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A Phoenix Foundation scientist whose work appears to deal mainly with
environmental studies, although he did appear to be knowledgeable in electronic
surveillance technology in the episode The Wall.
It is quite conceivable that Willis was employed by the Phoenix
Foundation because of his broad range of scientific knowledge, with surveillance and
environmental science being his specialties. It could also be that Willis was the head
scientist or departmental head, which would explain why he was called upon by MacGyver and
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He seems like an early version of Daniel on SG-1--slightly naive and awkward, but intelligent. The actor who played him did a nice job making him a credible character. Not only did he "look" the part of a scientist, he also sounds as if he understands the nature of what he's discussing. I wish they had done more with him.
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I love Willis! I realize he was only in... what? 3 episodes... but I still have a great fondness for the character. He is honest, intense, and solid--very solid. I think that is why his character made such an impression on me.
Bruce Harwood is one of my favourite actors. I cheered when he appeared in X-Files as Byers, one of The Lone Gunmen. He plays the character with the same kind of straight intensity... slightly paranoid, idealistic, and charmingly naive ... like a grown-up version of Willis.
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Well, I could care less about Bruce Harwood, so I like Willis because I like Willis.
It was nice to have another part of the Phoenix Foundation staff on hand and one who apparently specialized in science and environmental projects and such. He was a good companion for MacGyver in the 3 episodes he showed up in. Willis is actually a bit higher up on the list of recurring characters for me just because he showed up in 3 episodes and was portrayed by the same actor! (Who did a great job, by the way. )
I love Willis' quote about MacGyver in "The Wasteland" - "In the corner of my mind as I was going down, I knew you'd show up. You're always on time."
They should have done more with him. He had a lot of potential, but they relegated him to the sidelines. I wish he had stuck around longer in The Wasteland, instead of disappearing after the first sequence. But yeah, I liked him. Good addition to the cast, but sadly underused.
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Willis also appeared in "Trail of Tears". He was in the courtroom with Mac. After the hearing he returned to Phoenix to research the location of the reservation and send the info back to Mac.
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And Hind-Sight. He was in one scene with MacGyver at the computer desk.
I think the poison that was used was applied to this knife, passed to the mutton when it was cut and then activated by the wine. - MacGyver. Sometimes you just have to die a little inside to be reborn and rise again as a stronger and wiser version of you. It's better to be a little sad than to be fake content.
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Well, he is the only scientist that appeared in multiple episodes even if it was a small part. To me he is as memorable as Nikki even if there was no real Willis-centric episode.
I think the poison that was used was applied to this knife, passed to the mutton when it was cut and then activated by the wine. - MacGyver. Sometimes you just have to die a little inside to be reborn and rise again as a stronger and wiser version of you. It's better to be a little sad than to be fake content.