Thursday, September 11, 2003
Copyright © Las Vegas Mercury

Cover Story: From "Vega$" to vampires

Other Vegas-based shows you might (or, thankfully, might not) have seen

The Night Stalker, 1972: This made-for-TV movie was stretched out to an improbable one-season series, which was one of the inspirations for "The X-Files." The original story was written by Jeff Rice, a reporter for the Las Vegas Sun, and involved a reporter discovering that a string of murders had been committed by a vampire. Particularly fun is the authorities' don't-scare-the-goddamn-tourists attitude. Gosh, where did he come up with that?

"Blansky's Beauties," 1977: Ostensibly a "Happy Days" spinoff, featuring Nancy Walker of Bounty paper towel commercial fame as the housemother of 10 showgirls. In one episode, comic hijinks ensue as Nancy and the girls resist doing a topless show.

"Vega$," 1978-1981: Probably the best-known series set in Las Vegas, the show featured Robert Urich as Dan Tanna. The show was notable among locals for the goofy driving continuity. For instance, Dan Tanna frequently took a left turn off Fremont Street and was suddenly at the Desert Inn.

"Crime Story," 1986-1988: One of the few quality Vegas-based shows, it originally was set in Chicago in 1963 and shifted to Vegas midseason. Michael Mann created this show fresh off his "Miami Vice" success and featured better, deeper and edgier writing. Now available on DVD.

"The Tortellis," 1987: A slightly less successful "Cheers" spinoff than "Frasier," the show featured surly waitress Carla's ex-husband, Nick Tortelli (Dan Hedaya), and his aspiring showgirl wife. Nick's action-packed job was as a TV repairman, but even an episode where Cliff and Norm visit Vegas couldn't repair this mean-spirited show and its scumbag protagonist.

"The Watcher," 1995: Sir Mix-A-Lot sat in a mysterious tower, watching people through surveillance cameras all over the city. Sort of a "Tales from the Crib"...uh, "Crypt" thing with a creepy, vengeful voyeur meting out whoop-ass. No truth to the rumor this UPN drama was based on Venetian boss Sheldon Adelson.

"Nikki," 2000-2002: Nikki Cox starred in this WB sitcom as a showgirl in a nasty little third-rate off-the-Strip casino, The Golden Calf. Her husband was an aspiring pro wrestler. In one episode, comic hijinks ensue as Nikki and the girls resist doing a topless show.--F. Andrew Taylor