He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

Jim 1980s

Aired: 1983-94 Syndicated

DAD: Duncan (Alan Oppenheimer) / Single

DAD’S JOB: Man-At-Arms for Castle Grayskull

KIDS: Teela (Linda Gary) (20-ish)

WHERE’S MOM?: Nearby, in disguise

STAND-IN "MOM": Sorceress (arguable), or possibly Queen Marlena / Local Royalty

Confession: I was smitten with Teela. Apparently, so were many other guys, because there were no Teela action figures on the shelves when this show aired.

Here’s the scoop – – Teela was the daughter of the sorceress Teelina, and was given to Duncan by the sorceress. Duncan’s job (as Man-at-Arms) was basically to be the official bouncer of Castle Grayskull. Teela grew up to be the bodyguard of Prince Adam of Grayskull. Adam, of course, was the Clark Kent of He-Man, so he didn’t really need to HAVE a bodyguard. At least not one with a metal bodysuit.

A tip of the Andy Griffith Memorial Sheriff’s Hat to John Doyle for the heads-up on He-Man. Thanks, John!