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Swayze's Forgotten 80s TV Gang Drama
31 Jul
Summary
- Patrick Swayze starred as Bandit in "The Renegades" TV series.
- The crime drama aimed to capitalize on "The Warriors" cult following.
- "The Renegades" also featured "Dynasty" star Tracy Scoggins.
Patrick Swayze, renowned for his blockbuster and cult classic film performances, also made significant early career appearances on television. His role as street gang leader Bandit in the 1983 ABC crime drama "The Renegades" showcased a different facet of his acting talent.
This six-episode series, which was ultimately canceled due to low ratings, drew inspiration from Walter Hill's 1979 film "The Warriors." "The Renegades" combined the thematic elements of youth rebellion and lawlessness found in "The Warriors" with a police procedural format, positioning Bandit's gang as a special undercover unit fighting crime.
The production featured other notable actors, including Tracy Scoggins, known for her role in "Dynasty," and Kurtwood Smith, who later gained fame on "That '70s Show." Smith portrayed Captain Frank Scanlon, a skeptical police officer and precinct boss.
Interestingly, Swayze's character, Bandit, was initially conceived with a sleazier edge for the show's two-hour backdoor pilot, but was later softened into a more amicable protagonist before the series aired.
