The A-Team Was a Memorable Action Television Shows in the 80s

After The A-Team was originally aired in 1983, it quickly became one of the most memorable action television shows in the 80s.

Although there were many great shows that aired throughout the decade, the A-Team quickly became one of the most memorable action television shows in the 80s. It ran for a mere 4 years but produced some of the most iconic episodes imaginable. The series itself followed a group of sex special forces soldiers led by Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith. Together with his motley crew the infamous B.A. Baracus, Peck, and Murdock formed a vigilante group that helped others in need.

They were, after all, on the run from the military for crimes that they didn’t commit. And as they continued to evade capture, they continued to help others with creative problem-solving skills, and fast-paced action. The A-Team managed to capture the adventurous spirit of the decade which made it one of the most memorable action television shows of the 80s.

The Rise of The A-Team and Action Television Shows in the 80s

The 80s were a transformative decade, especially when it came to entertainment. The country had quickly become more optimistic after going through a turbulent decade. As a result, audiences across the country who sought some form of escapism. They wanted action television shows that could provide him with that escape. After all, the Cold War was still ongoing, and military and espionage themes were everywhere.

The A-Team managed to tap into this cultural fascination with covert operations. But, it did this in a lighter and often comedic manner. The action television show catered to an audience that wanted a good versus evil narrative that was clear and easy to understand. More importantly, they wanted the underdogs to always outsmart the more powerful to help the oppressed.

Consumerism was also on the rise during the decade. And, television networks sought to capitalize on the growing middle class. The A-Team fit right into this environment. It managed to offer thrilling action without darker undertones. The combination of humor, teamwork, and nonlethal tactics made it very appealing to a wider audience. And, Mr. T became a household name.

How Action Television Shows in the 80s Boosted the Popularity of The A-Team

Some of the biggest trends during the 80s that helped to boost the popularity of The A-Team, were the emergence of ensemble action heroes, the increase in nonlethal action, as well as merchandising and iconography.

The emergence of Ensemble Action Heroes

Perhaps one of the biggest trends that helped to popularize the A-Team, was the idea of an ensemble cast of heroes. It was becoming commonplace in action television shows in the 80s to use a cast of action heroes, each with their own unique skill and personality. This was a stark contrast to other shows that featured a lone wolf hero. The A-Team thrived on this interplay between the characters, which helped to boost its comedic undertones.

Colonel Hannibal Smith was the mastermind and known for his catchphrase, “I love it when a plan comes together.” Then you have B.A. Baracus who brought his brute strength and mechanical know-how to the team. Known mostly by his moniker “Face”, Dirk Benedict was responsible for cons and negotiations. At the same time, their quirky pilot Murdock added an onslaught of unpredictable antics to the team.

This diversity allowed for a wider range of action sequences when compared to other shows at the time. While Knight Rider was limited to explosive car chases, and Airwolf to its aerial escapes, the A-Team was able to capitalize on all these different fronts. This ensured that each episode included a blend of tactical planning, physical confrontation, and humor. The emphasis on teamwork resonated with viewers across the nation, and reinforced the idea that success comes from group efforts.

Action Television Shows of the 80s Were All about Nonlethal Action

In order to make sure that shows at the time were family-friendly, they often used sequences that were nonlethal. The A-Team capitalized on nonlethal action sequences, which helped boost its popularity among the many other action television shows of the 80s. Despite their use of weapons and explosions, the show was known for having a very low body count.

More importantly, though, the team always seemed to anticipate their enemy’s actions which helped to reduce the amount of harm to anyone. Often, the villains would be seen walking away from the explosion. Sure, they were dazed, but they were alive. This helped to make the show more family-friendly and allowed it to appeal to a wider audience.

Action television shows in the 80s focused on Merchandising and Iconography

But, the biggest factor in the success of The A-Team, was its merchandising and iconography. The most iconic character in the team was B.A. Baracus, who was played by Mr. T. He was a tough guy, who walked around with 40 pounds of gold draped around his neck. He was also known for his catchphrase “I pity the fool!” which helped him to become a household name. His image, not the rest of the team, was plastered on everything from action figures to lunchboxes. And, he even had his own Saturday morning cartoon.

Of course, you also have the infamous black van with its red stripe. This also became a symbol of the show. And, it was prominently featured in almost every single episode. In fact, the van played an important role in the team’s many escapes and rescues. As a result, the van became synonymous with this show’s action-packed sequences.

The Cast of The A-Team

The choice of cast members for The A-Team was monumental in the success of the show. This is especially true when it comes to Mr. T. His larger-than-life personality helped to propel the show into the cultural spotlight. But, he couldn’t do it alone. He needed the assistance of George Peppard as Hannibal, and Dirk Benedict as her face. And, he wouldn’t have been as successful at his role had it not been for his arch nemesis and team member Murdock.

Some of the funniest parts of the action television show, was when the team had to fly somewhere. Mr. T was afraid to fly, especially if Murdock was the pilot. All too often, they had to trick him and sedate him with some form of tranquilizer just to get them on the plane. This allowed for plenty of comedic relief throughout each episode.

The impact of the A-Team on action television shows in the 80s

Naturally, the A-Team left a lasting mark on popular culture. And, its legacy continues to influence modern media. The show was so popular during the 80s, that it laid the groundwork for a movie back in 2010. The over-the-top action and good versus evil morality help to inspire future shows and movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Avengers.

Perhaps one of the most memorable lines in TV history, is the catchphrase of Mr. T, “I pity the fool!” Not only was this often stated throughout the show, but he also used the phrase as part of the many anti-drug campaigns of the decade.

Conclusion

in the end, the A-Team was more than just another action television show in the 80s. It was a phenomenon that managed to capture the essence of 80s action entertainment. The show provided a unique blend of teamwork, nonlethal action, and humor. This helped it to stand out in a crowded field of television shows during the decade. The iconic characters and their catchphrases were often repeated in schools and offices around the nation. And, with the help of merchandising, they quickly became one of the most memorable action television shows of the 80s.