Why do we watch MacGyver? Why do we love his adventures and demeanor? This whole question was riled up in me when I was verbally attacked by my 'friends' on my love of the show (this is a separate post). I'm not saying that there is no reason why we should watch, I'm just asking for personal opinions. On my own behalf, I watch him because he is a role model. Sure that may seem to suggest that I have no recognition of fact and fiction. But the character himself is admirable. He never sweats (unless fire is involved). He will always try to save anyone. His inventive mind he puts to excellent use. In an age when common sense is declining, he can be looked to for inspiration. But what is your own allure to watch his escapades?

Well, actually, I grew up with him. I've been watching this show from since I was kindergarten. Out in the Cold, Lost Love, Cease Fire, Halloween Knights, The Gun, Twenty Questions, Harry's Will, Lesson in Evil and Jerico Games were ones of the very very first episodes I've seen. Than thanks to the internet, I noticed MacGyver had been through like hundred more of adventures.
Why do I watch, mostly because of growing up with him and also because always my mom put me in front of the television to keep my quiet.

because:

1) he's an action hero
2) he always does the morally right thing
3) he isnt too violent
4) he uses his mind
5) he travels the world

I think that's it in a nutshell. he does the right thing while making it look cool as well.

I just grew up watching reruns of this show. My older brother liked it and I guess because I looked up to him I instantly wanted to watch it also. Then later I found out I really liked it. Now when I watch it, it takes me back to the good old times that are long gone and that makes me feel good. Just because mac is so innocent/cool/overall good person that makes it worth it. Plus his acting makes you really feel like RDA is Macgyver!!

That's the sign of a good actor, that he could so convincingly portray someone as to make him seem like a real person. I fell in love with him (in many different ways) when I grew up watching him, too. I just love how down-to-earth he is, how intelligent, funny, and creative he can be. He makes me feel comfortable and helps me to relax. No matter what crisis might be going on in my life, I can always watch him and feel that I can overcome anything and survive. He gives me courage and confidence when I feel it lacking. Plus, he's just...*sigh*! It's a lovely bonus when you're a woman watching the show--it just is. Can one fictional character truly inspire so much feeling? Sure, when it's MacGyver! I wish there was someone like him in the real world.

Hmm- well, this is a topic that I've written about before, so here's a few reasons why I love MacGyver!

MacGyver is definitely the best television series ever!!! This show was a totally different show from all the violent action heroes proliferated in both movies and on TV. MacGyver actually used his brain and showed viewers that there's a better way than using guns. All of his tricks on the show are totally backed up by science. It's true that some elements were left out on the show, but this is only because the producers of the show were responsible and didn't want children to emulate anything that might be possibly dangerous. MacGyver was a hero who said "ow" when it hurt from throwing punches, because he was a very human character and it made him a more real character you could relate to. He also rarely cursed, (by the 2nd. season onward, he never cursed at all), he did not use guns, he did not drink alcohol, he did not smoke, and he was always helping someone whenever they were in trouble. He is a great example of a true hero. MacGyver is an overall clean show that still delivers plenty of great action, adventure and excitement, as well as teaching viewers a bit about science along the way. MacGyver ROCKS!!!


(I wrote that as an IMDB review some years ago.) But everything there still is true.
What else can I say? As a kid, sure- I loved the action and the last minute escapes (the same sort of thing that drew me to reading The Hardy Boys- still love those books! )
And of course the MacGyverisms are way cool! But then, there's a lot more to MacGyver than just that. It is an educational show that teaches you some about science- but it also teaches you a lot about how to deal with situations and how to make the best of a situation.
MacGyver also espouses many Christian values that I appreciate and they only reinforced what I had found in The Bible when I became a Christian as a child.
MacGyver certainly loves his neighbor as himself, as we can see in many episodes.
And MacGyver does unto others as he would have them do unto him- which is following the Golden Rule that Jesus set down.
I also like that MacGyver has a respect for the sanctity of human life and that he is comfortable with relating to people of many different status levels and situations.
And he takes a stand against drinking, smoking, drugs and cursing and guns- none of which really do anybody any good.
A lot of values and things that MacGyver stood for, I wound up being influenced by and adopting- and as I said, it only helped reinforce what God was teaching me in The Bible. So I enjoy that aspect of the show.
And overall, MacGyver is just such a great role model- and it's hard to find many of those on TV today. MacGyver was a hero who related to all kinds of people and was able to help them without necessarily condemning them. I think he showed love and compassion and caring to everyone he encountered. And he stood for the side of right and truth.
I'll admit MacGyver has some flaws, because as many Christlike qualities as he has- he's not Jesus- he's only human.
But MacGyver certainly is an admirable hero who is inspiring to people of all walks of life- and pretty much the best hero on TV ever. Okay, I can't say much anything else except that MacGyver ROCKS!!!

Also I forgot to add that macgyver was always someone that I wanted to know personally because he would be the best friend anyone could have.

I grew up watching MacGyver as a kid, and I even owned SAKs as a kid. He differed from other heroes with his morals and non violent ways of handling situations.

Austin

A list of key reasons:
1. MacGyver is a character that teachs about the importance of scientific knowledge in everyday life.
2. The character is a hero, but not a superhero, he bleeds, he says ouch, he cires in a few episodes, he gets mad, makes mistakes, makes choices, yet tries in earnest to care for the people and the world around him and leave them better than before.
3. He is not perfect, none of the characters are; and in an era of the family sitcom where the heros seemed almost too perfect and the problem was solved in a half hour show, it's refreshing to see a show that shows complex characters with faults, mistakes, problems, issues. For example, Mac, Pete, Jack, Nikki, Penny, Jesse Colton, Kate Murphy and others all have issues in their personal and interpersonal relationships, even with friends. Like Mac and Jack sometimes having issues with each other--hurray!! That's normal, not that we all have friends that act the way Jack sometimes does, or maybe all have a bit of Jack in ourselves. I can see bits of Nikki's need for control and organization in myself.
4. Mac doesn't really cuss, he doesn't smoke, drink, do drugs or have sex on screen and I am not ashamed to watch the show with my kids.
5. The character of Pete is just wonderfully portrayed and well developed.
6. The show teaches a moral or an idea and while some episodes may seem preachy, they are thought provoking.
7. There are enough mistakes throughout the show that we can have an entire section on this forum devoted to nitpicks.
8. The Villians: Murdoc, Zito, Deborah, Piedra, the Von Leers, Nicholi Kosov, etc--giving us lots to discuss
9. John Anderson as Harry Jackson
10. The women are an items to discuss, get infuriated by, make fun of, and ponder.

Also it's a great show to create fanfiction for--lots of wriggle room!!!