The MacGyver F.A.Q.
The MacGyver F.A.Q. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
The MacGyver F.A.Q.
Version 1.1
(last updated 08 February 1995)
This episode guide compiled by DXS (DXSMac[AT]aol.com) from episode guides written by Carolyn Craig, Gary Csillaghegyi (czillei[AT]aol.com), and Shari Feldman (shari[AT]cc.gatech.edu). Airdates compiled by DXS. Nielsen ratings compiled by Icecat (ap837[AT]freenet.hsc.colorado.edu).
What the Nielsen Ratings Mean-
Example: 13.8 rating, 26 share, 1st (15th overall). The first number (the rating) represents the number of households which tuned in to watch that episode. Each rating point represents about 950,000 households.
The second number (the share) is the percentage of households watching. The third and fourth numbers tell how the episode fared against its competition on the three other networks and against all of the other programs shown for the week.
(The four major U.S. networks typically show a total of about 70-80 programs each week.)
So, in this case, the series finale of "MacGyver" drew about 13.1 million viewers. 26 percent of the television sets on at the time were tuned to the show, which won its time slot and placed 15th for the week.
FOURTH SEASON
065 The Secret of Parker House Airdate: 31 October 1988 Teleplay: Gene Hanson, Rick Drew, & John Sheppard Story: Gene Hanson Director: Michael Vejar Guest Cast: Teri Hatcher as Penny Parker, Gisele MacKenzie as Sylvia Lang, Arlen Dean Snyder as Sheriff Howels, Ray Young as Virgil. Nielsen ratings: 12.5 rating, 20 share, 2nd (39th overall). MacGyver must act as a ghoulish ghostbuster in a spooky old house inherited by his friend, Penny Parker, a dead ringer for her insane aunt, who once lived in the house. (Note: This episode was advertised as the "Halloween Special.") 066 Blood Brothers Airdate: 21 November 1988 Writer: Rick Drew Director: Charles Correll Guest Cast: Dirk Blocker as Chuck, Bernie Coulson as Sean, Ramon Franco as Spider, Michel McNeilly as Neil, Jason Priestley as Danny. Nielsen ratings: 12.3 rating, 20 share, 2nd (37th overall). Back in his home town, MacGyver finds past and present overlapping as he remembers a fatal shooting accident from his youth while trying to stop his old friend's son from using a gun to defend himself against drug-dealing hoodlums. (Note: This episode was advertised as the season premiere instead of "The Secret of Parker House.") 067 The Outsiders Airdate: 28 November 1988 Writer: Michelle Poteet Lisanti Director: Michael Vejar Guest Cast: Kaj-Erik Eriksen as Jacob, Gustaf Kristjanson as Miller, Allan Lysell as Wrightman, Ruth de Sosa as Elizabeth, Vicki Wauchope as Christy Wrightman. Nielsen ratings: 13.2 rating, 20 share, 3rd (45th overall). After a jeep accident in Pennsylvania, MacGyver is rescued by Amish family and helps intervene in a standoff between Amish who won't leave their land and a construction company waiting to bulldoze it. 068 On a Wing and a Prayer Airdate: 05 December 1988 Writer: John Whelpley Director: Charles Correll Guest Cast: Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton, Jenny Gago as Santina, Garwin Sanford as Rafael, Susan Walden as Sister Clara. Nielsen ratings: 11.7 rating, 18 share, 3rd (46th overall). It appears that Thornton and old flame who is now a nun haven't a prayer after they're taken hostage by Central American rebels, until MacGyver asks Jack Dalton and his seaplane to rescue them. 069 Collision Course Airdate: 12 December 1988 Writer: Paul B. Margolis Director: Chuck Bowman Guest Cast: Patrick Wayne as Jeff Stone, Kai Wulff as Hans Visser, Katey Wright as Charlie Stone, G. Gordon Liddy as Carl Strickland. Nielsen ratings: 11.7 rating, 19 share, 3rd (49th overall). MacGyver returns to his racing roots to test a car engine designed by the Foundation, but a rival car-owner has some dirty tricks up his sleeve. 070 The Survivors Airdate: 09 January 1989 Writer: W. Reed Moran Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Gerry Bean as Wilcox, Dale Wilson as Crandell. Nielsen ratings: 13.5 rating, 20 share, 2nd (41st overall). During routine survival training in the woods, MacGyver and Thornton discover the wreckage of a DEA plane, which MacGyver determines was shot down by drug smugglers. 071 Deadly Dreams Airdate: 16 January 1989 Writer: Stephen Downing Director: Les Landau Guest Cast: Kim Zimmer as Murphy, W. Morgan Sheppard as Dr. Zito, Garry Chalk as Sweeney, Brenda Crichlow as Cooper, Todd Jeffries as Wyatt, Jeff Irvine as Eric Cross. Nielsen ratings: 13.2 rating, 20 share, 2nd (40th overall). MacGyver joins a police task force pursuing an escaped psychopath, a man MacGyver suspects is a pawn in a larger scheme. 072 Ma Dalton Airdate: 23 January 1989 Writer: John Whelpley Director: Rob Bowman Guest Cast: Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton, Ed Nelson as Arthur Bandel, Les Carlson as Sparky, Constance Towers as Francine Leyland, Richard Lawson as Jesse Colton. Nielsen ratings: 14.6 rating, 22 share, 2nd (33rd overall). Jack Dalton and MacGyver search for Dalton's mother and learn that she's a fugitive being pursued by a bounty hunter. 