What Might've Been: Szysnzyk (1977)

Szysnzyk was originally a summer replacement series when it bowed in 1977 on CBS. Ned Beatty had the title role as a retired Marine now running a community center down on its luck.

The initial ratings success against reruns convinced CBS suits to bring the show back in December, but, up against first-run (mostly) programming, the show faltered, and was subsequently cancelled. Beatty moved on to a supporting role in "Superman: The Movie", and would make a number of guest appearances, including a recurring role on Homicide: Life on The Street.

Following is a network promo for the winter premiere with World Series hero Reggie Jackson:

In memory of Beatty, 83, who passed away this weekend.