It’s been almost 38 years since “Simon & Simon” debuted and despite the long time since this series hit the small screen it holds up well. Rick (Gerald McRaney) and his younger brother A.J. (Jameson Parker) are struggling P.I.’s in San Diego who seem to spend entirely too much time with their mother. They have an office across the way from a competing mega Peerless Detective Agency headed by Myron Fowler (who looks like a used car salesman) and his very attractive daughter Janet Fowler (former "Miss Texas" Jeannie Wilson).
The Simon’s are kind of like Oscar and Felix from the “Odd Couple” and the contrast between the two is a constant source of amusement. They poach clients from Myron on occasion while enlisting Janet’s assistance on more than one occasion. Cases feature many special guest stars from the era who are fun to see again. The boys spend a lot of time in Mexico which is depicted as a relatively carefree place whereas today their beheaded corpses would be found in a shallow grave first time they go south of the border. It’s all pretty light stuff and fun and still enjoyable entertainment. The first season theme music is not the one most viewers will recall, and in fact there are cringe-worthy lyrics they play during the closing credits. Thankfully, they got a new tune starting in season 2.
It’s odd that the series isn’t available in a box set and you have to purchase each season individually. Also, the prices are what you’d expect to pay for the last season of a contemporary hit show and not one that’s almost 40 years old! I’m on board for more of “Simon & Simon”.
- 13 episodes on four discs
- Bonus episode from season two
- "The Great 80's Flashback": A look back on the impact which various programs made on television landscape during the 80's
