I enjoyed Airwolf for its action, but watching it required leaving the brain on hold. 1) The premise involved an advanced attack helicopter, which among many capabilities can travel at supersonic speeds. While such an airframe is possible, it would not look like a conventional helicopter as used in the show. (For a more realistic take on a supersonic copter concept, see the Arnold Schwarzenegger film, "The 6th Day".) 2) The series protagonist, Stringfellow Hawke, has stolen the Airwolf helicopter from the government, and routinely hides it in the Southern California desert, but the government makes no attempt to reclaim their property. This should be trivially easy for them despite any stealth features; ATC tracking, satellite recon, grab during a set-up "mission" - not to mention the odds that passers by will spot an out of place helicopter in the desert. 3) Stringfellow and his mechanic, Dominic Santini, manage to keep the Airwolf in tip top shape - where did they get the materials? Helicopters require CONSTANT maintenance. Where did they get the replacement munitions for those that are fired during the show? 4) Is it realistic that two people with a stolen helicopter would allow a third into their circle? (Caitlin O'Shannessy) Set these objections aside and the show had a lot going for it. Furthermore, none of the objectionable premises were necessary. The aircraft's ability to 'be supersonic' had little impact on the show. The missions made sense in the context of being sanctioned, the airframe's being stolen added nothing. Fortunately, Donald Bellisario seems to have taken this to heart; his later material like JAG and NCIS reflect a very highly realistic slant.
I enjoyed Airwolf when it was on originally but would not go out of my way to see it again.
I enjoyed Airwolf when it was on originally but would not go out of my way to see it again.