Attention Deficit Delirium

Remember these? They were still being used when most of these television theme songs were written.

While some critics probably consider television theme songs to be a lowly art form, it is a difficult task to create a one or two-minute piece of music that not only brands a successful series but also stays ingrained in your brain for years, possibly even decades, to come. Despite the fact that it is a dying art these days — how many current theme songs can you recognize or hum, excluding pop songs? — there are many that I love and will always cherish.

Following is a list of ten of my favorite TV themes. There are plenty more where these come from, but these are a great place to start.



THE AVENGERS — The greatest secret agent show of all time, The Avengers‘ most memorable pairing was between John Steed (played by Patrick Macnee) and Emma Peel (Diana Rigg). They were classy, cultured, smart operatives who used brains and brawn rather than weapons, and they embarked on some surreal adventures, facing off against everyone from weather manipulators to robots. This version of Laurie Johnson‘s breezy, harpsichord-laced prelude includes a playful percussive intro that totally fits the vibe of the show.







BATTLE OF THE PLANETS — When the successful Japanese anime show Science Ninja Team Gatchaman was imported to Hollywood by producer Sandy Frank, he dubbed it with American actors (including famous DJ Casey Kasem), added a goofy robot named 7-Zark-7 and brought in Hoyt Curtin‘s dramatic, brass-heavy orchestral composition that has stuck with me to this day. G-Force! Transmute!







FUTURAMA — Simpsons composer Alf Clausen lent his diverse, genre-spanning talents to Matt Groening’s witty, animated sci fi show, and he conjured this dancey tune that used tubular bells as its central component. That unique instrumental distinction immediately helps it to stand out from the legions of lame TV themes, but it’s also damn catchy, too.







GTO: GREAT TEACHER ONIZUKA — This unorthodox series is one of the best animated shows ever. It revolves around a former gang member who chooses to teach high school in order to hit on teenage schoolgirls, but he gets way more than he bargained for in the process. Caught between battling classmates and an administration that does not respect his students, he soon identifies with and vows to help these underdogs learn to be better people and achieve more than he has. The opening title song, with lyrics written by Hyde and music by his group L’Arc〜en〜Ciel, is a funky, high octane J-rock cut that has one of the most infectious guitar melodies I’ve ever heard. Check out the full-length version here.







HAWAII FIVE-O — Some people consider this to be the greatest TV theme ever recorded. While one could imagine people go-go dancing to Morton Stevens‘ pulsating slice of Sixties symphonica back in the day, it possesses a timeless quality that keeps it fresh now. The new incarnation of the show features an updated version of the theme, but it retains the all-important melody.







MAGNUM, P.I. — Debuting in 1980, this charming private eye show balanced Magnum’s serious cases with the comedic shenanigans of his friends and wealthy landlord. While the remnants of string-driven, soft rock motifs from the Seventies surface in Ian Freebairn-Smith‘s exciting title piece, the energetic recording and the inclusion of a hot guitar line pumped up by backing brass is irresistible. (Maybelline thought so, too, as they have been using the Magnum theme in a new commercial airing right now.) The action in the credits syncs up nicely with the music, except inexplicably for Magnum’s eyebrow wiggles at the end. This is currently my favorite TV theme song of all-time.







THE PERSUADERS — I’m going to go a little left of center here with this haunting, Gothic theme song conjured by James Bond composer John Barry. While The Persuaders was a tongue-in-cheek drama that paired a privileged aristocrat (Roger Moore) with a self-made millionaire (Tony Curtis) as unlikely crime fighters, the opening credit track was more somber in tone, but it works perfectly with the series of juxtaposed images showing how the two men grew up and came to this point in their lives. It’s an unusual and beguiling piece of TV music, even for the early Seventies.







SPACE: 1999 — Upon its arrival in 1975, this was the most expensive TV series ever made (approximately $1.1 million per episode in 2010 dollars). I’ve always loved Barry Gray‘s rousing intro, which contrasts epic orchestral fanfare with funkalicious pop featuring a gnarly guitar line. It’s totally cosmic and highly apropos for the special effects-heavy extravaganza it accompanied. Look for my Barbara Bain interview coming soon.







