Automan: The 80s Android Hero on a Mission to Meet the President

The 1980s were a golden era for television, and one of the standout shows was Automan. This series, often overlooked but packed with thrilling adventures and memorable episodes, starred a computer-generated superhero named Automan, a human-like android, who was on a critical mission to present his brain to the president. If you're searching for a show where a character is an android with a high-stakes mission, this is the one.

Overview of Automan

Automan is a science fiction sitcom that aired in the early 1980s. The show follows Automan, an android who was created by a police officer. With advanced technology at the time, Automan was designed to fight crime and protect the city, much like his human counterparts. One of the key plot points is Automan's series of adventures that often involved thwarting criminals and protecting the city from danger.

The Mission to Meet the President

One of the most intriguing episodes of Automan involves Automan's mission to present his brain to the president. This brain, in the context of the show, likely serves as a metaphor for the advanced computing knowledge and skills of a highly-capable android. The storyline builds up to a climactic moment where Automan must fulfill his task, risking his existence at the hands of those who might want to control or misuse the brain.

Steel Collar Man

Another TV show from the same era that fits the android theme is Steel Collar Man. This series, while less famous, captures a similar spirit. Steel Collar Man was a pilot for a TV series, which unfortunately did not get picked up by networks. In this show, Charles Rocket, a Saturday Night Live cast member, plays a robot whose job it is to carry and protect "The Football," a highly symbolic item that accompanies the US President everywhere he goes.

The Football, in this context, refers to "the nuclear suitcase," a codename for the portable case containing the alert activator for presidential nuclear missile launches. In the show, the robot faces challenges and has to evade capture, possibly due to a mishap or a false accusation attached to the Football. The robot is on the run with a damaged memory, and his objective is to clear his name and find the President.

Chuck Connors and the Hunt for the Robot

The show also features Chuck Connors, an actor known for his role in "The Rifleman." Connors' character is sent to hunt down and capture the robot. Interestingly, a memorable scene shows Connors selecting various guns from his car, before he twists an old rifle from his past and twirls it around just like in "The Rifleman," declaring, "Nahh." This sequence highlights the intertwining of past and present in Connors's career and character development.

Final Thoughts and Remembrances

While Steel Collar Man is an intriguing concept, with many plot points and twists, it remains a pilot show and was not further developed. For Automan, the adventures were cut short due to low ratings, leaving many fans with a desire to know more. The line the scientist says to the president, "Maybe he doesn't have one of his own," is amusing and adds a bit of humanity to the android's character.

These shows from the 1980s showcase the unique blend of action, humor, and technology that made television a vibrant medium during that era. Whether you're a fan of 80s sci-fi or just curious about a little-known gem from that period, these shows are worth revisiting.