AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => TV series => Topic started by: David Vaughn on September 11, 2025, 05:06:56 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/O7e8bsN.jpeg)
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: September 9, 2025
Rating: Not Rated
Film: 3/5
Plot
Spenser for Hire (1985–1988) is a solid but dated crime drama based on Robert B. Parker's novels, following a Boston PI tackling gritty cases with wit and fists. Robert Urich's charismatic Spenser and Avery Brooks' enigmatic Hawk carry the series, but formulaic episodes and '80s production values start to wear thin.
My Thoughts
Spenser for Hire adapts Robert B. Parker's popular novels into a three-season ABC series, starring Robert Urich as Spenser, a former cop turned private investigator in Boston, often teaming up with his stoic enforcer Hawk (Avery Brooks). The show dives into mysteries involving corruption, murder, and personal vendettas, with Spenser's moral code and banter with Lt. Quirk (Richard Jaeckel) adding flavor. Urich brings charm and physicality to the role, while Brooks' Hawk is a standout, delivering cool intensity in sparse dialogue.
The chemistry between them echoes classic detective duos, and episodes like "The Choice" tackle social issues with some depth. However, the formula wears thin—many plots feel repetitive, with predictable twists and overreliance on fistfights. Susan Silverman's arc (Barbara Stock) adds emotional layers in later seasons, but her absence early on disrupts continuity. I remember watching this show back in the eighties and enjoying it (although not as much as Urich’s Las Vegas), but it wasn’t on the air long due to the network moving the show around the schedule and the production costs being too high due to the on-location shooting in Boston.
The 1.33:1 full-frame transfers are acceptable for a '80s series, offering decent clarity in urban Boston scenes and facial details during close-ups. Colors are muted but accurate to the era's film stock, with solid contrast in interior shots. However, expect noticeable grain, occasional print damage like scratches, and softness in action sequences, typical of unrestored TV archives. No upscaling or remastering elevates it beyond DVD basics—it's watchable but shows its age, especially compared to modern HD releases of similar shows.
The Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo tracks deliver straightforward dialogue that's mostly clear, essential for the show's witty exchanges and narration. The theme by Jerry Goldsmith carries decent energy, and ambient Boston sounds add atmosphere without flair. However, the mixes lack depth, with flat dynamics and occasional hiss in quieter scenes. Surround activity is minimal, and low-end response is absent, making gunshots and car chases feel subdued.
Video 3/5
Audio 3/5 (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Special Features:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0udmf8hlBH8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0udmf8hlBH8)
Conclusion
Spenser for Hire: The Complete Series on DVD is a no-frills package for fans eager to revisit Urich and Brooks' dynamic duo, with adequate video and audio that preserve the '80s vibe without polish. The show itself is middling entertainment—charming in spots but hindered by repetition and some cheesy 80s tropes. It's a worthwhile pickup for Parker enthusiasts or fans of Urich’s work, but casual viewers might prefer streaming for convenience. At this price point, it's a fair deal, though a Blu-ray upgrade would breathe new life into the series.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(I utilized Portrait Displays' (https://www.portrait.com/) Calman color calibration software)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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I remember the show but never Watcha. Second if it. Thanks for the review