Spenser: For Hire: Season 1

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Mixed or average reviews based on 7 Critic Reviews

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Season Details & Credits

ABC | Season Premiere Date: September 20, 1985

Starring: Richard Jaeckel, Avery Brooks, Carolyn McCormick

Summary: Robert Urich plays the single-named detective in this Boston-set adaptation of Robert B. Parker's Spenser novels. The series, which also starred Avery Brooks (whose character later got a short-lived spinoff series, A Man Called Hawk), ran for three seasons on ABC, though it was later followed by four made-for-TV movies that aired onRobert Urich plays the single-named detective in this Boston-set adaptation of Robert B. Parker's Spenser novels. The series, which also starred Avery Brooks (whose character later got a short-lived spinoff series, A Man Called Hawk), ran for three seasons on ABC, though it was later followed by four made-for-TV movies that aired on Lifetime in the early 1990s.… Expand

Genre(s): Drama, Suspense

Season 1 Episodes

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S1:E23. Hell Hath No Fury
Air Date: April 8, 1986
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S1:E22. Rage
Air Date: April 1, 1986
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S1:E21. At the River's Edge
Air Date: March 25, 1986

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Critic Reviews

Steve Daley

Jul 24, 2014

In many respects, "Spenser: For Hire" is just another cop show. But the characters come on strong, speak in complete sentences, bleed when cut and offer us some humanity in a medium where linen jackets and Ferraris have assumed control. It's hard not to like Spenser, and it's hard not to like "Spenser: For Hire." [20 Sep 1985]

Jul 24, 2014

Although it doesn't stint on action... the emphasis is more on character and plot. Add some urbane dialogue, solid performances and Boston as the novel setting, and Spenser may find its audience. [7 Sep 1985]

John J. O'Connor

Jul 24, 2014

Mr. Urich is the perfect television-series star, appealing without being overwhelming or threatening. Read full review

Steve Sonsky

Jul 24, 2014

Credit is due here for crafting a show in which the relationships are at least as important as the chase scenes. [20 Sep 1985]

Robert P. Laurence

Jul 24, 2014

If "Spenser" has a problem, it is that the detective's sensitivity is not treated very sensitively. As in most TV series, "subtlety" seems to be a foreign word. ... But the car chases and gunfights are staged pretty well, and some good stories and continued strong characterizations could help the show's appeal. [20 Sep 1985]

Howard Rosenberg

Jul 24, 2014

Spenser is played by Robert Urich, a capable actor who you always feel should be doing something better than he's doing, but he never does. The show is shot in Boston and has a nice cinematic look. But the writing is so bad and the role so camp that you could substitute Bill Murray for Urich and not miss a beat. Read full review

Tom Shales

Jul 24, 2014

The most charitable reaction to an enterprise this shallow yet pretentious is, "They've got to be kidding." [20 Sep 1985]

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Seasons & Episodes

53

Series Overview
Season 3

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- Season 3 Overview
  Air Date: September 27, 1987
Season 2

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- Season 2 Overview
  Air Date: September 27, 1986
Season 1

53
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: September 20, 1985
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  S1:E23. Hell Hath No Fury
  Air Date: April 8, 1986
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  S1:E22. Rage
  Air Date: April 1, 1986
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  S1:E21. At the River's Edge
  Air Date: March 25, 1986
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  S1:E20. She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not
  Air Date: March 11, 1986
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  S1:E19. Angel of Desolation
  Air Date: March 4, 1986
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  S1:E18. In a Safe Place
  Air Date: February 14, 1986
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  S1:E17. When Silence Speaks
  Air Date: February 11, 1986
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  S1:E16. Brother to Dragons
  Air Date: February 4, 1986
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  S1:E15. A Madness Most Discreet
  Air Date: January 21, 1986
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  S1:E14. A Day's Wages
  Air Date: January 14, 1986
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  S1:E13. Death By Design
  Air Date: January 7, 1986
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  S1:E12. Internal Affairs
  Air Date: December 17, 1985
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  S1:E11. Resurrection
  Air Date: December 3, 1985
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  S1:E10. Blood Money
  Air Date: November 26, 1985
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  S1:E9. Autumn Thieves
  Air Date: November 19, 1985
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  S1:E8. The Killer Within
  Air Date: November 12, 1985
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  S1:E7. Discord in A Minor
  Air Date: October 25, 1985
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  S1:E6. Original Sin
  Air Date: October 18, 1985
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  S1:E5. Children of a Tempest Storm
  Air Date: October 11, 1985
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  S1:E4. The Choice
  Air Date: October 4, 1985
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  S1:E3. No Room at the Inn
  Air Date: September 27, 1985
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  S1:E2. Promised Land (2)
  Air Date: September 20, 1985
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  S1:E1. Promised Land (1)
  Air Date: September 20, 1985
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  S1:E1. Promised Land (Parts 1 & 2)
  Air Date: September 20, 1985