Troy Johnson works as a park ranger in the mountains of California. But besides his work in the nature park, which involves preserving the beauty of the mountains and keeping a watchful eye on visitors, Troy has another job: Together with his wife Jayne and their children Josh and Peter, the Johnsons train a wide variety of animals, some of them quite exotic, for Hollywood productions. They are supported not only by Greg Nickels, but also by their monkey Plato and their dog Muddy.
Episodes
S01E01 Cruel People 1998-07-19 60m
During a film shoot, Troy faces major issues with his animals when the Bengal tigress and the Kodiak bear escape and end up in a coma. Troy is fired, and his rival, Roscoe Plummer, takes over. Jayne uncovers that the animals were injected with a nerve agent, while Josh, reviewing footage from his camera, spots Plummer interfering with the animals. With help from the director, Troy devises a plan to catch him. more
S01E02 War Games 1998-07-26 60m
Businessmen Calder, Harburg, Miller, and Sexton have an unusual pastime. On weekends, they use paintball guns to mark wild animals with paint. While the paint itself doesn't cause harm, the animals often panic during these encounters, leading to injuries as they attempt to flee. Before long, Jayne's infirmary is inundated with traumatized and wounded creatures. Determined to put an end to this reckless behavior, Troy and his team embark on a mission to track down the so-called weekend warriors. The situation escalates when the group releases a number of big cats into the wild. It isn’t long before the tables turn, and the hunters become the hunted. Eventually, Troy manages to apprehend three of the culprits. However, Sexton, the last one on the loose, faces a dire predicament when attacked by a wolf. Just in time, Troy steps in to intervene… more
S01E03 On the Run 1998-08-02 60m
Peter had been careless in supervising the monkey, Plato, and the kangaroo, Sydney, and now the kitchen was a complete disaster. As a consequence, he was tasked with cleaning all of the enclosures. To make matters worse, Josh was adding to his troubles by playing relentless pranks on him. Frustrated and fed up, Peter decided to flee into the woods with Muddy. There, he stumbled upon two fugitive bank robbers, Doon and Potter, who forced him to guide them through hidden back roads to evade police roadblocks. At the same time, Troy was struggling to manage the filming of a fairy tale movie, which meant he would miss Josh’s final motorcycle race of the season. However, when Josh learned of the danger Peter had gotten himself into, he sacrificed his race to join Detective Holloway in a search mission, with plans to head north while the police concentrated their efforts on the southern part of the park. more
S01E04 Star Attraction 1998-08-09 60m
Female action star Margie Malone arrives at the ranch with her entourage to prepare for the stunts of her next film. Her diva-like behavior quickly gets on everyone's nerves. Only Josh shyly admires her. He doesn't forget his dirt track race, though. When his competitor, Ben Crawford, runs over a dog during the race, Josh abandons his sure victory. He stops the race and takes the dog to Jayne's clinic. When Margie Malone ignores all warnings and mounts an unbroken horse, the animal bolts with her. Josh rushes after her to help. In the park, the two are captured by two poachers. But Troy and his rangers aren't far away. more
S01E05 Poison Lively 1998-08-16 60m
One evening, while catching tadpoles at the lake, Peter observes strange figures in silver suits doing rather mysterious things. The boy believes the figures to be aliens and subsequently suffers from nightmares. The next day, his brother Josh discovers tire tracks on the lakeshore that lead to the farm of the eccentric Harwood. At the same time, numerous animals on the Johnsons' ranch have fallen ill. After the monkey Plato drinks from the lake water, he too becomes sick. Furthermore, Peter's tadpoles have died. It turns out that Harwood is storing chemical waste on his farm, which is being secretly dumped into the lake by two unscrupulous men named Albert and Freddie, who are wearing silver protective suits. Josh and Troy are captured by the two villains. Then, the loyal dog Muddy appears. more
S01E06 Blaze 1998-08-23 60m
A young woman named Theresa arrives at the ranch, instantly capturing Josh's attention. From that moment on, he seeks every possible excuse to be near her. When Greg decides to introduce the piglet Baboo to film director Frazetti, Josh eagerly tags along—after all, Theresa is also working on the set, assisting the dog trainer, Epps. During their visit, Frazetti insists that Epps train the dog Blaze, despite the animal having an injured paw. Concerned for Blaze's well-being, Greg and Josh extract a promise from the director to take the dog to a vet beforehand. However, as soon as they leave, Frazetti disregards his promise and puts Blaze back to work.Later, Theresa informs the Johnsons that Blaze never received proper treatment. Angered by this negligence, Greg, Josh, and Theresa rush to the set to confront Frazetti. It is there that the director's true nature is finally revealed! more
S01E07 Underground 1998-08-30 60m
While visiting the park, Josh comes across a disturbing scene—a man has confined a white tiger and a cougar in the trailer of his car. The majestic creatures are in a dire state, showing clear signs of prolonged neglect and abuse. Alarmed, Josh informs his father, Troy, who quickly deduces that the man is likely an animal trafficker involved in organizing staged hunts for affluent clients. Determined to bring the perpetrators to justice, Troy enlists the help of FBI Agent Pinera and his team of rangers to track down the abusers. more