073 Cleo Rocks Airdate: 06 February 1989 Writers: John Sheppard & Rick Drew Director: Chuck Bowman Guest Cast: Teri Hatcher as Penny Parker, Robert Donner as Wintergreen, Michael Des Barres as Murdoc. Nielsen ratings: 13.2 rating, 19 share, 2nd (42nd overall). Murdoc poses as a musical's director, using MacGyver's friend Penny Parker as a pawn in a crazed play of vengeance against MacGyver. 074 Fraternity of Thieves Airdate: 13 February 1989 Writer: Grant Rosenberg Director: Michael Preece Guest Cast: James Karen as Papillon, Hank Stratton as Michael Thornton, Robert Metcalfe as Chas, Don Galloway as John Collins. Nielsen ratings: 13.9 rating, 21 share, 2nd (37th overall). A highly classified Phoenix technology system could be compromised by espionage, and one of the culprits is someone within the Foundation, close to the heart of Pete Thornton. 075 The Battle of Tommy Giordano Airdate: 20 February 1989 Writer: Marianne Clarkson Director: Michael Vejar Guest Cast: Penny Peyser as Mary Ruth, Tony Dakota as Tommy Giordano, Peter Yunker as Richard Giordano, Peter Blackwood as Rizzo, Joseph Wiseman as Joe Catano. Nielsen ratings: 14.6 rating, 22 share, 2nd (30th overall). MacGyver's friend wins custody of her son, prompting her ex-husband to seek the help of his uncle - "the absolute, undisputed head" of a crime family - to steal young Tommy Giordano back. 076 The Challenge Airdate: 27 February 1989 Writer: Chris Haddock Director: Dana Elcar Guest Cast: Michael MacRae as Larson, Cuba Gooding, Jr., as Ray, Roxanne Reese as Cynthia, Michael D. Roberts as Booker. Nielsen ratings: 15.0 rating, 22 share, 2nd (31st overall). A youth from an inner-city club run by MacGyver's friend is framed for a theft by a racist who'll stop at nothing to shut the club down. 077 Runners Airdate: 13 March 1989 Writer: Joel Schwartz Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Holly Fields as Jennifer, Gerald Anthony as Snakeskin, Roxanne Reese as Cynthia, Jeff Pomerantz as Jim Reiner. Nielsen ratings: 15.2 rating, 23 share, 2nd (30th overall). MacGyver offers protection to a runaway girl, and as he helps her cope with her bitter past, he unveils a tragic memory of his own. 078 Gold Rush Airdate: 27 March 1989 Writer: David Engelbach Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Colleen Winton as Natalie, Lee Patterson as West, Walter Gotell as Barenov. Nielsen ratings: 15.1 rating, 24 share, 2nd (28th overall). MacGyver joins a U.S.-Soviet team in Alaska trying to retrieve millions in gold from a wrecked World War II transport plane, but they're left out in the cold when they discover someone's gotten there first. 079 The Invisible Killer Airdate: 10 April 1989 Writer: Chris Haddock Director: Dana Elcar Guest Cast: James Sloyan as Colter, Adam Arkin as Parisio, Jean Bruce Scott as Liz, Kevin Greer as Beam, Andrew Rhodes as Lazarus, Julie Downing as Officer Walker, Blu Mankuma as Sheriff Hubbard. Nielsen ratings: 15.5 rating, 24 share, 2nd (23rd overall). In the Cascades, MacGyver leads a group of Phoenix employees into the mountains to reduce stress levels, but stress is replaced by paranoia when it's learned that murderous convicts are on the loose. 080 Brainwashed Airdate: 24 April 1989 Writer: John Sheppard Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton, Roger Aaron Brown as Edward Mantu, Cyndi James Gossett as Edith Mantu, Janet Hodgkinson as Hendrix, Linda Darlow as Doc Beatty, Raymond St. Jacques as President Dakru. Nielsen ratings: 12.7 rating, 22 share, 2nd (39th overall). A power-hungry couple seeking to overthrow a foreign government have "programmed" Jack Dalton to assassinate the country's president. 081 Easy Target Airdate: 01 May 1989 Writer: Rick Drew Director: Charles Correll Guest Cast: Wolf Muser as Jonathan, Ruth Britt as Lisa, Tom Everett as Frank, Frank Ferrucci as Armin. Nielsen ratings: 13.5 rating, 22 share, 2nd (34th overall). MacGyver and Pete Thornton are held hostage by terrorists bent on crippling the nearby metropolitan area with a sophisticated electronic device. 082 Renegade Airdate: 08 May 1989 Teleplay: Chris Haddock Story: Robert Bielak & Chris Haddock Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Marshall Teague as Steve Morrison, Patrie Allen as Marie Morrison, Don Stroud as Commander Hilliard, Stephen Furst as Dr. Kozby. Nielsen ratings: 13.9 rating, 23 share, 2nd (31st overall). A mentally disturbed man steals a precious vial of deadly bacteria, and MacGyver is shocked when a confrontation with the thief reveals that he's a friend who once saved his life. 083 Unfinished Business Airdate: 15 May 1989 Writer: Marianne Clarkson Director: Charles Correll Guest Cast: Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton, Kristian Alfonso as Deborah. Nielsen ratings: 13.2 rating, 22 share, 1st (25th overall). A beautiful woman with a mission returns to kill MacGyver.
