Discover the Wild & Best of the West TV Show: Exploring the Untamed Terrain and Lifestyle of America's Frontier

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Get ready to saddle up and ride into the Wild West with the Best of the West TV show! This classic Western series takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the dusty plains and rugged mountains of the American frontier. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Westerns or a newcomer to the genre, there's something for everyone in this timeless TV show.

From the opening theme song to the final showdown, Best of the West delivers non-stop action, adventure, and drama. Each episode is packed with gunfights, horseback chases, and daring escapades that will keep you on the edge of your seat. But it's not just the thrilling plotlines that make this show a must-watch; it's also the unforgettable characters who populate the Wild West.

One of the standout characters in Best of the West is Marshal Sam Best, played by Joel Higgins. He's a tough lawman with a quick wit and a sharp tongue, always ready to take on the bad guys and protect his town. But he's also a devoted family man who loves his wife and kids, making him a relatable and endearing hero for audiences of all ages.

Of course, no Western would be complete without a cast of colorful villains, and Best of the West delivers some of the most memorable bad guys in TV history. From the ruthless outlaw Blade (played by Christopher Lloyd) to the conniving con artist Parker Tillman (played by Tracey Walter), the show's villains are as entertaining as they are despicable.

But Best of the West isn't just about heroes and villains; it's also about the everyday people who lived and worked in the Old West. The show explores the challenges and struggles faced by settlers, ranchers, and other pioneers as they tried to make a life on the frontier. From dealing with harsh weather conditions to fending off attacks from hostile Native American tribes, the characters in Best of the West face a wide range of obstacles and hardships.

One of the things that sets Best of the West apart from other Western TV shows is its sense of humor. While the show certainly has its fair share of serious moments, it also knows how to have fun. Whether it's Marshal Best's sarcastic one-liners or the wacky antics of supporting characters like Frog (played by Carl Steven), there's always a bit of levity to break up the tension.

Another standout aspect of Best of the West is its attention to historical accuracy. The show's creators went to great lengths to ensure that the costumes, sets, and props were all true to the period. This attention to detail helps transport viewers back in time to the Wild West of the late 1800s, making the show all the more immersive and engaging.

But perhaps the biggest reason why Best of the West has endured as a beloved TV show for decades is its timeless appeal. Despite being set over a century ago, the themes and stories explored in the show are still relevant today. From the importance of family and community to the struggle for justice and equality, the show's messages resonate just as strongly now as they did when it first aired in the 1980s.

So if you're looking for a TV show that will transport you to another time and place, and keep you hooked from start to finish, look no further than Best of the West. With its unforgettable characters, thrilling action, and timeless themes, this classic Western series is sure to become a favorite for generations to come.


The Wild West Comes Alive in Best of the West TV Show

For lovers of Westerns, there's no better show than Best of the West. This classic television series is set in the late 1800s and follows Marshal Sam Best as he tries to keep peace in the town of Freedom. The show is known for its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and exciting action sequences.

The Characters

One of the reasons why Best of the West is so beloved is because of its memorable cast of characters. Marshal Sam Best, played by Joel Higgins, is the show's protagonist. He's a tough but fair lawman who's always looking out for the people of Freedom. Other notable characters include Elvira Brock, the town's resident madam, and Parker Tillman, the greedy owner of the local saloon. Each character brings their own unique personality to the show.

The Writing

The writing on Best of the West is top-notch. The show's creators managed to strike the perfect balance between drama and comedy. The dialogue is snappy and filled with witty one-liners. Even the show's more serious moments are handled with care, ensuring that viewers are emotionally invested in the story.

The Action

Best of the West is also known for its exciting action sequences. From gunfights to horse chases, the show never fails to deliver heart-pounding moments. What's impressive is how these action scenes are seamlessly integrated into the story. They never feel gratuitous or out of place.

The Setting

The show's setting is another reason why it's so beloved. The show takes place in the Wild West, a time when lawlessness was rampant and danger lurked around every corner. The dusty streets of Freedom and the surrounding wilderness create a sense of authenticity that's hard to replicate in other Westerns.

