The A Team is an American adventure action TV series that ran for 5 seasons from 1983 to 1986. It featured a gang of four men working as soldiers of fortune, on the run from the authorities, wanted for crimes they did not commit. The show is one of the most memorable in my view, and I must have watched nearly every episode. The characterisation is marvellous, and the acting and soundtrack very good as well.

Each episode would follow the four characters in their efforts to escape capture. Contrary to their reputation, they would consistently help out people in trouble, often from corrupt businessmen and crooks who were bullying others and threatening people's lives. The leader of the A Team was Colonel John 'Hannibal' Smith, a master of disguises and constantly with a plan and a cigar. The ladies' man of the group was Lieutenant Templeton 'Faceman' Peck, with a schmoozing charismatic approach to everything. The mad man of the team was Captain H.M. 'Howling Mad' Murdoch, who always had a screw loose but could fly anything and was full of energy. Finally, the muscle, mechanic and hard talking gold wearing driver of the team was Bosco B.A. Baracus. Hannibal was ably played by George Peppard, already an established actor. Face was played by Dirk Benedict, Murdoch by Dwight Schulz and BA by Mr T.

The acting was not the most important part of the programme. It was the hero approach to the A Team that won the hearts of the audiences. Each episode Hannibal would appear in some kind of disguise, Face would woo the ladies, Murdoch would act mad and B.A. would build something in MacGyver style.

The idea of an ex-Vietnam commando unit was popularly received in the early 1980s, and it was up with current affairs. The show was successful enough for its 5 seasons, and is repeated quite often, normally on Bravo, if you have Sky. The show dropped in terms of ratings during the fourth season, prompting its end after a fifth season, but I am still a great fan. I'm quite glad it finished when it did. There are only so many episodes you can make with a similar plot line, so it was only a matter of time before it ran its due course. This is the only negative for me. I watched it when I was younger, and am keen to grab an episode every now and then when it is repeated.