Why Didn't "The Fugitive" (and other Quinn Martin shows) have Written Title Cards for the Cast?

The Quinn Martin series THE FUGITIVE (1963 - 67) is without a doubt one one of the all-time great TV dramas.  However, the presentation of the Cast Credits in the Opening Sequence of the series has seriously **bugged** me for decades.  Every episode introduces the Main Cast as well as the Guest Stars ONLY via Voice-Over Narration without any Written Title Cards.  WHY?  IMHO the Cast of The Fugitive was unfairly short-changed with a voice-over being their only introduction.  Everyone likes seeing their name in print (or in the case of actors - on a Title Card).

The majority of Quinn Martin shows, notably The Untouchables (1959 - 63), The FBI (1965 - 74, The Invaders (1967 - 68), Cannon (1972 - 76) and Barnaby Jones (1973 - 80) follow the same pattern with their respective introductions that omit Cast Title Cards in favor of a Voice-Over Introduction.  Why was this done?  I can see no advantage whatsoever to this technique.

TV isn't radio - "show - not tell" is the byword.

Here's a look at the Opening Cast Credits for THE FUGITIVE episode "Home is the Hunted" (Guest Starring Jacqueline Scott).  The second set of photos display the same clips - this time with the DVD Subtitles Activated - giving some indication of how THE FUGITIVE Opening Credits **might** have played if Written Title Cards had been used for the series.

The Fugitive: "Home is the Hunted" Title Card
(Voice-Over Introduction:
 "Starring David Janssen as the fugitive.")

The Fugitive: "Home is the Hunted" Title Card
(Voice-Over Introduction:
 "Also Starring Barry Morse as Lieutenant Gerard.")

The Fugitive: "Home is the Hunted" Title Card
(Voice-Over Introduction: "Jacqueline Scott")

DVD Subtitles

DVD Subtitles

DVD Subtitles

Now, here's look at the Opening Cast Credits for Quinn Martin's THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO (1972 - 77) episode "45 Minutes From Home" (Guest Starring Jacqueline Scott).  Unlike other Quinn Martin shows, THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO features Voice-Over Introductions for the Cast accompanied by Written Title Cards.

The Streets of San Francisco: Karl Malden's Title Card
accompanied by Voice-Over Introduction
("Starring Karl Malden")

The Streets of San Francisco: "45 Minutes From Home"
Guest Star Jacqueline Scott's Title Card accompanied by
Voice-Over Introduction ("Jacqueline Scott")

Comparing THE FUGITIVE with THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO, I think the Written Title Cards make a huge difference.

Finally, here's a look at the Opening Cast Credits for David Janssen's other TV series' RICHARD DIAMOND, Private Detective (a.k.a. CALL MR. D) (1957 - 60), O'HARA, United States Treasury (1971 - 72) and HARRY O (1974 - 76) - isn't it an absolute JOY to see David Janssen's name appearing proudly onscreen on a Written Title Card?  I think it is.

Again - "show, not tell".

 David Janssen's Title Card
for Richard Diamond, Private Detective
accompanied by Voice-Over Introduction
("Starring David Janssen")

David Janssen's Title Card for
Call Mr. D

David Janssen's Title Card for
O'Hara, United States Treasury

David Janssen's Title Card for
HARRY O

The Fugitive is copyright CBS / Paramount.
O'Hara, United States Treasury is copyright Universal Studios.
Harry O is copyright Warner Bros.
Richard Diamond, Private Detective / Call Mr. D is copyright (???)  (does anyone who which studio currently owns this series?)

All photos are used for illustrative purposes only and are copyright the respective copyright holders.