Bret Maverick

Bret Maverick is an American Western television series from NBC that aired in 1981. The show starred James Garner, Ed Bruce, Ramon Bieri, Richard Hamilton, Stuart Margolin, and Darleen Carr. The series was pitched as a continuation of the original "Maverick" series, with the unmistakable James Garner reprising his role as the cunning and charm-laden Bret Maverick. The series aimed to encapsulate the charm of the original series while introducing new elements and characters for its modern viewers.

The series centers around Bret Maverick, a seasoned gambler and wordsmith. He's a man of many tales, hybridized with the grit you would expect from a Western protagonist, and the smooth-talking charm of a seasoned gambler. Maverick is a character known for preferring the art of negotiation, wit, and intelligence rather than resorting to violence. He uses his quick-thinking and resourcefulness to extricate himself from dangerous situations rather than using brute force.

Residing now in the fictional town of Sweetwater, in the Arizona Territory, during the 1880s, an older and wiser Bret Maverick has decided it's time to settle down. He's put aside his travelling ways in favor of a more permanent residence. However, covering the poker table is not so easy for this life-long gambler. Bret continues his gambling ventures, but now acts as the part-owner of the Red Ox Saloon, which provides a base of operations for his various antics.

The unique character of Bret Maverick reemerges, providing his signature humor, charm, and clever tactics that fans of the original series loved. The series follows his adventures, including his interactions with the town's people, law enforcement, gamblers, and a myriad of characters he interacts with along his journey.

Ed Bruce plays Maverick's best friend Tom Guthrie, the town's sheriff, who often gets reluctantly dragged into Maverick's schemes, creating a fun and intriguing dynamic between the duo. Tom Guthrie acts as a perfect bouncing board for Maverick's witty remarks and provides regular doses of friendly banter. Ramon Bieri portrays the town banker, who acts as a semi-antagonist to the Maverick's antics. The various interactions within this quaint town set the stage for interesting storylines packed with comedy, drama, suspense, and of course, poker.

Stuart Margolin portrays Philo Sandeen, a character who was previously part of an outlaw gang but now lives a reformed peaceful life with his Native American wife. His character's colorful past adds a splash of exciting history to the show's narrative. Darleen Carr lends her acting talent as the feisty local newspaper editor Mary Lou "M.L." Springer, often providing a strong counterpoint to Maverick's chauvinistic tendencies.

Richard Hamilton's character Cy Whitaker, a homesteader whom Maverick owed a life debt, adds complexity to Maverick's character as even the shrewd gambler operates under a strong moral code.

Bret Maverick combines patlly elements of a Western, part drama, part comedy with a dose of crime sprinkled in. It reflects the somewhat grittier realities of life in the old West, while balancing it with Maverick's charm and wit, making it primarily a show about character relationships, human nature, and how clever maneuvering can be just as effective, if not more so, than a gunfight.

While the series only aired for one season, it’s fondly remembered by its fans for successfully reviving the charismatic character of Bret Maverick and giving them another chance to ride along with this quick-witted gambler's adventures. Bret Maverick delivers a unique Western experience filled with humor, adventure, and the delightful charm of its leading character, Bret Maverick, played to perfection by James Garner.