Pop Culture Movies and More: The A-Team (TV Series 1983-1987)

A group of ex-United States Army Special Forces personnel work as soldiers of fortune while on the run from the Army, after being branded as war criminals for a "crime they didn't commit". They go where ever they are needed and help out in any way they can. However, whilst on their missions, they are frequently hunted by the military, mainly by Colonel Lynch, Colonel Decker and General Fullbright, who try with no avail to capture them. The A-Team is another 80s TV classic that has captured the entertainment of people of all ages, even to this day. The team consists of 4 members: Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith, the leader and master of disguise, First Lieutenant Templeton Peck (also known as Face/Faceman), the team's con man, Sergeant B.A. Baracus, the team's muscle and mechanic, and last of all, the team's pilot, H.M. (Howling Mad) Murdock, flies them on their missions. Each one has a specific skill that comes in handy on each mission, making them a formidable team and force for good. During the early seasons of the show, the team is joined by Amy, a reporter, who works closely with them for a while, helping out on their missions. I love each member individually from the group but I think my top favourites have to be B.A. and Murdock, followed close behind by Face and Hannibal. The two have so many hilarious scenes since the two don't really get along. Murdock is 'slightly' mad and constantly says strange things, even changing his personality to different people for whole episodes, like Frank Sinatra. Due to being insane, Murdock is kept in a Veterans' Hospital in the mental wing. Whenever they need a pilot, he either escapes or the team will spring him out, on most occasions, using Faceman. B.A. doesn't like how weird he is and constantly tells him to "Shut up fool!" He also hates/has a fear of flying, and since Murdock is the pilot, it doesn't fill him with any confidence saying, "I ain't gettin' in no airplane!". One of the funniest recurring sequences is getting B.A. onto a plane by having him frequently knocked out or sudated. From putting stuff in his food/glass of milk, to injecting him when he's not looking, they will try anything to get him on without his knowing or getting angry. Face is an excellent con man and has some very creative performances and impersonations, but his best ones involve Murdock. He has some incredible voice impressions that really show off his skills and the two play off one another perfectly. Hannibal always comes up with a plan and each time they get better and better. He is also an actor and mainly ends up playing sea monsters in many movies under the name The Aquamaniac. He specialises in disguises which are truly hilarious and always manages to fool everybody. The team drive around in their iconic van, a black GMC Vandura with red markings that belongs to B.A., who frequently panics when it gets damaged or stolen. The best part of the show is the action. Despite appearing very violent with all guns blazing and explosions at every moment, the show is not as extreme as it looks. We frequently see cars blowing up and flying through the air and yet, without a doubt, the people inside are always uninjured and climb out of the vehicle. Even when gunning at the enemy no one gets killed. You will mainly see them running away as the bullets follow and nobody is hurt, making it ideal family viewing whilst being so action-packed. It's brilliant entertainment! Especially seeing them build all sorts of weapons and contraptions out of random things is always exciting. The last season sees a great shift in the series, ultimately leading to its cancellation, but it still features some amazing content. The team are unconditionally recruited by General Stockwell, who sends them on missions of his choosing rather than letting them do jobs for anyone. The group take on a temporary fifth member, Frankie Santana, who aids in special effects. Overall, this is a phenomenal show for all ages to enjoy. There are great comedic scenes, explosive action and good triumphing over evil. With loveable characters, quotable catchphrases and a trip back to the 1980s, this is a show you certainly cannot miss. Also, look up the reboot in The A-Team (2010).