I love “MacGyver,” and I’m not afraid to admit it. Ever since my dad woke up my brother and me one night when to watch the 1987 (if memory serves) season premier, I can’t get enough. When I was young, the show’s sense of adventure and creativity appealed to me. Now, I admit that a significant portion of my enjoyment stems from nostalgia. But as I navigate through this treacherous world, I’m tired of getting kicked around for loving this vintage TV show. I propose, in response to acts of aggression by the opposition, that “MacGyver” fans across the world join forces to defend the show’s honor.

The first step in this process will be to chastise anyone who says the following: “I love that MacGyver guy. … He could, like, use a paper clip and a cockroach to make a nuclear weapon.” MacGyver wasn’t a sorcerer, you fool, he was an innovator. Much of what he made was based on actual science (though often exaggerated for entertainment purposes). On top of that, if MacGyver did use a paper clip, he used it brilliantly. Also, he would have diffused the nuclear weapon, not detonated it. He was good guy, after all.

Second, we should get organized. We’ll need to develop a basic infrastructure with a president, vice president, board members, etc. We could start a Facebook group and, with any luck, get 401c tax status. Our insignia could be a silhouette of MacGyver shaking his fist at unappreciative viewers.

After we’ve formed a cadre, the next step is a bit dicey. We could hold bake sale, or maybe I could host a mixer with hot cocoa and S’mores. We could make really big posters explaining why MacGyver is a great show, and display them at comic-cons or just by the side of the road. Whatever. Sky’s the limit.

Our next move should be a basic screening process to eliminate disingenuous fans. Anyone can say “I love MacGyver,” but can you prove it? If you think you can, simply fill out the MacGyver fan quiz I’ve attached to the bottom of this article and show me your stuff. You can post your scores on my blog. Don’t forget, you’re on the honor systems. Using Google is not allowed. Following the MacGyver example and don’t cheat; MacGyver was nothing if not honest. I’ll start a topic called “MacGyver quiz answers and results” and await your posts. … I’ll also pre-order 700 tons of hot cocoa mix.

The Quiz
1. What was MacGyver’s first name?
2. What was MacGyver’s personal motto?
3. What sport did he play?
4. His haircut was a _______
5. MacGyver lived in a _______ until it was destroyed
6. Mac’s friend, the airplane pilot, was named _______
7. Triggering quote from 1989 episode “Brainwashed.” (9 words)
8. Mac never carries a _______
9. He always carries _______ and _______
10. Teri Hatcher played this recurring character on MacGyver
11. This “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” cast member guest starred twice on MacGyver, as two different characters.
12. MacGyver kept killing him, but he kept coming back. Who is he?
13. MacGyver drove this vehicle for the first few seasons.
14. He worked for the _______
15. Mac’s grandfather was named _______
16. Two settings for MacGyver “time travel” episodes.
17. In “The Gauntlet” (episode 1.04) he used this object to patch a hole in a hot air balloon.
18. Pete Thornton was MacGyver’s _______
19. MacGyver’s alma mater, as indicated in the episode “Hell Week.”
20. Lisa Woodman, played by “Blossom” star Mayim Bialik, had this problem in the episode “Twenty Questions.”