'd done with this semi-pilot for a TV series.
I was poised with my finger on the button to tape the show and WHAM BANG PRESTO - it was pre-empted for a Ronald Reagan speech.
And never shown.
And I'm STILL WAITING!!!!
Why would this be? I can tell you. I was in high school, and had read many of the Destroyer books, and seen the Remo Williams movie (incidentally, the other review in here is about THAT version, not this one, since I'm pretty sure Wilfrid Brimley was not in both), which was fun, so I was DYING to see what they'd done with this semi-pilot for a TV series.
I was poised with my finger on the button to tape the show and WHAM BANG PRESTO - it was pre-empted for a Ronald Reagan speech.
And never shown.
And I'm STILL WAITING!!!!
It was O.K., movies was better !
emtreed7 December 2006
I seen the pilot back in 1988 when the World Series finished before the seven games. It was O.K., movies was better and it was not as good as the book series, but I always wanted a movies made so I was glad when it came out. Was excited about a series and another one never came. :( This would still work today if they would try it again. with the actor of today and the fact there are over 130 paperbacks in the series it could run along time if they would just try it. As far as this episode and the movie, neither Chuin's were as descibed in the series, this was very disappointing. The Remo character did not fit the picture you get from reading either.
Saw it, but don't remember much.
normanscott20 June 2004
This was actually aired, at least once. I saw it, being a fan of the books, but was not impressed. Roddy McDowell was O.K. as Chiun, though of course not up to Joel Grey's standard, but the guy who played Remo was a complete stiff. There was a fight on roller skates, but since this was a pilot for a TV series, there was no actual killing -- odd they'd make a show about the world's greatest assassins, and then allow no killing. I vaguely recall it being on a Sunday night, and possibly on A.B.C., but haven't seen hide nor hair of it since. Just as well, because the "real" movie was a thousand times better -- trust me on this, even if you hated it. Too bad, because now that they have special effects that can make even Keanu Reeves look like a stone killer, the Destroyer series is just aching to be made into movies. Until then, we have to settle for the likes of "Equilibrium," and, of course, Jet Li.
Philosophical brother to Buckaroo Bonsai
ajcemrush25 August 2005
If you liked Buckaroo Bonsai, then you'll enjoy Remo. A tough cop gets beaten close to death, and is secreted away to a secret government training facility. With a martial arts master (Roddy McDowell as an ancient Korean) as fighting and spiritual adviser, Remo Williams becomes an almost mystical, although reluctant,secret agent/warrior. The humor mirrors how 'Buckaroo' was done, with as much action and satire as you can handle. Is is important to note that in watching this film, you will also learn the secret technique of bringing a woman to ecstasy in seconds!!!! Joel Grey is fantastic in a roll you would never picture him in. Comical at times, he also makes you believe that he COULD kill you with two fingers. This movie alone made me an instant Fred Ward fan. A martial arts movie, a spy movie, a high comedy, a low comedy, a satire, an action movie...you decide, but I bet money that this becomes one of your favorites!
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