Abe Pike first appeared in season 2's "Sea Ghost," and was thought to be dead after a fight with Ezekiel Crane. However, an appearance in season 3's "But When She Was Bad, She Was Horrid" showed him to be very much alive, and as disturbed as ever.

Francks has worked in television since the 1950s, both as an on-screen actor, and as a voice actor. He was heavily involved in the animated Inspector Gadget series of the 1980s, voicing a variety of characters including the fearsome Dr. Claw. He also had a prominent role on the 1990s series Nikita.

In addition to his acting work, Francks is also a well-respected jazz musician.

Francks also has a very talented family. His wife Lili is a musician and actress, and has had recent roles in 'Da Kink in My Hair and Away From Her. Daughter Cree Summer Francks is a musician, actress and voice actress. She is best known for her role in A Different World, and for being the voice of Penny in Inspector Gadget and Susie Carmichael in Rugrats.

Francks' son, Rainbow Sun Francks, may be familiar to Canadians as a former Much Music VJ. Since then, he has starred in Stargate: Atlantis as Lieutenant Aiden Ford, and is currently starring in The Listener as Dev Clark.

You can purchase the first five seasons of Road to Avonlea in widescreen format at ShopatSullivan.com