CarrieSpicoli
I have never seen this show but I love the movie and since it didn't get a sequel, I think it should've made a TV Show, maybe it failed for the reason many sequels/spin-offs fail: Lack of cast. The only original cast members returning were Jackie Earle Haley (Moocher) and Barbara Barrie (Mrs. Stohler). John Ashton returned as well, but he had a smaller part as Mike's brother. Shaun Cassidy did play Dave though, where as the original actor Dennis Christopher, did hardly anything after this. But Moocher is a guy that could be replaced, but he was the only one who wasn't, I mean, I like Jackie Earle Haley and all, but I just didn't like him in this. Maybe cause I'm a die-hard Bad News Bears fan. Yep. that's probably why.
carol-177
I was glad when TV Guide recently mentioned this show in passing as vastly underrated. I remember that back then it surprised me. I loved the movie and was well aware how TV series adapted movies into pablum. And Shaun Cassidy? You must be joking!But he was absolutely terrific in the role. The others in the cast were also top-notch. Not only the premise but the earnestness and atmosphere of the movie was uncompromised during the course of the series. It was heart-warming, funny, and inspiring. (The only actor I didn't like was Jack Earl Haley, but I didn't like him in the movie, either -- or anywhere else, if I must tell the truth.) Barbara Barrie was (as usual) so wonderful, never enough air time for her, and Vincent Gardenia was an astonishingly great match to fill Paul Dooley's shoes!When will this come out on DVD? I'd love to see it again! Magnifico!
preppy-3
This was based on a great 1979 movie about four buddies in Bloomington, Indiana (a small town) and their adventures.They got some of the movie cast to recreate their roles (Barbara Barrie was the standout) and replaced unknown Dennis Christopher with Shaun Cassidy. It was no masterpiece of TV but it was a good TV show that captured teenage life pretty accurately (although all the "teenagers" in the cast were in their 20s). I saw all of the episodes that aired (I think there were 8) and I was surprised at how quickly it was cancelled. It was never even given a chance! Bsd time slot too. But, if you can see it take a look. It's well worth it.
Jim Hannaford (sp27343)
Breaking Away had the unfortunate luck too have been scheduled for the Fall 1980 season, which just happened to coincide with the writers guild strike. As a result, it didn't make it to the airwaves until late NOV '80. I think only 8 episodes were produced before the show got the Axe. It's a shame, as it was wonderfully filmed in and around Athens GA, acted (by a young Shaun Cassidy and Jackie Earl Haley, as well as veteran Barbara Barrie), written and directed. The show in many ways picks up where the movie left off. The guys are out of High School, and are trying to find out what they are going to do with their lives. Its hard to understand what ABC was thinking when they axed this one! This show is truly a gem, and I hope it makes it way to DVD one day soon.