FIFTH SEASON
084 Legend of the Holy Rose (two-parter) and Airdates: 18 September 1989 (Part 1); 25 September 1989 (Part 2) 085 Writer: Stephen Downing Director: Michael Caffey (Part 1) Charles Correll (Part 2) Guest Cast: Lise Cutter as Zoe Ryan, Robin Mossley as Alexander Shannon, Michael Ensign as Professor Wycliff, Tony Perez as Estebar, Judd Omen as Shiva Luca, Christopher Neame as Erich Von Leer. Nielsen ratings: (Part 1) 9.8 rating, 16 share, 3rd (62nd overall). (Part 2) 11.7 rating, 19 share, 3rd (52nd overall). [Part 1] MacGyver is exhausted after a rescue in Colombia, but archaeologist Zoe Ryan entices him to join her quest for the Holy Grail, which someone else has designs on. [Part 2] MacGyver and Zoe's search for the Holy Rose may be halted permanently by Von Leer, who has stolen the artifacts they need to unlock its secrets. 086 The Black Corsage Airdate: 02 October 1989 Writer: Paul Margolis Director: Charles Correll Guest Cast: Christianne Hirt as Sofia Parker, Ryan Michael as Deegan, David Hay as March, Cleavon Little as Frank Colton, David Bloom as Reynolds. Nielsen ratings: 12.1 rating, 20 share, 3rd (41st overall). MacGyver teams with a bounty hunter to track down a Bulgarian scientist on the run from "techno-bandits" who are seeking the location of an ancient gem. 087 Cease Fire Airdate: 09 October 1989 Writer: Chris Haddock Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Mayim Bialik as Lisa Woodman, Eli Danker as Yanif, Allan Lysell as Walker, Michael Naxos as President Habad. Nielsen ratings: 11.4 rating, 19 share, 3rd (50th overall). In Switzerland for peace negotiations between two countries, MacGyver becomes a fugitive when he's framed for an assassination attempt on one nation's president. 088 Second Chance Airdate: 16 October 1989 Writer: Robert Sherman Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Richard Lawson as Jesse Colton, Kim Miyori as Dr. Triwai, Barry Bernal as Willie, Channing Mitchell as Raj, Malcolm Stewart as Frank Skinner. Nielsen ratings: 12.6 rating, 20 share, 3rd (38th overall). MacGyver heads a project bringing young Amerasians to the U.S. for medical treatment, and his companion meets a thieving youth who's the son he didn't know he had. 089 Halloween Knights Airdate: 30 October 1989 Writer: John Sheppard Director: Charles Correll Guest Cast: Daniel Davis as Nicholas Helman, Frank C. Turner, Jo-Anne Bates as Sonya, Michael Des Barres as Murdoc, Debbie Podowski as Ashton Cooke. Nielsen ratings: 12.8 rating, 21 share, 2nd (39th overall). MacGyver's not sure whether it's a trick or a treat when his ruthless rival Murdoc asks for help to free his innocent sister, who's being held captive by a vengeful ex-employer. 090 Children of Light Airdate: 06 November 1989 Writer: Rick Mittleman Director: Bill Corcoran Guest Cast: Michele B. Chan as Mei Jan, Robert Ito as Peng Chow, Tzi Ma as Wing Lee, Keone Young as Zhao. Nielsen ratings: 12.5 rating, 20 share, 3rd (43rd overall). A Chinese student trailed by agents of the People's Republic arrives at MacGyver's home claiming to be his foster daughter, while secretly holding evidence of the bloodletting at Tiananmen Square. (Note: The Chinese government protested when a Vancouver building was made into the episode's Chinese consulate.) 091 Black Rhino Airdate: 13 November 1989 Writer: Paul B. Margolis Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Cecilia Hart as Kate Hubley, Cuba Gooding, Jr., as Billy Colton, Roger Aaron Brown as Mabuto, Kai Wulff as Ladysmith. Nielsen ratings: 12.6 rating, 20 share, 3rd (40th overall). In Africa, MacGyver tries to help the wildest of the Colton brothers nail a poacher who's butchering endangered black rhinos for their valuable horns. (Note: A $40,000 animatronic rhino was used in this episode.) 092 The Ten Percent Solution Airdate: 20 November 1989 Writer: Tom & Sally Drake Director: Michael Preece Guest Cast: Nehemiah Persoff as Sam, Barbara Stock as Laura, Gretchen Wyler as Madame Brandenburg, Garry Chalk as Sergeant Gray, John Novak as Lyle Hoggart. Nielsen ratings: 12.0 rating, 20 share, 3rd (41st overall). MacGyver looks into a concentration-camp survivor's familial claim to a masterpiece painting, and the two uncover a neo-Nazi group that's auctioning off stolen artworks to finance its plot to create an "Aryan Nation." 093 Two Times Trouble Airdate: 11 December 1989 Writer: Robert Sherman Director: Michael Preece Guest Cast: Audrey Landers as Carla, Terry David Mulligan as Rogan, Babs Chula as Eve, Dana Still as Dr. Farrell. Nielsen ratings: 12.1 rating, 20 share, 2nd (49th overall). MacGyver is put in double jeopardy by a rock-singer friend who thinks her twin is trying to kill her. 094 The Madonna Airdate: 18 December 1989 Writer: Cathleen Young Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Jeanette Nolan as Carol, Roxanne Reese as Cynthia, Jackson Davies as Father Pat Lafferty, Anthony Holland as Vincent Battaglia, Charles Payne as Breeze. Nielsen ratings: 11.6 rating, 19 share, 2nd (40th overall). On Christmas Eve, MacGyver helps his priest friend search for a statue of the Madonna taken from a church near the Challengers Club, for which a homeless woman has a pocketful of minor miracles. 