Maverick: Season 1

I LOVED this show and am excited to watch it again. I was in love with James Garner and especially liked the comedy shows

Maverick is the show that put James Garner's name on the map.Although he had appeared in small roles in movies and other TV series, this show rocketed him to stardom.He appeared in the first three seasons and then quit in a dispute with Warner Bros TV. There were five seasons altogether and all have been released on DVD. Roger Moore, famous for the TV series "The Saint" and playing James Bond appears in the fourth season as cousin Beau from Great Britain and Robert Colbert famous as Dr Doug Philips in the cult sci-fi series "The Time Tunnel" appears as another brother, Brent in the fifth and final season. Jack Kelly played brother Bart throughout the series. James Garner would appear in one episode in the fourth season as this was already filmed before that season started.This series tells the tale of two gamblers who travelled throughout the west getting into various predicaments. Played more for laughs than your traditional western series this show became very popular in the late fifties.Two episodes to watch out for is, Gun-Shy, a parody on "Gunsmoke" with a marshal called Mort Dooley in the second season and Three Queens Full, a parody of "Bonanza" with three brothers called Moose, Henry and small Paul Wheelwright in the fifth season.This series sometimes alternated with two other western series "Sugarfoot" and "Bronco" when originally aired.Bret Maverick played by Garner was no hero when it came to trouble preferring to use cunning and cons to get out of a situation. Pretty much like his character on "The Rockford Files". Garner would also sometimes play another character, in make up, on the show called Pappy. Father to Bret and Bart.Made in black and white this is one classic western. A full house in gambling terms.

Because it took 8 days to film a single episode, there were two Mavericks who were brothers. They did not wear white hats, they wore black hats. They were not the most righteous of people walked on the edge of right and wrong. We had James Garner as Bret and then we got introduced to Bart. They then alternated weeks; so it was difficult to get attached because of this because Garner was a little comedic than Bart. The transfer to DVD was great even though in B/W and the sound quality was excellent. So if you want to relive one of the 10 of TV westerns this is for you.

I was too young to watch this when it first ran but over the years I've become so addicted to the series whenever I could find it in reruns. For years I've been begging for the powers that be to release it on DVD and for whatever reason they just waited. In fact they probably waited too long as most of us fans are beginning to go senile and forget the old shows. But finally here it is. So far I've purchased Season One and look forward to adding Season Two soon.What made this show special was of course James Garner and Jack Kelly, Kelly being added to the cast after about six shows. But you also have to credit the writers with great scripts as well. The show covered the spectrum of western situations with both intensity and tongue-in-cheek humor. Although most episodes starred either Garner or Kelly alone there were also some that included both. When that happened the chemistry was just perfect.Seriously if you enjoyed the old TV westerns then you just have to have this in your collection. Great characters coupled with wonderful writing equals a great show. My only concern is starting with the release of Season Three the shows are on DVD-Rs which to me spell lesser quality. Plus the price has gotten a bit high as of this review. We'll see when I get there just how much I want to spend.

This was really a good show. I am a fan of westerns, and this was one of my favorites growing up. Great Actors and good story lines. Fun, clean, entertainment for families. Though my memory fades me of the episodes, getting re-aquainted will be an enjoyment.James Garner, and Jack Kelly were so cool, handsome, and smart. Though they got into a jam many times, it was always fun to watch them overcome their dilemma. Many times, Jack Kelly had to get James Garner out of trouble. James Garner, a card shark, and Jack Kelly, a ladies man among many other things.One poster noted the theme song not being present in the episodes, which I did notice as well. It was not present in the ending of the episode either. I am not sure when the title song was sang during the show. So far, only the music was played. This is not a problem for me, for my interest is in the show itself. There are some grainy areas in the show as another reviewer pointed out. As long as its not too bad, I can put up with it.I will say that the packaging is terrible. The case is bulky and cheap. My case was broken on one end. I placed some tape to secure the other side from losing any of the discs. This show deserves better packaging as others I've seen in the past. To save a dollar, some companies will put out just about anything. This tells me a lot about the value of their image. Because of this, I gave one less star for the packaging issue. Five stars for the show though. Do a better job of packaging these great shows people.

I've not watched the complete first season. The review covers only the first DVD. The DVD set was delivered within the time promised and the sound and picture are good quality. The writing for the programs is excellent, the plots are well thought out and are varied. James Garner was a great actor and is a pleasure to watch. The supporting actors in the programs I've watched include a number of rising stars of that era and it is interesting to see them. I am enjoying the series.

Very pleased with quick serviceMaverick 1st season brought back many memories from the late fifties where we had a huge choice of tv westerns to watch

James Garner at his best.

I forgot what it was like it was so long ago that I watched the show it was strange watching it in black and white but other wise it was ok

Prior to purchasing this set, I had only seen bits of this show many years ago. However, I am a big James Garner fan, so there wasn't much hesitation to order it. I am very glad I did. The first season is extremely entertaining, an excellent blend of drama and comedy. I admit that I didn't enjoy the early episodes with Jack Kelly as much , but that is not a knock on Kelly as much as it is my appreciation for Garner. Believe me, Kelly's Bart Maverick will endear himself to you long before you reach the end of the the first season.I normally purchase the complete series of a show rather than individual seasons, but when Season 2 of Maverick is released, I will order it promptly. I just had so much fun watching it the first time over the summer. I started rewatching the series last week, and it is just as much fun the second time.Money spent on this series is money well spent.