T.J. HOOKER — Before creeping us out with his dark, moody scores to The X-Files and Millennium, composer Mark Snow cut his teeth on more conventional fare, such as this theme to the William Shatner cop show T.J. Hooker, which took a hardline stance against crime. The series was pure Hollywood formula, but Snow’s infectious blend of electronic drums, triumphant horns and radiant guitar harmonies was great for the opening intro: Flaming cars! Wild stunts! Heather Locklear! Ah, the Eighties…







WONDER WOMAN — Looking back, Wonder Woman was one silly show, but for kids in the late Seventies it was totally awesome, especially for young girls looking for a butt-kicking role model. Lynda Carter may have been (and still is) a gorgeous selling point, but onscreen she could also toss grown men through the air like they were cardboard boxes. Nice. The boogieing title song (lyrics by Norman Gimbel, music by Charles Fox) served up ridiculous lines (“fighting for your rights in your satin tights”) but is still so much fun to listen to. This is welcome nostalgia.







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Comic book heaven, this way. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

I have been a lifelong comic book fan, so whenever a major event rolls into town I show up, all cash blazing. And with the economic downturn, conventions now offer great bargains for comics fans seeking back issues, toys and other merchandise. I love diving into the dollar bins to seek out classic horror and superhero comics from the Seventies, not to mention perusing the trade paperback and graphic novel collections that are 50% off. The deals work out better for the buyers than the sellers these days, so it’s best to take advantage of the sales while they happen.

Held at Pier 94 on Manhattan’s west side, this year’s Big Apple Comic Con — the first to be run by their new owners Wizard Entertainment and in a larger venue than years past (with an admittedly much higher entry fee) — certainly provided plenty of purchasing pandemonium and also featured celebrity appearances, comic artist tables, panel discussions and video game stations. I got plenty of shopping done, had my portrait sketched by famed Hulk artist Herb Trimpe and managed to chat with a few of the celebrities in attendance (photos below). While William Shatner, Kate Mulgrew and Linda Hamilton were there, I did not have any luck in spotting them. There was an impressive mix of sci-fi, TV, adult movie and comic book celebs on hand, from both old and new BSG stars to members to multiple Star Trek generations to famous faces from movies like Star Wars, Terminator, Flash Gordon and Supergirl. While the celebs were there selling autographed memorabilia and photo ops (something I find awkward often times when I just want to say something fan-like), the ones I approached for shots in ADD were cool about chatting and being photographed.

This was my first Big Apple Comic Con, and I enjoyed the spacious yet packed event. However, the distressing news I have learned is that next year Big Apple Comic Con is going head-to-head with New York Comic Con on the same weekend (October 7-10, 2010), which to me and many others is a ridiculous idea. Having two massive comic book conventions duke it out at the same time will not only test vendor loyalties but also make it difficult for fans to choose which to attend. Why not separate them out? There is easily room for two large conventions during the year.

Let’s not worry about that for now and take a look at my personal highlights from Big Apple Comic Con 2009.

The X-Men were on hand, along with a security detail. As if they needed one. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

Hellboy and Predator, together at last! (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

It's Number Six times three! (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

Adrianne Curry as Wonder Woman. (Photo ©2009 by Luigi Novi.)

Cobra's still in business. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

Brent Spiner was on hand to chat with fans, conveniently located right at the entrance to the Con. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

Look, it's Will Ferrell as Green Lantern! (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

The charming and lovely Melody Anderson from "Flash Gordon". (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

Eric Michael Maruscak draws an impressive chalk portrait of Spider-Man and Batman. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

TV's original Incredible Hulk, Lou Ferrigno, who is still in great shape. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

Artist Dirk Strangely acting, well, strangely. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

I'm glad someone spotted "Terminator" warrior Linda Hamilton for me. (Photo ©2009 by Luigi Novi.)

Supergirl herself, Helen Slater, is as fetching as ever. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

Artist Greg Horn and his colorful calling cards. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

The affable John Schneider from "Dukes Of Hazzard," who helped make my childhood enjoyable. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

The master Hulk artist Herb Trimpe at work.

The famous DeLorean from "Back To The Future". The Batmobile was nearby as well. (Photo ©2009 by Luigi Novi.)

The bustling Artists Alley. That's Jim Cheung seated in the foreground. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

Mike A. and his spookerific skateboards and merch. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

Thomas Hall (l) and Daniel Bradford (r), the men behind the new series "R13". (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

Stylin' t-shirts galore. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

Now this is what I'm talking about. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)

I love the look and smell of vintage comic books. (Photo ©2009 by Bryan Reesman.)