Not the best storylines. Somewhat hackneyed plots i_e_ we've seen the key points before. So the overall offering of the series is passable rather than outstanding.
But Richard Widmark is, as ever, superb. A gruff but likeable character. So the series is worth a look at, just to see Widmark in action as the tough cop, roaming the city streets to 'get his man'. Or equally worth viewing if you're a fan of gritty US police shows of the 1970s.
Especially worth watching as the series only lasted 1 season, and at only 6 episodes is short and to the point. It's a piece of pure entertainment, and Hollywood TV history.
One episode has a different feel to the other five: 'The London Beat'. So it stands at odds with the rest of the series. But it is a lightly humorous episode, the comic element brought by the ever-great George Cole. The guest star is a surprise, in such an American series. But as the storyline has Madigan visiting England's capital city, as part of his police work, it all pins together well. The US-versus-UK character differences are wittily reflected at several points in the plot. As are the practices and strategies of British vs American cops. Deftly done. Widmark looked at home is this lighter episode, as if he really was enjoying the British experience. And if you're a fan of the talented English actor and his comedic skills, then George Cole's inclusion in the cast will be a treat. Who would have ever thought he and Widmark would conduct traffic around central London together?! In a hilarious scene, Widmark grins as he yee-ha's the London cars and buses as if they are American buffaloes! Delightful.
But Richard Widmark is, as ever, superb. A gruff but likeable character. So the series is worth a look at, just to see Widmark in action as the tough cop, roaming the city streets to 'get his man'. Or equally worth viewing if you're a fan of gritty US police shows of the 1970s.
Especially worth watching as the series only lasted 1 season, and at only 6 episodes is short and to the point. It's a piece of pure entertainment, and Hollywood TV history.
One episode has a different feel to the other five: 'The London Beat'. So it stands at odds with the rest of the series. But it is a lightly humorous episode, the comic element brought by the ever-great George Cole. The guest star is a surprise, in such an American series. But as the storyline has Madigan visiting England's capital city, as part of his police work, it all pins together well. The US-versus-UK character differences are wittily reflected at several points in the plot. As are the practices and strategies of British vs American cops. Deftly done. Widmark looked at home is this lighter episode, as if he really was enjoying the British experience. And if you're a fan of the talented English actor and his comedic skills, then George Cole's inclusion in the cast will be a treat. Who would have ever thought he and Widmark would conduct traffic around central London together?! In a hilarious scene, Widmark grins as he yee-ha's the London cars and buses as if they are American buffaloes! Delightful.