I’ve taken to watching Adam-12 in the late evenings when my wife and I gather on the sofa before bedtime. She uses cop shows to fall asleep. I get to watch about 20 minutes of every episode before she goes into dreamland, and then I carry her off to bed as I have for the last 10+ years. Watching this tv series brings back memories of playing cops and robbers as a child. There were always good guys and bad guys. I never watched the show in my youth. I recall my father taking us to Universal Studios in the 1970’s and being told by the tour guide that they filmed a lot of the close-up city street scenes of Adam-12, and the firefighter show Emergency! on the studio lots. I only started watching the show in my late 50’s, and it makes me realize how much life has changed, and how much I’ve changed. Life seemed simpler back then. The funny thing is, Adam-12 aimed to be realistic in its depiction of policing, and have the officers see America’s culture changes through the windshield of their vehicle. Adam-12 really is one of the last of the righteous style of cop TV shows, before everything on streaming services got gritty and perverse.
Adam-12, is an iconic police procedural television series that aired from 1968 to 1975. It continues to be celebrated for its realistic portrayal of law enforcement and its engaging storytelling. Created by Jack Webb, the mastermind behind Dragnet, Adam-12 follows the lives of two Los Angeles Police Department officers as they patrol the streets of the city, offering viewers a glimpse into the daily challenges and triumphs of police work. This beloved classic still stands the test of time.
One of the show’s greatest strengths lies in its compelling characters. Officers Pete Malloy, played by Martin Milner, and Jim Reed, played by Kent McCord, serve as the heart of Adam-12. Their on-screen chemistry and authentic performances bring these dedicated officers to life, allowing viewers to connect with their experiences and dilemmas. Milner’s portrayal of the experienced and resilient Malloy perfectly contrasts with McCord’s fresh-faced and eager Reed, creating a dynamic duo that captures the camaraderie and professionalism found in law enforcement. I really liked the actor Martin Milner. He landed a minor role in the film Sands of Iwo Jima starring John Wayne, had a recurring spot on Dragnet, and took the lead in his first tv series Route 66. He even played MacGyver’s father. Milner comes off as a very kind, reasonable and therefore likeable man. His acting partner Kent McCord said that Milner was in real life like he was on screen.
The show distinguished itself through its commitment to realism. The show meticulously recreated the daily routines of police officers, showcasing their interactions with the community, handling of emergencies, and the inevitable dangers they face. From routine traffic stops to high-stakes pursuits, the series presented a wide range of scenarios that reflects the unpredictable nature of police work. By incorporating real-life incidents and using technical advisors from the LAPD, Adam-12 offers an authentic portrayal of law enforcement rarely seen on television.
It’s easy to pull apart a show like this and critique it. Sure they had giant revolvers swinging on their hips, and every hand-cuffing scene made me nervous. Perps today are never so compliant. I watched both actors take down some actors playing bank robbers, and thought that they did a competent job of using cover and concealment with their handguns drawn. I like this series.
Beyond its compelling stories, the series touched on social issues of the era. The series deftly explored topics such as race relations, drug abuse, and the changing dynamics of the 1970s society. By tackling these themes, the show transcended its role as a mere police drama, becoming a mirror that reflected the complexities of the time and prompting viewers to consider the broader implications of law enforcement’s role in society.
Jack Webb wanted realism and so their was a commitment to accuracy, which extended to the smallest of details. From the accurate portrayal of police procedures and protocols to the use of authentic police jargon, the show’s attention to detail set it apart from shows of that era. The use of actual police vehicles, uniforms, and equipment further added to the show’s authenticity, immersing viewers in the world of law enforcement. The series paved the way for future police dramas, influencing subsequent shows by setting a high standard for realism and authenticity. Its legacy can be seen in the numerous police procedural series that followed, with many paying homage to Adam-12’s formula of combining engaging storytelling with accurate police portrayals. If you get a minute, check this series out. We need more shows like this with righteous cops, and less shows about how dirty, and corrupt they are.
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