:: season 1-3
FIRST SEASON 1985
September 29, 1985
MACGYVER
Pilot Episode (#40191-001)
Richard Dean Anderson stars as MacGyver, a resourceful and daring modern-day hero. MacGyver is called in as a last resort to rescue two scientists trapped in a high security underground laboratory as leaking acid threatens the New Mexico water system.
Written by: Thackary Pallor
Directed by: Alan Smithee
Guest Starring: Michael Lerner as Ed Gantner, Dana Elcar as Andy Colson, Paul Stewart as Dr. Carl Steubens, Michael C. Gwynne as Dr. Charlie Burke, Michael Fairman as General Relkwin, Shavar Ross as Reggie, Darlanne Fluegel as Barbara Spencer, Olaf Pooley as Dr. Sidney Marlowe, Michael Johnson as Captain Taylor
OPENING GAMBIT: MacGyver rescues a downed Air Force pilot from his Mongolian captors.
Nielsen Ratings: 10.9 rating / 17 share / 3rd (54th overall)
October 6, 1985
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Episode #2 (#40191-003)
MacGyver is mistaken for a narc when he tries to retrieve a canister filled with a deadly chemical from a plane that crashed near opium fields in Burma.
Written by: Dennis Foley
Directed by: Paul Stanley
Guest Starring: Joan Chen as Lin, George Kee Cheung as General Narai, Clyde Kusatsu as Anek, Keye Luke as Prasert, Benjamin Lum as Truang, Bryan Price as Chan, James Saito as Ming, Angus Duncan as the General
OPENING GAMBIT: CRUSHER: In a junkyard, MacGyver uses a magnet to retrieve stolen documents, then escapes from a car about to be flattened.
Gambit Written by Terry Nation. Directed by Donald Petrie.
Nielsen Ratings: 12.2 rating / 19 share / 3rd (51st overall)
October 13, 1985
THIEF OF BUDAPEST
Episode #3 (#40191-004)
In Budapest, a young Gypsy steals a watch containing microfilm that MacGyver was supposed to receive from a Russian double agent.
Written by: Joe Viola
Directed by: John Patterson
Guest Starring: Michael Constantine as Jan Messic, Bruce Abbott as Major Nickolai Kossov, Kelly McClain as Yanna, Sue Kiel as Reena, Robert Hallak as Bruno, John Prudhont as Peter, Sid Haig as Khan, Nicholas Kadi as Grodsky
OPENING GAMBIT: PEGASIS: MacGyver retrieves a stolen horse and gets picked up - literally - by a helicopter.
Gambit Written by Terry Nation & Stephen Downing. Directed by Lee H. Katzin.
Nielsen Ratings: 13.0 rating / 19 share / 3rd (47th overall)
October 27, 1985
THE GAUNTLET
Episode #4 (#40191-002)
MacGyver must help an investigative reporter get out of a Latin American country with incriminating evidence which links a general to an illegal arms dealer.
Written by: Stephen Kandel
Directed by: Lee H. Katzin
Guest Starring: Robin Curtis as Kate Conolly, John Vernon as Dave Ryerson, Gregory Sierra as General Antonio Vasquez, Sam Vlahos as Diego Montoya
OPENING GAMBIT: MAP: MacGyver retrieves a top-secret map, then uses it to escape his pursuers in the desert.
Gambit Written by Judy Burns. Directed by Lee H. Katzin.
Nielsen Ratings: 14.3 rating / 22 share / 2nd (44th overall)
November 3, 1985
THE HEIST
Episode #5 (#40191-007)
In the Virgin Islands, MacGyver and a senator's daughter must recover $60 million in stolen diamonds earmarked for an African relief fund.
Written by: James Schmerer & Larry Alexander
Directed by: Alan Smithee
Guest Starring: Vernon Wells as Jack Catlin, Victoria Bass as Tiffany, John Carter as Senator Rhodes, Doran Clark as Chris Rhodes, Larry D. Mann as Daniel Sims, Richard Jamison as Wilson, Christopher Kriesa as Player, Michael F. Kelly as Thomas, Jacqui Evans as Woman Gambler, Diane Diefendorf as Waitress
Nielsen Ratings: 14.3 rating / 20 share / 3rd (46th overall)
November 10, 1985
TRUMBO'S WORLD
Episode #6 (#40191-005)
In Brazil, MacGyver helps a plantation owner defend his land from an army of ants that threatens to destroy the jungle (in clips from "The Naked Jungle", a 1954 George Pal movie).
Written by: Stephen Kandel
Directed by: Donald Petrie
Guest Starring: David Ackroyd as Lucien Trumbo, Peter Jurasik as Dr. Charles Alden, Will Gotay as Luiz, Maurice Sherbanée as Santos, Melinda Peterson as Dr. Andrea Gates, Ranscombe Richmon as The Guard
OPENING GAMBIT: WHITEWATER: In the Pyrenees, MacGyver rescues a prisoner, then makes a daring escape with her by raft.
Gambit Written by Stephen Kandel. Directed by Lee H. Katzin.
Nielsen Ratings: 15.6 rating / 22 share / 2nd (31st overall)
November 17, 1985
LAST STAND
Episode #7 (#40191-006)
MacGyver stumbles into a hostage crisis at a desert airstrip that armored-car robbers have taken over.
