Starsky And Hutch
Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul were two of the coolest
dudes in the 1970s. As were their alter egos Starsky and Hutch -
detectives with the BCPD (the series was filmed around Los Angeles
but the city was never named in the show). The two young
plainclothes cops were both swinging bachelors, and their
personalities meshed perfectly - they almost seemed to operate as
one.
Dave Starsky was the streetwise member of the team, and Ken
'Hutch' Hutchinson the better-educated, softly spoken one.
Together they tackled cases in the roughest neighbourhood in town,
full of pimps, muggers, dope pushers, and big-time hoods.
Although they often worked undercover they were usually highly
visible, racing around the city, tires squealing, in Starsky's
bright red hot-rod. Who can forget that car? A bright red 1974
Ford Gran Torino with a white stripe across the roof and down the
sides, tapering to a point at the front. Damn that's stylish!
Captain Harold Dobey was their quick-tempered, long suffering
but understanding boss, and Huggy Bear (pictured below right)
their flamboyant informant.
The show was produced by Aaron Spelling and ran for three
seasons, ending with Starsky laying in a hospital bed, critically
wounded.
It was originally planned that Starsky would die in the
final episode but Spelling decided it was too sad and too final
and decided to let him pull through in the end. Meanwhile, Hutch
was enjoying a successful pop career. David Soul had a hit record
with Don't Give Up On Us Baby.
A curious undercurrent to the show was suggested by editor
Horace Newcomb in his book, the Museum of Broadcast
Communications' Encyclopaedia of Television .
Newcomb maintains that between the ever-present unspoken
communication, the frequent hugging, tackling and horseplay, the
undercover cross dressing and the tendency of all the boys' lady
friends to cause jealous fits and sulky drinking, it's apparent
the detectives are more than just partners (not that there's
anything wrong with that).
Check out the re-runs and decide for yourself.
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