095 Serenity Airdate: 08 January 1990 Writer: Stephen Kandel Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Teri Hatcher as Penny Parker, Cuba Gooding, Jr., as Billy Colton, Robin Mossley as Wilt Bozer, Robert Donner as Milt Bozer, Norman Browning as the Town Marshall, Michael Des Barres as Murdoc, Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton. Nielsen ratings: 13.7 rating, 20 share, 3rd (40th overall). MacGyver dreams he's a Civil War veteran in the Old West who gains a claim to a home on the range in Montana, but he meets resistance from a neighboring rancher in the form of Pete Thornton. 096 Live and Learn Airdate: 15 January 1990 Writer: Rick Mittleman Director: Harry Harris Guest Cast: James Sloyan as George Fraley, Glenn Scarpelli as Tony Milani, Linda Darlow as the Principal, Jerry Wasserman as Nick Milani. Nielsen ratings: 13.9 rating, 21 share, 2nd (36th overall). MacGyver reaches out to a promising high-school student as part of a Phoenix mentor program, but he has to get around a cynical teacher and the youth's no-nonsense father for his message to take hold. 097 Log Jam Airdate: 05 February 1990 Writer: Lee Maddux Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Nancy Everhard as Amy Chandler, John Considine as Foxworth, Patrick Bishop as Braddock, Kim Kondrashoff as Glass, French Tickner as Sheriff Delaney, Doug Sheehan as Jack Chandler. Nielsen ratings: 13.7 rating, 21 share, 1st (35th overall). MacGyver infiltrates a logging company on behalf of an environmentalist friend who believes that a company whistle-blower was cut down before he could expose the management's illegal activity. 098 The Treasure of Manco Airdate: 12 February 1990 Writer: Chris Haddock Director: Michael Preece Guest Cast: Theresa Saldana as Maria, Michael Bays as Ramon, Richard Chaves as Enrique, Gregory Sierra as Captain Diaz. Nielsen ratings: 12.9 rating, 20 share, 2nd (41st overall). MacGyver helps a friend search for a lost Inca treasure that's also sought by greedy guerillas looking for a way to finance a bloody revolution. 099 Jenny's Chance Airdate: 19 February 1990 Writers: Rick Drew & John Sheppard Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Vic Tayback as George Henderson, Dale Wilson as Colin Yardrow, Simon Webb as Underwood, Linda Blair as Jenny Larson, Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton. Nielsen ratings: 14.7 rating, 22 share, 1st (28th overall). MacGyver, Jack Dalton and Pete Thornton go undercover as a computer geek, a drug lord, and a dirty big-time bookie to make a murderous money launderer come clean. 100 Deep Cover Airdate: 26 February 1990 Writer: Robert Sherman Director: Charles Correll Guest Cast: Rosemary Dunsmore as Gwen Carpenter, Mitchell Laurence as Landis, Madison Mason as Dan Stringer, Marco Rodriguez as Sanchez, Bill Croft as Donnelly, Timothy Webber as Banniker. Nielsen ratings: 13.0 rating, 20 share, 3rd (39th overall). A drug cartel spy steals a prototype stealth submarine by seducing the main engineer. 101 The Lost Amadeus Airdate: 19 March 1990 Writer: Paul B. Margolis Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Tamsin Kelsey as Lulu, Herbert Edelman as Tubbs, Milton Selzer as Izzy. Nielsen ratings: 13.1 rating, 21 share, 1st (31st overall). A slightly off-key woman leads MacGyver on a wild chase to save a priceless violin - and the virtuoso who owns it - from hoods. 102 Hearts of Steel (AKA Kidnapped) Airdate: 09 April 1990 Writer: Rick Mittleman Director: Charles Correll Guest Cast: Mayim Bialik as Lisa Woodman, Ron Hale as Travers, Joseph Lambie as Eric Woodman, Blu Mankuma as Lt. Rhome, Merrilyn Gann as Gretta. Nielsen ratings: 12.4 rating, 21 share, 1st (33rd overall). A steel executive whose mill has been shut down seeks vengeance by kidnapping the daughter of the corporate raider responsible for the closure. 103 Rush to Judgement (sic) Airdate: 16 April 1990 Writer: Robert Sherman Director: Charles Correll Guest Cast: Steven Keats as Baron, Deborah Van Valkenburgh as Sandra Masters, Henry Beckman as the Judge, Beau Billingslea as Mr. Monroe, Tim Haldman as Rev. Roy Thatcher, Lilliam Lehman as Bigelow, Betty McGuire as the Bird Lady. Nielsen ratings: 12.7 rating, 21 share, 1st (33rd overall). As a juror in a racially charged murder trial, MacGyver can't resist digging up more facts on his own, which courts the wrath of the judge, even though he may be on to the truth. 104 Passages (AKA Coma) Airdate: 30 April 1990 Teleplay: John Sheppard Story: Anthony Rich Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: John Anderson as Harry Jackson, Anthony Stamboulieh as Hakim, Leslie Carlson as MacGyver's Doctor, Sheila Moore as Ellen MacGyver, Martin Milner as James MacGyver. Nielsen ratings: 12.2 rating, 21 share, 1st (42nd overall). While waiting to fly home to his ailing grandfather, MacGyver pursues a thief who's stolen an Egyptian artifact tied to ancient beliefs about the afterlife.
