 The original script by Jeff Rice called for Carl Kolchak to be  dressed in Bermuda shorts and wearing an Aloha shirt. Actor Darren  McGavin said, "That doesnt sound like anyone I know," and elected  to use a different wardrobe. While reading up on the character,  McGavin noted that Kolchak had been fired from a New York newspaper  years before, and thought, "Thats it! He hasnt bought a new suit  since!" So, Kolchak appeared in a circa 1950s suit.