What Might've Been: It's Your Move (1984)

 As a rule, con artists, even teenagers, are not good role models.

In a nutshell, it explains why It's Your Move failed to finish the 1984-5 season on NBC despite a strong start in the ratings. Parents complained about the teen lead, Matt (Jason Bateman, ex-Silver Spoons, Little House on The Prairie), running one scam after another like he was a Sgt. Bilko-in training. Seems some kids saw Matt's antics, and thought it was cool, when it certainly wasn't.

Bateman fronted an ensemble that also featured Caren Kaye (ex-Blansky's Beauties, Who's Watching The Kids), Garrett Morris (ex-Saturday Night Live), Tricia Cast (ex-The Bad News Bears), and David Garrison, later of Married....With Children, whose producers, Ron Leavitt & Michael Moye, were also in charge of It's Your Move.

Another factor in Move's abrupt departure? It aired opposite Dynasty. Thanks for coming. Justine Bateman (Family Ties), Jason's sister, guest starred in one episode, and MTV's Nina Blackwood made her acting debut in the back end of a 2 parter.

Let's look at a sample episode:

Jason Bateman keeps busy with various projects these days, including movies and the recent revival of Arrested Development.

No rating. Just a public service.