The Music

The show's theme song is iconic, but the music throughout the series is also noteworthy. The score is composed by Patrick Williams, who also worked on classic shows like The Streets of San Francisco and Lou Grant. The music perfectly captures the spirit of the Wild West and elevates the show to another level.

The Legacy

Best of the West only ran for two seasons in the early 1980s, but its legacy lives on. The show has been referenced in other TV shows and movies, and it's regularly cited as one of the best Westerns of all time. Its influence can be seen in other Western-themed TV shows that have come since, such as Deadwood and Justified.

The Humor

One of the things that sets Best of the West apart from other Westerns is its humor. The show doesn't take itself too seriously and often pokes fun at the genre's conventions. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments throughout the series, and the show's lighthearted tone makes it a joy to watch.

The Performances

The cast of Best of the West is nothing short of fantastic. Joel Higgins is perfect as Marshal Sam Best, bringing just the right amount of toughness and wit to the role. Maryedith Burrell, who plays Elvira Brock, is another standout. Her character is sassy and strong-willed, and Burrell brings her to life with aplomb.

The Themes

Best of the West touches on a variety of themes throughout its run. The show explores issues like greed, justice, and loyalty. It also takes a closer look at the lives of women in the Wild West, something that's often overlooked in other Westerns.

The Nostalgia

For many viewers, watching Best of the West is like taking a trip down memory lane. The show has a nostalgic feel to it, transporting viewers back to a simpler time when Westerns ruled the airwaves. Even viewers who didn't grow up watching the show can appreciate its timeless appeal.

The Bottom Line

Best of the West is a classic Western series that's well worth watching. Its memorable characters, witty dialogue, and exciting action sequences make it a standout in the genre. Whether you're a diehard Western fan or just looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon, Best of the West is sure to deliver.


The Best of the West: A Classic Western Comedy TV Show

The Wild West has been a popular subject in film and television for many years. From John Wayne's iconic cowboy roles to Clint Eastwood's gritty westerns, audiences have always been fascinated by this unique period in American history. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that the Wild West was presented in a completely new light - as a comedy. Best of the West was a groundbreaking TV series that blended classic western tropes with hilarious humor to create a show that still holds up today.

The Iconic Characters of Best of the West

One of the reasons why Best of the West was so successful was its memorable cast of characters. Marshal Sam Best, played by Joel Higgins, was the bumbling hero who always managed to save the day despite his ineptitude. His wife, Elvira (Carlene Watkins), was the sharp-tongued, quick-witted woman who kept him in line. Other beloved characters included the dim-witted Deputy Dawg Brown (Tom Ewell), the lovable outlaw Frog (Christopher Lloyd), and the villainous Mayor Milt Guffey (Leonard Frey).

Each character had their own unique quirks and traits that made them stand out from the rest. Marshal Sam was constantly getting into trouble but somehow managed to come out on top thanks to his quick thinking and determination. Elvira was the voice of reason who always knew how to put her husband in his place. Deputy Dawg was the lovable goofball who always managed to mess things up. Frog was the lovable rogue who had a heart of gold. And Mayor Guffey was the conniving politician who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.

The Hilarious Comedic Timing in the Show

One of the things that set Best of the West apart from other westerns was its impeccable comedic timing. The show's writers and actors knew exactly when to deliver a punchline or a well-timed pratfall to get the audience laughing. Whether it was Marshal Sam tripping over his own feet or Elvira delivering a cutting one-liner, the humor in Best of the West was always on point.

The show also had a great sense of physical comedy, with the actors frequently engaging in slapstick routines and sight gags. It was a refreshing change of pace from the more serious westerns that had come before it and helped to establish Best of the West as a unique and memorable show.

The Authentic Depiction of Wild West Life

Despite its comedic tone, Best of the West still managed to accurately depict life in the Wild West. The show's attention to detail when it came to costumes, props, and sets made it feel like a true western. From the dusty streets of the town to the saloon where the characters drank and played cards, everything about Best of the West felt authentic.

The show also tackled some serious issues that were common in the Wild West, such as gun violence, corruption, and sexism. While these issues were presented in a humorous way, they were still handled with sensitivity and respect for the time period.

