The Cape
The Cape is an American dramatic TV series, with elements of science fiction, action/adventure, and drama, that was produced for syndication during the 1996–1997 television season. The Cape told the story of select members of the NASA Astronaut Corps at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with a focus on their personal lives as they train for, and execute, Space Shuttle missions. The series stars Corbin Bernsen as USAF Colonel Henry J. "Bull" Eckert, an experienced astronaut who, early in the series, was the Director of Astronaut Training but later in the series was also tasked with the responsibility of Chief of the Astronaut Office. The series focused on authenticity and was filmed in and around Cape Canaveral, Florida. Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin served as technical consultant.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the near future, a former astronaut is framed for the murder of his ex-wife and child. He escapes prison and becomes a vigilante known as 'The Cape,' using advanced technology and his knowledge of space to fight crime and clear his name. He is aided by a former NASA engineer who believes in his innocence. The series explores his quest for justice while evading authorities and confronting dangerous criminals.
Critical Reception
The Cape received mixed to negative reviews from critics and was largely unsuccessful with audiences, leading to its cancellation after only one season. While the premise offered potential for action and sci-fi elements, the execution, writing, and performances were often criticized.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its intriguing sci-fi premise and potential for superhero action.
- Criticized for its inconsistent storytelling and underdeveloped characters.
- Felt derivative of other popular superhero and sci-fi shows of the era.
Google audience: Audience reception was generally lukewarm, with many finding the show to be a missed opportunity. Some viewers appreciated the ambition of the concept, but most were unimpressed with the execution and found it lacked the depth or excitement of its genre counterparts.
Fun Fact
The series was notable for its use of CGI, which was considered advanced for television at the time, though it has not aged particularly well.
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