Television Pilot
On December 15, 1990, the hour-long television pilot program called Hammer, Slammer, & Slade was shown on ABC-TV.
Isaac Hayes (Hammer), Jim Brown (Slammer), and Bernie Casey (Slade) continued in their parts from the movie I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. Also returning were Ja'net Dubois and Steve James. Although Keenen Ivory Wayans wrote the pilot, and he served as the executive producer, he did not appear in this pilot. Instead, the character of Jack Spade was portrayed by Eriq La Salle, who later acted in the TV series ER. Also acting in the pilot was the little-known Martin Lawrence (of that time) in Kadeem Hardison's former role as Willie "Ya-te-dee". (Note: Mr. Big's nephew and one of his henchmen.)
Hammer, Slammer, & Slade was not sold to any TV network, but it was shown several times in syndication. It simply became one of dozens of unsuccessful pilot programs that are made every year.
Read more about this topic: I'm Gonna Git You Sucka
Famous quotes containing the words television and/or pilot:
“In full view of his television audience, he preached a new religion—or a new form of Christianity—based on faith in financial miracles and in a Heaven here on earth with a water slide and luxury hotels. It was a religion of celebrity and showmanship and fun, which made a mockery of all puritanical standards and all canons of good taste. Its standard was excess, and its doctrines were tolerance and freedom from accountability.”
—New Yorker (April 23, 1990)
“Whenever the weather licks the pilot instead of him lickin’ the weather, he’s finished. The first time makes the second time easier. And the first thing he knows, he’s in trouble when the weather is perfect.”
—Frank W. Wead (1895?–1947)