The Slap Maxwell Story
The Slap Maxwell Story is a situation comedy broadcast in the United States by ABC as part of its 1987-88 lineup. It stars Dabney Coleman as "Slap" Maxwell, an egocentric sportswriter for a newspaper called The Ledger, somewhere in the American Southwest. The Ledger was a very old-fashioned newspaper -- Slap still composed his column, "Slap Shots," on a typewriter -- and Slap was a very old-fashioned guy. Despite the newly litigious environment of journalism, Slap insisted on filling his column with rumor and innuendo, drawing lawsuits and Slap's frequent termination, to be followed by a groveling apology and his rehiring. He had an on-again, off-again relationship with girlfriend Judy, one of the paper's secretaries, due primarily to his off-putting personality. Annie was Slap's ex-wife, who nonetheless retained a soft spot for him. A recurring event throughout the series' run is that at some point in each episode, someone would hit Slap, with a nun even doing the honors in one episode. The show was created by Jay Tarses, who in 1983 was co-creator of Buffalo Bill, an NBC sitcom in which Coleman starred as a similarly off-putting character, the host of a TV talk show.
Insights
Plot Summary
The Slap Maxwell Story is a sitcom that follows the life of Maxwell, a curmudgeonly, twice-divorced journalist known for his cynicism and his frequent run-ins with authority. Working for a struggling Los Angeles newspaper, Maxwell often finds himself at odds with his editor and colleagues, while his personal life is a constant source of comedic chaos. The show humorously depicts his struggles with modern life, relationships, and his own stubborn personality.
Critical Reception
The Slap Maxwell Story received a mixed to positive reception during its initial run, primarily praised for its star Dabney Coleman's comedic performance. While some critics found the humor to be sharp and witty, others felt the show struggled with consistent storylines and relied too heavily on Coleman's character carrying the series. Audience reception was moderate, leading to its cancellation after two seasons.
What Reviewers Say
- Dabney Coleman delivers a consistently hilarious performance as the titular curmudgeon.
- The show offers sharp, witty dialogue and relatable situations for its target audience.
- Some storylines felt repetitive, and the supporting cast was underdeveloped compared to the lead.
Google audience: Audience reviews are sparse due to the show's age and limited availability. However, those who recall the series often praise Dabney Coleman's central performance and the show's nostalgic, lighthearted humor.
Fun Fact
Dabney Coleman's character, Slap Maxwell, was known for his distinctive, often sarcastic, laugh, which became a signature element of the show.
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