J.J. Starbuck

Did You Know?

• The series aired on NBC from September 26, 1987, to June 28, 1988.
• Ben Vereen reprised his character E.L. "Tenspeed" Turner from the 1980 ABC series Tenspeed and Brown Shoe for the final 5 episodes.

Overview

J.J. Starbuck was a Texas billionaire who made his fortune in oil and other investments, but his relentless work ethic cost him his family. Originally from Laredo and a D-Day veteran, he lived in San Antonio and dressed in ten-gallon hats, cowboy boots, and flashy Western wear. His car was a convertible 1964 Lincoln Continental with steer horns on the hood and a horn that played "The Eyes of Texas." A few years before the series began, his wife Lee and teenage son Mark died in a plane crash while flying to surprise him at an offshore oil rig. Realizing his money couldn't bring them back, he changed his life. He handed over daily control of his company, Marklee Industries, to his trusted deputy Charlie Bullets—played by David Huddleston in the pilot and later by singer Jimmy Dean. J.J. then started traveling the country in his Lincoln, using his wealth, influence, and detective skills to help ordinary people in trouble and prevent them from making the same mistakes he did.

For most of the show, the 60-something J.J. was a loner, occasionally interacting with his niece Jill, his only surviving relative. But late in the fall of 1987, star Dale Robertson fell from a horse at his Oklahoma ranch, injuring his hip and leg. The accident was written into the series, and for the final five episodes, J.J. gained a new driver and traveling companion. Actor Ben Vereen reprised his role as E.L. "Tenspeed" Turner from the short-lived 1980 ABC series Tenspeed and Brown Shoe, which was also created by J.J. Starbuck producer Stephen J. Cannell. Straight-laced J.J. and con artist E.L. made an odd couple, but they were beginning to trust and appreciate each other. NBC moved the show between Tuesday and Saturday time slots before canceling it after 16 episodes. It ranked 48th for the season with an average 13.3 rating.