Written by: Judy Burns
Directed by: John Florea
Guest Starring: Harry Caesar as Al Tennyson, Steve Franken as Walt, Jackie Earle Haley as Turk, Art Hindle as Dave Redding, Kay Lenz as Kelly Nielson, Michael McGuire as Terry Andrews, Anthony Penya as Elias, Lewis Van Bergen as Buddy
Nielsen Ratings: 15.8 rating / 22 share / 3rd (36th overall)
November 27, 1985
HELLFIRE
Episode #8 (#40191-008)
In Wyoming, MacGyver visits a couple of old friends from his hellcatting days, and turns "hellfighter" to cap an oil-well fire that's burning out of control.
Written by: Stephen Kandel, James Schmerer & Douglas Brooks West
Directed by: Richard Colla
Guest Starring: Cooper Huckabee as Bill Farren, Nana Visitor as Laura Farren, Rudy Ramos as Pete Torgut
Nielsen Ratings: 13.1 rating / 21 share / 2nd (48th overall)
December 8, 1985
THE PRODIGAL
Episode #9 (#40191-009)
MacGyver is hired to arrange a new life for a protected Federal witness, who's testifying against his mobster brother, and to help him visit his sick mother before she dies.
Written by: David Abramowitz & Paul Savage
Directed by: Alexander Singer
Guest Starring: Richard Romanus as Joey Bennett, Robert Romanus as Frank Bennett, Carl Franklin as Marshall Andrew Wiley, Angela Clarke as Katarina Bennett, Michael Champion as Larson, Tom Ormeny as Bridges, James Hess as Vincent Ivory, Stan Kamber as Max
Nielsen Ratings: 11.6 rating / 17 share / 3rd (60th overall)
December 22, 1985
TARGET MACGYVER
Episode #10 (#40191-010)
While visiting his estranged grandfather in Colorado, MacGyver is tracked and hunted down by a contract killer.
Written by: Mike Marvin, Stephen Kandel & James Schmerer
Directed by: Ernest Pintoff
Guest Starring: John Anderson as Harry Jackson, D'Mitch Davis as Axminster, William Frankfather as Barney, Huck Liggett as Farmboy
OPENING GAMBIT: KITCHEN MAGIC: Mac rescues a lady general at a beachhouse, then nabs her kidnappers using common kitchen equipment.
Gambit Written by Terry Nation. Directed by Lee H. Katzin.
Nielsen Ratings: 13.2 rating / 21 share / 3rd (49th overall)
January 15, 1986
NIGHTMARES
Episode #11 (#40191-012)
MacGyver escapes from foreign agents, but only after being injected with a hallucinogen that will kill him in six hours if he can't get the antidote.
Written by: James Schmerer
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: Tammy Lauren as Lisa Allen, Dana Elcar as Peter Thornton, Robert O'Reilly as Curt Neilson, J.P. Bumstead as Barrett, Mike Mancini as Crisp, Tommy Lamey as Polk
Nielsen Ratings: 15.9 rating / 23 share / 2nd (34th overall)
January 22, 1986
DEATHLOCK
Episode #12 (#40191-011)
MacGyver is caught in a mansion that's been booby-trapped electronically by an old nemesis.
Written by: Stephen Kandel
Directed by: Alexander Singer
Guest Starring: Wendy Schaal as Karen Blake, Christopher Neame as Quayle, Dana Elcar as Peter Thornton, Beulah Quo as Mrs. Chung
OPENING GAMBIT: FUNERAL IN BERLIN: Posing as a corpse, Mac escapes Berlin by a coffin-turned-jet-ski.
Gambit Written by Jerry Ludwig. Directed by Cliff Bole.
Nielsen Ratings: 17.7 rating / 26 share / 1st (27th overall)
January 29, 1986
FLAME'S END
Episode #13 (#40191-014)
MacGyver's ex-college girlfriend discovers the theft of uranium at a nuclear plant and thinks someone is trying to kill her.
Written by: Stephen Kandel & Hannah Louise Shearer
Directed by: Bruce Seth Green
Guest Starring: Tannis Montgomery as Amy Austin, Conlan Carter as Chief Ed Train, Robert Englund as Tim Wexler, Robin Pearson Rose as Susan, Bill Washington as Kyle, Roger Hampton as Yale
Nielsen Ratings: 16.0 rating / 23 share / 2nd (40th overall)
February 5, 1986
COUNTDOWN
Episode #14 (#40191-013)
MacGyver and an ex-Army buddy have just hours to defuse two sophisticated bombs aboard a cruise ship.
Written by: David Ketchum & Tony DiMarco
Directed by: Stan Jolley
Guest Starring: Ellen Bry as Carol Tanner, Steven Williams as Charlie Robinson, Dana Elcar as Peter Thornton, Michael Cavanaugh as Mike Donahue, Robin Pearson Rose as Suzanne, Jeff Abbott as Officer Atkins
Nielsen Ratings: 15.2 rating / 23 share / 2nd (36th overall)
February 12, 1986
THE ENEMY WITHIN
Episode #15 (#40191-015)
MacGyver must protect a defector who can identify the killer of three DXS agents.
