Just a few episodes into Season 2 of NBC’s hit medical dramaEmergency!, fans were stunned when it looked like the show might kill off two of its most popular characters: Dr. Kelly Brackett, played byWagon TrainalumRobert Fuller, and paramedic Johnny Gage, portrayed by handsome young newcomerRandolph Mantooth.
Debuting in January 1972,Emergency!had the challenge of competing directly with CBS’s megahitAll in the Family. But thanks to its gripping, realistic (and emergency-filled!) storylines and promotion of America’s then-new EMT program, theJack Webb–produced series quickly carved out a loyal audience.