Night Man
Encyclopedia
Night Man is an American action/adventure
/sci-fi
series that aired in syndication from September 15, 1997 to May 17, 1999. The series is loosely based on a comic book
published by Malibu Comics
and was created by Steve Englehart
(the original comic title was The Night Man) and developed for television by Glen A. Larson
.
It stars Matt McColm
as the title character, a superhero
whose real name was Johnny Domino, a saxophonist. Englehart would write three episodes of the series. Night Man is also one of the few series to cross over with characters from Larson's previous series: in the episode "Manimal", Johnny allies with Professor Jonathan Chase, the star of the short-lived 1980s' series Manimal
.
jazz musician who is accidentally struck by a lightning
bolt in a freak cable-car accident. The strike allows him to telepathically
recognize evil
but robs him the ability to sleep. Although Night Man has no other superhuman powers on his own, he owns a special bulletproof bodysuit that gives him several abilities, including flight
, holographic camouflage
-style invisibility
and advanced sight
functions through the round red lens over his left eye including the ability to see in the dark and fire a laser
beam. Although he often fights new enemies in each episode as the series progresses, his arch nemesis is computer technologies billionaire Kieran Keyes (Kim Coates
), who would slay Johnny's father, Frank Domino, in the premiere of the second and final season.
for its Ultraverse
line, the comic book Night Man gained his powers from an accident. A piece of shrapnel that embeds itself in his head after his vehicle was struck by a cable car that had been hit by a burst of energy known as a "jumpstart". The energy is later found to originate from The Entity
, an alien starship which had crashed on the Moon. Night Man jumpstarted but the passengers of the cable car were, some of which went on to form The Strangers. This version of Johnny Domino, while not unconditionally telepathic, could hear evil thoughts, could see in the dark and did not require sleep. His costume and equipment were merely makeshift items from hardware stores and the like, plus a kevlar
vest his father lent him. His father was a former police officer turned security guard at a San Francisco Coney Island-type amusement park called "Playland", based upon the real-life Playland (San Francisco)
.
He used both a gun and a taser to fight crime, though the gun was only used as a last resort and even then, never used to kill. This version did not fly, but he used a grappling hook and rope to swing about the city, in addition to a used motorcycle he bought in the first issue as a means to transport himself quickly. A final difference, though minor, pertains to Johnny Domino's legal name. In the comic book, his name is Johnny Domingo (shortened to Domino as a catchy name to capitalize on his career as a saxophone musician) and his father's name was Edward Domingo (as opposed to the name his father was given on the television series).
During the series, Nightman meets and befriends the Freex
, a group of super-powered teenagers on the run. In addition to dealing with his own problems, Nightman promises to watch out for them. Unfortunately he must deal with the death of one of the team, Plug, murdered by the Ultra-killer Rafferty
.
. In a drastic attempt to gain new readers, the Ultraverse was given edicts from their new owner, and various Marvel elements began popping up in the monthly Ultraverse titles.
Apart from this, Night Man becomes involved in corporate espionage, being caught between several opposing sides. He encounters the superhero team 'The Solution' and the haunted suit of super-armor, Teknight.
One Marvel storyline centered around mainstay Marvel Universe villain Loki
(brother of Thor
) searching for the Infinity Gems
which had been stolen (and lost) by the ancient intergalactic vampire known as
Rune
. One such gem, the Reality Gem was discovered by the Night Man who, through trickery from Loki, began creating various other Night Men, each one the result of a simple choice he made while wielding the gem. Eventually, what appeared to be the original Night Man used the gem to eliminate all of the doppelgangers, leaving only himself and one additional Night Man. When asked by Loki if they'd reached a decision upon surrendering the gem to him, the initial version surrendered his gem, while the double vowed to stop Loki and charged towards him... only to be destroyed (alongside the duplicated Reality Gem) by the God of Mischief. Loki then left in search of other Infinity Gems to collect, and the surviving Night Man went off on his own way (eventually taking time for himself as Johnny Domino).
