Introduction

Soldier of Fortune, Inc. is an American action-adventure television series which ran in syndication from 1997 to 1999, about an elite team (composed of mostly former military personnel) who performed “unofficial” missions for the US Government.

Also known as SOF: Special Ops Force.

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Outline

During the first season, the show dealt with terrorists and drug lords, and often tackled issues such as patriotism and self-sacrifice. The primary cast included Brad Johnson, Tim Abell, Melinda Clarke, Réal Andrews, Mark Sheppard, and David Selby.

For the second season, the show was renamed SOF: Special Ops Force. Andrews and Sheppard left the show. Dennis Rodman and David Eigenberg replaced them, though their “hip” characters and new plots led many to abandon the show, leading to its cancellation.

Cast

• Series 01:
  • Brad Johnson – Major Matthew Quentin Shepherd (former US Army Special Forces; counter-terrorism, special recon, unconventional warfare, infiltration, edged weapons).
  • Tim Abell – Staff Sergeant Benny Ray Riddle (former US Marine; scout sniper, armourer).
  • Melinda Clarke – Margo Vincent (former CIA GS-14; intelligence, cryptography, linguistics).
  • Réal Andrews – Lt. Jason “Chance” Walker (former US Army; aviation expert, close quarters combat specialist).
  • Mark Sheppard – Staff Sergeant Christopher “C.J.” Yates (former SAS; demolitions, electronic surveillance).
  • David Selby – Xavier Trout (government liaison).

• Series 02:
  • Dennis Rodman – Chief Warrant Officer Deacon “Deke” Reynolds (former US Army; helicopter pilot, demolitions).
  • David Eigenberg – Nick Delvecchio (former DEA Special Operations GS-13; undercover operations, escape artist).

• Other:
  • Billy Gallo – Ricardo “Rico” Valesquez (former Navy SEAL; underwater infiltration, combat medic, signals).
  • Brian Cousins – Lieutenant Gunter Hauer (former GSG-9; demolitions, electrical engineering.).

Trivia

• The theme song was performed by Trevor Rabin. During the second season, an introductory voice-over by an uncredited Peter Graves was added.
• The series was created by Dan Gordon, and was produced by Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films (the company’s first venture into television) and Rysher Entertainment.
• Products of certain sponsors would be conspicuously mentioned and/or displayed throughout the show.
  • Sponsors of the show would include SIG Sauer, Ka-Bar, SureFire, Emerson Knives, and Soldier of Fortune Magazine.
  • In the second season of the show, SIG Sauer pistols (particularly two-tone SIG Sauer .357s) would be in highly visible use by the team, and also verbally mentioned on many occasions.
  • Margot would even be given a SIG P230/232 (sans serial number) for her birthday.
  • Matt (and other characters) would often be seen wearing a Ka-Bar fighting knife on their torso (Ka-Bar being another regular sponsor of the show).
  • In one episode, one character would state that he had a subscription to Soldier of Fortune magazine.

Soldier of Fortune, Inc Series

• Series 01 (1997-1998).
• Series 02 (1998-1999).

Production & Filming Details

• Creator(s): Dan Gordon.
• Developed by: Greg Strangis and Robert L. McCullough.
• Producer(s): Jerry Bruckheimer, Neil B. Russell, Greg Strangis, Robert L. McCullough. George Schenck, and Frank Cardea.
• Production: Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Rysher Entertainment.
• Distributor(s): Rysher Entertainment.
• Release Date: 27 September 1997 to 22 May 1999.
• Running Time: 45 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUA1lVXEw2o