The Memorable Catchphrases from the Series

Best of the West was known for its memorable catchphrases that have become iconic in the world of television. From Marshal Sam's I'll do the thinkin' around here to Elvira's Don't call me ma'am, these catchphrases have become synonymous with the show.

The show's writers knew how to create dialogue that was both funny and memorable, and the actors knew how to deliver it with just the right amount of flair. These catchphrases have become a part of pop culture and are still referenced and quoted today.

The Impressive Guest Star Lineup

Best of the West also had an impressive lineup of guest stars throughout its two seasons. From John Astin to Leslie Nielsen to Tom Poston, the show attracted some of the biggest names in comedy at the time.

These guest stars brought their own unique comedic styles to the show and helped to keep the humor fresh and exciting. They also added to the show's overall appeal, making it a must-watch for fans of comedy and westerns alike.

The Classic Western Tropes and Themes Explored

While Best of the West was a comedy, it still managed to explore many of the classic western tropes and themes that were common in the genre. From shootouts at high noon to bank robberies to showdowns between the hero and the villain, Best of the West had it all.

The show also tackled themes such as justice, honor, and loyalty, which were common in traditional westerns. However, it did so in a way that was both entertaining and thought-provoking, adding depth to the show's comedic tone.

The Award-Winning Writing and Direction

Best of the West was recognized for its exceptional writing and direction during its run. The show was nominated for several Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, and won a Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy Writing.

The show's writers and directors knew how to balance humor with drama, creating a show that was both entertaining and meaningful. They also knew how to get the best performances out of their actors, resulting in some of the most memorable characters and moments in television history.

The Memorable Soundtrack and Theme Song

One of the most memorable aspects of Best of the West was its soundtrack and theme song. The show's theme, written by Jim Steinman, was a catchy tune that perfectly captured the show's humor and western themes.

The show's soundtrack also featured classic western songs, adding to the show's authentic feel. From Home on the Range to The Yellow Rose of Texas, these songs helped to transport viewers back to the Wild West.

The Timeless Humor That Still Holds Up Today

Despite being over 30 years old, the humor in Best of the West still holds up today. The show's blend of physical comedy, witty one-liners, and well-timed jokes has made it a classic in the world of television comedy.

Many of the jokes and catchphrases from the show continue to be referenced and quoted today, proving that the humor in Best of the West is truly timeless.

The Long-Lasting Influence on Western Comedy TV Shows

Best of the West was a groundbreaking show that paved the way for other western comedies to follow. It inspired shows like The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. and The Wild Wild West to incorporate humor into their storylines.

The show's influence can still be seen in modern western comedies like The Ballad of Buster Scruggs and A Million Ways to Die in the West. Best of the West may have only run for two seasons, but its impact on television comedy cannot be denied.

Conclusion

Best of the West was a unique and memorable show that blended classic western tropes with hilarious humor. Its iconic characters, memorable catchphrases, and impressive guest star lineup have made it a classic in the world of television.

The show's attention to detail when it came to depicting life in the Wild West, its exploration of classic western themes, and its award-winning writing and direction have also contributed to its lasting legacy.

Despite being over 30 years old, the humor in Best of the West still holds up today. It continues to inspire and influence modern western comedies, proving that its impact on television comedy will never be forgotten.


Best of the West TV Show: A Review

Overview

Best of the West is an American television sitcom that aired in the 1980s. It follows the adventures of a bumbling city slicker named Sam Best, who moves to the Wild West to become a sheriff. The show ran for two seasons and was praised for its witty humor and talented cast.

Pros

  • The show's humor is clever and often satirical, poking fun at both western cliches and modern society.
  • The cast is talented and features many memorable characters, including Sam Best (Joel Higgins), his love interest Elvira (Carlene Watkins), and the bumbling Deputy Mayor (Leonard Frey).
  • The show's unique blend of western and comedy genres makes it stand out from other sitcoms of its time.

Cons

  • The show's humor may not be for everyone, as it relies heavily on sarcasm and irony.
  • Some viewers may find the show's portrayal of Native Americans offensive or insensitive.
  • The show's premise can become repetitive over time, as many episodes follow a similar formula.

