Collectiblog

Regardless of what happens with this new A-Team, there’s no doubt there will be merchandising. There were all kinds of A-Team toys and collectibles the first time around.

It always struck me as a little off-kilter that most of the A-Team items were aimed at younger fans, but I suppose the action and violence was of the comic-book variety and not terribly damaging to the psyches of the pre-teen viewers. After all, their older brothers were probably playing the same games with their G.I. Joes a few years before, so it’s only natural that there were a large variety of 6-inch and 3.5-inch action figures and accompanying vehicles to role-play with. There was a plastic Murdock, Faceman, B.A., Hannibal and even Amy Allen (whose face looks remarkably like that of Faceman). There were bad guys for them to fight, plus helicopters, trucks and of course, the A-Team Tactical Van.

Because Mr. T  was the most cartoonish of the cast, B.A. got the star treatment when it came to merchandise. There was a larger Mr T./B.A. doll who was just tall enough to date a Barbie doll. Later, when Mr. T was actually given his own cartoon series on Saturday mornings, he got his own breakfast cereal. How cool is that? Of all the related merchandise, my favorite had to be Mr. T’s Water War, strange combination of throwbacks Toss Across and a Water Wiggle. A close second on my list is the Mr T. Chia Head that was made by TV Land as a promotional item when the A-Team came to the network. 

Coloring books, sippy cups, board games and picture puzzles were among the many items that displayed the A-Team in some fashion. Of course there was a lunch box, Colorforms, slot cars and trading cards as well.  

The A-Team lasted in prime time for five years, but will remain in the hearts and minds of action TV fans forever. And what better way to remember than with a shelf-full of A-Team toys?