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The Legacy of Lloyd Bridges and the Underrated “The Loner”
The Bridges family stands as a beacon of talent in Hollywood, much like other illustrious families such as the Barrymores and Fondas. Pioneering actor Lloyd Bridges laid the groundwork for an acting dynasty, with his sons Beau and Jeff following suit in the realm of film and television. Over his expansive career, which spanned more than five decades, Lloyd Bridges starred in over 150 feature films, including classics like Sahara, High Noon, Airplane!, and Hotshots!, as well as in memorable television programs such as Sea Hunt and The Lloyd Bridges Show. In 1965, he took a leading role in the often-overlooked Western series The Loner, which marked a significant chapter in his career.
Created by the innovative producer and screenwriter Rod Serling, known for his iconic work on the seminal series The Twilight Zone, The Loner tells the story of William Colton, a former soldier of the American Civil War. This character embarks on a harrowing journey across the United States in search of a new beginning, encountering numerous challenges that reflect the tumultuous times following the war. Though it aired for only one season, the series garnered a positive critical reception and showcased Bridges’ remarkable talent.
Rod Serling’s Severely Underrated ’60s Western Series
Rod Serling, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to television through The Twilight Zone, ventured into the Western genre with The Loner. After the finale of his iconic anthology series in 1964, Serling sought to explore a different narrative style. The show, focusing on the post-Civil War era, features William Colton as he navigates a series of perilous encounters during his travels across the American landscape.
Lloyd Bridges, already a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, was the perfect choice for the leading role. With a portfolio that included films like Sahara and High Noon, Bridges embodied the complex character of Colton, who grapples with the fallout from his wartime experiences while striving to assist those in distress. Over its 26 episodes, the series presented Colton facing a variety of threats, from outlaws to criminals, all while maintaining his moral compass.
Despite critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the Western experience, The Loner suffered from low viewer ratings, which many attributed to its mature themes. CBS executives pressured Serling to inject more action and reduce character-focused storytelling. However, Serling remained dedicated to his original vision, ultimately leading to its cancellation on March 12, 1966. Critics noted that the show might have been “too real for a public grown used to the unreal Westerns.”
Bridges & Serling Bounce Back and Find Further Success
Though The Loner did not achieve the success that was initially hoped for, both Rod Serling and Lloyd Bridges rebounded in the following years, further solidifying their legacies in entertainment. In 1969, Serling returned to television with Night Gallery, a chilling anthology series featuring horror stories, which gained popularity over three seasons and showcased numerous renowned actors.
Meanwhile, Lloyd Bridges expanded his television presence in various made-for-TV movies and prominent miniseries like Roots and How the West Was Won. His revival in the 1980s brought him acclaim in comedic roles in hit films such as Airplane! and Hot Shots!, proving his versatility as an actor. Following a prolific career with over 150 films, Bridges passed away on March 10, 1998, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy that continues through his sons, Beau and Jeff Bridges, both of whom have carved out distinguished careers in Hollywood.
Today, it’s evident that The Loner, while currently unavailable for streaming, remains an important yet underappreciated part of television history, reflecting the vision of two great talents who profoundly influenced the industry.
Source
movieweb.com