Written by: David Abramowitz
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: Victoria Fyodorova as Victoria Tomanova, Lynn-Holly Johnson as Ingrid Bannister, Michael W. Goodwin as Craig Bannister, Dana Elcar as Peter Thornton, Beau Starr as Anton Lem, Douglas Dirkson as Reverend Mather, Arthur Malet as Pathologist, Richard Balin as Fritz, Adam Gregor as Jaeger, Gene Bori as German Captain
Nielsen Ratings: 14.9 rating / 22 share / 2nd (46th overall)
February 19, 1986
EVERY TIME SHE SMILES
Episode #16 (#40191-016)
MacGyver is in Bulgaria to obtain microfilm, but his plans for a quick getaway are stymied by an American who involves him in her lovers' quarrel with a Bulgarian security officer.
Written by: James Schmerer
Directed by: Charles Correll
Guest Starring: Teri Hatcher as Penny Parker, Kai Wulff as Stephan Froloff, Michael Fox as Anton Burak, Milos Kirek as General Petrovitch, Anthony Caldarella as Border Guard, Peggy Rea as Woman
Nielsen Ratings: 15.2 rating / 23 share / 2nd (42th overall)
March 5, 1986
TO BE A MAN
Episode #17 (#40191-017)
Shot down and wounded by Soviets in Afghanistan while recovering a satellite, MacGyver is rescued, healed, and guided out by an Afghan woman and her son.
Written by: Don Mankiewicz
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: Persis Khambatta as Zia, Dana Elcar as Peter Thornton, Sid Haig as Khalil, Allan Kolman as Captain Osharansky, Ajay Naidu as Ahmed, Michael Shore as Sergeant Borsov, Ron Gilbert as Lieutenant, Teresa Bowman as Judy
Nielsen Ratings: 12.6 rating / 19 share / 2nd (47th overall)
March 12, 1986
UGLY DUCKLING
Episode #18 (#40191-018)
Black marketeers are after a 15-year-old genius who's the only one capable of fixing their stolen missle's guidance system.
Written by: Larry Gross
Directed by: Charles Correll
Guest Starring: Darcy Marta as Kate Lafferty, Lee deBroux as Hatcher, Dana Elcar as Peter Thornton, Richard McKenzie as Professor Willis, Ned Bellamy as Larkin, Melinda O. Fee as Carol Lafferty
Nielsen Ratings: 15.3 rating / 23 share / 2nd (35th overall)
April 2, 1986
SLOW DEATH
Episode #19 (#40191-019)
MacGyver's train trip through India is derailed by a hijacker seeking revenge on two unidentified Westerners who sold his son, a doctor, poisonous medicine.
Written by: Stephen Kandel
Directed by: Don Weis
Guest Starring: Frances Bergen as Eleanor Kingman, Kenneth Danziger as Peter Kramer, Anthony DeFonte as Hassan, Alan Fudge as Paul Webster, Carrell Myers as Laura Dillon, Tracy Reed as Andrea Collins, Pamela Roylance as Diana Kingman, Warwick Sims as Dr. James Grant, Mark Tymchyshyn as Andy Ellis, Noël de Souza as Batu Das, Tom Simmons as Blade, Xahra Maliza as Little Girl
Nielsen Ratings: 17.4 rating / 27 share / 2nd (23rd overall)
April 16, 1986
THE ESCAPE
Episode #20 (#40191-020)
In North Africa MacGyver is hired by a woman to spring her brother, a missionary, from prison. But the scheme turns out different from what MacGyver expected.
Written by: Fred McKnight & Stephen Kandel
Directed by: Don Chaffey
Guest Starring: Kristina Wayborn as Sarah Ashford, Paul Verdier as François Villars, John De Lancie as Brian Ashford, Miguel Fernandes as Khan, Vic Polizos as Commandant, Mike Moroff as Fuad, Jeanne Hepple as Sister Ann, Gary Krakower as Warder
Nielsen Ratings: 15.7 rating / 25 share / 1st (21st overall)
April 30, 1986
A PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE
Episode #21 (#40191-021)
MacGyver and Thornton infiltrate a Soviet mental hospital to rescue a friend who's being held as a political prisoner.
Written by: Stephen Kandel
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: Elya Baskin as Demetri, Larry Dobkin as Alexander Karsov, Dana Elcar as Peter Thornton, Marvin Kaplin as Chess Master, Paul Koslo as Dr. Suvarin, Sharon Maughan as Maria Karsova, Jane Merrow as Natalia Petrovich, Tim Rossovich as Lopat
Nielsen Ratings: 13.3 rating / 22 share / 2nd (34th overall)
May 7, 1986
THE ASSASSIN
Episode #22 (#40191-022)
MacGyver tries to prevent the assassination of an archbishop by a killer who's a master of disguise.
Written by: James Schmerer
Directed by: Charles Correll
Guest Starring: Corinne Bohrer as Terry Ross, Anthony DeLongis as Piedra, Richard Yñiguez as Emilio, Dana Elcar as Peter Thornton, Don Diamond as Archbishop Fierro, Brenda Strong as Lila
Nielsen Ratings: 13.6 rating / 24 share / 2nd (30th overall)
SECOND SEASON 1986
September 22, 1986
THE HUMAN FACTOR
Episode #23 (#40192-024)
In the second-season opener, a malfunctioning computer interprets MacGyver's test of its security system as the real thing, trapping MacGyver and the computer's designer inside a top-secret lab with only 30 minutes of air. Dana Elcar joins the cast as Peter Thornton.
