Customer Reviews

Spenser: Judas Goat

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Not the strongest of the Spenser made-for-TV movies, but a treasure now that Robert Urich is gone. No other actor (sorry, Joe) captured the essence of Robert B. Parker's character better than Urich. Avery Brooks is forceful and compelling as Hawk, and this Wendy Crewson, the strongest actress to portray "Susan" is delightful in her interactions with Spenser. Adapted from the book of the same title - a must-have for the Spenser collector.

I like Robert Urich - always have. But after having read the entire series by Parker, he wouldn't have been my choice for Spenser. He just doesn't LOOK like Spenser; he's a bit too rolly-polly. I can overlook all that because Urich is a good actor. Avery Brooks makes a great Hawk - he's exactly how I picture him.

That said, the production quality of this particular made-for-TV movie is just not very good, putting it charitably. There's at least two scenes where the boom mike can be seen at the top of the frame, for example. The outdoor Toronto (aka "Ottawa") scenes are OK.

With the exception of Susan, the prime actors are outstanding. Not so for the minor characters, who appear to be drawn from Canadian soap opera companies. They redefine the meaning of "wooden". Regarding Susan: Wendy Crewson was fine in The Santa Clause, and I'll always think of her as the former Mrs. Claus. I just don't see her as the sexy and intellectual Susan Silverman.

Finally, I hate it when a screenwriter radically departs from the original story line - if they do that, they should change the title. This story only bears superficial resemblance to the original, which took place mostly in Europe, and had its climax in Montreal. The protagonist in the story was a good guy, a tragic figure. Making him a fat-cat bad guy may be great PC, but is way too cliched for me.

Bottom line: if you're a Spenser (book) fan, I'd suggest you avoid this turkey. If you're a "Spenser for Hire" fan, you might want to pick another made-for-TV movie. This isn't the best.

I never appreciated the Spenser series when it was on, but fell in love with it on the re-runs. Sadly none of the networks show any of them???? Robert Urich and sidekick Hawk make the perfect pair of tough guys with big hearts. This movie was true to the series and very enjoyable. Now if someone would put the entire series on DVD's. Just who the heck owns the rights?

I purchased all the "Spenser" movies at once. That was a mistake as they were all Lame. I wouldn't even class then a "B" movie productions, but more like "D" movies. Too bad, as the novels are usually very good.

Excellent Movie. Robert Urich and Avery Brooks are a pair not to be messed with.