Gun

Gun is a fascinating piece of television history, a unique anthology series that aired on ABC in 1997. The show gathers together an impressive array of talent from the film world, with each episode directed by a well-known filmmaker and presented as an individual, standalone story. Yet, the common thread that unites each tale is the titular object - a semi-automatic pistol and the intrigue, danger, and drama it brings into the lives of people who come into possession of it.

The six-episode series brings suspense and intrigue directly into the homes of viewers, offering a kaleidoscopic perspective on the creeping presence of violence, and the varying ways people relate to firearms, in contemporary American life. Each adapted from a short story by James Steven Sadwith, the half-a-dozen episodes traverse eclectic themes ranging from crime, mystery, and noir to dark comedy and romantic drama, with the same .45 caliber pistol making an appearance in each story and passing from one character to another.

The concept is highly unique - how can a mere object, deadly and feared as it may be, unite so many disparate tales and people from all walks of life together? Whether it falls into the hands of a security guard, a philandering husband, a distressed woman, a mobster, or a night clerk, the gun commands respect and emits fear while simultaneously revealing each character's own vulnerabilities, motivations, and impulsions. As the gun is passed from person to person, it navigates a journey through the dark and bright spots of human nature, illuminating the complexities of the American cultural fabric in the process.

More than its innovative premise, Gun also gained recognition for its deep, star-studded roster of talent, behind as well as in front of the camera. The contributing directors include celebrated names such as Robert Altman, James Foley, Ted Demme, and Jeremiah S. Chechik. On-screen, each episode boasts a cast of high-profile actors featuring stars like Daryl Hannah, James Gandolfini, Martin Sheen, Peter Horton, Rosanna Arquette, and many more. The result is an anthology that blends a variety of filmmaking styles and actorly modes into its overarching thematic arc.

Its cinematography is top-notch, echoing the filmic quality which permeates the show, and indulges in both rich, atmospheric narratives and well-crafted neo-noir aesthetics. Watching Gun feels very much like watching a collection of mini movies, each with its own distinctive flavor, narrative rhythm, and visual language.

Moreover, while it ventures into dark territories and grapples with the unsettling and provocative, Gun also consistently maintains an undercurrent of black humor and irony throughout its run. This binds the episodes together and provides a slightly off-kilter balance to the stories, thereby keeping the viewer immersed, entertained, and suitably on edge.

The series’ interest lies not in the gun itself but rather, in the stories that unfold around it. The gun merely serves as a catalyst, uncovering hidden faults, unvoiced desires, and pent-up aggressions in the characters who encounter it. Therein lies the true purpose of the show - to expose the fragile, tenuous lines that divide morality and immorality, courage and cowardice, truth and deception, holding up a mirror to the ironic complexities of human nature and the society we live in.

Gun will appeal to viewers who enjoy anthology shows, are intrigued by the exploration of human stories stirred by external forces, and those who appreciate star-studded ensembles and singularly focused narratives. It is certainly a cherished addition to the canon of 1990s television, with its creative approach to storytelling, exploration of profound themes, and of course, the magnetic, enigmatic object around which the entire series revolves - an inconspicuous semi-automatic pistol.