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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Shazam!

"Out of Focus"

October 16, 1976

​An aspiring filmmaker captures a robbery on film. Now, the thieves are out to get the film, but he sees it as his ticket to success in a local film festival.  Can Captain Marvel and Isis ensure this film makes it to the screen while keeping the young Spielberg safe?

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.

Shazam!
"The Sound of a
Different Drummer"
October 9, 1976

Curtis is a young man blessed with great shortstop skills in baseball, but he prefers to focus his practice time on being a violinist.  His teammates have other ideas and will stop at nothing to get him to play in an important game.  Will Billy, Mentor, Captain Marvel, and Maury Wills himself be able to make this situation right?

It's the penultimate episode of the Shazam! series as John and Richard discuss the waning years (in John's opinion) of baseball, the missed potential in the cat, Polecat, and which actor the Mego Shazam! figure looks like.

​

 It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

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Moral: “Billy: Maury Wills is one of the most respected men in baseball, not just because he was a great player, mostly because he respects others.  You know, in some ways, all of us are different, but in one way we're all alike.  We all want people to like and to respect us.

Maury Wills: That's right, Billy. And the way to bring that about is to treat others as you would like them to treat you.  It's called, do unto others and it means, if you give respect, you'll get it back."

Guest Cast

Eric Laneuville as Curtis

Benny Medina as Dennis

David Doremus as Jerry

Lenore Kingston as Adele Sauber

Ed Fury as Guard

and

Maury Wills as Maury Wills

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."

​

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

Shazam!

"Bitter Herbs"

September 18, 1976

Yale is a teen who wants to join an outdoor group called "The Overlanders".  But one of the leaders has a problem with this because Yale and his family are Jewish.  What he doesn't know is that Yale's father is also helping Mexican authorities with smuggling of religious artifacts across the border.

We're back with our first review in over a year and we start off with one of the best episodes in the series.  John and Richard discuss the stunt flying that reminded John of Jackson Bostwick's work in the first season, how this episode stands out for how it handles the theme of tolerance compared to other shows of the 70s, and the unprecedented three appearances of Captain Marvel 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: “Prejudice and bigotry are two words that mean not liking somebody, calling them names because they different somebody.  It's pretty silly.  In some ways, all of us are different, in others, we're all the same.  The important thing about a person is not the color of his hair or his skin, or his religion, whether he's tall of short, skinny or fat.  What is important is something called character.  Ask yourself is he honest? Does he care about others?  Is he good?  If the answers yes, call him friend."

Guest Cast

Lindin Chiles as Orin Clyde

Milt Kogan as Jack Michaels

James Van Patten as Harry

David Gruner as Yale Michaels

Darel Glaser as Joe Olveira

After a near year-and-a-half absence, the podcast returns.  Before John and Richard set off once again in the RV to travel the highways and the byways of the land discussing those two iconic shows we love so much, they need to do a little house cleaning, or RV cleaning, if you will.

They discuss DC's decision to cancel a planned release of the classic Monster Society of Evil, Shazam! in HD on DC Universe, the fate of DC Universe, the fate of Isis in a modern world, and the recent Shazam movie.

​It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

Shazam!

"Finders Keepers"

October 2, 1976

A pair of Catholic School girls discover a chest of stolen money on the beach. They decide to keep it with the best of intentions for it, but the thieves who stole it want it back and will do anything to make that happen, including kidnapping the girls and Mentor.  It's up to Captain Marvel and Isis to save the day.

It's another great cross-over episode as Joanna Cameron guest stars as Andrea Thomas and Isis!  And so we decided to make the podcast just as special.  Shazam! series star, Michael Gray, joins us to discuss the episode, working with Joanna Cameron and Tut the bird, "Big John" the stunt double for John Davey in this episode, the talent of Les Tremaine, and the lost Christmas outtakes reel.

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: “Laura and Kate learn that doing something wrong, even if it's for a good reason, doesn't make it right.  A wrong deed is usually the beginning.  You find yourself trying to cover it up and then the wrong deed has lead to lies and then they get bigger and bigger.  Most of the time we can tell right from wrong, so don't try to fool yourself.  Stick to the right way.  It's the best way. "

Guest Cast

Dran Hamilton as Sister Mary Catherine

Carol Ann Williams as Kate

Susan Madigan as Laura

Darwin Joston as Jasper

Bill Death as McSween

and

Joanna Cameron as Andrea Thomas/Isis

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

Shazam!

"The Contest"

September 11, 1976

Glen has a chance to win a new motorcycle, but the means of winning may prove more than Glen is willing to commit.  He learns a hard lesson when his desire to win almost costs the life of a another person.

We start off the final season of Shazam! with a story that does work in today's world.  John and Richard discuss how there are those in this instant world who aren't willing to work for something they desire.  They also discuss what may be the worst stunts in the series, the odd choice to use a new voice over for Billy's transformation, and the caliber of guest stars this particular episode has.  And finally, just what is a pizza-flavored malt?

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: “Just about anything worthwhile has to be worked for, and earned. If it's worth having, it's worth waiting for."

Guest Cast

Mark Montgomery as Glen

Dennis Olivieri as Fred

William Campbell as Officer Ken Taylor

Walker Edmiston as Bob Rose

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

With the conclusion of our reviews of DC Comics' 1977 run of The Mighty Isis comic series, we're proud to present our interview with The Mighty Isis writer Jack C. Harris.  Harris talks with us about how he got the assignment to write the book, the abrupt cancellation, and his plans with the series had it moved forward.  Plus, we talk Kamandi and Captain Marvel in this all new episode.

Jack C. Harris was born in 1947. He received a B.F.A. from the Philadelphia University of the Arts. He began working in comic books as an assistant editor at DC Comics. He went on to become a comic book writer and editor, working for DC Comics and later Marvel Comics, among others. He taught History of the American Comic Book at Philadelphia College of Art from 1973-1975. In the early 1980s, he was the Art Director for Licensing International Magazine, and in 1985 he became its Managing Editor. From 1985 through 1992 he wrote books, primarily children's books. He briefly returned to DC Comics in the early 1990s to write The Ray series with Joe Quesada. He is currently an instructor at the School of Visual Arts in New York, NY.

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