However, as the God Of Mischief, Loki resurrected the Night Man he'd killed, whom began to continue where the original left off. The double (not knowing he was not the original) found out that an "imposter" was living his life. Tracking the real Johnny Domino down (who was playing the saxophone at a nightclub), they engaged in a fight that was only stopped by the sudden reappearance of an old foe, Rhiannon. She offered power to both men, more specifically magick
. Johnny Domino refused, but the other Night Man accepted Rhiannon's offer. Johnny tried to stop his double but was knocked out by Rhiannon. The pair made their escape to Stonehenge
to prepare for the rituals that would grant this Night Man magick, while the original, recovered from being knocked out found himself in hot pursuit. The rituals were completed and the double did indeed gain the powers promised to him, but at a cost that Rhiannon had fueled her own life with: gaining and maintaining magick through cannibalism
... a choice the double made willingly if it would help him defeat evil, and using the argument that "The Night Man has ALWAYS evolved when it comes to threats against the innocents". His costume also transformed as a result, becoming more Celtic in style. The long hair was now worn in matching locks, and instead of a mask, he now sported a crescent-shaped tattoo on the left side of his face, along with a floating eyepiece similar to the original look of the Night Man, and his other eye was now red. The original Night Man arrived and tackled his now-magick-enhanced double, but due to the instantaneous reality-changing events unfolding elsewhere in the Ultraverse known as Black September, a portal opened up at Stonehenge, swallowing the original Night Man and transporting him to the Marvel Universe while the double resumed the original's life as both Johnny Domino and the Night Man. The original Night Man was stuck in the Marvel Universe, where he presumably continues today.
As a side-note, Steve Englehart has stated on his official website that he'd pitched the idea of writing TWO monthly Night Man comics, one centering on the magick Night Man taking place in the Ultraverse, with the other book taking place in the Marvel Universe and centering around the original Night Man as he tries to make his way in a world that's unfamiliar to him. Unfortunately, the higher-ups at Marvel were not interested and that was one of the deciding factors which led Englehart to leave what was left of Malibu Comics.
In addition, Little Richard
and Donald Trump
make special appearances as themselves in "Whole Lotta Shakin'" and "Face to Face", respectively.
Adventure (genre)
The adventure genre, in the context of a narrative, is typically applied to works in which the protagonist or other major characters are consistently placed in dangerous situations...
/sci-fi
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
series that aired in syndication from September 15, 1997 to May 17, 1999. The series is loosely based on a comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
published by Malibu Comics
Malibu Comics
Malibu Comics was an American comic book publisher active in the late 1980s and early 1990s, best known for its Ultraverse line of superhero titles. The company's headquarters was in Calabasas, California. Malibu imprints included Aircel Comics and Eternity Comics...
and was created by Steve Englehart
Steve Englehart
Steve Englehart is an American novelist. In his earlier career he was a comic book writer best known for his work at Marvel Comics and DC Comics, particularly in the 1970s...
(the original comic title was The Night Man) and developed for television by Glen A. Larson
Glen A. Larson
Glen Albert Larson is an American television producer and writer best known as the creator of Battlestar Galactica, The Fall Guy, Magnum, P.I. and Knight Rider.-Career:...
.
It stars Matt McColm
Matt McColm
Matt McColm is an American actor and stuntman, and former model. He has modeled for Ralph Lauren early in his career. As an actor, he is best known for portraying Johnny Domino, the lead character in the 1997-1999 television series Night Man and Agent Thompson, the agent who kills Trinity at the...
as the title character, a superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
whose real name was Johnny Domino, a saxophonist. Englehart would write three episodes of the series. Night Man is also one of the few series to cross over with characters from Larson's previous series: in the episode "Manimal", Johnny allies with Professor Jonathan Chase, the star of the short-lived 1980s' series Manimal
Manimal
Manimal is an American action–adventure series that ran from September 30 to December 17, 1983 on NBC. The show centers on the character Dr Jonathan Chase , a shape-shifting man who possessed the ability to turn himself into any animal he chose...
.
Plot summary
Johnny Domino is a well-known San FranciscanSan Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
jazz musician who is accidentally struck by a lightning
Lightning
Lightning is an atmospheric electrostatic discharge accompanied by thunder, which typically occurs during thunderstorms, and sometimes during volcanic eruptions or dust storms...
bolt in a freak cable-car accident. The strike allows him to telepathically
Telepathy
Telepathy , is the induction of mental states from one mind to another. The term was coined in 1882 by the classical scholar Fredric W. H. Myers, a founder of the Society for Psychical Research, and has remained more popular than the more-correct expression thought-transference...
recognize evil
Evil
Evil is the violation of, or intent to violate, some moral code. Evil is usually seen as the dualistic opposite of good. Definitions of evil vary along with analysis of its root motive causes, however general actions commonly considered evil include: conscious and deliberate wrongdoing,...
but robs him the ability to sleep. Although Night Man has no other superhuman powers on his own, he owns a special bulletproof bodysuit that gives him several abilities, including flight
Flight
Flight is the process by which an object moves either through an atmosphere or beyond it by generating lift or propulsive thrust, or aerostatically using buoyancy, or by simple ballistic movement....
