One of the most interesting television shows to revitalize the Western genre in the mid-1990s was ‘The Lazarus Man‘ (1996). Starring television icon Robert Urich as the titular character, the show combined the elements of the traditional Western genre and a complex historical conspiracy.
But despite enjoying significant popularity among TV critics and viewers, ‘The Lazarus Man’ never returned for a second season. While metrics such as low ratings or creative exhaustion typically spell doom for a show, the situation was different for the Urich-led show. Its producers faced a far more unexpected hurdle behind the scenes—one that forced a permanent shutdown with absolutely no scope for renewal.
‘The Lazarus Man’ Breathed Fresh Life Into The Western Genre
‘The Lazarus Man,’ which began airing in January 1996, was an unusual representative of the Western genre. Robert Urich’s character, an amnesiac drifter named Lazarus, awakens in a shallow grave several years after the Civil War.
Related: 15 Best Western Movies of the 21st Century
The goal of this mysterious man is to learn about his origin. During the course of the series, it is revealed that Lazarus had something to do with the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. This unusual combination of historical and Western genres attracted the attention of both critics and viewers.
They praised the show for its engaging plot and strong performances, while Urich’s presence also boosted its popularity. The actor earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the lead character.
Meanwhile, the first season also introduced numerous storylines that the creators intended to develop in future seasons. Moreover, TNT expressed a desire to continue ‘The Lazarus Man,’ signalling that the show had a highly promising future.
Robert Urich’s Off-Screen Tragedy That Ended the Show
However, Robert Urich was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, an aggressive cancer that attacks the body’s soft tissues and joints, in July 1996. The actor’s serious condition changed the show’s destiny and ultimately brought the production to a halt.
In Case You Missed It: Top 25 Action Thriller Movies Ever Made
Some sources reported plans for a second season, and Urich planned to continue his work despite his illness. However, the producers did not want to risk it and decided not to continue ‘The Lazarus Man’ despite the audience’s positive response.
The abrupt ending left major storylines completely unresolved, leaving viewers forever in the dark about what would happen next. Following the show’s conclusion in November of the same year, many viewers considered the 22-episode show one of the most underrated Westerns ever made and believed it could have developed into a successful franchise.
You Might Also Like To Read: How A Japanese Ronin Inspired Clint Eastwood’s Man With No Name In ‘A Fistful Of Dollars’
