Viper
In the near future, an organized crime group known as the "Outfit" has become a major force in America. Engineer Julian Wilkes develops a high-tech crime-fighting vehicle called the Viper, which is intended to be a "flagship" in a new crackdown on crime. The Viper needs a driver, so when Outfit driver Michael Payton is injured and captured, his memory is erased, and he is given a new identity as Joe Astor, MetroPol employee. The Outfit discredits the Viper project, but when it is canceled, Joe and Julian steal the Viper and strike out on their own private war against crime.
- 1994-1999
- 4 seasons
- NBC
- Action & Adventure, Suspense, Drama, Science Fiction
In the near future, an organized crime group known as the "Outfit" has become a major force in America. Engineer Julian Wilkes develops a high-tech crime-fighting vehicle called the Viper, which is intended to be a "flagship" in a new crackdown on crime. The Viper needs a driver, so when Outfit driver Michael Payton is injured and captured, his memory is erased, and he is given a new identity as Joe Astor, MetroPol employee. The Outfit discredits the Viper project, but when it is canceled, Joe and Julian steal the Viper and strike out on their own private war against crime.
Season 4 Episode Guide
22 Episodes 1998 - 1999
Episode 1
The Return
In the aftermath of the Viper's destruction and the death of Terry Hawkes, Cole is reassigned to work undercover while Westlake and Frankie are suspended. With the team gone dark, another crime wave grips the city in a form of truck hijackings . The Feds decide to reactivate the Viper Project, with Julian Wilkes returning to the front to deliver the new improved Defender disguised in a Cobalt Viper GTS. But with Cole off the Project, there is one missing key element...a new driver.
Episode 2
Once a Con
The team tries to smoke out a gangster in hiding by teaming up with a senior citizen grifter who attempted to steal the gangster's money.
Episode 3
Wisegal
Astor goes undercover with the Irish mob in order to prevent a turf war, and butts heads with a headstrong federal agent. Meanwhile, Westlake and Waters work with Catlett to protect an ex-ballplayer turned union negotiator.
Episode 4
Holy Matrimony
Following the death of a Columbian drug kingpin, Astor gets involved with the dead man's widow, while Westlake and Frankie try to figure out who's behind a series of hits against the cartel.
Episode 5
Wanted: Fred or Alive
When a man who claims to be innocent is freed during a prison break, the team races to locate him before an overzealous bounty hunter does.
Episode 6
The Full Frankie
Frankie goes undercover as an exotic male dancer to investigate the murder of a city councilwoman last seen at a women's strip club. Catlett gives Frankie lessons on how to dance.
Episode 7
Honest Abe
Westlake comes to the aid of a friend of hers when the woman's used car salesman husband is targeted by criminals.
Episode 8
Aftermath
After an explosion at a Veterans' Affairs office, Westlake and the team try to uncover who was behind it and what their motive was. Westlake bonds with one of the victim's children.
Episode 9
Family Matters
The race is on to find a cache stolen diamonds after an aging gangster dies and leaves his estate to his daughter, who is threatened by two rival mobsters. Astor and Westlake both go undercover with each of the mobsters.
Episode 10
The Really Real Reenactment
Astor's past as Michael Payton comes back to haunt him when a suspect recognizes him during a bust. Meanwhile, the Viper team is dogged by an unscrupulous tabloid TV reporter determined to prove the existence of the Defender.
Episode 11
Best Seller
Catlett and the team intervene when someone begins trying to kill his well-known crime novelist brother, which gives Catlett the chance to picture himself as the protagonist in his brother's latest manuscript.
Episode 12
Seminar from Hell
Julian Wilkes returns to showcase the Viper project for the mayors of several other major cities, but things get complicated when an old enemy of Westlake's returns for revenge and to steal the Viper, taking over a hotel in the process.
Episode 13
People Like Us
When a sting involving federal diamonds goes south the team track down a former bank robber, now living a seemingly perfect domestic life, which necessitates Astor and Westlake going undercover as a married couple.
Episode 14
My Fair Hoodlums
When a cultured jewel thief targets the large gemstone necklace of a spoiled hotel heiress, the Viper team must intervene to protect her and the necklace. Meanwhile, Frankie is tormented by an escaped rat in the complex.
Episode 15
Safe House
While Westlake is away visiting her mother, Astor's plans of attending a basketball game are disrupted by two desperate bank robbers who take him and another bystander hostage in her home.
Episode 16
Tiny Bubbles
After the top secret formula for a beverage company's famous soda is stolen, the team is pulled into the world of corporate espionage as they try to recover it before it falls into the hands of the company's rivals.
Episode 17
Of Course, It's a Miracle
As Frankie pursues a relationship with a woman (Joy Tanner) who claims to be a psychic, Astor and Westlake try to track down a stolen high-tech "smart" sniper rifle and ascertain the reason behind its theft.
Episode 18
Holy Terror
When an attempt is made on the life of a visiting Buddhist leader, Astor and Westlake are assigned to his protection detail, but must contend with the young man's desire to embrace American culture.
Episode 19
Hell Hath No Fury
After someone begins targeting Julian Wilkes' former colleagues, he and the Viper team must determine why someone is after this particular group. To help investigate, Catlett assigns another federal agent.
Episode 20
Attack of the Teki-Ya
As a Japanese mobster aims to do business in Metro City, Astor reunites with a Tokyo police inspector--and old flame--sent to extradite a criminal back to Japan. Her arrival causes Astor and Westlake to re-examine their relationship.
Episode 21
Split Decision: Part 1
Astor and the Defender are hit by an electric shock that disables the Defender and causes Astor to revert back to Michael Payton--with no memory of his time with Metropol.
Episode 22
Split Decision: Part 2
(Part 2) (Series Finale) Westlake and Frankie try to reach Astor as the chip in his brain continues to break down, causing his Payton and Astor personalities to fight for control.