SIXTH SEASON
105 Tough Boys Airdate: 17 September 1990 Writer: Art Washington Director: Michael Vejar Guest Cast: Richard Roundtree as R.J. Hines, Richard Chaves as Manny, Dale Wilson as Dennis, Garvin Funches as Coco. Nielsen ratings: 11.4 rating, 19 share, 3rd (51st overall). MacGyver is on the trail of a group of youth vigilantes and their leader, who are taking explosive measures to blow away the crack ring gripping their neighborhood. 106 Humanity Airdate: 24 September 1990 Writer: Lincoln Kibbee Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Brooks Gardner as Victor, Larry D. Mann as Cuzo, Alan Scarfe as Krik. Nielsen ratings: 10.5 rating, 18 share, 3rd (52nd overall). An elite corps still loyal to Romania's dead tyrant Ceauscescu sabotages a plan to uncover his secret files and, in the chaotic aftermath of their assault, MacGyver tries to appeal to one agent's sense of humanity. 107 The Gun Airdate: 01 October 1990 Writer: Robert Sherman Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Charles Andrew Payne as Breeze, Zachary Ansley as Todd Fowler, Julie Downing as Laura, Jerry Wasserman as Maddox, Jay Brazeau as Zamora. Nielsen ratings: 12.1 rating, 21 share, 2nd (43rd overall). A gun used in an assassination 20 years ago and in a present-day cop killing is sought by both a crazed anarchist and MacGyver, who needs it to clear a friend accused of the shooting. 108 Twenty Questions Airdate: 08 October 1990 Writer: Rick Mittleman Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Mayim Bialik as Lisa Woodman, Linden Ashby as Brett Reynolds, Kimberly Neville as Holly, Jackson Davies as Kiley, Joseph Lambie as Eric Woodman, Patrie Allen as Katherine Woodman. Nielsen ratings: 13.4 rating, 22 share, 2nd (35th overall). MacGyver tries to get Lisa Woodman to admit she has a drinking problem that's already led to her involvement in a string of burglaries. 109 The Wall Airdate: 22 October 1990 Writer: Rick Drew Director: Michael Preece Guest Cast: Brigitte Sternberg as Maria Romburg, John Horn as Huber, Reiner Schoene as Weise, Jackson Davies as Kiley, Milton Selzer as Otto Romburg. Nielsen ratings: 11.5 rating, 19 share, 3rd (49th overall). MacGyver seeks to reunite an East German expatriate with his granddaughter Maria, who may be in cahoots with two ex-Stasi agents who want a stash of gold in the old man's possession. 110 Lesson in Evil Airdate: 29 October 1990 Writer: John Sheppard Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Kim Zimmer as Murphy, W. Morgan Sheppard as Dr. Zito, Jackson Davies as Kiley, Lynne Moody as Dr. Marion Skinner, Alvin Sanders as Charles. Nielsen ratings: 11.9 rating, 20 share, 3rd (43rd overall). MacGyver's murderous nemesis Dr. Zito escapes after a sanity hearing and leaves a trail of clues intended to give MacGyver a crash course in evil. 111 Harry's Will Airdate: 05 November 1990 Writer: Lincoln Kibbee Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Lyle Alzado as Tiny, John Anderson as Harry Jackson, Dick Butkus as Earl Dent, James Doohan as Speedy, Henry Gibson as the Chicken Habit Customer, Sandra Gould as the Woman at the Soup Kitchen, Rich Little as Biff Arnold, Marion Ramsey as the Police Officer, Marion Ross as Sister Robin, Abe Vigoda as Bill Cody, Jesse White as Mel, Wendy O. Williams as Big Mama, Henry Winkler as Wilton Newberry. Nielsen ratings: 14.0 rating, 23 share, 1st (33rd overall). MacGyver tangles with crazy crooks and an elderly ex-con in pursuit of a treasure thought hidden in a Nomad station wagon willed to MacGyver by his grandfather. 112 MacGyver's Women Airdate: 12 November 1990 Writers: Stephen Kandel & Lincoln Kibbee Director: Michael Preece Guest Cast: Kim Zimmer as Murphy, Brigitta Sternberg as Maria, Traci Lords as Jenny, Robert Donner as Milt, Robin Mossley as Wilt, Marshal Teague as Kid Curry, Frank C. Turner as News, Dale Wilson as Sundance. Nielsen ratings: 12.0 rating, 19 share (2nd (47th overall). After an embarrassing scene with Maria, Lt. Murphy, and Jenny, MacGyver dreams he is back in Serenity, where he must rescue all three from the Hole in the Wall Gang and their ruthless leader, Kid Curry. 113 Bitter Harvest Airdate: 19 November 1990 Writer: Michael Kane Director: Michael Vejar Guest Cast: James Medina as Silva, Richard Sarafian as Caspar Kasabian, Joey Aresco as Nick, Yvette Cruise as Carmen Garcia, Anthony Penya as Lopez, Allan Lysell as the Sheriff, Giann Concalves as Natalie Garcia. Nielsen ratings: 12.8 rating, 21 share, 3rd (29th overall). MacGyver picks up where a murdered farm-worker left off by investigating a grower's possible use of illegal pesticides. 114 The Visitor Airdate: 03 December 1990 Writer: Brad Radnitz Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Ken Pogue as the Sheriff, Beth Toussaint as Dawn Rigel, Christopher Gaze as Phil Sternwise, Ryan Michael as Ray Rigel, Larry Musser as John Wiley, Kaj-Erik Eriksen as Tommy Wiley, Suzie Payne as Sarah Wiley. Nielsen ratings: 13.9 rating, 21 share, 2nd (29th overall). MacGyver believes he's seeing a close encounter of the con kind when a couple of "extraterrestrials" promise to transport a desperate rural family to a utopian, trouble-free planet - for a price. 