B.J. and the Bear

B.J. and the Bear is an American comedy series that aired on NBC from 1978 to 1981. The show creatively blends humor, adventure, and drama in a unique package that delivers an entertaining viewing experience. It is one of the quintessential productions of the late 70s and early 80s, defining an era of television where straightforward storytelling, memorable characters, and occasionally flamboyant show concepts were the norm.

The series revolves around the life of Billie Joe "B.J." McKay, a freewheeling truck driver traversing the highways of America in a red and white Kenworth K-100 Aerodyne truck, diligently delivering cargo from one place to another. The character of B.J. McKay was played by Greg Evigan, who infused the character with charisma, wit, and a touch of rebelliousness that helped him resonate with audiences.

What makes the series unique is its anthropomorphized co-star — a chimpanzee named Bear. The bond between B.J. and Bear is both heartwarming and comic, providing much of the show’s endearing charm. The unusual pairing lends the series its irrepressible sense of fun, but also serves as a source for various plot lines and adventures. From engaging in tricky transport jobs to helping folks they meet along the way, the dynamic duo is consistently in the thick of the action.

The series chronicles the escapades and misadventures of this unusual pair as they navigate through various challenges and confrontations. From car chases to encounters with underhanded characters, the show effectively intersperses typical Americana with compelling tales of camaraderie, risk, and resilience.

One of the recurring antagonists in the series is corrupt Sheriff Lobo, played by Claude Akins, who is constantly scheming to impound B.J.'s truck with hopes of finding it loaded with illegal contraband. Lobo's repeated attempts to catch B.J. and Bear in the act are one of the show's running comedic elements. This character even spun off into his own series, "The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo."

B.J. and the Bear also employs a host of incidental characters to flesh out the world of our roving truckers. These characters, while secondary to the show's central duo, contribute to the diverse narrative fabric of the program, further enhancing its broad appeal. From crooked law enforcement officials to various freight clients, these characters help to inject a sense of diversity and unpredictability into the story lines.

The videotaped series possesses notable production values for its era, with an emphatic credit going to the stunt teams for their work in the action set-pieces involving B.J.'s truck and a variety of other vehicles. The distinctive theme song, written and performed by Greg Evigan, further adds to the unique charm of the series.

The settings of B.J. and the Bear are largely rural and suburban locales, providing a snapshot of late 70s America. They also echo BJ's nomadic existence, as there's always another town, another job, and another adventure on the horizon.

B.J. and the Bear largely follows an episodic format, allowing for light, self-contained stories. However, character arcs and themes are still developed across episodes, producing a satisfying blend of serial and episodic storytelling. This format allows for easy viewing and makes each episode a standalone tale, a stark contrast to the heavily serialized nature of many modern television series.

In summary, B.J. and the Bear is a throwback to simpler times when television shows were about fun, light-hearted adventures. The unique concept of a trucker and his pet monkey traveling across America, getting into all sorts of scrapes and escapades, offers viewers a unique palette of escapism and adventure. B.J. and the Bear will not fail to amuse those who enjoy classic television, relishing in its innovative concept, unique charm, and affable sense of humor.