Lancer is by far my favorite tv show. I was only about 9/10 years old when it was on, but even after it disappeared from the network lineup (back then, I hadn't a clue how those things worked) it stuck with me. Johnny Madrid was my imaginary Big Brother who could take care of Anybody with just a look! Some of the episodes managed to stick in my brain even after all those years. Chase a Wild Horse and Blind Man's Bluff were two that I could still remember some details of after all those years. A few years back a couple episodes were shown on tv and I got them taped. I was just ecstatic. Then my teenage daughter watched them and fell in love with Johnny Madrid, too! Imagine my surprise when she threw herself whole-heartedly into tracking down anything to do with James Stacy or Lancer. I never would have thought it possible, but we've been able to see all the tapes, and I would have to say picking a favorite is a very hard thing to do. There are about 4 or 5 that I just couldn't live without. However, I suppose if I had to actually pick only one, it would probably be "The Kid". It's when a boy hires Johnny to go back and kill the men who killed his father, so Johnny Lancer adopts his Gunfighter-Madrid persona, and goes back with the boy. He finds out eventually that all is not like it first appeared, and instead turns the entire event into a lesson to teach the boy that killing a man or wishing him harm isn't good. Hard to tell from the description, but the episode is so very funny. James Stacy just plays a gunfighter to absolute perfection. His line delivery and the looks he gives people are priceless.

--Buttercup

---

(NOTE: This automated user posts old messages from before we had these forums (March 2006). (More information.)

I loved Lancer. By the time it was aired here in Australia it was nearly finished its US run. I loved it so much that I used to tape it on a reel to reel tape recorder. Not bad for a (then) 12 year old. My favorite episode is hard to pick. I liked the one called ( I think) "The Heart of Pony Alice" which starred Eve Plum- before she was cast as Jan Brady. I also liked the one where Johnny became blind and was nursed by a mute girl whose character was called "Maddie" I think. I don't remember its name though. James Stacy was my favorite...Johnny Madrid was very cool... I have not seen the show in 30 years but still think of it fondly. I am thinking back 30 years now so details are not as clear as I would like. Another one I liked was called( I think) "Ride a Wild Horse / Pony"...Johnny was the focus - of course.

--Judith Ann

---

(NOTE: This automated user posts old messages from before we had these forums (March 2006). (More information.)

Lancer was my favorite show because I thought that Scott Lancer was a living doll and still do today. Added to that James Stacy and Wayne Maunder had such great chemistry filming this show how could you help but not love it???? Favorite epsisodes would include: Legacy, Splinter Group, Chase the WIld horse and Highriders. Wish their were tons more episodes to watch!!! Oh, how I wish it would come back on in reruns!!!

--Sammi

---

(NOTE: This automated user posts old messages from before we had these forums (March 2006). (More information.)

I loved Lancer and still do. I have ten of the shows on tape plus the Gunsmoke episodes Vengeance I and II, in which James Stacy plays a character much the same as Johnny Madrid. Funny thing is that that show was on the year before Lancer. Anyway, my favorite character was Johnny, though I did like the others. My favorite episodes are The Heart of Pony Alice and Chase A Wild Horse, where Johnny tries to go back to his old ways and finds that he really has it better now. I think we should bombard the stations that run the older shows with requests to bring back Lancer. I know that TV Land ran it for one month a while back. I have already sent requests to them and to Hallmark.

--Betsy Bee

---

(NOTE: This automated user posts old messages from before we had these forums (March 2006). (More information.)

I was a huge fan of Lancer, also other westerns during the 60's and Super70s, such as Bonanza, Big Valley, Wagon Train, and High Chapperal. When Lancer was last re-run on a local cable network in the 90's, I taped as many as I could. Would love to see it on cable t.v. again, to try and tape the few episodes I missed.

---

(NOTE: This automated user posts old messages from before we had these forums (March 2006). (More information.)