Written by: Robin Bernheim
Directed by: Charles Correll
Guest Starring: June Chadwick as Dr. Jill Ludlum, Peter Haskell as Colonel Scott Woodward, Peter Kwong as Steven Lee
Nielsen Ratings: 15.4 rating / 24 share / 3rd (33rd overall)
September 29, 1986
THE ERASER
Episode #24 (#40192-023)
MacGyver inadvertently leads a hit man to his target, a man the Government wants alive for selling information to the East Germans, and the mob wants dead for double-crossing foreign clients.
Written by: Stephen Kronish
Directed by: Paul Krasny
Guest Starring: Joe Santos as Jimmy "The Eraser" Kendall, Morgan Stevens as Michael Simmons, Richard L. Jamison as Ralph, Henry Jones as Charles Banning, Leigh Lombardi as Linda, April Wayne as Bartender, Michael F. Kelly as Hockey Player, Thomas Babson as Referee
Nielsen Ratings: 14.0 rating / 22 share / 2nd (49th overall)
October 6, 1986
TWICE STUNG
Episode #25 (#40192-027)
MacGyver and Thornton operate a sting to get back the life savings of a friend who was swindled by a murderous con artist.
Written by: Mark Lisson, Bill Froehlich & Phil Combest
Directed by: Paul Krasny
Guest Starring: Richard Romanus as James Crowe, Al Fann as Kelly Sutton, Pamela Bowen as Joanne Remmings, Rex Ryon as Carl, Steve Eastin as Tony, Michael F. Kelly as Cop
Nielsen Ratings: 13.9 rating / 22 share / 3rd (50th overall)
October 20, 1986
THE WISH CHILD
Episode #26 (#40192-026)
In Chinatown, MacGyver helps a young friend who is part of a scam in which he's passing himself off as the reincarnation of an ancient Chinese legend.
Written by: Stephen Kandel, Bill Froehlich, Brian Lane & Stephen Kronish
Directed by: Charles Correll
Guest Starring: Leon Fan as Paul Chan, James Hong as Lee Wenying, James Pax as Stone, George Takei as Dr. Shen Wei, Tia Carrere as Lisa Chan, Clyde Kusatsu as Sammy
Nielsen Ratings: 13.1 rating / 20 share / 3rd (44th overall)
October 27, 1986
FINAL APPROACH
Episode #27 (#40192-028)
MacGyver and four street youths he's taking on a camping trip struggle for survival after their plane crashes in the mountains.
Written by: Rob Hedden
Directed by: Alexander Singer
Guest Starring: Ramon Franco as Ramon, Pamela Gidley as Gina, Ricky Paull Goldin as Tommy, David Harris as Luther, Gregory Itzin as Tom Cavanaugh, Buck Young as Jenkins
Nielsen Ratings: 10.3 rating / 15 share / 3rd (61st overall)
November 3, 1986
JACK OF LIES
Episode #28 (#40192-029)
An untrustworthy adventurer friend needs MacGyver's help to free a "botantist" who's being held hostage by drug smugglers.
Written by: Kerry Lenhart & John J. Sakmar
Directed by: Charles Correll
Guest Starring: Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton, Patricia McPherson as "Mike" Forrester, Silvana Gallardo as Eléna, Kevyn Major Howard as Sonny, Gregory Sierra as Colonel Antunnez
Nielsen Ratings: 14.3 rating / 22 share / 3rd (47th overall)
November 10, 1986
THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
Episode #29 (#40192-030)
MacGyver meets up with his former fiancée in Southeast Asia, where they're pursued by government troops after a plan to rescue a nun and some orphans goes awry.
Written by: Stephen Kronish & Chuck Bowman
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: Marilyn Jones as Debra Easton, Salome Jens as Sister Margaret, Patrick Gorman as Gilbert Arnaud, Dana Lee as Chanthara, Richard Partlow as Pilot, Arsenio "Sonny" Trinidad as Kahn
Nielsen Ratings: 14.9 rating / 23 share / 3rd (41st overall)
November 17, 1986
EAGLES
Episode #30 (#40192-025)
While vacationing, MacGyver runs afoul of an escaped felon who shot and wounded a rare eagle, and now wants to kill MacGyver.
Written by: George Lee Marshall
Directed by: Paul Krasny
Guest Starring: Julie Cobb as Susan Cooper, Chris Stone as Curry, Michael MacRae as Ghant, Peter MacLean as Niestrom, Danny Cooksey as Darin Cooper
Nielsen Ratings: 14.6 rating / 22 share / 3rd (40th overall)
November 24, 1986
SILENT WORLD
Episode #31 (#40192-031)
The recurring nightmare of MacGyver's deaf friend may be the clue to finding arms dealers who have stolen a missle-guidance system.
Written by: Stephen Kandel
Directed by: James L. Conway
Guest Starring: Mary Beth Barber as Carrie Linden, Jack Colvin as Abel Makepeace, Geoffrey Lewis as David Crane, Ji-Tu Cumbuka as Moorish Warrior/Rider, Helen Rubio as Dr. Janice Green, Carl N. Ciarfalio as Gorman, James J. Poslof as Throne, Sunshine Morrow as Marion
Nielsen Ratings: 14.4 rating / 22 share / 2nd (36th overall)
December 15, 1986
THREE FOR THE ROAD
Episode #32 (#40192-032)
MacGyver hitches a ride with a venerable Hollywood actor and his wife, who are unwittingly carrying around a satchel full of mob money.
