Hit Man

In late 1982, game shows were unbelievably rare on network television. Where once had been a six-show empire, NBC closed 1982 with only Wheel of Fortune on its daytime schedule. But hope was in sight. On Jan. 3, 1983, three new game shows premiered. One was a revival of $ale of the Century, so popular on Australian television. Another was an all-female-contestant effort called Just Men! In between these new efforts, at 11:00 A.M. EST, was this unique program. Welcome to the Hit Man guide at TV Tome. Hit Man was perhaps the most educational game show in history, more educational, if the truth be known, than PBS's future efforts with Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? and its spinoffs. The game started with three players listening to a very thought-provoking story in the PBS documentary mold (of that time). Contestants had to provoke thoughts from watching this piece, because afterward, Peter Tomarken asked questions. The four contestants buzzed in and, if they