115 Squeeze Play Airdate: 17 December 1990 Writer: Art Washington Director: Michael Preece Guest Cast: Kent McCord as Novus Reilly, Malcolm Stewart as Marsh, Tim Rossovich as Willard, Catherine Zak as Wendy Reilly, Reggie Jackson as himself, Della Reese as Mama Colton. Nielsen ratings: 11.9 rating, 20 share, 3rd (42nd overall). MacGyver goes to bat for a former baseball player who's being blackmailed by a counterfeit-memorabilia ring. 116 Jerico Games Airdate: 07 January 1991 Writer: Robert Sherman Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Mary Ann Pascal as Ellen, Paul Haddad as Nikolai, Madison Mason as Reese, Adam Gregor as Serge, Robert Pine as Jerico. Nielsen ratings: 13.3 rating, 20 share, 3rd (39th overall). MacGyver happily reunites with his high-school sweetheart, who's now the embittered wife of a media-mogul sponsoring an international sports competition. 117 The Wasteland Airdate: 21 January 1991 Teleplay: Robert Hamner & Grant Rosenberg Story: Robert Hamner Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Jim McMullan as Andrew Bartlett, Mitzi Kapture as Laura, John Pyper-Ferguson as Scott, Bruce Harwood as Willis. Nielsen ratings: 12.1 rating, 18 share, 3rd (37th overall). MacGyver seeks to halt a land developer who's on the verge of creating an environmental ruin, while the man's son and daughter have a more malicious plan to run him out of the family business. 118 Eye of Osiris Airdate: 04 February 1991 Writer: John Sheppard Director: Michael Vejar Guest Cast: Deborah Foreman as Beth, Kai Wulff as Nicolas Von Leer, Anthony Stamboulieh as Hakim, Peter Haworth as Axford. Nielsen ratings: 12.3 rating, 19 share, 3rd (45th overall). MacGyver helps a cranky archaeologist and his adventuresome assistant search for the tomb of Alexander the Great, but their work's cursed by a vengeful villain. 119 High Control Airdate: 11 February 1991 Writer: Lincoln Kibbee Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Gwynyth Walsh as Montana, Don Stroud as Kluge, Bill Croft as Rote, Anthony Schmidt as Hawkins, Howard Storey as Travis, Dick Butkus as Earl Dent. Nielsen ratings: 12.6 rating, 19 share, 3rd (43rd overall). A parolee with the will to go straight nevertheless needs the aid of MacGyver to battle his old biker gang seeking to blackmail him. 120 There But For The Grace Airdate: 18 February 1991 Writer: John Considine Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Nicoloas Coster as Doc, Marie Stillin as Rachel, John Considine as Sandler, Scott Bellis as Danny, Todd Duckworth as Riker, Blu Mankuma as Lt. Rhome. Nielsen ratings: 12.8 rating, 19 share, 3rd (35th overall). MacGyver enters the world of the homeless to investigate the murder of an old friend from high school. 121 Blind Faith Airdate: 04 March 1991 Writer: John Considine Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Irene de Bari as Samantha, Michael MacRae as Stams, Ed Trotta as Cardosa, Hector Mercado as Ramos, Andrew Rhodes as Richardson. Nielsen ratings: 10.3 rating, 16 share, 3rd (44th overall). Pete Thornton's old flame, a political dissident, is in danger as she seeks to shed light on atrocities committed in her Latin American country. (Note: This is the episode where Pete openly admits to MacGyver that he has glaucoma.) 122 Faith, Hope & Charity Airdate: 18 March 1991 Writer: Brad Radnitz Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Matalie Core as Faith, Helen Page Camp as Hope, Anthony Holland as Leo Burns, Paul Boretski as Bobby, Barry Greene as Abe, Herb Edelman as Gorman. Nielsen ratings: 12.3 rating, 19 share, 3rd (40th overall). While tracking the endangered gray wolf, MacGyver is side-tracked by murderous mobsters prowling for stolen loot, but he gets help from two charitable women named Faith and Hope. 123 Strictly Business Airdate: 08 April 1991 Writer: John Sheppard Director: Michael Vejar Guest Cast: Kristen Meadows as Suzanne, Rochelle Greenwood as Amy, Michael Des Barres as Murdoc. Nielsen ratings: 11.5 rating, 20 share, 3rd (43rd overall). Murderous Murdoc decides to come out of "retirement" and hit the one target that's always eluded him: MacGyver. 124 Trail of Tears Airdate: 29 April 1991 Writer: Lincoln Kibbee Director: Michael Preece Guest Cast: Michael Gregory as Whitecloud, Nick Ramus as Standing Wolf, Jack Bannon as Johnson, Gerry Bean as Russell, R. Nelson Brown as Dick Russell's Assistant, Bruce Harwood as Willis. Nielsen ratings: 11.0 rating, 18 share, 3rd (47th overall). A land dispute pits a Native American advocate, willing to use explosive measures, against electric-company representatives, willing to kill. 125 Hind-Sight Airdate: 06 May 1991 Writer: Rick Mittleman Director: Michael Preece Guest Cast: Linda Darlow as Connie, Bruce Harwood as Willis, Barbara E. Russell as Nurse Krandall. Nielsen ratings: 10.2 rating, 17 share, 3rd (50th overall). Awaiting the operation to treat Pete Thornton's glaucoma, MacGyver and Thornton look back on many of the adversities they've overcome in the past.
