Isis and Captain Marvel must team up to stop an out of control weather device from wrecking havoc on the town.
Rick is accused of stealing a top secret weather control device and it's up to The Super Sleuths to prove his innocence. So how do Isis and Captain Marvel fit in all this?
John and Richard begin the first of the two-part finale of The Secrets of Isis with "Now You See It..." In this episode, they discuss Brian Cutler's opportunity to play straight after several episode where he was the comedic foil, the potential for a Super Sleuths show, and why the end of the series at this point makes sense.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "Never take the law into your own hands. When you have evidence, share it with the proper authorities."
Guest Cast
Jerry Douglas as Inspector Bryce
Ben Frank as The Professor
Michael Blodgett as Sam
and
John Davey as Captain Marvel
And introducing the Super Sleuths
Evan Kim as C.J Howe
Craig Wasson as Feather
Ranji as Ranji
A Chinese teen wins a prize for a competition at school and tries to avoid having her father show up for the awards ceremony. She goes to such lengths to avoid it that she places herself and her father in danger.
John and Richard are back in the RV and making their final stops along the highways and byways of the land exploring those two Saturday morning series of the 70s we loved as kids - Shazam! and the Secrets of Isis. We continue with an Isis episode, "Year of the Dragon". In it, the two discuss how 1976 was the Year of the Dragon, the Chinese stereotypes, and are confused by what the character of Julie has to be ashamed of in her father when he seems really cool.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "Always show pride for your culture and do not let a generational divide determine how you view your culture."
Guest Cast
Victor Song Yung as Mr. Chen
Roger Kern as Dave Parkes
Jeanne Joe as Julie Chen
A student at school cheats on a chemistry test and then frames the head of the cheerleading squad in the hopes of taking over the position.
John and Richard are back in the RV and making their final stops along the highways and byways of the land exploring those two Saturday morning series of the 70s we loved as kids - Shazam! and the Secrets of Isis. We start with an Isis episode, "The Cheerleader" where John and Richard discuss the hairstyles of the 70s, the popularity of guest star Laurette Spang, and the inconsistent practical effects.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "Taking shortcuts to get what you want never works out the way you planned."
Guest Cast
Laurette Spang as Ann
Danil Torppe as Tom
Colleen Camp as Wynn
Isis tries to convince a young man that while his practical jokes may be humorous and have no malicious intent, they can lead to disaster.
We have to ask, didn't we cover this story in the last season? And didn't the previous story, "Funny Gal" do it better? John and Richard sit down to discuss what is a technically proficient story that hits all the beats, but in the end feels like a retread of themes from the previous season. In addition, they also talk about the unlikability of the guest character.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "Practical jokes may have no harmful intent, but when not thought out can lead to disaster."
Guest Cast
Alvin Kupperman as Rudy
David Cole as Stanley
and
Albert Reed as Dr. Barnes
Isis must convince two teens about the dangers of hitchhiking because the reckless activity costs them their lives.
We're back to our reviews of Isis with a look at the second episode of the second season. John and Richard discuss how this episode might play out if it were produced today, they argue over whether or not hitchhiking is relevant today in an Uber society, and the film techniques used to make this episode.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "Hitchhiking is a dangerous activity. You should never get in a car unless you absolutely know and trust the person driving the vehicle."
Guest Cast
Jewel Blanch as Hope
Barry Miller as Charlie
Lynn Tufeld as Joanne Clayton
Brad David as Steve
Noah is a teenager who has been recently struck blind. His passion, riding horses, seems to be elusive to him, but Andrea and Rennie are determined to change that attitude by introducing Noah to a seeing eye horse. Just how resourceful is this horse when Noah finds himself in trouble and his ranch in danger of burning down?
Our look at the first episode of the second and final season of The Secrets of Isis is met with a mix of feelings between John and Richard. One of the two is not impressed at all with what he's seeing, while the other acknowledges that there are issues with the episode, but feels the message is important and relevant today, making it a better episode. The two discuss the revamped theme song, the Viewmaster reels that were developed from this story, the weak introduction of Ronalda Douglas as Rennie Carol, Isis' new hairdo, and the trope of heroic blind people in 70s television. Plus, just how familiar is that ranch house in this episode to John?
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "A handicap does not mean the end of a person's means of living. Knowing you have a support base can mean the difference when it comes to doing anything you want in this world."
Guest Cast
Greg Elliot as Noah Schuster
Kathleen O'Malley as Mrs. Schuster
James Griffith as Dr. Blandford
Chala likes to design airplanes and wants to enter the school competition, but her competition is willing to go to any lengths to make sure she doesn't. To make matters worse, Chala's brother is not supportive of her "Dreams of Flight".
