pop culture
1970s TV Series Emergency! – Portrayal of Firefighters and Paramedics in Los Angeles County
“Emergency” was an action-packed drama that followed the daily lives of firefighters and paramedics in LA County.
Last Updated on April 13, 2025 by Daily News Staff
The 1970s prime-time television series “Emergency!” was an action-packed drama that followed the daily lives of courageous firefighters and paramedics in Los Angeles County. The show, which aired from 1972 to 1979, was praised not only for its gripping storylines and character development but also for its realistic portrayal of the emergency services industry. It provided a compelling look into the challenges and triumphs faced by first responders, highlighting their incredible dedication and heroism in the face of danger.
The Origin of Emergency!
The show was spun off from the original series “Adam-12,” which was also set in Los Angeles and followed the lives of two police officers. “Emergency!” took the same approach but shifted its focus to the lives of firefighters and paramedics. This innovative show was created by Robert A. Cinader and Jack Webb, the latter also known for producing “Adam-12” and “Dragnet.”
At the heart of “Emergency!” was its talented cast, led by Randolph Mantooth, who portrayed firefighter and paramedic John Gage. Mantooth’s charismatic performance was complemented by Kevin Tighe, who played his reliable partner Roy DeSoto. The ensemble cast also included Julie London, who breathed life into nurse Dixie McCall; Bobby Troup, who played the compassionate Dr. Joe Early; and Robert Fuller, who took on the role of the authoritative Dr. Kelly Brackett.
One of the show’s standout features was its commitment to authenticity. It was praised for its accurate portrayal of the emergency services industry, an effort bolstered by the involvement of real-life firefighters and paramedics serving as technical advisors. This attention to detail extended to the use of actual emergency vehicles and equipment, earning the show a loyal following of industry professionals and curious viewers alike.
“Emergency!” was known for its gripping action scenes, which often involved realistic special effects that depicted explosions, fires, and other dangerous situations. The show’s excitement wasn’t limited to physical dangers; it also tackled significant social issues of the time, such as drug abuse, mental health, and domestic violence. This made “Emergency!” a groundbreaking program that addressed topics other shows of the era often shied away from.
Despite its success, “Emergency!” was canceled in 1979 after seven impactful seasons. However, its legacy persisted. The show paved the way for subsequent action-packed dramas, such as “CHiPs” and “Miami Vice,” and it inspired a new generation of viewers to pursue careers in emergency services. The influence of “Emergency!” is also seen in modern medical dramas like “ER” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” which continue to blend high-stakes action with personal and social issues.
In retrospect, “Emergency!” not only entertained millions but also educated the public about the critical work of emergency responders and healthcare professionals, leaving a lasting impact on both television and real-world perceptions of these vital services.
Emergency! was a groundbreaking television series that meticulously followed the daily lives and challenges of firefighters and paramedics in Los Angeles County. The show was universally praised for its realistic portrayal of the emergency services industry, as well as for its thrilling and hair-raising action scenes. The cast was spearheaded by the talented Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe, who delivered compelling performances that were both heartfelt and authentic. They were joined by a stellar supporting cast, including Julie London, Bobby Troup, and Robert Fuller, each bringing their unique charisma and depth to the show. Emergency! was initially spun off from the original series Adam-12, yet it carved out its own significant legacy, leaving an indelible mark on the television industry. More than just entertainment, the series brought public attention to the vital and courageous work of emergency responders, inspiring many to pursue careers in this essential field.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency!
https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County_Fire_Department
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Entertainment
Hollywood vs. Reality: How LA’s Wilshire Subway Was Really Built
Wilshire Subway: Did LA blast subway tunnels under Wilshire Boulevard? Hollywood says yes — engineers say no. Here’s how Metro safely tunneled beneath Miracle Mile.
When the 1997 disaster film Volcano depicted lava erupting along Wilshire Boulevard and referenced blasting during Red Line subway construction, it delivered gripping cinema — but not accurate engineering.
In reality, Los Angeles Metro did not rely on large-scale blasting to construct subway tunnels beneath Wilshire Boulevard and the Miracle Mile. Instead, engineers used tunnel boring machines (TBMs) specifically to avoid the very risks Hollywood dramatized.
Why Blasting Was Avoided
The Wilshire Corridor sits atop historic oil fields, making methane gas pockets a known and serious concern. A deadly methane explosion near Fairfax Avenue in 1985 led to heightened scrutiny of underground construction in the area. Blasting in such conditions could have caused unpredictable gas releases, ground instability, or damage to surface structures.
As a result, Metro engineers chose pressurized, closed-face tunnel boring machines, which allow for:
Controlled excavation in dense urban environments
Continuous ground support to prevent settlement
Integrated gas detection and ventilation systems
These machines grind slowly through soil and rock while installing precast concrete tunnel linings, creating a sealed, gas-resistant structure as they advance. 
The Real Engineering Feat
Although Volcano took creative liberties for dramatic effect, the true story of tunneling under Wilshire is no less impressive. Advances in TBM technology and methane mitigation ultimately allowed the Metro D Line (formerly the Red Line/Purple Line) to safely pass through one of Los Angeles’ most geologically complex corridors — without explosions, collapsing streets, or cinematic chaos.
Bottom Line
Volcano remains a memorable piece of 1990s disaster cinema, but its portrayal of subway construction is fiction. The real achievement lies in decades of careful planning, modern tunneling technology, and engineering solutions that quietly reshaped Los Angeles beneath its busiest boulevard.
