The Cycle Of Circus Life.

In 1974, I hurried, hurried, and stepped right up to my TV set to watch "Devlin."

This show was the first Hanna-Barbera animated series to not follow any of the studio's recurring formulas--funny animals, mystery-solving teenagers, superheroes, etc. Instead, it presented itself as a combo of Evel Knievel and "Circus Boy"(by coincidence, the latter starred Mickey Dolenz, the voice of Tod, who at that time, went by his real name, Mickey Braddock). And, its premise of orphaned siblings working together to earn a living foreshadowed the live action show "Party Of Five" twenty years later. There was just one running gag: Jumbo the elephant dousing Tod with water, despite his efforts to avoid it.

I knew from day one that the show was there to show kids that circus performers don't always have it good. Particularly when Ernie performed his stunts, there was a "Kids, don't try this at home" message. In fact, the pilot episode showed Ernie being injured in an accident when a stunt went awry. Tod was the brains of the team, always coming up with an idea that worked. Sandy was the cute little sister whom I realized was an animal lover like me. She spearheaded a "Save The Osprey" campaign in one episode, and in another, feared an escaped circus lion would be killed if and when he was found. She even took in a lost pup, until its owner claimed it.

They performed to pay for their educations. Ernie stated once that he and Tod were collegians, and Sandy a junior high student.

The trio was joined by circus owner Hank, Jester the clown, Tex the cowboy, and many other performers. All things considered, I believe the show was cancelled way too soon. Maybe the folks at Warner will put it out on DVD eventually. The show was truly an outstanding effort on H-B's part.

Trivia Question 49: Sandy idolized a rocker with what "satanic" name?

Answer: Lucifer.