We come to the end of the first season of Isis with a story whose moral doesn't exactly match the plot. Is this a story about accepting that all people are deserving of respect or is this a story about accepting that woman are as capable of doing anything a man can do? John and Richard discuss this as well as the the story arc of Cindy Lee and the conclusion of the first season of Isis.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "People who come from different backgrounds or from different countries deserve the same respect we give everyone else. Putting someone down because they speak a different language or are a different color just doesn't make sense. What does make sense is treating people just the way we want them to treat us."
Guest Cast
Cynthia Avila as Chala
Paul Hinkley as Mark
Tom Williams as Bill
Fabian Gregory as Raoul
Steve is a member of Rick's scuba diving club, but he's not one to listen to rules. In doing so, he risks his life and it's up to Isis to save him.
We conclude our reviews of the DC Comics 1970s run of The Mighty Isis, with a look at a story that appears to set things back to normal. Andrea has returned to school with Rick and is teaching once again, but there are new wrinkles that affect the storyline and will not be resolved.
Plus, we announce the winners of our Isis comic giveaway.
Next, it's a look at the episode, "Scuba Duba". Among the topics discussed are the appearance of manta rays in a lake, the underwater photography of the episode and how the fashions of this episode may have influenced That 70s Show.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "We've all heard the expression, safety first. But sometimes we forget just how important that saying is. Safety first means nothing is more important than that you think before you act. So, don't take a chance - think safety and act safely."
Guest Cast
Eileen Chesis as Nancy
Brian Byers as Steve
Freddie is running for president of the Auto Club, but faces strong opposition from Mack. The two agree to a Relay Race to settle who would make a better president, but Mack has plans of his own on how the race should be run and won.
We continue our reviews of the DC Comics 1970s run of The Mighty Isis, looking at the penultimate issue, a story that really takes the series in a new direction, both story and character-wise.
Next, it's a look at the episode, "Girl Driver". Among the topics discussed are the progression of Cindy Lee as a character from the start of the series to now, why a general election wasn't held to determine who would be president of the club, Sid and Marty Kroft versus Filmation live action shows, and the new outfits everyone gets to wear in this episode.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "You have to like and respect yourself. Each of us have many things we can be proud of. Things we can do as well, maybe even better than anyone else. So don’t put yourself down. Being popular means caring about other people and yourself."
Guest Cast
Susan Lawrence as Feddie Charlton
Steve Doubet as Mac Lennard
and
Albert Reed as Doctor Barnes
Carrie has low self-esteem due to her weight. It causes her to save people the time and trouble of putting her down by being self-deprecating. Her friends convince her to run for Student Body President as they think she would be very good at it as a creative individual. But she thinks the only way she can win is if she can pull off a publicity stunt that will get her noticed. So she steals Rick Mason's boat and gets herself stranded out in the ocean as a storm approaches. It's more than Isis can manage so she calls upon the aid of Captain Marvel.
Before getting into this week's review, John and Richard discuss the sixth issue of the DC Comics 1970s The Mighty Isis comic run. This is the issue John remembers from his youth as it's the only issue he owned. They break down the continuing change in the character of Isis and the very provocative cover on the issue.
Next, it's a look at the episode, "Funny Gal". Among the topics discussed are the question of the moral really matching the story, the appearance of Captain Marvel in this episode and how Jackson Bostwick might have played it, and the appreciation of practical stunts being performed in this episode that harkens back to the first season of Shazam!.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "You have to like and respect yourself. Each of us have many things we can be proud of. Things we can do as well, maybe even better than anyone else. So don’t put yourself down. Being popular means caring about other people and yourself."
Guest Cast
Sandra Vacey as Carrie Anson
Jonas Agee as Greg Aley
and special guest star
John Davey as Captain Marvel
Fred is upset that his science project failed to take first place at the science fair. After nearly getting himself killed in an auto accident, he, Andrea, and science fair winner Dorothy decide to explore a nearby ghost town. But the abandoned town is being used as a hideout for thieves. When Andrea loses the amulet, who will be able to save them?
Before getting into this week's review, John and Richard discuss the fifth issue of the DC Comics 1970s The Mighty Isis comic run. It's the start of the radical change in direction for the series and Richard wonders if the change was what led to the cancellation of the series. Next, it's a look at the episode, "No Drums, No Trumpets". Among the topics discussed are the tropes of ghost towns on 70s television, how much Brian Cutler was convincing as a high school teacher, and what is it that actually activates her powers.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "Not everyone can be a winner. Learning from a loss is as important as the win itself. Learning from mistakes helps you grow as a person."
Guest Cast
Mark Lambert as Fred Weiting
Christopher Norris as Dorothy Bieder
Michael Greene as Jim Danch
and
Albert Reed as Dr. Barnes
Steve is a student who has a serious inferiority complex. He compensates by showing off, but his recklessness gets him into trouble very quickly.
