David Janssen defended television against critics
"Our intention is to make it the best we possibly can," said the actor.
Despite their quality, television shows consistently had to fight to be held in high regard by the public. Often looked down upon, critics even favor film and the theater as somehow "superior," despite the fact that television has proven its merit one hundred times over.
One man who knew the value of television was David Janssen. As an actor who had ventured into film before, Janssen cemented his passion for television during an interview, speaking to the medium's praises. Janssen had starred in hit programs like The Fugitive and Harry O.
"I will never turn my back on television," said Janssen during an interview with the Los Angeles Times. "It does wonderful things - every bit as good as motion pictures."
Just like any art form, Janssen's work in television was fueled by a passion to make something beautiful.
"Our intention is to make it the best we possibly can," said Janssen. "I don't want to be in anything that is involved just to make money. I'm not against money, but money is a by-product of the art."
Of his character in The Fugitive, Richard Kimble, Janssen explained that the stakes had never been higher for the man.
"Kimble is not so much a man running from the law," he said. "But a man trying to survive. We show him involved with people and situations. Really, he could be any lonely man in any small town. The undertone, perhaps, is the expression of man's inalienable right to pursue his freedom if he knows he is innocent. Then, of course, as an actor, I try to do the best job putting it over."