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Jake and the Fatman premiered in 1987 and lasted until
1992. The show, though fairly short-lived compared to other
successful series in the detective genre, was nothing short
of excellent. ***
Jake and the Fatman stars William Conrad and Joe Penny
as the title duo. J.L. “Fatman” McCabe (Conrad) is an aging
district attorney, based heavily on a character he played
in an episode of Matlock. He is teamed up with detective
Jake Styles, and together, the twosome combine their knowledge
in an effort to solve crimes. The show ran for five seasons
and had a spin-off entitled Diagnosis Murder. ***
The supporting cast is no less excellent, and features
such names as Alan Campbell, Lu Leonard, Olga Russell, Jack
Hogan, George O'Hanlon Jr., and Melody Anderson. Guest stars
in the show’s five-year run included Robert Culp, Scott
Marlowe, Leigh McCloskey, Ed Nelson, Leo Penn, Stephen Quadros,
Robert Reed, Mitch Ryan, and David Soul. ***
This set consists of three discs, and features the
show’s complete second season. Unlike the first season,
this one was not split into two separate volumes, and the
complete season is contained in a single set. Like all recent
Paramount releases, though, this one contains the disclaimed
that “some episodes may be edited from the broadcast versions.”
***
Jake and the Fatman worked so great as a series because
of the chemistry between its two leading men. Gripping plot
lines and a great supporting cast only added to the show’s
excellence. No fan of the show, or detective dramas in general,
should pass up this set. ---
Image and Sound:
For the most part, Jake and the Fatman looks pretty
good on DVD. The image is generally sharp and clear, and
lacks any real flaws. The colors are a bit faded in places,
but that’s to be expected on a show this old. If you’ve
seen any of the earlier DVD sets, you’ll know what to expect
here. ---
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