Spenser: For Hire (1985–1988)

Mystery/suspense series based on Robert Parker's "Spenser" novels. Spenser, a private investigator living in Boston, gets involved in a new murder mystery each episode.

Stars:

Robert Urich, Avery Brooks, Ron McLarty

1 win.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Robert Urich	...	Spenser (65 episodes, 1985-1988)
Avery Brooks	...	Hawk (65 episodes, 1985-1988)
Ron McLarty	...	Sgt. Frank Belson (65 episodes, 1985-1988)
Richard Jaeckel	...	Lt. Martin Quirk (47 episodes, 1985-1987)
Barbara Stock	...	Susan Silverman (43 episodes, 1985-1988)
Carolyn McCormick	...	A.D.A. Rita Fiore (22 episodes, 1986-1987)

Storyline

Mystery/suspense series based on Robert Parker's "Spenser" novels. Spenser, a private investigator living in Boston, gets involved in a new murder mystery each episode. Using his years of experience, his natural talents for observation and reasoning, and the occasional bit of help from his friend Hawk, Spenser never fails to crack the case.

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Plot Keywords:

private eye | boston massachusetts | detective | character name in title

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 September 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Spenser investigador

Filming Locations:

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros. Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 90 min (pilot)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The "set" of the dark country/western bar was actually the main bar area of The Channel, the largest (at the time) nightclub in Boston. The lights were kept dim so as to help hide the club's stage and massive PA system.

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Connections

Followed by Spenser: The Judas Goat (1994)

User Reviews

Follows the spirit, if not the letter, of the Books.

What can I say? This series captured the essence of the Spenser novels, written by the one man selected by the Chandler estate to finish the unfinished Philip Marlowe novel (Robert B. Parker). Robert Urich's portrayal of Parker's updated version of "the last good man" is unmatched, and I can't imagine any other actor in this role. Avery Brooks brings out the human side of Hawk, whose humanity developed in the Parker novels. Even Susan, although played by an actress far too young for the role, works.

All in all a fine tribute to Parker and his best known character.