Spenser for Hire

Spenser: For Hire
Created by	John Wilder / Robert B. Parker
Starring	Robert Urich Avery Brooks (1985–86, 1987–88) Ron McLarty Carolyn McCormick (1986–87) Richard Jaeckel (1985–87)
Country of origin	United States
No. of seasons	3
No. of episodes	66, and 4 TV movies (List of Episodes)
Production
Running time	approx. 48 minutes per episode
Production company(s)	Jadda Productions (season 2) Warner Bros. Television
Distributor	Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution
Release
Original network	ABC
Original release	September 20, 1985 – May 7, 1988
Chronology
Followed by	A Man Called Hawk

Spenser: For Hire is a mystery television series based on Robert B. Parker's Spenser novels. The series, developed for TV by John Wilder, most notably differs from the novel in its lesser degree of detail. Similar to many TV detective series and the Spenser novels, the show is voiced over in first person.

The series ran on ABC from 1985 to 1988. Despite frequent time slot changes and occasional pre-emptions, the show garnered decent ratings. Location shooting ultimately led to the show's demise, with cost being cited as one of the main reasons why ABC cancelled it. Largely shot in Boston, which was considered one of the show's strong points, the show featured shots from all around town, even showing the harsh winters there (notably in the pilot). The music for the show was produced by Steve Dorff and Larry Herbstritt.

Spenser is the only name used for this character throughout the show. While it is clear in the novel that Spenser is the character's last name, this is never made clear during the show. According to a popular rumor, Parker was going to name the character David, after one of his sons, but changed his mind out of consideration for his other son, Daniel. In "An Eye For An Eye," Spenser quotes Edmund Spenser, a 16th-century poet, which may be where the name originated since the spelling is the same. When introducing himself, he often said "Spenser with an 'S', like the poet." Spenser was surprisingly sophisticated for a private eye and former boxer. In "The Choice", it is revealed that Spenser did poorly in a professional fight 12 years ago, which might have contributed to his leaving the profession. However, he still boxes and exercises at Henry Cimoli's Gym. He is well-read, often quoting poetry in everyday conversation. He is also an excellent cook, often cooking recipes he picked up from watching Julia Child on his kitchen counter television.

Spenser lives in Boston and, like many detectives on TV, drives distinctive cars: at first a mildly-worn out ivy green '66 Ford Mustang (possibly a nod to Steve McQueen's Mustang in Bullitt) which is destroyed in the beginning of the second season, succeeded by a new 1987 Mustang 5.0 GT, which 5 episodes later is traded for a perfectly restored 1966 Mustang GT which gets banged up over the remaining run of the show. In the show Spenser carries a Beretta 9mm, whereas in the books his weapon of choice is a Browning Hi-Power 9mm pistol along with a 38 cal. snub nose revolver for casual carry. In the novels, Spenser previously served as an infantryman in the 1st Infantry Division during the Korean War. However, the television version of the character was younger than his literary counterpart and acknowledged being a veteran of the Vietnam War in the series' pilot episode. Spenser was also a former member of the Boston police force and occasionally cooperates with the BPD in the series. In "Children of the Tempest Storm", Ms. Silverman reveals that she is pregnant with Spenser's child. The word abortion comes up when talking with her doctor, and is discussed throughout the episode, though often not using the word. Susan and Spenser discuss the issue and are at odds over the moral dilemma before them. Spenser, a Catholic, doesn't know if he can stay with Susan, though he loves her deeply, if she aborts. He believes it's only for her convenience that she would choose abortion. In the end, she has the abortion, and he brings her flowers. They silently affirm that the relationship will continue. After Susan leaves the show, ADA Rita Fiore becomes Spenser's love interest during the second season, but they do not seem to develop the personal bond that was apparent with Silverman.

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Wikipedia