SEVENTH SEASON
(Note: Filming has moved back to Los Angeles.)
126 Honest Abe Airdate: 16 September 1991 Writer: Lincoln Kibbee Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Shelly Berman as Abe, Lance LeGault as Elliott, David Naughton as LaManna, Ben Stein as Major Sneed, Michael B. Tucci, Time Winters as Peugeot, Dan Eisenstein as Jeffrey. Nielsen ratings: 8.6 rating, 14 share, 3rd (67th overall). MacGyver is whisked away from the Bar Mitzvah of his friend's son by the boy's grandfather Abe, who gets MacGyver tangled in a web of international intrigue involving an eccentric Caribbean dictator and a high-tech helicopter. 127 The 'Hood Airdate: 23 September 1991 Writer: Rick Mittleman Director: Michael Vejar Guest Cast: Nancy Sloan as Kelly, Adrian Sparks as Melvin, Kimberly Scott as Mama Lorraine, Rob Youngblood as Bobbie Lee, Sean O'Bryan as Will, Shawn Wayans as Robo. Nielsen ratings: 9.2 rating, 15 share, 3rd (70th overall). Having lost his houseboat to fire, MacGyver moves into a Bohemian section of town and flies into action when a young woman in his new neighborhood walks into trouble with hit men. 128 Obsessed Airdate: 30 September 1991 Writer: John Sheppard Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Wendie Malick as Cindy, Geno Silva as Delasora, Margarita Franco as Marietta, Don Galloway as Bob Stryke, Michael Des Barres as Murdoc. Nielsen ratings: 9.1 rating, 15 share, 3rd (62nd overall). Recurring nightmares about Murdoc make MacGyver sleepless and on edge as he provides security at the criminal trial of a deposed dictator. 129 The Prometheus Syndrome Airdate: 07 October 1991 Writer: Robert Sherman Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Jenette Goldstein as Rachel, Jack McGee as Joe Roswell, Dave Florek as Ralph, Randolph Mantooth as Earl Stringer, Kimberly Scott as Mama Lorraine. Nielsen ratings: 9.0 rating, 15 share, 3rd (65th overall). Efforts to help smoke out a psychopathic arsonist turn personal for MacGyver. 130 The Coltons Airdate: 14 October 1991 Teleplay: Stephen Downing Story: Stephen Downing & Michael Greenburg Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Cleavon Little as Frank Colton, Richard Lawson as Jesse Colton, Cuba Gooding, Jr., as Billy Colton, Della Reese as Mama Colton, Richard Gant as Denmark, Francois Chau, Christopher Thomas as G. Irwin Fielding, Irene Yah-Ling Sun, James Hong as Kuang. Nielsen ratings: 9.8 rating, 16 share, 3rd (56th overall). The Colton family aids an Amerasian girl, lone witness to a Chinatown murder, who is fleeing from the Chinese mafia. (Note: MacGyver only appears in the prologue and epilogue of this episode, which was intended as the pilot for a possible spinoff series based around the Colton family. The series never eventuated.) 131 Walking Dead Airdate: 21 October 1991 Writer: Mark Rodgers Director: Michael Preece Guest Cast: Kimberly Scott as Mama Lorraine, Thomas Mikal Ford, Antonio Fargas as Colonel Devraux, Michael D. Roberts as Dr. Redemption. Nielsen ratings: 10.0 rating, 16 share, 3rd (52nd overall). MacGyver finds himself in deep trouble when a friend's activist daughter is kidnapped and turned into a zombie by a group of Haitian extortionists. 132 Good Knight MacGyver (two-parter) and Airdates: 04 November 1991 (Part 1); 11 November 1991 (Part 2) 133 Writer: John Considine Director: Michael Vejar Guest Cast: Time Winters as Merlin, Christopher Collet, Lynne Harbaugh as Cecilia, Colm Meaney as Irwin Malcolm, Peter Vogt, Christopher Neame as Duncan, Mark Holton, Harry Victor, Robin Strasser as Morganna, William H. Bassett as Ian M'Iver. Nielsen ratings: (Part 1) 9.6 rating, 15 share, 3rd (61st overall). (Part 2) 10.6 rating, 16 share, 3rd (54th overall). [Part 1] A bonk on the head sends MacGyver back in time to King Arthur's Court, where his futuristic ways are a threat to Merlin's magic, but they also might prove that the magician didn't try to do in the King. [Part 2] Seeking to clear his family's name, MacGyver continues his quest with Merlin to free Galahad's beloved Cecilia and to foil the plan of wicked Morgana, who's got gunpowder. (This episode reveals Mac's first name.) 134 Deadly Silents Airdate: 18 November 1991 Writer: Brad Radnitz Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Henry Gibson as Pinky, Tommy Hinkley as Neil, Frederick Coffin as Karl. Nielsen ratings: 10.0 rating, 16 share, 3rd (54th overall). MacGyver acts on behalf of an old silent-movie comedian whose only remaining prints of his work are stolen by a pair with a penchant for special effects. 