Saturday, June 13, 2015

Saturday Morning Cult-TV Blogging: The Secrets of Isis: "Now You Don't" (October 23, 1976)


In “Now You Don’t,” the stolen weather machine is still missing, and in the hands of criminals.  

The criminals, however, don’t know how to use it properly, and plan to capture its creator, Rick Mason (Brian Cutler), to help

Meanwhile the three “Super-Sleuths – Ranji (himself), Feather (Craig Wasson) and C.J. (Evan Kim) attempt to draw the crooks out.

Also on the case are Captain Marvel (John Davey) and Isis (Joanna Cameron)... 



“Now You Don’t is the final episode of The Secrets of Isis (1975-1976), and like last week’s show, it feels more like a bid for a new Super Sleuth series than a story involving Mrs. Thomas and Isis.  

That’s a bit of a disappointment, given the fact that we don’t get to see Isis again.


Captain Marvel is also present in this story, making the half-hour relatively crowded.  At the very least, "Now You Don't" is fast-moving, and full of energy.  

And, like “Now You See It,” the episode seems a little more serious and substantive than the run-of-the-mill Isis programs. For once, we aren’t in a world where some prejudiced/angry/isolated teen must be taught a lesson about tolerance.

Gazing across the breadth of the Isis catalog, it’s clear that the show’s real strength is not its storytelling, but Joanna Cameron’s centered performances, which anchor the material and provide the series a degree of dignity.  Her performances are typically restrained, and lacking in histrionics, and that’s good.  Isis (and Mrs. Thomas too…) is a person children can look up to.

Unfortunately, the whole Rick Mason/Lois Lane and Cindy Lee or Rennie/Jimmy Olsen supporting cast aspect of the series makes certain that Secrets of Isis is never much more than an Adventures of Superman knock-off.


Next week: We begin Sid and Marty Krofft's Electra Woman and Dyna Girl.

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