S01E08 Partners in Crime 1998-09-06 60m
While park ranger Troy Johnson scolds a group of teenagers for littering in the park, Cooper, driven by ambition, sets off on a climbing trip with his boss, Drake. Cooper has a sinister plan: to eliminate Drake and seize his position. Aiding him in this scheme is Taylor, a merciless mountain guide. During a rappelling exercise, Drake falls—part of the plan—but survives the drop. Determined to finish the job, Taylor and Cooper descend into the valley to track him down. Meanwhile, Troy's sons, Josh and Peter, along with their ever-faithful dog Muddy, come across Drake, critically injured but alive. Acting quickly, Peter and Muddy head home to get help, while Josh stays behind to tend to Drake's wounds. more
S01E09 Walking the Dog 1998-09-13 60m
Passionate about video technology, Malinowski has created a unique setup involving a camera attached to a dog, capable of transmitting signals to both a handheld monitor and a mobile broadcast van. His invention seems perfect for tracking criminals, but during the initial test run, the system fails. Offering the inventor another opportunity, Troy enlists his sons, Josh and Peter, to give the device another try. Accompanied by their dog Muddy, the boys venture into the wilderness and come across a secluded cabin being used as the base of operations by two suspicious figures, Deke and Dooley, whose trade is growing marijuana. Things take a dangerous turn when the duo takes Josh and Peter hostage. Luckily, this time Malinowski's invention proves effective, successfully relaying footage from the cabin. With this critical information, Troy launches a daring rescue mission. more
S01E10 Dinosaur Bones 1998-09-20 60m
While exploring the woods, Josh and Peter stumble upon a partially buried skeleton. Peter thinks it's a cow's, but Josh suspects it's a dinosaur's. When paleontologist Morgan examines the remains, he agrees with Josh and even announces that Josh has come across a previously undiscovered dinosaur species. The news reaches the ears of notorious grave robber Largo, who arrives at the excavation site with his son. In a reckless move, Largo Junior releases the handbrake on Morgan's old truck, almost running over Alita, the scientist's assistant. Josh jumps into action and saves her just in time. While Troy pursues Largo Senior, Josh and Peter manage to subdue the son. Ultimately, Josh hands over the dinosaur bones to the university. Now all that's left is to decide on a fitting name for this remarkable discovery. more
S01E11 Ghost Town 1998-09-27 60m
Patrick O’Connor, a rugged backwoodsman, resides on a secluded mountain property passed down through his family. Faced with the challenge of proving his ownership, he realizes he can’t locate the land deed. Seeking a solution, he turns to Jayne for assistance. At the same time, Josh embarks on an overnight trip to the ghost town of Dry Gulch with his friends Michael and Jessica. During their stay, a wolf emerges from the shadows, only to be chased away by Muddy and the group. In their exploration of the eerie town, they come across the gravestone of Grandpa O’Connor. more
S01E12 Extinct 1998-10-04 60m
An allegedly extinct jaguar from Arizona has been spotted in the park, a development that quickly sparks a frenzy among recreational hunters. Drawn by the news, they flood the park intent on poaching the rare animal. Among them is Lang, a particularly unsavory hunter with a notorious past—one that includes being captured by Troy years ago. Determined and ruthless, Lang sets traps all over the area and ultimately manages to ensnare Troy in one of them. Now immobilized, Troy can only hope that his loyal horse, Flame, will find help. Meanwhile, Josh and Loretta are out on a motorcycle ride when they come across a puma trapped and prepared for transport. Acting quickly, they take matters into their own hands, stealing the truck and bringing the injured animal home to administer first aid. more
S01E13 Dude Ranch 1998-10-11 60m
An Arizona jaguar, thought to be extinct, has been spotted in the park, sparking widespread excitement. Unfortunately, news of the sighting spreads quickly among recreational hunters, who flock to the area in large numbers with poaching in mind. Among them is Lang, a particularly ruthless hunter whom Troy had apprehended years ago. With little regard for the wildlife or anyone else, Lang sets traps throughout the area and manages to lure Troy into one. Now, Troy finds himself caught and can only hope that his horse, Flame, will find help in time. Elsewhere, Josh and Loretta take a motorcycle ride and stumble upon a puma trapped and on the verge of being transported. Acting quickly, they intercept the truck carrying the puma and bring the injured animal home, where they provide it with much-needed first aid. more
S01E14 Rites of Passage 1998-10-18 60m
A wounded black bear has been roaming the park, posing a serious threat by attacking tourists. Determined to address the danger, Jayne and Loretta set out on a mission to locate the animal and safely tranquilize it. Simultaneously, Troy and Greg embark on their own quest, this time seeking horse trainer Phil Cox, who is believed to have stolen a racehorse and taken it deep into the park. In another part of the area, Josh and his cousin Gavin decide to hike toward an old mission building. Their trek through the wilderness brings them face-to-face with surprising challenges: a wolf crosses their path, followed by an encounter with Phil Cox himself, and later with Freddie Pinter, the owner of the stolen racehorse. The situation takes a dangerous turn when Pinter threatens the boys at gunpoint, only for the tension to shift dramatically when he is bitten by a rattlesnake. Despite the threat he posed, Josh and Gavin demonstrate courage and compassion, stepping in to save his life. more