Written by: Kerry Lenhart, John J. Sakmar, Rob Hedden & Mark Lisson
Directed by: Alan Crosland
Guest Starring: Edward Mulhare as Guy Roberts, Anne Rogers as June Roberts, Richard Hatch as Michael Talbot, Dennis Stewart as Tom, Michael Rider as Phil, Tony Frank as Front Desk Clerk
Nielsen Ratings: 13.7 rating / 21 share / 3rd (44th overall)
January 5, 1987
PHOENIX UNDER SEIGE
Episode #33 (#40192-033)
MacGyver and his grandfather are hunted by killers while trapped in a building wired with a time bomb.
Written by: Stephen Kronish & John I. Koivula
Directed by: Gilbert Shilton
Guest Starring: John Anderson as Harry Jackson, Tricia O'Neil as Victoria James, Richard Lineback as Phillips, Harry Beer as Fred, Shawn Donahue as Young MacGyver, Jan Jorden as Harry's Wife, Warner Loughlin as Susan Murphy, Phil Redrow as MacGyver's Father
Nielsen Ratings: 12.9 rating / 18 share / 3rd (52nd overall)
January 12, 1987
FAMILY MATTER
Episode #34 (#40192-034)
Thornton's ex-wife and son are kidnapped while on an archaeological dig in the Louisiana bayou, and the kidnapers want Thornton in exchange for their release.
Written by: Paul A. Magistretti
Directed by: Alexander Singer
Guest Starring: T. Scott Coffey as Michael Thornton, Penelope Windust as Connie Thornton, Donald Gordon as Frank Bonner, Beau Billingslea as Obadiah Moss, Jeffrey Josephson as Boone, Stephen Liska as Dunn, Thomas F. Duffy as Corey
Nielsen Ratings: 16.1 rating / 23 share / 3rd (31st overall)
January 19, 1987
SOFT TOUCH
Episode #35 (#40192-035)
MacGyver becomes embroiled in an assassination plot when his scatterbrained friend Penny Parker sees thugs torturing a Federal agent.
Written by: Joan Brooker & Nancy Eddo
Directed by: Charles Correll
Guest Starring: Teri Hatcher as Penny Parker, Robert Donner as Vince, Vincent Schiavelli as Lyle, Michael Ensign as Derek, Elya Baskin as Yuri Demetri, Hugh Farrington as Jack Larson, Andre Marquis as Estevez, Mike Cassidy as Robert Julian
Nielsen Ratings: 16.7 rating / 23 share / 3rd (34th overall)
February 2, 1987
BIRTH DAY
Episode #36 (#40192-036)
MacGyver is trapped inside an abandoned factory with a pregnant woman who is being chased by her husband because she has evidence that could send him back to prison.
Written by: Rob Hedden
Directed by: James L. Conway
Guest Starring: Toni Kalem as Elaine Harryman, Joseph Lambie as Andrew Harryman, David Crowley as Eric, Paul Drake as Mitch, J.E. Freeman as Karl, Bill Henderson as Gas Station Cashier
Nielsen Ratings: 14.8 rating / 22 share / 3rd (42nd overall)
February 9, 1987
PIRATES
Episode #37 (#40192-037)
Modern-day pirates, using Navy SEAL tactics, steal an 18th-century Spanish captain's log that could lead them to a sunken treasure fleet.
Written by: Stephen Kandel
Directed by: Bruce Kessler
Guest Starring: Marta DuBois as Dr. Barbara Ortega, Steven M. Gagnon as Commander Nelson, Cliff Potts as Gar Manning, Jeff Kober as Matt Bell, Nicholas Worth as Jack Rogan, Tony Torres as Christobel Santos, John Otrin as Paul Engle, William Bronder as Arne Lindquist
Nielsen Ratings: 16.3 rating / 23 share / 3rd (31st overall)
February 16, 1987
OUT IN THE COLD
Episode #38 (#40192-038)
On a skiing trip, MacGyver is targeted by the mob after a man secretly slips him some microfilm.
Written by: Stephen Kronish
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: Jonathan Goldsmith as Jack, Deborah Wakeham as Ski Patrolwoman, Robert Pastorelli as Arnie, Michael Constantine as Sam Leland, Demetre Phillips as Willie, Michael Corbett as Phil
Nielsen Ratings: 17.5 rating / 24 share / 3rd (27th overall)
February 23, 1987
DALTON, JACK OF SPIES
Episode #39 (#40192-039)
MacGyver finds himself wanted for the murder of a CIA agent when his old friend Jack Dalton gets him involved in an operation that was supposed to ferret out a mole in the agency.
Written by: Kerry Lenhart & John J. Sakmar
Directed by: Bob Sweeney
Guest Starring: Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton, Lee Purcell as Shadow, Curt Lowens as Stanley Berrenger, Frank L. Annese, Duane Tucker as Al, Alan Fudge as Jay Michaels
Nielsen Ratings: 15.8 rating / 23 share / 3rd (35th overall)
March 2, 1987
PARTNERS
Episode #40 (#40192-040)
MacGyver and Thornton are lured into a trap by an assassin they thought had been killed on the first case they worked on together seven years ago.
Written by: Bill Froehlich & Mark Lisson
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton, Iris Alhanti as Sara, Michael Des Barres as Murdoc, Caleb Asch as Police Officer
Nielsen Ratings: 15.1 rating / 22 share / 3rd (35th overall)
March 23, 1987
BUSHMASTER
Episode #41 (#40192-041)
The daughter of an American cargo pilot being held prisoner in Latin America tags along on MacGyver's rescue mission.
