| The Stringer | |
| Season 7, Episode 13 | |
 | |
| Airdate | 25th April 1992 |
| Written by | John Sheppard |
| Directed by | Michael Vejar |
| Episode Guide | |
| Previous Off The Wall |
Next Mountain Of Youth |
The Stringer is the 13th episode of Season 7 in the original version of MacGyver.
Summary[]
MacGyver and Mei Jan are again at odds with Chinese criminals over labor regulations. During his investigation, Mac is helped by a photojournalist biker named Sam. It turns out that Sam has more than just a passing interest in MacGyver - he believes that MacGyver is his father!
To rescue Mei Jan, MacGyver and Sam sneak onto the ship with the cargo. After knocking out one of the guards, Sam secretly takes his gun. They find Mei Jan, but Sam goes after Chung and is spotted. MacGyver cries out a warning before the guards can shoot Sam, but he in turn is shot in the shoulder and falls over a hundred feet into the hold. Sam bandages up his arm. However, they have been locked in, and MacGyver cannot climb with just one arm, leaving them seemingly trapped in the hold. Sam realizes that flight is their only possible escape, so he and MacGyver rig together jet packs using pressurized water tanks and harnesses stitched together from seat belts and steering wheels which they scavenged together from the cargo.
After rocketing out of the hold, they grab a flare gun, empty out the powdered fuel into a pipe, and light it with a match, thereby flooding the helm with smoke. Mei Jan takes advantage of the temporary blindness of the guards to grab a nearby gun and escape. MacGyver and Sam are caught by Chung, but Mei Jan gets the drop on him. Sam talks her out of shooting Chung.
MacGyver quits the Phoenix foundation to travel with his son.
Trivia[]
The trivia item below may give away important plot points. In the end narrative Richard Dean Anderson thanks the audience for seven great seasons. In addition to being the first episode of McGyver to air following a series hiatus of nearly four months, this episode is the final episode of McGyver produced. "Mountain Of Youth" premiered after "The Stringer" but was produced prior to it. In syndication "The Stringer" often airs following "Mountain of Youth" to reflect its status as the intended series finale.
It is hinted that Sam's removing the distributor cap was redundant. When the mercs try to start the car, the engine acts like the battery is weak. If the only problem were the distributor cap, the motor would still turn over but without firing.
Cast[]
Main Cast[]
Recurring Cast
- Michele B. Chan as Mei Jan
Others
Keone Young as Chung Tai Shan
Dalton James as Sam Malloy
Lisa Savage as Kate Malloy