135 Split Decision Airdate: 02 December 1991 Writer: David Rich Director: Michael Caffey Guest Cast: Dick Butkus as Earl Dent, Sam Scarber as Crazy Eddie Jackson, Don Gibb as Herman the German, Bubba Smith as Bailey, F. William Parker, Sarah Koskoff as Veronica, Herbert Edelman as Riggins. Nielsen ratings: 9.5 rating, 15 share, 3rd (61st overall). MacGyver's boxer buddy Earl Dent fights to retain custody of his daughter, but some bad bookmakers want him to take a dive in his comeback bout. 136 Gunz 'N Boyz Airdate: 16 December 1991 Writer: Art Washington Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Margaret Avery as Regina Jefferies, Garvin Funches as Brian Jeffries, Tommy Morgan as Player G, Vonte Sweet as Kelvin Jeffries, Lee Weaver as Stumpy, Larry Wilcox as Minton. Nielsen ratings: 10.3 rating, 17 share, 3rd (59th overall). A Challenger Club youth takes the heat for the fatal shooting of a gang member murdered by a weapons dealer who makes a killing exploiting street violence. 137 Off the Wall Airdate: 30 December 1991 Writer: Rick Mittleman Director: Michael Preece Guest Cast: Richard Coca as Lobo, Kathleen Freeman as Rose, Ruth Manning, Betty Carvalho, Stanley Kamel as Victor Kasanti, John Considine as Andrew Lawton. Nielsen ratings: 10.9 rating, 18 share, 3rd (48th overall). MacGyver goes to the wall for a young graffiti-artist friend and his grandmother, who's been evicted by a slum-lord to make way for a development project. 138 The Stringer Airdate: 25 April 1992 Writer: John Sheppard Director: Michael Vejar Guest Cast: Michele B. Chan as Mei Jan, Keone Young as Chung Tai Shan, Dalton James as Sean A. Malloy, Lisa Savage as Kate Malloy. Nielsen ratings: 13.8 rating, 26 share, 1st (15th overall). In his last regular-series adventure, MacGyver takes on the dangerous cause of a Chinese dissident and gets help from an unexpected source - his son. 139 The Mountain of Youth (the "lost" episode) Airdate: 21 May 1992 Writer: Brad Radnitz Director: William Gereghty Guest Cast: Roya Megnot as Mukti, Ned Romero as Baba, Alex Colon, George Kee Cheung as Dr. Liang, Bruce McGill as Jack Dalton. Nielsen ratings: 8.1 rating, 14 share, 4th (53rd overall). MacGyver joins Jack Dalton in Kabulstan on a search for a fountain of youth in a land that appears to be a real Shangri-La - and finds himself battling nuclear terrorists in the process. 140 Lost Treasure of Atlantis (two-hour, made-for-TV movie) Airdate: 14 May 1994 Writer: John Sheppard Director: Michael Vejar Supporting Cast: Geoffrey Beevers as the Academy Director, Brian Blessed as Atticus, Christian Burgess as Lord Cleeve, Oliver Ford Davies as Professor Carson, George Jackos as the Sergeant, Kevork Malikyan as Zavros, Andreas Markos as the Greek Doctor, Barry McCormick as the Detective, Hugh Quarshie as Inspector Rhodes, Sophie Ward as Kelly Carson, Tim Woodward as Colonel Petrovic. Nielsen ratings: 9.1 rating, 17 share, 2nd (58th overall). MacGyver, his archaeology professor, and an old friend team up to search for the legendary treasure of Atlantis, but an enterprising Englishman and his partner want the treasure for other reasons. 141 Trail to Doomsday (two-hour, made-for-TV movie) Airdate: 24 November 1994 Writer: John Considine Director: Charles Correll Supporting Cast: Beatie Edney as Natalia, Peter Egan as Frederick, Alun Armstrong as Capshaw, Bob Sherman as Anthony Graves, Lena Headley as Elise Moran, Nicholas Farrell as Paul Moran, Robert Gwilym as Nikolai, Michael Cronin as Dr. Massey. Nielsen ratings: 8.9 rating, 16 share, 2nd (59th overall). In England, MacGyver investigates the mystery of his friend's murder and discovers a secret nuclear weapons facility in the process.
Acknowledgments
The MacGyver FAQ previously appeared at www.uplinktech.net/macgyver/ which has closed: many thanks to Melissa for giving me permission to re-post it here. Many, many thanks also to the people who wrote the information in this FAQ and put it together.
The MacGyver F.A.Q. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
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