Written by: Rob Hedden
Directed by: Don Chaffey
Guest Starring: Sandy McPeak as Jeff Moore, John Schuck as Joe Henderson, Rene Estevez as Kelly Henderson, Bert Rosario as Lieutenant Raoul Para, Alex Colon as General Salazar, Michael Bandoni as Berbero
Nielsen Ratings: 15.5 rating / 23 share / 3rd (35th overall)
April 6, 1987
FRIENDS
Episode #42 (#40192-042)
MacGyver's friends throw him a surprise birthday party, but he's in no mood to celebrate as he thinks about retiring from the Foundation and reflects on his life (via flashbacks).
Written by: Stephen Kronish
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: John Anderson as Harry Jackson, Robin Curtis as Kate Conolly, Michael Goodwin as Craig Bannister, Teri Hatcher as Penny Parker, Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton, Tim Rossovich as Mike Desmond
This production is dedicated to the memory of our co-worker Wes Tansey.
Nielsen Ratings: 15.4 rating / 24 share / 3rd (29th overall)
April 27, 1987
D.O.A.: MACGYVER
Episode #43 (#40192-043)
An amnesiac MacGyver is hunted by terrorists who believe he knows of their plan to assassinate U.S. military figures with an explosive device.
Written by: Jaison Starkes
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: John Pleshette as Lancer, Clive Revill as Anthony Braddock, Priscilla Morrill as Helen, Kim Miyori as Tara, Rockne Tarkington as Jules, Nana Visitor as Carol Varnay, Ryan Rushton as Jason, Buck Young as Policeman
Nielsen Ratings: 12.6 rating / 21 share / 2nd (40th overall)
May 4, 1987
FOR LOVE OR MONEY
Episode #44 (#40192-044)
MacGyver is willing to help rescue a human-rights activist from a Czechoslovakian psychiatric hospital, but he doesn't relish working with a ruthless freelance agent who makes her own rules.
Written by: Doug Heyes, Jr.
Directed by: James L. Conway
Guest Starring: Deborah Adair as Diana Rogers, Walter Addison as Anton Dubcek, Oksana Olijar as Viera Dubcek, Reuven Bar Yotam as Krug, Raymond O'Keefe as Zorkin, Tom Ormeny as Baranov
Nielsen Ratings: 12.3 rating / 20 share / 3rd (39th overall)
THIRD SEASON 1987
September 21, 1987
LOST LOVE
Episode #45 (#40193-711)
In the third-season opener, MacGyver is assigned to protect a Chinese artifact, when a ghost from his past appears, needing his help to escape from Soviet agents who want her and the artifact. Part 1 of two.
Written by: Jerry Ludwig
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton, James Hong as Commissioner Chiu, Anthony De Longis as Kosoff, Walter Marsh as Racoubian, Leslie Bevis as Tanya Lyaschenka, Elyssa Davalos as Lisa Kohler, Bill Ferguson as Josef, Paul Batten as Pettigrew
Some locations provided by the Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre.
Filmed on location in British Columbia, Canada.
Nielsen Ratings: 11.9 rating / 20 share / 3rd (53rd overall)
September 28, 1987
LOST LOVE
Episode #46 (#40193-711)
Conclusion. Risking a diplomatic crisis to save Lisa, MacGyver has less than 24 hours to steal a precious artifact for the Soviets who hold her hostage.
Written by: Jerry Ludwig
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton, James Hong as Commissioner Chiu, Anthony De Longis as Kosoff, Walter Marsh as Racoubian, Leslie Bevis as Tanya Lyaschenka, Elyssa Davalos as Lisa Kohler, Bill Ferguson as Josef, Paul Batten as Pettigrew
Nielsen Ratings: 12.2 rating / 19 share / 3rd (47th overall)
October 5, 1987
BACK FROM THE DEAD
Episode #47 (#40193-047)
A former hitman who has given the Government too many mob secrets becomes a baseball manager, which draws the attention of syndicate thugs. Hank Aaron has a cameo.
Written by: Stephen Kronish
Directed by: James L. Conway
Guest Starring: Joe Santos as Jimmy Kendall, Al Ruscio as Paul Webber, Rebecca Balding as Susan, Richard Jamison as Ralph, Alex Bruhanski as Sal, Henry "Hank" Aaron as Himself, David French as Brian, Doug Greenall as Dave, Frank C. Turner as Priest, Bev Hendry as Lynda, Charles Andre as Tony
Nielsen Ratings: 12.2 rating / 20 share / 3rd (43rd overall)
October 19, 1987
GHOST SHIP
Episode #48 (#40193-048)
On a mapping expedition, MacGyver finds a girl who's being hunted by a creature resembling Big Foot.
Written by: Stephen Kandel
Directed by: Michael Vejar
Guest Starring: Katey Wright as Karin Graff, Michéle Goodger as Joanna, Nicholas Rice as Bench, Byron Chief-Moon as Joe Wales, Len George as Dave Wales, Chief Khotlacha as Len, Ken Kirzinger as Creature, Blain Lamoureaux as Tenon
Nielsen Ratings: 13.1 rating / 21 share / 3rd (40th overall)
October 26, 1987
FIRE AND ICE
Episode #49 (#40193-049)
A thief kills MacGyver's old friend, leaving a trail of stolen jewels that leads straight to a foreign consulate.
