John Ritter stars as Detective Harry Hooperman of the SFPD in this half-hour series created by Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher (the team behind L.A. Law) that ran for two seasons (1987-89). A mix of police procedural, workplace comedy, and character study, the show focuses on the professional and private life of Hooperman, a savvy cop and smart detective with a sardonic wit. In the opening episode his deceased landlady leaves Hooperman the apartment building, making him the reluctant landlord of a place that is in serious need of expensive repairs. Costar Barbara Bosson is the newly-divorced squad Captain, Felton Perry is Hooperman's partner, and Deborah Farentino is Susan, Hooperman's new apartment superintendent. The attraction between Harry and Susan is palpable from their first meeting, and the tension only builds as they dance around their feelings, flirt, argue, and give in to their impulses. Hooperman is essentially a classic squad room cop drama with a light touch, featuring offbeat character humor while also treating the police work and the hazards of the job seriously, especially as Susan contemplates a potential life with a cop. The series also features a gay patrolman (Joseph Gian), making it one of the first American TV shows to include a non-stereotypical homosexual character in the regular cast. Hooperman earned good reviews and an Emmy Award but low ratings and was canceled after only two seasons. Compiling all 22 episodes of the 1987-88 debut season, this is a strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)
Hooperman: Season One
Olive, 3 discs, 528 min., not rated, DVD: $34.99 Volume 32, Issue 3
Hooperman: Season One
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