, holographic camouflage
Camouflage
Camouflage is a method of concealment that allows an otherwise visible animal, military vehicle, or other object to remain unnoticed, by blending with its environment. Examples include a leopard's spotted coat, the battledress of a modern soldier and a leaf-mimic butterfly...
-style invisibility
Invisibility
Invisibility is the state of an object that cannot be seen. An object in this state is said to be invisible . The term is usually used as a fantasy/science fiction term, where objects are literally made unseeable by magical or technological means; however, its effects can also be seen in the real...
and advanced sight
Visual perception
Visual perception is the ability to interpret information and surroundings from the effects of visible light reaching the eye. The resulting perception is also known as eyesight, sight, or vision...
functions through the round red lens over his left eye including the ability to see in the dark and fire a laser
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
beam. Although he often fights new enemies in each episode as the series progresses, his arch nemesis is computer technologies billionaire Kieran Keyes (Kim Coates
Kim Coates
Kim Coates is a Canadian-American actor who has worked in both Canadian and American movies and television series. He has worked on Broadway portraying Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire and in the lead role of Macbeth performed at the Stratford Theatre...
), who would slay Johnny's father, Frank Domino, in the premiere of the second and final season.
Comics version
Published by Malibu ComicsMalibu Comics
Malibu Comics was an American comic book publisher active in the late 1980s and early 1990s, best known for its Ultraverse line of superhero titles. The company's headquarters was in Calabasas, California. Malibu imprints included Aircel Comics and Eternity Comics...
for its Ultraverse
Ultraverse
The Ultraverse was the name given to a comic book imprint published by the American company Malibu Comics. The Ultraverse was a shared universe in which a variety of characters — known within the comics as "Ultras" — acquired super-human abilities.-History:...
line, the comic book Night Man gained his powers from an accident. A piece of shrapnel that embeds itself in his head after his vehicle was struck by a cable car that had been hit by a burst of energy known as a "jumpstart". The energy is later found to originate from The Entity
The Entity (comics)
The Entity was a fictional device from Malibu Comics' Ultraverse. It first appeared in The Strangers #1; its origins were detailed in Ultraverse Future Shock, Phoenix: Resurrection, Ultraverse: Year Zero, and Break-Thru.Four billion years ago, an alien spacecraft exploded in our solar system...
, an alien starship which had crashed on the Moon. Night Man jumpstarted but the passengers of the cable car were, some of which went on to form The Strangers. This version of Johnny Domino, while not unconditionally telepathic, could hear evil thoughts, could see in the dark and did not require sleep. His costume and equipment were merely makeshift items from hardware stores and the like, plus a kevlar
Kevlar
Kevlar is the registered trademark for a para-aramid synthetic fiber, related to other aramids such as Nomex and Technora. Developed at DuPont in 1965, this high strength material was first commercially used in the early 1970s as a replacement for steel in racing tires...
vest his father lent him. His father was a former police officer turned security guard at a San Francisco Coney Island-type amusement park called "Playland", based upon the real-life Playland (San Francisco)
Playland (San Francisco)
Playland was a seaside amusement park located next to Ocean Beach at the western edge of San Francisco, California along the Great Highway where Cabrillo and Balboa streets are now...
.
He used both a gun and a taser to fight crime, though the gun was only used as a last resort and even then, never used to kill. This version did not fly, but he used a grappling hook and rope to swing about the city, in addition to a used motorcycle he bought in the first issue as a means to transport himself quickly. A final difference, though minor, pertains to Johnny Domino's legal name. In the comic book, his name is Johnny Domingo (shortened to Domino as a catchy name to capitalize on his career as a saxophone musician) and his father's name was Edward Domingo (as opposed to the name his father was given on the television series).
During the series, Nightman meets and befriends the Freex
Freex
Freex was a short-lived comic book series from Malibu Comics. Created By Gerard Jones and Ben Herrera, it concerned a team of teenage superheroes in the Ultraverse.Its roster over the series consisted of Anything ,...