John and Richard have a lot to talk about in this episode. First, there's the excitement over Michael Gray's appearance on AMC's Comic Book Men this fall. Next, they look through the fourth issue of DC Comics' 1976 run of The Mighty Isis. It's the last issue before the series took an interesting turn. Finally, they review, "The Show Off," an episode of Isis that turns out to be two stories in one as the first story is abandoned early in the second act. Plus, there's admiration of Joanna Cameron's acting with Tut, Brian Cutler's fishing hat, and the use of more realistic gorilla costumes if you don't want to use a real gorilla in your story.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "Today Steve learned that showing off may bring attention to yourself, but it isn’t the way to gain respect. Respect is something that must be earned and the best way to start is to be honest with yourself. Trying to be something you’re not, only makes you look foolish and sometimes, it can be very dangerous."
Guest Cast
Harry Gold as Steve Elwood
Meegan King as Roger Buck
Harlan Ward as The Zookeeper
Tom is a troubled student who tries to make friends, but fails. He comes up with the idea of really impressing a kid with a dirt bike he wants to ride by offering him an antique gun that belongs to his father. The problem is the firing mechanism of the gun is rusted and the weapon could go off in the user's hands.
This is a packed episode even though it isn't action packed. First, Richard relates his attending Big Apple Comic Con in New York with Jackson Bostwick and how the two participated in a panel on the history of the use of the name, Captain Marvel. Next, John and Richard discuss the third issue of the 1976 DC Comics run of Isis. Finally, they discuss the episode itself. Richard likes it more than John, finding the time manipulation elements interesting, while John just finds it weird.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "In today's story, Tom learns that you cannot buy friendship. Real friends are those who like you for yourself, not because you are giving them presents. And Tom learned something else. He learned that a gun is not a toy. A lot of people are sorry, because they were hurt by a gun they thought wasn't loaded. So, play it safe. Don't play with a gun, then you'll never be sorry."
Guest Cast
Mike Lookinland as Tom Anderson
Buddy Foster as Billie
Tommy Norden as Joe
Russ Martin as Mister Anderson
&
Albert Reed as Dr. Joshua Barnes
Lee and Cindy claim to have seen Bigfoot while walking through the woods. Is it possible? Rick has a hard time believing it, but when the kids begin to panic and decide to hunt the beast down, Isis steps in and discovers the secret of Bigfoot (long before Steve Austin did).
John is especially excited to tackle this episode in light of his love for Bigfoot on The Six Million Dollar Man, but there are problems with it as John and Richard discuss. Plus, they also talk about how Isis managed to debunk supernatural tropes that were popular in the 70s, wonder how a man with shoes leaves a bare footprint, and discuss the second issue of the DC Comics The Mighty Isis Series, "The Creature from Dimension X" and "Lost and Found".
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "There's a well-known proverb that says, "You can't judge a book by its cover." What that means is that you can't tell what something is like just by the way it looks. That's especially true of people. So whether they be tall or short, thin or fat, remember, the way a person acts, not how he looks, that is what counts."
Guest Cast
Scott Colomby as Lee Webster
Neil J. Schwartz as Mickey Moses
William Engesser as Bigfoot (Richard)
&
Albert Reed as Dr. Joshua Barnes
Randy is getting ready to enter high school and he's looking forward to it, even though it means leaving his dog Lucky behind during the day. When Lucky drowns in the ocean during a beach party, Randy struggles with his loss. And when he questions Isis for not using her powers to revive Lucky, Isis must teach him a lesson on life and death.
In the most heartwarming and heartbreaking episode of either series, John and Richard discuss the dealing with loss in ones life. Plus, they also look at the first issue of DC Comics' The Mighty Isis comic book and rave about Joanna Cameron's acting in light of her performance in this episode. In the end though, is this one of the best, if not the best episode of the series? John and Richard are of mixed thoughts about this.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "Losing something we love is never easy, but it's a part of growing up. Growing up doesn't mean just getting bigger and older, it means learning and understanding about life. The cycle of life is all around us. If you look, you'll see it everywhere - flowers, people, animals. But remember, every ending is a beginning full of hope and promise and new life."
Guest Cast
John Doran as Randy Martin
Brian Nash as Glenn
Robert Forward as Dr. Herb Rogers
Kevin is a young student who tries to avoid any of his responsibilities at any cost. But he goes too far when forges his father's name on a permission slip to avoid a cleanup job at home. On the trip, Kevin continues to shirk his responsibilities and decides to run away before getting caught. The problem is he brings along a fellow student named Fabian. Will the two become lost or even worse or can Isis find them in time?
