‘Spenser: For Hire – The Complete Series’ DVD Review
Stars: Robert Urich, Avery Brooks | Created by Robert B. Parker | Developed for television by John Wilder
During the 1980s, television was packed with mystery and crime dramas: Knight Rider, Miami Vice, Hunter, Murder, She Wrote, Magnum P.I., The Equalizer, and countless others. Yet one series from that era has quietly faded from memory… Spenser: For Hire.
Now, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is bringing it back with a complete DVD collection. All three seasons are included across 16 discs, offering fans and newcomers alike the chance to rediscover the gripping adventures and street-smart charm of Spenser: For Hire.
In the shadows of Boston, Spenser (Robert Urich), a former cop with a poet’s soul and a fighter’s fists, solves crimes in his own uniquely stylish way. A true Renaissance man, he faces danger head-on, backed by his formidable ally Hawk (Avery Brooks) and contacts inside the police department. While he’s unstoppable on the streets, his love life stalls as his longtime love (Barbara Stock) refuses to marry a man whose life is a constant dance with death.
The series is based on Robert B. Parker’s beloved Spenser novels and was developed for television by John Wilder. At its heart is the remarkable chemistry between Robert Urich and Avery Brooks – their on-screen friendship gives the show its soul. I’ve always admired Urich’s work, and Brooks, for me, will forever be remembered as Captain Benjamin Sisko from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
As with any episodic series, some instalments stand out more than others, but the overall entertainment value never falters. Packed with action, sharp wit, and a touch of humour, Spenser: For Hire strikes the perfect balance for fans of classic detective drama.
The three seasons of Spenser: For Hire are spread across 16 DVDs, with 6 DVDs for Season 1 and 5 DVDs each for Seasons 2 and 3. All 66 episodes have been transferred to DVD and are presented in 1.37:1 aspect ratio. As for the audio track, it is an English Dolby Digital Mono (for seasons 1 and 2) and Dolby Digital Stereo for season 3. There are also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Now the quality of these transfers is very nice: the picture is crisp and clean, and the audio is clear. However, I must be honest; I have a couple of concerns about this set. Number 1 is why this DVD is instead of Blu-ray? Granted, it is a minor complaint, but I am just wondering. Number 2 is the major one! There were 4 Spenser: For Hire TV Movies. Why were these not included in this set? I don’t have an answer for that!
***** 5/5
All in all, even with this not being Blu-ray and not including the 4 TV movies, Spenser: For Hire – The Complete Series is still a wonderful release.
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