, a group of super-powered teenagers on the run. In addition to dealing with his own problems, Nightman promises to watch out for them. Unfortunately he must deal with the death of one of the team, Plug, murdered by the Ultra-killer Rafferty
Rafferty (comics)
Rafferty was a fictional assassin from the Malibu Comics' Ultraverse imprint. He was a foe of Firearm , first appearing in Firearm #12 , written by James Robinson.-Fictional biography:...
.
Two Night Men?
In October 1994, Malibu Comics was purchased by Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
. In a drastic attempt to gain new readers, the Ultraverse was given edicts from their new owner, and various Marvel elements began popping up in the monthly Ultraverse titles.
Apart from this, Night Man becomes involved in corporate espionage, being caught between several opposing sides. He encounters the superhero team 'The Solution' and the haunted suit of super-armor, Teknight.
One Marvel storyline centered around mainstay Marvel Universe villain Loki
Loki (comics)
Loki is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. He is the adoptive brother and archenemy of the superhero Thor. He is based on the being of the same name from Norse mythology...
(brother of Thor
Thor (Marvel Comics)
Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
) searching for the Infinity Gems
Infinity Gems
Infinity Gems, sometimes referred to as the Soul Gems, are six immensely powerful gems featured in the fictional Marvel Universe. Whoever holds all six gems in the Infinity Gauntlet gains omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, and God-like power, and has absolute dominion over the universe...
which had been stolen (and lost) by the ancient intergalactic vampire known as
Rune
Rune (comics)
Rune is a fictional vampire-like being from Malibu Comics' Ultraverse imprint. He was created by Barry Windsor-Smith and Chris Ulm, and first appeared as a back-up story in Sludge #1 .-Fictional character biography:...
. One such gem, the Reality Gem was discovered by the Night Man who, through trickery from Loki, began creating various other Night Men, each one the result of a simple choice he made while wielding the gem. Eventually, what appeared to be the original Night Man used the gem to eliminate all of the doppelgangers, leaving only himself and one additional Night Man. When asked by Loki if they'd reached a decision upon surrendering the gem to him, the initial version surrendered his gem, while the double vowed to stop Loki and charged towards him... only to be destroyed (alongside the duplicated Reality Gem) by the God of Mischief. Loki then left in search of other Infinity Gems to collect, and the surviving Night Man went off on his own way (eventually taking time for himself as Johnny Domino).
However, as the God Of Mischief, Loki resurrected the Night Man he'd killed, whom began to continue where the original left off. The double (not knowing he was not the original) found out that an "imposter" was living his life. Tracking the real Johnny Domino down (who was playing the saxophone at a nightclub), they engaged in a fight that was only stopped by the sudden reappearance of an old foe, Rhiannon. She offered power to both men, more specifically magick
Magic (fantasy)
Magic in fiction is the endowing of fictional characters or objects with magical powers.Such magic often serves as a plot device, the source of magical artifacts and their quests...
. Johnny Domino refused, but the other Night Man accepted Rhiannon's offer. Johnny tried to stop his double but was knocked out by Rhiannon. The pair made their escape to Stonehenge
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in the English county of Wiltshire, about west of Amesbury and north of Salisbury. One of the most famous sites in the world, Stonehenge is composed of a circular setting of large standing stones set within earthworks...
to prepare for the rituals that would grant this Night Man magick, while the original, recovered from being knocked out found himself in hot pursuit. The rituals were completed and the double did indeed gain the powers promised to him, but at a cost that Rhiannon had fueled her own life with: gaining and maintaining magick through cannibalism
Cannibalism
Cannibalism is the act or practice of humans eating the flesh of other human beings. It is also called anthropophagy...
... a choice the double made willingly if it would help him defeat evil, and using the argument that "The Night Man has ALWAYS evolved when it comes to threats against the innocents". His costume also transformed as a result, becoming more Celtic in style. The long hair was now worn in matching locks, and instead of a mask, he now sported a crescent-shaped tattoo on the left side of his face, along with a floating eyepiece similar to the original look of the Night Man, and his other eye was now red. The original Night Man arrived and tackled his now-magick-enhanced double, but due to the instantaneous reality-changing events unfolding elsewhere in the Ultraverse known as Black September, a portal opened up at Stonehenge, swallowing the original Night Man and transporting him to the Marvel Universe while the double resumed the original's life as both Johnny Domino and the Night Man. The original Night Man was stuck in the Marvel Universe, where he presumably continues today.