I could not wait for Tuesday night to come so that I could watch Lancer on TV. It didn't matter if it was a new episode or not, I was entranced. I remember the one where Johnny was temporarily blinded and nursed by the girl. Scott Lancer was equally appealing. The story line may have been predictable, but Lancer had all the qualities of a great western.I was so disappointed when this series was canceled. I wish the series were available on video or DVD. I would love to share them with my kids.

---

(NOTE: This automated user posts old messages from before we had these forums (March 2006). (More information.)

Wow! I am overwhelmed to discover there are so many people like me who share happy memories of Lancer. I wrote off to Fox from the UK and received pics of Wayne and James and I still have them 35 years on! I became a writer, even using the name Stacy as a non-de-plume for a while. I am still a massive fan and find it hard to pick out a favourite episode. It is a shame more westerns aren't made for TV and along with this, High Chapparal and the Virginian, they were essential viewing in the 60s and Super70s. We Lancer fans should get together!

--Bowiewhist

---

(NOTE: This automated user posts old messages from before we had these forums (March 2006). (More information.)

I first discovered Lancer when it played in reruns at 1:00 am on Sat/Sun morning. My friend Jacqui and I used to stay up and watch the episodes together. It was always Johnny Madrid for me.

I was so excited when I discovered Lancer was going to play on USA's "Sunday Showdown" that I got cable that very day. Then I realized I could tape the shows - so I went out and bought a VCR (poor me, I bought a Beta). About 10 years ago, I realized I could have my Beta tapes transferred to VHS - and I got to watch Lancer all over again. You could say that most of my "technical development" was spurred by wanting to see Johnny Lancer ride again.

I never did get to see the pilot. I really enjoyed reading the synopsis some viewer have provided and would welcome more.

--kitplace

---

(NOTE: This automated user posts old messages from before we had these forums (March 2006). (More information.)

I also enjoyed the show and am happy to see it has so many fans. I used to watch with my brothers and sister. We ranged in age from about 9 to 15. My parents were divorced and we were estranged from my father. I can't speak for my three siblings, but the show struck a chord with me because of Murdoch's relationships with his estranged sons. I was 10 at the time. I think if the networks paid as much attention to kids then as they do now, Lancer might have lasted longer than it did. Then again it's short lifespan has made it even more of a treasure.

Today I have even more admiration for the dynamic interplay between Murdoch, Scott and Johnny. Johnny was my favorite at the time and I also used to pretend that I was Johnny Madrid. My imagination got me through a lot of mundane chores. I'm a girl, but I still love the westerns. Johnny Madrid was my favorite cowboy. Johnny Madrid and James Stacy have stayed with me for a long time. I have a lot of admiration for Mr. Stacy. He came back from an accident that might have devastated others and he continued to act.

I wish him well.

--Just a fan

---

(NOTE: This automated user posts old messages from before we had these forums (March 2006). (More information.)

This was one of my favorite shows of all time. Much more realistic than some of the other westerns on tv, such as Bonanza. I was SO in love with James Stacy (aka Johnny Lancer). Even now, looking at pictures from the show, my heart stops when I see one of James Stacy. God, he was handsome, with a smile that lit up the screen and gorgeous blue eyes. Two of my favorite episodes were "Chase A Wild Horse" and one called (I think) "The Lawman", where an old sheriff friend of Murdoch's frames Johnny for the release of a prisoner. The acting in this episode was suberb.

When James Stacy had his horrific accident, I was stunned and saddened. Still, he went on to make movies and other tv appearances. A remember a memorable appearance of his on "Cagney and Lacey" and he also had a recurring role on "Wiseguy" which was great. I would love to see his other movie work, though to me he will always be Johnny (Madrid) Lancer.

I am trying to purchase a full set of Lancer episodes from a collector. When I get them, I will be in Lancer Heaven!

--LadyT

---

(NOTE: This automated user posts old messages from before we had these forums (March 2006). (More information.)