Isis

"...And Now You Don't"

October 23, 1976

​Isis and Captain Marvel must team up to stop an out of control weather device from wrecking havoc on the town.

Isis

"Now You See It..."

October 16, 1976

​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

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And introducing the Super Sleuths

Evan Kim as C.J Howe

Craig Wasson as Feather

Ranji as Ranji

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Isis

"Year of the Dragon"

October 9, 1976

​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.

Isis

"The Cheerleader"

October 2, 1976

​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."

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Guest Cast

Laurette Spang as Ann

Danil Torppe as Tom

Colleen Camp as Wynn

Isis

"The Class Clown"

September 25, 1976

​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."

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Guest Cast

Alvin Kupperman as Rudy

David Cole as Stanley

and

Albert Reed as Dr. Barnes

Isis

"The Hitchhikers"

September 18, 1976

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."

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Guest Cast

Jewel Blanch as Hope

Barry Miller as Charlie

Lynn Tufeld as Joanne Clayton

Brad David as Steve

Isis

"Seeing Eye Horse"

September 11, 1976

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."

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Guest Cast

Greg Elliot as Noah Schuster

Kathleen O'Malley as Mrs. Schuster

James Griffith as Dr. Blandford

Isis

"Dreams of Flight"

December 13, 1975

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."

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Guest Cast

Cynthia Avila as Chala

Paul  Hinkley as Mark

Tom Williams as Bill

Fabian Gregory as Raoul

Isis

"Scuba Duba"

December 6, 1975

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."

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Guest Cast

Eileen Chesis as Nancy

Brian Byers as Steve

Isis

"Girl Driver"

November 29, 1975

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.

Isis

"Funny Gal"

November 22, 1975

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."

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Guest Cast

Sandra Vacey as Carrie Anson

Jonas Agee as Greg Aley

and special guest star

John Davey as Captain Marvel

"No Drums,

No Trumpets"

November 15, 1975

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."

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Guest Cast

Mark Lambert as Fred Weiting

Christopher Norris as Dorothy Bieder

Michael Greene as Jim Danch

and

Albert Reed as Dr. Barnes

Isis

"The Show Off"

November 8, 1975

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."

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Guest Cast

Harry Gold as Steve Elwood

Meegan King as Roger Buck

Harlan Ward as The Zookeeper

Isis

"How to Find a Friend"

November 1, 1975

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."

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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

Isis

"Bigfoot"

October 25, 1975

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."

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Guest Cast

Scott Colomby as Lee Webster

Neil J. Schwartz as Mickey Moses

William Engesser as Bigfoot (Richard)

&

Albert Reed as Dr. Joshua Barnes

Isis

"Lucky"

October 18, 1975

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

Isis

"Rockhound's Roost"

October 11, 1975

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

Isis

"The Rival"

October 4, 1975

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? 

Isis

"The Sound of Silence"

September 27, 1975 

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

Isis

"Spots of the Leopard"

September 20, 1975

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

Isis

"Fool's Dare"

September 6, 1975

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."

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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?