As a side-note, Steve Englehart has stated on his official website that he'd pitched the idea of writing TWO monthly Night Man comics, one centering on the magick Night Man taking place in the Ultraverse, with the other book taking place in the Marvel Universe and centering around the original Night Man as he tries to make his way in a world that's unfamiliar to him. Unfortunately, the higher-ups at Marvel were not interested and that was one of the deciding factors which led Englehart to leave what was left of Malibu Comics.
Cast
- Matt McColmMatt McColmMatt McColm is an American actor and stuntman, and former model. He has modeled for Ralph Lauren early in his career. As an actor, he is best known for portraying Johnny Domino, the lead character in the 1997-1999 television series Night Man and Agent Thompson, the agent who kills Trinity at the...
as Johnny Domino/NightMan, a saxophonist who is struck by a lightning while playing inside a cable-car. As a result, his brain gains radioRadioRadio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
-like properties, able to "pick up" certain frequencies. He is now tuned on the "frequency of evil", which enables him to "hear" evil thoughts and doers wherever he goes. He wears a bulletproof bodysuit, as well as an anti-gravityAnti-gravityAnti-gravity is the idea of creating a place or object that is free from the force of gravity. It does not refer to the lack of weight under gravity experienced in free fall or orbit, or to balancing the force of gravity with some other force, such as electromagnetism or aerodynamic lift...
belt that enables him to flyFlightFlight is the process by which an object moves either through an atmosphere or beyond it by generating lift or propulsive thrust, or aerostatically using buoyancy, or by simple ballistic movement....
, a cape with holographic camouflageCamouflageCamouflage is a method of concealment that allows an otherwise visible animal, military vehicle, or other object to remain unnoticed, by blending with its environment. Examples include a leopard's spotted coat, the battledress of a modern soldier and a leaf-mimic butterfly...
-style invisibility properties and a mask with a round red lens over his left eye, which includes the ability to see/aim in the dark and fire a laser beam. - Earl HollimanEarl Holliman-Early life:Earl Holliman was born at Delhi in Richland Parish of northeastern Louisiana. Holliman’s biological father died before he was born, and his biological mother, living in poverty with several other children, gave him up for adoption at birth...
as Frank Domino, Johnny's father and former police detective. As a result of production being moved to Vancouver, Canada for Season 2, he is killed by villain Kieran Keyes in the premiere of Season 2. - Derek WebsterDerek WebsterDerek Webster can refer to:* Derek Webster .* the publisher and editor of Maisonneuve magazine....
(Season 1) and Derwin Jordan (Season 2) as Raleigh Jordan, Johnny's friend and confident, as well as the developer of NightMan's armor. Usually backs Johnny up when needed. - Felecia M. BellFelecia M. BellFelecia M. Bell is an actress best known for her roles in Days of our Lives and General Hospital, as well as her portrayal of Jennifer Sisko in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. She also starred as Jessica Rodgers, owner of the House of Soul, in the Sci-Fi television series Nightman.-External links:...
(credited as Felecia Bell) as Jessica Rodgers, owner of the House of Soul, the club where Johnny performs. Her character was axed in Season 2 after production moved to Vancouver. - Michael WoodsMichael WoodsMichael Woods is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician, who served in a wide range of cabinet positions, most notably as Minister for Agriculture and Food, Minister for Education and Science and Minister for Health.-Life:...
as Lieutenant Charlie Dann, Frank's former partner and apprentice. His character was axed in Season 2 after production moved to Vancouver, with Lieutenant Briony Branca taking over the police role. - Jayne HeitmeyerJayne HeitmeyerJayne Heitmeyer, b. October 30, 1960 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is a Canadian actress appearing in many science fiction and horror movies and TV shows. She is best known for playing Lt. Briony Branca in the second season of Nightman, Jessie Jaworski in the 1990s TV series Sirens and Renee Palmer...
as Lieutenant Briony Branca, a detective who investigates criminal actions in Season 2.
