Although I first heard of Kolchak about 20 years ago, I never actually indulged in watching his movies or the show. Finally being ready, I started with the beginning and watched finally watched the first made-for-TV movie, The Night Stalker.

First off, given Kolchak's contentious relationship with authorities, I was immediately reminded of The Rockford Files and the way Jim Rockford has to beware of all cops and sheriff's deputies when working a case because they didn't like being embarrassed by his successes which also happen to be their failures.
I could also sense the influence over X-Files, although I'm sure there will be even more inspiration on Chris Carter during the show.

The ending, although frustrating, was wonderfully ambiguous. I found myself genuinely shocked [spoiler]when Kolchak struck the first blow with the hammer on the wooden stake in the "vampire's heart" and even more surprised when the DA and cops double-crossed him and drove him out of town.[/spoiler] But then afterwards, I wondered to myself, what else could have happened? Like life, some things don't wrap up nicely, they are ugly and leave people hurt and scattered to the wind....just ask Gail Foster.