AVERAGE

One of those shows that were a little short on entertainment value but had something to say. It was the story of the cop who quit and became “The Nighthawk”, a nightly voice on talk radio. The people that Jack (Gary Cole) got involved with tended to engage him outside the radio station as well; his somewhat complicated acquaintances with a police detective and a reporter helped Jack in his quest to make San Francisco a better place.

The stories dealt with topics and situations like AIDS, prison riots and the 1989 earthquake – considering all the misery, no wonder Jack was so blue. Cole tried to give the man a sense of humor, but that was never a strength with the show.

When Wendy Kilbourne became pregnant after two seasons, her character was written out; the tempestuous Nicky (Lisa Eilbacher) replaced her. 

1988-1991:U.S. 61 episodes. Color. Created by Richard DiLello. Theme: Rick Braun. Cast: Gary Cole (Jack Killian), Wendy Kilbourne (Devon King, 88-90), Lisa Eilbacher (Nicky Molloy, 90-91), Dennis Dun, Arthur Taxier, Mykel T. Williamson.

Emmys: Outstanding Guest Actor (Joe Spano) 88-89; Guest Actress (Kay Lenz) 88-89.