Guest appearances
- Patrick MacneePatrick MacneePatrick Macnee is an English actor, best known for his role as the secret agent John Steed in the series The Avengers.-Early life:...
as Dr. Walton, Johnny's psychiatrist. Usually advises him on how to use his newfound abilities. - Taylor DayneTaylor DayneTaylor Dayne was born Leslie Wunderman on March 7, 1962 before later adopting her current stage name. She is an American pop vocalist, songwriter, and dance artist. Overall, she has had eighteen individual hit songs reach the top ten in Billboard magazine...
as Carla Day, a singer who is Johnny's love interest. Although she only appeared in the pilot episode, she is mentioned a few more times during the series' run. - Fabiana UdenioFabiana UdenioFabiana Udenio is an Argentine/Italian character actress and sex symbol who has appeared in film and on television. She is best known for her role as "Alotta Fagina", a Bond girl parody in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.Udenio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and moved to Italy ...
as Rachel Lang, an alien villainess who approaches and hypnotizes Johnny (turning him into a hedonistic and selfish person) in order to discover NightMan's secrets and use his powers for her own will. - Shane BrollyShane BrollyShane R Brolly is an Northern Irish actor, most known for his role as Kraven in Underworld.- Biography :Brolly was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and comes from a family of Irish actors, although he's done most of his film work in the US.He has a brother Clark, and a sister Kathy. He started...
as Joran/Chrome, a supervillain who uses telekinetic powers, granted to him through the same lightning bolt that struck Johnny. He seeks to take over Bay City and destroy NightMan, but is overpowered and defeated by him. He later reappears and joins forces with Rachel Lang to destroy Johnny and discover NightMan's secrets. In the end, both are defeated for good. - Jacinda BarrettJacinda BarrettJacinda Barrett is an Australian American model turned actress. She first became known to audiences as a cast member on The Real World: London before appearing in films such as Ladder 49, The Namesake, The Human Stain, and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.-Early life and career:Born in Brisbane,...
as Lucy Devlin/Selene, a monstrous witch/sorcerer who assumes a female human form. She is hired by Jessica as a magicianMagic (illusion)Magic is a performing art that entertains audiences by staging tricks or creating illusions of seemingly impossible or supernatural feats using natural means...
entertainer at the House of Soul anniversary party, but she inadvertently uses black magicBlack magicBlack magic is the type of magic that draws on assumed malevolent powers or is used with the intention to kill, steal, injure, cause misfortune or destruction, or for personal gain without regard to harmful consequences. As a term, "black magic" is normally used by those that do not approve of its...
techniques to send Charlie, Frank and Raleigh to another dimension. After NightMan saves them and travels to his own dimension (where he reunites with his deceased mother), he is able to overcome her tricks and defeat her. However, by the end of the episode, it is unclear if the whole thing was reality or just one of Johnny's dreams. - Ric YoungRic Young- Selected Filmography :- External links :...
as Chang, a Chinese diplomat whose goal is to cause a third World War using a high-technology neutronNeutronThe neutron is a subatomic hadron particle which has the symbol or , no net electric charge and a mass slightly larger than that of a proton. With the exception of hydrogen, nuclei of atoms consist of protons and neutrons, which are therefore collectively referred to as nucleons. The number of...
cannon weapon. - Simon MacCorkindaleSimon MacCorkindaleSimon Charles Pendered MacCorkindale was a British actor, film director, writer and producer. MacCorkindale spent much of his childhood moving around due to his father's commission with the Royal Air Force. Poor eyesight prevented him from following a similar career in the RAF, so he instead...
as Jonathan Chase, the titular hero in the ManimalManimalManimal is an American action–adventure series that ran from September 30 to December 17, 1983 on NBC. The show centers on the character Dr Jonathan Chase , a shape-shifting man who possessed the ability to turn himself into any animal he chose...
crossover episode.
In addition, Little Richard
Little Richard
Richard Wayne Penniman , known by the stage name Little Richard, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, recording artist, and actor, considered key in the transition from rhythm and blues to rock and roll in the 1950s. He was also the first artist to put the funk in the rock and roll beat and...
and Donald Trump
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, Sr. is an American business magnate, television personality and author. He is the chairman and president of The Trump Organization and the founder of Trump Entertainment Resorts. Trump's extravagant lifestyle, outspoken manner and role on the NBC reality show The Apprentice have...
make special appearances as themselves in "Whole Lotta Shakin'" and "Face to Face", respectively.
