An estimated 148 million viewers watched the Super Bowl yesterday. Congratulations to those who follow Mr. Brady and to my many colleagues in the Tampa Bay area, and my sympathy to Kansas City fans. Of course, many of us, as is traditional, watched not (just?) for the plays on the field, but (also) to see what the commercials would bring.

The commercials had something for almost everyone. However, one in particular grabbed my attention more than the others. 

First, Jason Alexander. You know, George Costanza from Seinfeld. Lots of Jason Alexander. 

Now Jason has been in lots of shows after Seinfeld, but a few particularly interest me: his role as Kurros in Star Trek: Voyager, and his role as Olix in The Orville. So always interesting to see Jason as Jason as George.

Second, the music in the commercial. Where is that song from?

Look at what's happened to me
I can't believe it myself
Suddenly I'm up on top of the world
It should have been somebody else Believe it or not, I'm walkin' on air
I never thought I could feel so free
Flyin' away on a wing and a prayer
Who could it be?
Believe it or not it's just me!

Why that song?  

Something about epic music from not as epic tv shows

Taking a step back, I have a passion for parodies of superhero, sci-fi and spy shows and movies. Blend them all together, and even the more so. The new Resident Alien tv show with Alan Tudyk, a sci-fi medical mystery dramedy, fits in with the kind of shows I love. And many people know the actor Bruce Campbell from Hercules - the Legendary Journeys, Burn Notice and Evil Dead. But my softest spot for Bruce is from the show The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. ... it's a science fiction western mystery mélange filled with anachronisms.

You may have never watched Brisco County, as few other than I and those that humor me have, but I am almost certain you know the theme song. Although the show only latest one season, the majestic music transcended the show. Here it is. Do you recognize it?

I would guess if you watch televised sports, and especially the Olympics, you know this theme. As noted at The Music Behind NBC’s Sochi Olympic Promos – the Greatest Sports Theme No One Can Name

Created by American composer Randy Edelman, NBC purchased the rights to the music in 1996 and have subsequently used it as their Olympic teaser theme ever since.

But NBC has also used it as part of their other sports coverage, notably during their coverage of the MLB playoffs from 1996 through 1998. While barely clocking in at a minute-long, NBC generally loops the theme for however long they need a spot to be. In the case in some of their credit packages, its been looped as long as 7 minutes!

Ok, so back to another "Hero"ic theme

So let's get back to the commercial. Why did they play this music? Where is it from?

Why did they play this music?

You might say it is George Costanza's theme song. Here is a snippet from Seinfeld where the original song was usurped by George to become his theme.

Where is it from?

There have been a number of super hero parodies over the years. Grey heads may remember short-lived shows from 1960s like Mr. Terrific and Captain Nice. But 1981 brought about another attempt, that lasted three seasons and 44 episodes, called The Greatest American Hero. An ordinary guy finds an alien suit that gives him super powers. But, it seems, the greatest super power from the show was the theme song.

Many tv theme songs stick in our brains, and we immediately think of the tv show it was associated with. Whether The Andy Griffith Show, The Adams Family, The Simpsons, Bonanza, Scrubs (I'm No Superman), or something a little older or more contemporary, the music is tied to the show. But Believe It Or Not ... some other songs take on a life of their own.