The Coming Thing: An Appreciation of Brisco County Jr.

My 2006 autographed photo by Bruce Campbell, Julius Carry and creator Carlton Cuse!

Twenty years ago this month, "The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr." debuted on the Fox network.  The premise seemed straightforward: It's 1893, and Harvard-educated bounty hunter Brisco County, Jr (Bruce Campbell), with the help of his partner/frenemy Lord Bowler (the late, lamented Julius Carry), his lawyer Socrates Poole and way-smart horse Comet set out to capture the John Bly gang - the gang that murdered Brisco's father.

Here's where it gets a little weird.  Along the way, Brisco contended with old fashioned villains as well as futuristic orbs, beloved pistols (Pete's piece), lopsided gunfights, mad scientists, love interests (Dixie Cousins, who had the big musical hit of 1893), robber barons, tanks, motorcycles, the US Cavalry and lead zeppelins.  The show never skimped on the action, but it also delivered a healthy dose of "just under over-the-top" humor.



"Brisco County" was considered a western, but could also be regarded as a comedy and as science fiction.  "The Coming Thing," Brisco's secondary search for new technology and enlightened ideas became a major theme for the show.  Brisco didn't grieve over the demise of the cowboy way of life, he embraced the coming 20th century and the promise it entailed.  Perhaps the most progressive thing was his equal partnership (in action and jokes) with Lord Bowler, an African American.  Race was never an issue in the show!  

The cast of "The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr."

The main thing that stands out with "The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr." was even though the show had some very cool characters from philosopher/dimwitted Pete Hutter to Elvis-impersonator Aaron Viva, the coolest character on the show was Brisco himself.  That is a credit to the talented cast and writers!

It's a lesson well-learned.

In my Pretty Vacant comics, there are some truly interesting characters: reporter Diane, mad scientist (and art lover) Hans, perpetual victim Mindy and level-headed Barnaby.  Yet the most interesting character in the comic is the main character, Gigi Gutierrez.  Even when the others take the lead, Gigi is still the center of it all:

Pretty Vacant: Final Repose Part II, Page 19

With the cool characters, big action and the humorous one-liners, maybe Brisco himself would say, "Very fancy!"

Career Opportunities: An Overview Of The LA Galaxy At Midseason 2013

 (Left to right) Gonzalez, Donovan and Keane

Even though he is now retired to just making underwear ads, this latest Los Angeles Galaxy post still starts with David Beckham. His five-and-a-half year period with the team boosted the fortunes of both the Galaxy and Major League Soccer, but the question remains: has the team (and US soccer) moved forward without the global superstar?

It’s a qualified yes.

Galaxy attendance for 2013 is down 6% from last year, but season ticket sales and television ratings are up. They may have signed the first openly gay player in American sports with Robbie Rogers, but that hasn’t translated into victories. As of today with international play starting for the Galaxy, they are mired in fourth place in MLS’ Western Conference. Yet there is optimism within the team and its fans.

Number 10 Landon Donovan is back.

The world-class midfielder was a no-show for much of the beginning of the season. Much was made of his four month sabbatical away from soccer, but questions about his commitment or ability were answered as he led the US National Team to this year’s Gold Cup. And his first game back with LA? Donovan scored a three-goal hat trick against FC Dallas. If he scores five more goals in MLS play he will become the league’s all-time career goal scorer. There is a great chance that we can do it before the end of this year!

With two Designated Player slots given to Donovan and leading scorer Robbie Keane (goal machine), the remaining slot was given to defender Omar Gonzalez. What makes this unusual is one: it was not given to a forward or a midfielder, but a defender, and two: it was given to an American without foreign league experience. With Gonzalez’ contract at $1.5 million USD for three years, MLS now shows that it can sign good American players in their prime career years without them leaving for better leagues in Europe. The Galaxy no longer needs to find a foreign player that can spark interest in fans, but build a championship caliber team from within its own ranks.

The Galaxy’s game strategy has changed from speed and quickness (with Beckham controlling the game) to a more passing, tactical style. Patient build-up has the team scoring the second most goals in the league this year with four players under age 23 scoring for the Galaxy. The youth movement is well underway with head coach Bruce Arena.

Don’t put the old guys to pasture just yet. Donovan was the best player with the Galaxy during the Beckham years, and he still is now. When he doesn’t give an assist to another player, he can score with flair, power, and (just ask FC Dallas goalie Chris Seitz) plain old speed…

It will be fun to see if Donovan can become MLS’ all-time goal scorer, and to see if the Galaxy will win their third consecutive MLS championship this year!

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