Season 1
| Episode # | Production Code | Episode Title | Airdate | Plot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 101a | "World Premiere (Part 1)" | September 19, 1997 | In the series opener, musician Johnny Domino (Matt McColm) develops superpowers after being struck by lightning, and must battle gun thieves. |
| 2 | 101b | "World Premiere (Part 2)" | September 19, 1997 | In the series opener, musician Johnny Domino (Matt McColm) develops superpowers after being struck by lightning, and must battle gun thieves. |
| 3 | 102 | "Whole Lotta Shakin'..." | October 6, 1997 | Bay City is evacuated after a massive earthquake is predicted, leaving the town vulnerable to the robbery plans of international terrorists. |
| 4 | 103 | "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" | October 13, 1997 | A dying drug lord (Henry Darrow Henry Darrow Henry Darrow is a prolific Puerto Rican-American character actor of stage and film. Darrow is probably best remembered for his role as Big John Cannon's teasing brother-in-law, and Buck Cannon's favorite ranch hand, and best friend, Manolito Montoya, in the 1960s television series The High... ) takes party-goers hostage when he finds that the entertainer - Johnny - has the one thing he needs to keep living: a healthy heart. |
| 5 | 104 | "Still of the Night" | October 20, 1997 | NightMan is infected with a mysterious and deadly virus after he has a run-in with a beast from another dimension. Now he must find the cure and send the beast back to where it came. |
| 6 | 105 | "Face to Face" | October 27, 1997 | A plastic surgeon helps a vengeful ex-con save face by helping him alter his features at will, causing trouble for his past captors, including Charlie and Frank. |
| 7 | 106 | "Chrome" | November 3, 1997 | Bay City is targeted by a supervillain known as Chrome, who received his predatory powers from the same lightning bolt that changed Johnny into NightMan. |
| 8 | 107 | "Takin' it to the Streets" | November 10, 1997 | Johnny jumps through hoops to save a basketball hopeful from falling in with a crime boss (Evan Lionel). However, NightMan may have a better shot at saving the kid's career. |
| 9 | 108 | "Lady In Red" | November 17, 1997 | Johnny gets some bad vibrations from a woman (Natasha Pavlovich), only to learn of her past as a KGB assassin, and of her future as a pawn for the Russian mafia. |
| 10 | 109 | "That Ol' Gang of Mine" | November 24, 1997 | |
| 11 | 110 | "Bad Moon Rising" | January 11, 1998 | Johnny, Frank and Charlie hunt down the syndicate responsible for smuggling a shipment of tainted heroin into Bay City. |
| 12 | 111 | "Constant Craving" | January 18, 1998 | NightMan makes the ultimate sacrifice to save his father from two vampires who are fighting for control of the man's soul. |
| 13 | 112 | "You are Too Beautiful" | January 25, 1998 | NightMan steps into the ring as a mysterious, masked gladiator, to clear a wrestler (Brian McGovern) who's being framed by his murderous manager. |
| 14 | 113 | "Do You Believe in Magic?" | February 1, 1998 | NightMan's powers are tested when he battles a sorceress (Jacinda Barrett), who uses her wicked ways to uncover the secrets of Johnny and his loved ones. |
| 15 | 114 | "The House of Soul" | February 8, 1998 | |
| 16 | 115 | "Nightwoman" | February 15, 1998 | A cop (Jennifer Campbell Jennifer Campbell Jennifer Lynn Campbell is an American actress and model. Her most memorable performance is from Seinfeld Season 4 episode "The Airport", as Tia, the girl in the first class seat with Jerry, as Elaine was stuck in coach. As the character Tia, she was also the Calvin Klein model and central... ) is turned into NightMan's female counterpart by her scientist father after she is left for dead following an attack by the mob. But her new powers may lead her into an even deadlier situation. |
| 17 | 116 | "Chrome II" | February 22, 1998 | NightMan must once again battle the revitalized Joran/Chrome, who has joined a telepathic woman to put in practice his devious plan to control the thoughts of Bay City. |
| 18 | 117 | "Bad to the Bone" | March 1, 1998 | An old foe (Cyril O'Reilly) with the ability to alter his appearance turns Bay City against Johnny by assuming the musician's identity and going on a killing spree. |
| 19 | 118 | "Hitchhiker" | April 26, 1998 | NightMan infiltrates a mysterious crash site outside Bay City, where he finds the wreckage of a UFO and a trail of dead military men left by a rampaging alien. |
