We delve into some prime late 20th century nonsense when we watch a two-part episode of MacGyver, wherein our mulleted hero is conked on the head and wakes up in Camelot, uncovers an assassination plot against King Arthur, trades tips with Merlin, rescue a fair maiden, and does battle against Queen Morganna.

Starring Richard Dean Anderson, Dana Elcar, Time Winters, Christopher Collet, Christopher Neame, Robin Strasser, and Colm Meany. Written by John Considine. Directed by Michael Vejar.

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From the newsletter: Borrowing lightly–very, very lightly, I mean, if it was any lighter it’d be the sun–from Twain’s Connecticut Yankee, the first episode is a pretty lackluster affair that plays out more like the worst Renaissance Faire you’ve ever been to–cheesy costumes, bad accents, and Camelot is really just a series of tents. Worse, there isn’t a single woman–not even Guenevere–and no famous knights other than a very uncharacteristic Galahad.

The second half, once MacGyver and Merlin go up against the evil Morganna, is a lot more fun. There’s a castle, some stunts, a few decent explosions, and the mystery of MacGyver’s first name is revealed. Actually, I don’t know if MacGyver’s first name was ever a serious mystery on the show, but this was the first time it was ever used in the show, and coming as it is in the final season, I guess it must’ve been some kind of lore.

So is it Arthurian? Oh, sure, definitely. Is it any good? Eh. I guess if you like cheesy action shows from the 1980s as they hobble their way into the 1990s, there are worse ways to spend two hours.