John and Richard discuss this episode in detail and also talk about how the episode is important for today's youth who many do not accept their responsibilities. Plus, what is the deal with the bear? It's pretty bad, even for Isis/Shazam standards.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "Being responsible means knowing the right thing to do an doing it."
Guest Cast
Steven Paul as Kevin McCauley
Thomas Carter as Fabian
Bill DeLand as Mr. McCauley
A new student shows great potential in environmental science, but he's having trouble fitting in with the student body. He discovers that a nearby piece of land that supports a great deal of wildlife in the area is in danger of being cleared for new housing. Will he take the law into his own hands or can Isis resolve the situation before it gets out of hand or worse, deadly?
This episode features themes that a little more mature in terms of concepts concerning the environment. But one's never too young to be concerned with how changing our environment can affect our future. Richard and John do not exactly see eye to eye on the merits of this episode and one is a little more down on it than the other. Take a listen and see if you agree.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "You can't judge a book by its cover."
Guest Cast
Mitch Vogal as Wayne Moss
Morgan Jones as Mr. Tilden
Harry Hickox as Mr. Winstead
Wirt Morton as Charlie Michaels
Anson Downes as Phil Hobbes
Andrea has developed a force field generator called the Circlegard. It's just what a disgruntled student needs to get himself a new car. Can Andrea save Bill from the dangerous turn he's taking by aligning with a local mobster? Will she be in time to also save him from the radiation that is leaking from the Circlegard?
The Secrets of Isis takes a turn toward the more technical with this episode. It's a story dealing with the usual misguided teenagers and the men who manipulate them, but it also has the element of the force field generator and the dangers of radiation. John and Richard discuss how this new element propels the show forward in terms of story telling opportunities. They also wonder how a project like the Circlegard could be developed in a high school with the dangers of radiation involved.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "We all know that two wrongs don't make a right. They only make things worse. If you're ever tempted in that direction, just remember that the right way is always the best way."
Guest Cast
Leigh McCloskey as Bill Cady
James Canning as B.J. Tanker
Philip Bruns as Jack Evans
Wayne Storm as Jocko
and
Albert Reed as Dr. Joshua Barnes
Jenny's father Chuck has returned after a stay in prison for theft and wants to start his life over. A series of thefts of industrial diamonds has a similar MO to Chuck's leading to almost everyone, including Jenny, that Chuck may be guilty. Everyone, except Andrea. Can she prove this to Jenny before it's too late?
John and Richard are impressed with this episode, which they feel has more depth than a usual episode of either series. They go on to discuss how Isis feels like it learned from the mistakes of the first season of Shazam! while Shazam! continues to produce the same kind of stories as before. Finally, they make the comparison of these two shows with Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "Today we learned the importance of keeping faith in a friend or someone you love even if it seems they’ve done something wrong. If they have, it will come out soon enough. If they haven’t, they need someone who will believe in them when others won’t. That’s what being a true friend really means."
Guest Cast
Lou Frizzell as Chuck Nelson
Debralee Scott as Jenny Nelson
Edward Cross as Sgt. Connors
Paul Jenkins as Tom Jenkins
Cindy Lee takes a dare to spend time in an abandoned junkyard. But she's unaware of the danger that lies within. And how is the junkyard connected to a car theft ring? And why doesn't Andrea simply turn to Isis for help when her car is stolen? These questions and more will be discussed on a new episode of the podcast.
John and Richard wind up being split on how they feel about this episode. It's good, but is it as good as one of them feels? Also, what were the producers thinking when they dressed Cindy Lee in the more child-like clothing? And just how cool is Tut? Take a listen and let us know what you think.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "When someone dares you to do something, it's often either something dangerous or wrong to for some other reason. So the question isn't whether you have the guts to do it or not, the question is do you have the nerve enough not to take the dare? Doing anything that you know is wrong is dumb, because you're the one who pays for it."
Guest Cast
Charles Cyphers as Sam Niles
Frank Whiteman as Cy Khan
Josh Albee as Ernie Rothchild
Jeff Tyler as Frank Iverson
Albert Reed as Dr. Joshua Barnes
We begin our reviews of The Secrets of Isis with this episode. Cindy Lee reports of the strange lights in the skies over Mystery Mountain. Is it possible that an alien invasion is coming? There are those missing people to account for. And what happens when Cindy Lee herself disappears?
John and Richard discuss the the poor transformation sequence, the lack of stunts, and the odd plot choices in this opening story. Despite all this, they also both agree that this is a much better beginning episode for a series than Shazam! got.
It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode. Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.
Moral: "Practical jokes can be taken too far."
Guest Cast
Kelly Thordson as Joel Moss
Hank Brandt as Sheriff Harley
Kenneth Wolger as Art Byron
Michael Maitland as Chick Jeffers
Albert Reed as Dr. Joshua Barnes