TV Redo: Zap2it updates 'Bosom Buddies,' 'Manimal,' 'Misfits of Science'

The premiere of ABC's "V"  -- and TV's mostly woeful track record for updating beloved TV series  -- has us taking a closer look this week at "classic" TV series that just might be able to make a comeback, if done correctly.

Monday, we took a look at "Greatest American Hero," "WKRP in Cincinnati" and "Small Wonder." Tuesday, it was "Hart to Hart" and "Vega$'" turn. Wednesday, "Forever Knight" and "Daria."  Thursday, "Magnum P.I." and "The Famous Teddy Z." Lastly ...


"Bosom Buddies" (1980)

Original: When their apartment is unexpectedly torn down, advertising artist and copywriter Kip and Henry disguise themselves as women in order to get cheap rent at the women-only residential Susan B. Anthony Hotel. Neighbor and coworker Amy is in on the deception. Amy loves Henry. Kip loves Sonny, a statuesque blonde who also resides at the hotel. Henry loves ... Kip? We're unsure. This show was the launchpad for the career of Peter Scolari. The other guy went on to direct "That Thing You Do," among other things.

Reboot: While contemporary audiences may be too sophisticated to believe these men could convincingly pass for women, two men passing as transgendered is another thing altogether. Reality TV has broken down the barriers for transgendered characters. This sitcom is savvy and on the cutting edge of social issues. Gender is the new race, and it's high time this was put to comedic purposes.

Recast: Bret Harrison ("Reaper") as Henry. Jason Dohring ("Moonlight") as Kip. Rachel Bilson ("The O.C.") as Sonny. Julia Ling ("Chuck") as Amy.


"Manimal" (1983)

Original: Dr. Jonathan Chase can change into any animal, though he usually opts for hawk or black panther. Naturally, he uses this power to solve crimes.

Reboot: The original series is known better for its title and premise than characters and plot, providing a lot of latitude in reinterpreting the concept. Because of his close relationship with the animal kingdom, zoologist Jonathan Chase uses his powers to defend wildlife and promote environmental causes. This often means pitting himself against loggers, polluters, and companies that experiment on animals. The show will have a much more science fiction approach than the original. Chase will frequently battle agents of mysterious megacorporation TerraCorp, which is plundering the rainforests in search of species with various genetic properties and performing bizarre experiments on animals, producing weird plant-animal hybrids, telepathic apes and so on.

Recast: Chrisopher Egan ("Kings") as Dr. Jonathan Chase


"Misfits of Science" (1985)

Original: A pair of scientists employed by the Humanidyne Corporation unearth a man who is still alive after being encased in ice for 60 years. When Humanidyne takes the iceman for experiments, the scientists gather a team of superpowered misfits to save him and combat their now former employer. The lighthearted adventure series featured a ragtag group of characters who roamed the city in an ice cream truck, fighting crime and Humanidyne. The show is notable for being co-created by Tim Kring ("Heroes") and for being one of the first starring TV roles for Courteney Cox.

Reboot: The plot possibilities for a show about regular people endowed with fantastic powers seem infinite but somehow "Heroes" has repeatedly painted itself into a corner. "Misfits" makes this concept as fun and exciting to watch as it should be. The tone will be something like "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," only without the singing and with more action. Gone are the scientists and the ridiculously-named Humanidyne. The new "Misfits" meet through accidents and serendipity and decide to band together to fight both common criminals and powered individuals who have turned to a life of evildoing. (They do still travel in an ice cream truck.) Though their powers range from awesome to practically useless, one thing keeps the team together--they're misfits with nowhere else to go. Needless to say, they're not always victorious, but their hearts are in the right place.

Recast: Adam Arkin ("Life") as ice cream man with the power to freeze small quantities of liquids and the occasional solid object. Summer Glau ("Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles") as the telekentic juvenile delinquent. Tanya Fischer ("Life on Mars") as the flakey girl who talks to animals. Scott Patterson ("Aliens in America") as the chronically depressed psychic who can see up to 5 minutes into the future. Ryan Donowho ("The O.C.") as the cute geek with a brain like a quantum computer, who can calculate just about anything in almost no time at all. Eric Christian Olsen ("The Loop") as the would-be hero who can move at super speeds, but only in 30-second bursts. Glenn Fitzgerald ("Dirty Sexy Money") as the villain with the power to move dirt with his mind.

-- More of Eric Almendral's media musings can be found at ericonmedia


Related:

TV Redo: 'Greatest American Hero,' 'WKRP in Cincinnati,' 'Small Wonder'
TV Redo: 'Hart to Hart,' 'Vega$'
TV Redo: 'Forever Knight,' 'Daria'
TV Redo: 'Magnum P.I.,' 'The Famous Teddy Z'