| 20 | 119 | "Devil in Disguise" | May 3, 1998 | The evil diplomat Chang, who played a part in Johnny's transformation into NightMan, returns to Bay City with a deadly plan to do away with the high-flying superhero. |
| 21 | 120 | "Double Vision" | May 10, 1998 | After running over the star athlete of a local college, Johnny discovers that the victim's amazing recovery may be thanks to a scientist's work in the field of cloning. |
| 22 | 121 | "Amazing Grace" | May 17, 1998 | After a saxophonist friend is shot and killed during a gas station robbery, Johnny feels he is not doing anything effective to protect Bay City as NightMan. However, when he is killed in a car accident and goes to heaven,will an angel touch will be able to send him back to Earth to carry on as NightMan? |
Season 2
| Episode # | Production Code | Episode Title | Airdate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 201 | "The Ultraweb" | October 11, 1998 | In the season opener, NightMan gains a new nemesis in the form of Kieran Keyes (Kim Coates Kim Coates Kim Coates is a Canadian-American actor who has worked in both Canadian and American movies and television series. He has worked on Broadway portraying Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire and in the lead role of Macbeth performed at the Stratford Theatre... ), a sociopathic billionaire who uses his invention, the virtual reality based Ultraweb, to take over Johnny's father. |
| 24 | 202 | "The Black Knight" | October 18, 1998 | A mysterious new crimefighter called the Black Knight declares war on a local crime organization. Can NightMan and this enigmatic fellow vigilante work together to achieve their common goal? |
| 25 | 203 | "It Came from Out of the Sky" | October 25, 1998 | An alien hunter comes to Earth to put a stop to an alien cult leader from placing the youth of Bay City under her control. This episode also hints that the lightning bolt that gave Johnny his power was not a random accident, but the workings of a higher power |
| 26 | 204 | "Book of the Dead" | November 1, 1998 | NightMan must stop an evil professor from using a book of spells to unleash an ultimate form of evil. |
| 27 | 205 | "Fear City" | November 8, 1998 | Kieran Keyes returns, this time using the Ultraweb to abduct the players of his company's video game, Fear City. |
| 28 | 206 | "Manimal" | November 15, 1998 | Crossover with Glen Larson's Manimal Manimal Manimal is an American action–adventure series that ran from September 30 to December 17, 1983 on NBC. The show centers on the character Dr Jonathan Chase , a shape-shifting man who possessed the ability to turn himself into any animal he chose... . NightMan works with the shapeshifting Dr. Jonathan Chase and his daughter to put an end to the homicidal rampage of a time travelling Jack the Ripper Jack the Ripper "Jack the Ripper" is the best-known name given to an unidentified serial killer who was active in the largely impoverished areas in and around the Whitechapel district of London in 1888. The name originated in a letter, written by someone claiming to be the murderer, that was disseminated in the... . |
| 29 | 207 | "Knight Life" | November 22, 1998 | NightMan and the Black Knight team up again to stop a genetically engineered assassin named Slade, whose orders come from the last people either hero would suspect. |
| 30 | 208 | "The People's Choice" | November 29, 1998 | |
| 31 | 209 | "Ring of Fire" | January 10, 1999 | |
| 32 | 210 | "Sixty Minute Man" | January 17, 1999 | |
| 33 | 211 | "Blader" | January 24, 1999 | |
| 34 | 212 | "Love and Death" | January 31, 1999 | |
| 35 | 213 | "Burning Love" | February 7, 1999 | |
| 36 | 214 | "Scent of a Woman" | February 14, 1999 | |
| 37 | 215 | "Dust" | February 21, 1999 | |
| 38 | 216 | "Spellbound" | February 28, 1999 | |
| 39 | 217 | "Double Double" | March 7, 1999 | |
| 40 | 218 | "The Enemy Within" | April 25, 1999 | |
| 41 | 219 | "Gore" | May 2, 1999 | |
| 42 | 220 | "Revelations" | May 9, 1999 | |
| 43 | 221 | "Nightwoman Returns" | May 16, 1999 | |
| 44 | 222 | "Keyes to the Kingdom of Hell" | May 17, 1999 |
Awards
| Year | Award | Result | Category | Recipient | Episode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Leo Awards Leo Awards The Leo Awards are the awards program for the British Columbia film and television industry, celebrating excellence in artistic achievement. Held each May in Vancouver, Canada, the Leo Awards honour nominees and winners in 13 program categories and up to 19 craft categories... |
Winner | Best Musical Score in a Dramatic Series | Graeme Coleman | "Dust" |