The Greatness of The A-Team
“I love it when a plan comes together.”
That line alone sums up why The A-Team still lives in people’s memories forty years after it first aired. It wasn’t just another 80s action show—it was the definitive 80s action show. Oh I mean, there was Knight Rider, Airwolf, countless others. But there was something about the A-Team that made it a step above the rest. Maybe it was Mr T, or maybe something else. Over-the-top plots, exploding jeeps that never hurt anyone, villains who always missed their shots, and a ragtag band of misfits who embodied teamwork. ...if by teamwork you meant people who do completely unrelated things but somehow manage to contribute to the mission being a success. Yeah — the writing wasn't the best, but it was fun.
Why It Worked
- Characters you couldn’t forget. Hannibal with his disguises and cigars, B.A. Baracus with his chains and temper, Face with his charm, and Murdock with his lovable insanity. Each one iconic in their own right, but together unstoppable.
- Ridiculous but charming plots. Every week they’d help the helpless, usually small towns bullied by thugs or corrupt businessmen, and somehow turn a barn into a tank. It was completely ridiculous, but at the same time, that building the thing that would save the day was one of the best parts.
- That van. Black with the red stripe, it was practically the fifth member of the team.
A Symbol of the 80s
The show reflected its time: bright, loud, and optimistic. Violence was everywhere but bloodless. About a zillion bullets were fired every episode, but no one was ever hit. Humor softened the action, and the underdog always triumphed. For kids watching then, it was a perfect fantasy of good guys always winning and doing it with style, and then everyone being ok at the end and making up.
Legacy
Even people who never watched an episode know who Mr. T is. The A-Team’s catchphrases, theme song, and imagery continue to pop up in pop culture. Reruns and DVDs keep finding new fans, while those of us who grew up with it still smile at the thought of Hannibal pulling off his latex mask to reveal he was the villain all along.
So, what about you? Did you grow up watching The A-Team? Do you have a favorite episode, character, or moment? Or maybe you’ve only ever seen it through memes and Mr. T commercials.
And the real question: which is the better catch phrase, "I pity the fool", or "I love it when a plan comes together".
❦
Posted using CineTV
that wild build where a plain barn became the thing that saves the day is the bit that sticks with me. It made the show feel like a backyard workshop where scrap turned into hero gear < and it never stopped being fun. For the line, I love it when a plan comes together edges it for me, but Mr T still punches harder as a sound bite..
!HUG
There is just something about "I love it when a plan comes together"
As a kid I religiously watched the A-Team. I even had their action figures and a van. I was really into them. My favorite character was Murdock. I loved him and would laugh constantly at his antics when they would break him out of what ever insane asylum he as in in every episode. My mom even loved watching it with me sometimes when she wasn't working. Besides the Murdock break out scenes I always loved when they would trick B.A. into flying by knocking him out somehow.
Thanks for the post, what a blast form the past. Even the mention of KNight Rider and Airwolf brings back some fond memories.
Your reply is upvoted by @topcomment; a manual curation service that rewards meaningful and engaging comments.
More Info - Support us! - Reports - Discord Channel
Great to see you, Joe! I had the BA action figure. Never could get my parents to buy me any of the others. I'm jealous that you had the van!
Thanks, Good to see you a well.
It was a small van, the action figures qouldn't fit into it. Don't be jealous, I had to work them off LOL.
Oh yes, I remember them. And even though I am from a completely different side of the planet I got hooked as well. A few years ago I watched a remake movie of the A-Team, but it wasn't the same. Times have changed, the style has changed, I have changed - so sometimes we better remember things as they were back then and enjoy dwelling in the past. Just call me a Boomer ;)
Oh that's cool! Was it popular in Germany too or were you an outlier? Yeah, the movie wasn't the same. It had its moments, but overall it was kind of meh. Nothing can top the TV series.
I remember when they wud gear up and modify cars and stuff. awesomeness!
They play the reruns in the morning when I am on the treadmill. If I am not watching tennis or volleyball I am usually watching old A Team episodes. I even enjoyed the movie remake. I thought they did a really good job with that. I heard there is a Knight Rider movie in the works.
I loved that show, pure awesome and always a lot of fun. Best part was, no one ever died! I remember two guys walking away from a helicopter crash... Classic TV, with characters that were memorable and meaningful. They just don't make them like they used too, I must be getting old just because I said that...
Oh! I loved watching this as one of the repeated classic movie shows on weekends or something. In Japanese, the title is ‘特攻野郎Aチーム,’ which gives me a very strong impact!
Wow this is beautiful I really enjoy it more very interesting perfect job good one