Nose-talgia: * Does ANYONE Remember=>Q.E.D. *

It is the spring of 1982. The Weather Channel launched, Dynasty entered its second season with the introduction of Alexis Carrington (Joan Collins), and Magnum P.I was ending its premiere season. But one show from this television season did not even get a mention in the footnotes for this season -- Q.E.D.

Q.E.D. was a mid-season replacement show for CBS. It aired Tuesday nights at 8:00pm premiering on March 23, 1982. Its last show aired April 27, 1982.

What does Q.E.D. stand for? While doing my research on this show I searched Wikipedia. According to Wikipedia it is: , "…an abbreviation of the Latin phrase 'quod erat demonstrandum' (literally, "that which was to be demonstrated"). Unfortunately, this has NOTHING to do with this forgotten gem of a TV show. My next stop for mining information was IMDB. According to the IMDB ratings system, Q.E.D. scored an impressive 8.1 in viewer self-ratings. It seems there is more to Q.E.D. than the lack of letters in its title.

"Q.E.D." are the initials of Professor Quenitin Everett Deverill (Sam Waterston). The Professor decides to quit his full-time job as a Harvard professor and move to England. This self-initiated exile was the result of continuing criticism he received from his peers regarding his ideas and inventions for the 20th century. You see, Q.E.D. takes place in the year 1912. Technology is beginning to show its face to world. One idea which Q.E.D.'s colleagues laughed at was the concept of a camera taking a series of photos in succession and transmitting them over the air waves to people's homes. In each home would be a box which could take these transmissions out of the air, and rearrange them to project onto a glass screen inside this box. The images would be arranged so quickly, it would give the 'illusion of movement. (Things that make you go, "Hmmmmm").

I must admit, while watching this show, I forgot how much I enjoyed it, way back in 1982. I thought it was soooo cool for someone in 1912 to think about the future in which I was living. (Hey, I was in the 9^th grade). The things I took for granted, were not even invented yet, like the TV! 9^th grade remember?

The first thing I noticed was the music. The show opened with an instrumental theme, reminiscent of a period piece. And when played more than once, begins to stick in your head. Click here to play the 30 second opening credits theme.

While on the topic of opening credits, let's review the cast and the roles they played:

Sam Waterston. He played Professor Deveril. Professor Deveril believes in the future and how technology would improve people's lives. He left Harvard University and moved to London, where he meets his arch-nemesis Dr. Stefan Kilkiss. Who, like most arch-nemeses, wants to take over the world. Sam Waterston has been in many television roles since QED, the role he is most recognized with is Law & Order.

A.C. Weary. He played Charlie Andrews, an American newspaper reporter who is based in London.

George Innes. He played Phipps. Phipps is the taxicab driver hired by Deveril. Philps is 'jack-of-all-trades' for Deveril. In any episode he is the chauffeur, butler, valet, lab assistant and cook.

Caroline Langrishe. She played Jenny Martin. Jenny is Professor Deveril's secretary and a secret admirer.

Julian Glover. He played Dr. Stefan Kilkis, the arch-villain. Kilkis wanted to rule with world by various nefarious means. And each time, he was thwarted by Professor Deveril. Julian Glover has been in many movies and TV shows since Q.E.D. However, he is probably most recognized for his role in Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). After the fourth episode, Julian Glover's name was no longer appearing in the opening credits. The reason for this is unknown. Speculation is the show was going in a more "mystery of the week" direction. Besides, how many different ways can someone try to take over the world in 1912?

After watching the pilot and several other episodes of this series, I cannot deny that the series was a lot of fun and very nostalgic to watch. For a period show, it really does not show its age. Sam Waterston delivers a very engaging light-hearted performance for the title role. Neither he nor the show really take themselves seriously. This further enhanced its appeal.

With only six episodes produced, it is very unlikely we will ever see this gem officially released on DVD. However, if you happen to have an opportunity to view an episode on-line or have a chance to pick-up a viewed copy at a convention, due so. You will not be disapointed.