Posted by Kevin Neilson on 8/3/2011

Maverick, an American western television series, ran from September 1957 to July 1962. James Garner was Bret Maverick from 1957-60, while Jack Kelly played his brother, Bart. Later on, more Mavericks were added and Roger Moore played their cousin Beau, followed by Robert Colbert playing another brother, Brent.

James Garner was the only Maverick in the first seven episodes of the series. This was at the beginning of his acting career and helped launch him to success. His subtle facial expressions helped add humor to just the right places.

Never more than two Mavericks appeared in any one episode, and often there was only one. Regardless of which Maverick was featured, he was always portrayed as a savvy, high-stakes gambler. Contrary to customs of the time, these heroes were dressed in black or grey, including the hat; a color traditionally reserved for the villain.

In a typical show, the Mavericks would fall prey to some precarious scenario and have to weigh a financial gain against a moral dilemma. Their consciences usually got the best of them, regardless of the amount of money involved. Although reluctant to risk his life, Bret Maverick typically ended up having to force himself to be courageous. Although not particularly fast at drawing a gun, no one could best him in a fist fight.

The reason there were so many Mavericks is that it took over a week to shoot an episode. Jack Kelly was hired as the second Maverick to spell off James Garner. When Garner left in 1960, other actors were hired to replace him, and given different Maverick identities, though they portrayed basically the same type of persona.