Comparison to Other Western TV Shows

Compared to other western television shows, Best of the West stands out for its comedic tone and modern sensibilities. While shows like Bonanza and Gunsmoke focused on serious themes and violent conflicts, Best of the West used a light-hearted approach to explore the same setting. Additionally, the show's focus on satire and irony made it more relevant to contemporary audiences.


The Best of The West TV Show: A Must-Watch for Western Enthusiasts

Dear blog visitors, we hope that you have enjoyed reading our comprehensive review of The Best of The West TV Show. As we come to the end of this article, we would like to leave you with our final thoughts on why this show is a must-watch for all western enthusiasts.

Firstly, The Best of The West is not your typical western TV show. It features a unique blend of historical accuracy, thrilling action, and compelling storylines that keep viewers engaged from start to finish. If you are a fan of westerns, you will appreciate the attention to detail in each episode, as well as the impressive performances by the cast.

In addition, the show captures the essence of the American West, with its vast landscapes, rugged terrain, and the iconic cowboy lifestyle. The cinematography is stunning, and you will feel as though you are right there alongside the characters as they navigate through the challenges of life in the Old West.

One of the standout features of The Best of The West is the character development. Each character is well-written and has a unique personality that sets them apart from the rest. You will find yourself rooting for some characters and despising others, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the show.

Furthermore, the show explores themes that are still relevant today, such as justice, morality, and the human condition. It offers a glimpse into the struggles of the early settlers and their fight for survival in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The show also sheds light on the struggles between different cultures and the impact of colonization on indigenous people.

Another reason to watch The Best of The West is its production value. The attention to detail in the costumes, set design, and props is impressive. The show creates a believable world that transports viewers back in time to the Wild West. The music also adds to the ambiance, with its haunting melodies and classic western tunes.

The Best of The West also boasts an impressive cast of actors who bring their characters to life with authenticity and conviction. From the lead roles to the supporting cast, each actor delivers a memorable performance that adds depth and nuance to the show. You will find yourself invested in their stories and rooting for them until the very end.

If you are looking for a TV show that offers excitement, drama, and a glimpse into the past, The Best of The West is the perfect choice. It has something for everyone, whether you are a die-hard western fan or simply looking for a well-crafted show to binge-watch on a lazy weekend.

In conclusion, we highly recommend The Best of The West to anyone who loves westerns or is interested in the history of the American West. It is a show that will keep you entertained and engaged from start to finish, with its thrilling action, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as you travel back in time to the Wild West.

Thank you for reading our review of The Best of The West TV Show. We hope that you have found it informative and helpful in deciding whether to watch the show. Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below!


People Also Ask About Best of the West TV Show

What is Best of the West TV Show?

Best of the West is a television series that aired from 1981 to 1982. It is a comedy-western show that follows the adventures of Marshal Sam Best, who moves from New York City to the small western town of Freedom, where he becomes the sheriff.

Who stars in Best of the West TV Show?

The show stars Joel Higgins as Marshal Sam Best and Carlene Watkins as his wife, Elvira Best. Other notable cast members include Meeno Peluce as Daniel Best, Marshal Best's son, and Tom Ewell as Doc Kullens, the town's physician.

How many seasons of Best of the West are there?

There is only one season of Best of the West, which consists of 22 episodes. The show was cancelled due to low ratings.

Is Best of the West available on DVD or streaming?

Yes, Best of the West is available on DVD. It can also be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.

Did Best of the West receive any awards or nominations?

No, Best of the West did not receive any major awards or nominations during its run.

What is the premise of Best of the West?

The show follows the misadventures of Marshal Sam Best, who tries to bring law and order to the chaotic town of Freedom. Along the way, he has to deal with a variety of eccentric characters, including outlaws, cowboys, and Indians.

Why was Best of the West cancelled?

Best of the West was cancelled due to low ratings. Despite its talented cast and unique premise, the show failed to attract a large audience.

Is Best of the West worth watching?

That depends on your taste in television shows. If you enjoy comedy-westerns and quirky characters, then Best of the West might be worth checking out. However, if you prefer more serious dramas or action-packed shows, then it might not be for you.