Written by: Rick Husky
Directed by: Alan Simmonds
Guest Starring: Aharon Ipalé as Amir Sumal, Jonathon Pallone as Charles Keach, Anthony Stambouleih as Ambassador Vulnay, Terry David Mulligan as Danny Barrett, Elyssa Davalos as Nikki Carpenter, Shannon Aldrich as Royar
Nielsen Ratings: 13.7 rating / 22 share / 2nd (35th overall)
November 2, 1987
GX-1
Episode #50 (#40193-050)
A secret high-tech plane goes down in the Alps, and MacGyver reluctantly allows Nikki to accompany him across the East German border - racing to beat the Soviets to the wreckage in the mountains.
Written by: Calvin Clements, Jr.
Directed by: Michael Vejar
Guest Starring: Walter Gotell as Starkoss, Morris Panych as Colonel Markov, Peter Nicholas as Lieutenant, Elyssa Davalos as Nikki Carpenter, Jeff Irvine as Pilot, Karen Campbell as Heidi, Willis Horst as Helmut, Jurgen Hesse as Farmer
Nielsen Ratings: 11.2 rating / 17 share / 3rd (46th overall)
November 9, 1987
JACK IN THE BOX
Episode #51 (#40193-051)
MacGyver gets a taste of redneck justice when he gets tossed into a prison labor camp during a mission to the rural South.
Written by: David Rich
Directed by: James L. Conway
Guest Starring: Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton, Luke Askew as Warden Renfro, Eugene Butler as Lyle Hudson, Daniel Faraldo as Pépé Sanchez, Diane Robin as Louella, Lance LeGault as "Bull" Bodine, Robin Mossely as Wrigley, John Pine as Deputy Sheriff
Nielsen Ratings: 14.3 rating / 23 share / 2nd (32nd overall)
November 16, 1987
THE WIDOWMAKER
Episode #52 (#40193-052)
MacGyver goes into mourning when a friend dies in a mountaineering accident, but a pyromaniac with a score to settle forces MacGyver to concentrate on matters at hand.
Written by: John Whelpley & Harv Zimmel
Directed by: Michael Vejar
Guest Starring: Michael Des Barres as Murdoc, Lisa Bayliss as Mike Forrester, Elyssa Davalos as Nikki Carpenter, Antony Holland as Ellard
Nielsen Ratings: 13.7 rating / 22 share / 2nd (37th overall)
November 23, 1987
HELL WEEK
Episode #53 (#40193-053)
A frustrated physics student at MacGyver's alma mater becomes a ticking time bomb when a school contest turns into a family war.
Written by: Leonard Mlodinow & Scott Rubenstein
Directed by: James L. Conway
Guest Starring: Larry Dobkin as Professor Julian Ryman, Lisa Wilcox as Janet, John Cameron Mitchell as Aaron Turner, Ted Cole as Jeffrey Kramer, Andrew Sabiston as David Ryman, Brenda Crichlow as Hillary Chapman
Nielsen Ratings: 13.2 rating / 21 share / 2nd (40th overall)
December 21, 1987
BLOW OUT
Episode #54 (#40193-054)
Political terrorism hits close to home when Nikki is targeted by a bombing suspect who fears she can identify him.
Written by: W. Reed Moran
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: Dale Wilson as Erik Holland, Frank Ferrucci as Major, Bruce Harwood as Juice, Elyssa Davalos as Nikki Carpenter, Enid Saunders as Minnie, Steve Blalock as Hood #1, Vince Deadrick, Jr. as Hood #2, Don Davis as Cement Truck Driver
Nielsen Ratings: 11.4 rating / 19 share / 3rd (38th overall)
January 4, 1988
KILL ZONE
Episode #55 (#40193-055)
Wildlife begins to perish mysteriously, and MacGyver discovers the culprit: an uncontrollably mutating organism that speeds up the aging process.
Written by: Calvin Clements, Jr.
Directed by: Chuck Bowman
Guest Starring: Judith Chapman as Sandra Millhouse, Jay Brazeau as Phelps, Bill Dow as White Suited Man, Pamela Martin as Nancy Bartlett
Nielsen Ratings: 15.4 rating / 22 share / 3rd (36th overall)
January 18, 1988
EARLY RETIREMENT
Episode #56 (#40193-056)
Thornton mediates the Phoenix Foundation's talks between the UN and a rabidly anti-American subversive, until a suspicious explosion forces him to resign - and the man who takes his job could be connected to murder and sabotage.
Written by: John Whelpley
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: Madison Mason as Matt Webber, Ted Stidder as Chairman Ed Farrell, Rob Roy as Ingers, Paul Batten as Reese, Doug Abrahams as Kelham, Elyssa Davalos as Nikki Carpenter, Richard Newman as President Yeman Amunde, Jackson Davies as Sam
Nielsen Ratings: 13.9 rating / 20 share / 3rd (35th overall)
February 1, 1988
THIN ICE
Episode #57 (#40193-058)
A high-school hockey player has a chance to go pro - if he plays dirty enough. But when a fight on the ice lands an opposing player in the hospital, MacGyver tries to teach the youth about sportsmanship.