S01E15 Aftershock 1998-10-25 60m
Troy's neighbor Clancy runs a retreat ranch that aims to give juvenile delinquents and their parents the opportunity to work through their problems by sharing experiences in the wilderness and thus strengthening their family bonds. However, due to flooding, Clancy has to cancel all his guests. Only the Arnold family, whose son Matt is a troubled case, can't reschedule. So Clancy asks his neighbors to take the Arnolds in for a week. Indeed, the Arnolds quickly prove to be a problem case: The good-natured Jeffrey, in his naive enthusiasm for the cowboy life, makes one mistake after another, his wife can't stand country life, and their son Matt has nothing but stupid pranks on his mind. Even Josh, who has befriended Matt, eventually reaches his breaking point. When Matt overhears his father talking to the juvenile court judge on the phone, he assumes he's forfeited his probation because of the fight. He steals Troy's car and speeds off… more
S01E16 Bernice and Clyde 1998-11-01 60m
After a botched bank robbery, Bernice and Clyde flee into the wilderness, evading the police. Jayne, driving through the park, unknowingly picks them up. When their true intentions surface, she is kidnapped. At gunpoint, Jayne leads them on foot toward the nearest highway. Meanwhile, her husband Troy grows concerned and teams up with Sheriff Thornton to search for her. Jayne’s sons, Josh and Peter, also track her down with Muddy's help, saving her from a mountain lion. However, the brothers are captured by Bernice and Clyde. Just as hope fades, Troy and the sheriff arrive. more
S01E17 Bigfoot 1998-11-08 60m
When two UFO enthusiasts arrive at the ranger station claiming to have spotted Bigfoot, the legendary creature of the mountains, Troy is immediately skeptical. However, the story quickly spreads, and before long, a full-blown Bigfoot frenzy takes hold. Peter, more convinced than ever of the mythical giant's existence, teams up with old Charlie to embark on a quest to find it. Meanwhile, Bob and Burt, a pair of fortune-hungry adventurers, have their sights set on capturing Bigfoot and making a fortune from their discovery. more
S01E18 Fool's Gold 1998-11-15 60m
Treasure hunter Dante, along with Max and Louie, is searching for riches in a cave, watched by Peter and his friend Sandy. Peter suspects they're after two million dollars supposedly buried there years ago by bank robber J.D. Miller. He radios his father Troy for help but gets captured by the hunters before sharing their location. The children are made to dig and soon uncover a sealed chest. more
S01E19 Muddy's Thanksgiving 1998-11-22 60m
After filming a commercial, Troy heads back home with his wife, mother-in-law, and their dog, Muddy. On the way, they come across the scene of an accident and decide to stop and help. Amid the commotion, one of the police officers mistakenly assumes that Muddy was involved in the crash and takes her away to the city. By the time the Johnsons finish offering their assistance, it's late in the evening, and they realize Muddy is missing. Meanwhile, Muddy manages to escape and begins wandering through town, determined to reunite with her family. At the same time, the Johnsons embark on a frantic search to find her. more
S01E20 Quality Time 1998-11-29 60m
Big-Alarm in the Ranger-Station: a Thunderstorm destroyed bridges, water is streaming on the shores and people cannot drive on the streets anymore. Troy goes to the Park with his horse Flame to see with his own eyes is it true and founds two hurt mountaineers in some old secret canyon. The man named Stewrt tells to him that his wife is however unconscious and probably hard injured. So, they must fing her fastly…. more
S01E21 Dreams (1) 1998-12-06 60m
Director Jeremy Korn is visiting the ranch to cast animals for his version of "Noah's Ark." However, the film is plagued by problems from the start: First, a loud crash frightens the Bengal tiger so much that he goes berserk on set. Next, a lighting rig breaks free from the ceiling and nearly buries Troy and Jeremy. It seems someone is trying to sabotage the film and force its cancellation. Producer Danny Bowman, who had reservations about Troy and his team from the beginning, is acting particularly suspiciously. more
S01E22 Dreams (2) 1998-12-13 60m
As Jane remains by Troy's side, keeping a watchful vigil, Greg and Loretta unravel a clue: the bear that attacked Troy had been hit by an arrow. The plot thickens when Josh stumbles upon a dart gun in Bowman's office, prompting him and Greg to pursue Bowman. However, they aren't the only ones hunting him—Bowman's bookmaker and his enforcers are also on his trail. The duo learns that Bowman is drowning in debt and has a clear incentive to sabotage the film, hoping to collect the insurance payout. Meanwhile, Loretta develops a completely different theory. Chelsea, the lead actress in Jeremy's doomed project, is desperate to protect her career. When Loretta overhears a heated exchange between Chelsea and her boyfriend, Burt Spencer, the film's leading man, she becomes convinced that Chelsea is orchestrating the so-called accidents. more 
