“The Cape,” which debuts tonight on NBC, features a superhero that we’ve never

January 9, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

“The Cape,” which debuts tonight on NBC, features a superhero that we’ve never seen before. He’s a cop (David Lyons) who assumes the identity of his son’s favorite comic-book superhero after he is framed for murder. Did we forget to say that his magic cape gives him special abilities? With that in mind, here are five other TV superhero shows whose characters were not based on comic books, movies or action toys:

v“Captain Nice” (1967): “Get Smart” co-creator Buck Henry developed this comedy, basically “Get Smart” with a superhero twist. William Daniels played Carter Nash, a mild-mannered police chemist who would drink a secret potion that turned him into the mild-mannered title character.

v“Mr. Terrific” (1967): Gas-station operator Stanley Beamish (Stephen Strimpell) obtained superpowers whenever he’d pop a special power pill provided by the government’s Bureau of Secret Projects. This show was a spoof, by the way.

v“The Greatest American Hero” (1981-83): High-school teacher Ralph Hinkley (William Katt) receives a mysterious red suit from extraterrestrials. When he wears it, he finds he can fly. Usually awkwardly.

v“Misfits of Science” (1985-86): Crime-fighting team of young people with extraordinary physical abilities. They included Courteney Cox, who played a girl with telekinetic powers, and Kevin Peter Hall, a 7-foot-4-inch man who could shrink to 6 inches.

v“M.A.N.T.I.S.” (1994-95): Paralyzed scientist (Carl Lumbly) gets superpowers by donning a special exoskeletonlike suit (Mechanically Automated Neuro Transmitter Interactive System, hence the series’ title).

“Bob’s Burgers” (8:30 P.M., FOX): “Bob’s Burgers” is an animated series about a fast-food joint situated next to a crematorium. Now try to imagine what kind of sick rumor brings out the health inspector.

“The Cape” (9 p.m., NBC): “The Cape” brings a new dark knight to prime time. Meet Vince Faraday (David Lyons), a cop who reinvents himself as a cape-wearing superhero determined to beat down the bad guys.

“Episodes” (9:30 P.M., SHOWTIME): An old friend, Matt LeBlanc, returns to prime time in “Episodes.” It follows the travails of a British screen writing team (Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Greig) who are horrified when their award-laden show gets dumbed down for American TV.

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Actors, dancers sought for video

AUSTINTOWN

Male and female actors and back-up dancers 18 and over are being sought to appear in a music video for a local artist. Auditions will be at 6 p.m. Saturday at Magilla’s, 255 S. Four Mile Run Road, Austintown. Bring identification and a headshot or photo. For more information, e-mail Minah1224@gmail.com.