Stacy Keach’s original portrayal of the title character is revived with a new Velda and a different cop as his friend. Mike’s cases are arranged to reflect the times of the late ’90s.
Stacy Keach returns as Mike Hammer in perhaps his most iconic role – a film noir-style detective full of one-liners, confronting a seemingly endless number of mysteries to be solved. While viewers might expect a cynical PI, Hammer’s demeanor defies that stereotype by showing a surprising amount of empathy, yet without getting all mushy in the process.
The new series follows up “The New Mike Hammer,” broadcast from 1984-1989 and had a moderately successful run. Unfortunately, “Mike Hammer, Private Eye” did not fare as well and was canceled after one season. Fans will appreciate this DVD release – after over two decades off the air and not widely available in syndication, it can be hard to locate. Keach is clearly at home in the character of Hammer, blending equal parts action, humor, and intrigue as he does, all to good effect.
The only actor to return for the follow-up besides Keach is Kent Williams as Deputy Mayor Barry Lawrence. Shannon Whirry takes over as Hammer’s loyal secretary Velda. Shane Conrad is Hammer’s fellow investigator Nick Farrell, and Peter Jason provides a welcome and familiar presence as Captain Skip Gleason.
This second run at the Mike Hammer character by Keach is a bit edgier than the original series – in that regard and others, it’s a shame the shows weren’t more popular. Hammer’s constant quips keep things lively and engaging. The screen is filled with lovely young women, a mix of eye candy and the femme fatales one would expect for such an outing. A rundown of the plots is unnecessary, though not because of spoilers – the protagonist always wins in the end – but rather because they follow time-worn techniques with which viewers will be well-acquainted. It’s more about the journey than the destination.
For example, there’s a good line from the film “Trumbo” when Bryan Cranston as the legendary screenwriter, is pitching an idea to low-budget studio boss John Goodman. Cranston suggests a plot dealing with crime, a gangster’s rise, and fall. Goodman replies that he’s seen that one a few times. Cranston agrees, saying, “That’s because they always make money.” Audiences love stories about private investigators, going back as far as 1941’s “The Maltese Falcon,” the directorial debut by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart.
The 26 episodes feature Mickey Spillane’s most recognizable character in a surprisingly entertaining succession of cases that need cracking. It’s formula stuff, but no more so than the dozens of other male-led private detectives in the tradition of “Mannix,” “Cannon,” “Barnaby Jones,” “The Rockford Files,” and “Magnum PI” – to name but a few. The five-DVD set “Mike Hammer, Private Eye” serves up over 1100 minutes of diverting content, providing a pleasant way to while away the hours on a Saturday afternoon or any late night.
Now available on DVD from Film Chest