Written by: Rick Drew
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: Martin Milner as Turk Donner, Jeff Schultz as Derek Kirby, Ken Camroux as Brett Thompson, Clu Gulager as Walt Kirby, Claire Brown as Dr. Sylvia Warner, Gary Chalk as Tony Ellis, Steve Armitage as Radio Announcer, Sean Berner as Eddie Henderson
The Producers Acknowledge the Cooperation of the University of British Columbia's Junior Varsity Hockey Team
Nielsen Ratings: 12.9 rating / 19 share / 3rd (48th overall)
February 29, 1988
THE ODD TRIPLE
Episode #58 (#40193-057)
Jack's back and his latest scheme is to pilot an heiress back to France after she purchases a fortune in jewels. But when MacGyver and Jack accomplish the mission, they're arrested.
Written by: Stephen Kandel
Directed by: James L. Conway
Guest Starring: Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton, Judy Geeson as Elena Iturbai, Ian Ruskin as Andres, Martin Evans as Robert, Alan Robertson, Vernon Wells as Paul Donnay, Campbell Lane as Brizard, Terence Kelly as Brosz, Kim Kondrashoff as Yuri, Bill Croft as Max, Duncan Fraser as Bauman, Susan Chapple as Helen Wilson
Nielsen Ratings: 14.0 rating / 21 share / 2nd (35th overall)
March 7, 1988
THE NEGOTIATOR
Episode #59 (#40193-059)
MacGyver is tasked to do an environmental-impact study before builders can start a project, and when bribery fails, the builders sic a beautiful killer on him.
Written by: Calvin Clements, Jr.
Directed by: Charles Correll
Guest Starring: Kristian Alfonso as Deborah, David Ackroyd as Steven Knapp, Ned Bellamy as Remick, Elyssa Davalos as Nikki Carpenter
"Eau d'Leo" Composed by Richard Dean Anderson
Nielsen Ratings: 13.0 rating / 20 share / 2nd (33rd overall)
March 14, 1988
THE SPOILERS
Episode #60 (#40193-060)
MacGyver enlists a mountainous recluse to help track whoever is dumping toxic waste in mountain streams.
Written by: Stephen Kandel
Directed by: Michael Vejar
Guest Starring: Randall "Tex" Cobb as Earthquake Toberman, Emily Kuroda as Karen Matsuda, William Taylor as Martin Farber, Tom Heaton as Tyler, Thomas Rosales, Jr. as Charles LaFond, Branscombe Richmond as Grade, Allan Lysell as Dorman, Michael Sicoly as Owens
Nielsen Ratings: 15.4 rating / 23 share / 2nd (24th overall)
March 28, 1988
MASK OF THE WOLF
Episode #61 (#40193-061)
Jack Dalton talks MacGyver into accompanying an elderly Native American on a search for a legendary wolf mask, but two mercenaries have plans of their own for the mask.
Written by: Calvin Clements, Jr., W. Reed Moran, John J. Sakmar & Kerry Lenhart
Directed by: Cliff Bole
Guest Starring: Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton, Gary Lockwood as Grant, Floyd Westerman as Two Eagles, Gordon Tootoosis as Perry, Marianne Jones as Anna Lightfoot, Chief Khotlacha as Grandfather
Nielsen Ratings: 13.5 rating / 21 share / 3rd (36th overall)
April 18, 1988
ROCK THE CRADLE
Episode #62 (#40193-062)
Jack Dalton nearly kills MacGyver in a plane ride and later, in the hangar, finds a baby tagged "Jack Jr." strapped into the cockpit, and fortune in counterfeit bills in the bassinet.
Written by: John Whelpley
Directed by: Michael Vejar
Guest Starring: Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton, Mitzi Kapture as Katie, Don Thompson as Cutler, Garwin Sanford as Durst, Malcolm & Fraser Fairweather as Jack Jr., Peter Yunker as Carlo, Susan Chapple as Helen Wilson, James Stevens as Milland
Nielsen Ratings: 13.0 rating / 21 share / 2nd (30th overall)
May 2, 1988
THE ENDANGERED
Episode #63 (#40193-063)
MacGyver visits an ex-girlfriend, a ranger at a wildlife reserve, only to have his vacation turned into a bloody confrontation by poachers who are killing off endangered species.
Written by: Peter Filardi
Directed by: Charles Correll
Guest Starring: Moira Walley as Karen Miller, John Dennis Johnston as Ed, Don Davis as Wyatt, Robin Mossley as Earl, Stephen E. Miller as Cafe Owner, Steve Blalock as Sam Sheehan, Vince Deadrick, Jr. as Ranger, Don McKay as Pilot
Nielsen Ratings: 13.3 rating / 22 share / 2nd (30th overall)
May 9, 1988
MURDERERS' SKY
Episode #64 (#40193-064)
The takeover of a Chinese mogul's company involves a deadly ninja, and it's up to MacGyver and the mogul's young grandson to halt the escalating bloodshed.
Written by: Herman Miller
Directed by: Michael Vejar
Guest Starring: Roderick Cook as Alasdair, Soon-Teck Oh as Raymond, Tia Carrere as Tiu, Keye Luke as Adam Chung, Ernie Reyes, Jr. as Luke Chung, Al Leong as Wayne, Dana Still as Doctor, Pat Bermel as Steve
The Producers acknowledge the cooperation of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Classical Garden.
Nielsen Ratings: 14.3 rating / 23 share / 2nd (21st overall)
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Part of the MacGyver FAQ