Emergency!- The Complete Series Blu-ray Review
“Emergency!” was ahead of its time.
Created by Jack Webb, Robert A. Cinader, and Harold Jack Bloom, the 1972 NBC series “Emergency!” ran 6 seasons and was followed by 6 TV films titled “The Steel Inferno,” “Survival On Charter #220,” “Most Deadly Passage,” “Greatest Rescues Of Emergency!,” and “The Convention.” The series revolved around the LA County Fire Department and its newly launched Paramedic program. The central characters included Firefighter Paramedics Roy DeSoto and Johnny Gage of Squad 51/Fire Station 51. The duo frequently work with the Rampart General Hospital staff such as Dr. Kelly Brackett (the grumpy Chief of Emergency Medicine of Rampart General Hospital), Chief Nurse of the ER (Ms. Dixie McCall), Mike Morton (Medical Doctor) and Joe Early (Medical Doctor). The show provided a day in the life look at the Firefighter Paramedics on the job as they put out fires and explosions, save lives, treat the wounded, respond to emergencies, and rescue trapped or wounded people of all ages (as well as animals). The Doctors also deal with all sorts of cases involving drugs, internal damage, pregnancies, broken bones, disorders, poisons, accidents (car and plane crashes), suicide attemts, and heart attacks (there’s a lot of them in this series).
In addition to the above listed plots, expect to see stories about fellow Firefighters Marco and Chet (a real practical joker), Captain Stanley, the Station 51 mascots (Boot and later Henry), Station 51 activities, other Stations, the 905-Wild Animal Control unit, film set disasters (it is set in L.A. after all), Kelly and Dixie’s romance, and the personal (and love) lives of Johnny and Roy. The six movies contain stories about a high-rise building fire, a plane crash, a ferry fire, Johnny and Roy reminiscing about the past amid a promotion, a San Francisco trip, and a paramedic convention.
Medical shows are a dime a dozen these days, but in 1972 “Emergency!” broke new ground. It’s hard to believe, but back in the 70’s, Paramedics were a relatively new thing at the time. Not only did “Emergency!” shed light on the life saving profession, but it is also said that the series inspired the subsequent growth of Emergency Medical Services. For its real world influence alone, this series deserves a special place in TV history.
In terms of the series as a whole, the series really goes all out in delivering entertainment (and educational entertainment). It’s part medical procedural, part firefighting series, part disaster show, and part rescue show. It really covers all the bases plus the action is gripping, the stunts are intense, and the cinematography is generally first rate (especially for 70’s television). Each episode is literally crammed with subplots and emergencies. Much like the characters themselves, you don’t know what they will be called into action for next. It could be someone stuck on power lines or it could be a nasty virus. The unpredictability is what keeps viewers tuning in.
Where the series falls a little short is with the characters. Kevin Tighe (Roy) and Robert Fuller (Dr. Brackett) are certainly the best actors/characters here, but the character drama can be rather stiff especially when compared to the riveting action happening in the field, at the hospital or at Station 51. Still, the cast definitely grows into their roles and manage to come off as convincing and level headed when facing chaotic circumstances.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. How does it look? Universal is doing a bang up job with these catalogue TV series restorations. “Emergency!” looks crystal clear and the colors are supremely vibrant.
Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect nice clean audio tracks (and expect to hear lots of sirens).
The lone extra is the crossover episode with “Adam-12 titled “Lost And Found.”
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