Related Links:
- LA Metro – D Line (Purple Line) Extension Project
- Engineering News-Record: Tunneling Through Gas and Tar in LA
- Los Angeles Times Archive: Methane Risk and Subway Construction
Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story — A Closer Look at the Documentary and Its Uncredited VoiceLink: https://stmdailynews.com/dreambreaker-a-pickleball-story-a-closer-look-at-the-documentary-and-its-uncredited-voice/
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actors & performers
What Was the Cause of Michael Jackson’s Death?
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 from acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication. Learn what the coroner found, why his death was ruled a homicide, and how Dr. Conrad Murray was held responsible.
What Was the Cause of Michael Jackson’s Death?
On June 25, 2009, the world lost one of its most influential entertainers when Michael Jackson died at the age of 50. The Los Angeles County Coroner determined that Jackson’s death was caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication. The powerful anesthetic propofol—administered in a home setting—combined with sedatives created a fatal mix that stopped his breathing.
Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was later found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for administering the drugs without proper monitoring or medical safeguards. The ruling underscored the dangers of using hospital-grade anesthesia outside a controlled environment.
Michael Jackson’s passing remains one of the most discussed celebrity deaths in modern history, marking a tragic end to the life of a groundbreaking artist whose music still shapes global culture.
Related Links
- LA Times – Coroner Rules Michael Jackson’s Death a Homicide
- New York Times – Michael Jackson Dies at 50
- CNN – Dr. Conrad Murray Found Guilty
- BBC – Understanding the Drugs Involved in Jackson’s Death
- Biography.com – The Final Days of Michael Jackson
- Rolling Stone – Timeline of the Death Investigation
- NBC News – Why Propofol Is So Dangerous Outside Hospitals
Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story — A Closer Look at the Documentary and Its Uncredited VoiceLink: https://stmdailynews.com/dreambreaker-a-pickleball-story-a-closer-look-at-the-documentary-and-its-uncredited-voice/
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opinion
STM Daily News Pop-Culture Fact Check: Do electric cars have fuses?
Do electric cars have fuses? In a 2023 episode of The Neighborhood, Marty claims electric cars don’t have fuses — but that’s technically incorrect and out of character for an engineer. STM Daily News breaks down why EVs absolutely have fuses and why the sitcom got it wrong.
Last Updated on December 8, 2025 by Daily News Staff
EV charging station for electric car in concept of green energy and eco power produced from sustainable source to supply to charger station in order to reduce CO2 emission .
Do electric cars have fuses?
Did The Neighborhood Get EV Fuses Wrong? Yes — And Marty Should’ve Known Better
In a memorable moment from The Neighborhood, Season 5 (2023), Episode 20 (“Welcome to the Other Neighborhood”), Calvin Butler excitedly unveils a new business idea: an electric vehicle repair shop he and Marty plan to call The Fuse Box. During a lively family dinner, Marty’s new girlfriend raises a simple but important question:
“Do electric cars have fuses?”
Unexpectedly, Marty — the character known for his intelligence, engineering degree, and technical precision — responds with an emphatic: “No!”
For long-time fans, this answer sparked a double-take. Why? Because electric vehicles don’t just have fuses — they rely on multiple types of them to operate safely. Marty, of all people, should know this. While the line serves as a quick punchline, it contradicts the very foundation of his character: a calm, highly educated engineer who rarely makes basic technical mistakes.
Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story — A Closer Look at the Documentary and Its Uncredited Voice
Where the Scene Goes Wrong
The joke lands, but at the cost of technical accuracy and character consistency. Marty is typically the voice of reason and knowledge in the Butler household — especially when it comes to anything mechanical or technological. The idea that he’d misunderstand something as fundamental as an EV fuse system feels out of step with the show’s established internal logic.
Realistically, this is a line that should’ve come from Calvin, whose old-school, hands-on approach to mechanics leaves plenty of room for misunderstandings about modern electric vehicles. Marty would normally be the one who corrects him — not the other way around.
Fact Check: Yes, Electric Cars Have Fuses
Electric cars contain multiple fuse systems, each designed to protect different components and ensure safe operation:
- High-Voltage Fuses: Protect the battery pack, inverter, DC-DC converter, and onboard charger.
- 12-Volt Fuses: Handle accessories like interior lighting, infotainment, power windows, door locks, and safety electronics.
- Pyro-Fuses: Specialized safety fuses that instantly disconnect the battery during a crash.
This makes Marty’s confident “No!” not just incorrect but mechanically impossible. EVs rely on fuses in the same way traditional vehicles do — just at higher voltages and sometimes in more sophisticated configurations.
Why the Writers Made This Choice
Like many sitcoms, The Neighborhood occasionally sacrifices technical accuracy for quick comedic timing. The joke required a snappy, surprising answer — and Marty’s overconfident reply delivered that punch. The trade-off is that it momentarily breaks character for a laugh.
For viewers who pay attention to both pop culture and automotive technology, the moment stood out as one of the most transparent technical slips in the series.
What Marty Should Have Said
A more accurate and in-character response could’ve been:
“Yes — and EVs actually use high-voltage fuses, which is why our shop is called The Fuse Box.”
Or the scene could’ve played out with Calvin giving the wrong answer first, and Marty correcting him, keeping both accuracy and humor intact. Either way, the writers opted for the faster laugh, even if it meant bending Marty’s character logic.
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
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