

Then Came Bronson
Jim Bronson is a young newspaperman who quits his job following the suicide of his best friend, and sets out on a cross-country trip on his motorcycle in his quest for the meaning of life in which he befriends a runway bride, another searching soul, in this pilot for the TV series of the same name, and theatrically released in some parts of the world including Spain.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short-lived series followed the adventures of Jim Bronson, a former investigative journalist who abandons his city life after a personal tragedy. He travels the American West in his RV, seeking meaning and helping people he encounters along the way. Each episode typically involved Bronson getting involved in local conflicts and offering his unique perspective and assistance.
Critical Reception
Then Came Bronson was a well-intentioned but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to create a thoughtful, adult-oriented drama series with a touch of Western sensibility. While it featured a strong lead performance and aimed for deeper themes, it struggled to find a consistent audience and was canceled after only one season. Critical reception at the time was mixed, with some appreciating its more mature approach and others finding it slow-paced or lacking in compelling storylines.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its introspective and philosophical tone.
- Criticized for meandering plots and lack of consistent dramatic tension.
- Michael Kiley's performance as the titular character was often highlighted as a strong point.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'Then Came Bronson' is difficult to gauge due to its age and limited viewership, but retrospectives often note its unique approach to character-driven drama in an era of more formulaic television.
Fun Fact
The show was inspired by the 1968 TV movie 'Old Man of the Mountain', which also starred Michael Ansara and served as a pilot for the series.
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