Starsky and Hutch

In recent days I have been re-living my childhood by watching episodes of the classic 1970s TV show "Starsky and Hutch".

This was the first time in many years that I had watched the programme, and several things leapt out at me from the screen. When first viewing as a child, it had simply seemed to me like escapist fun, and simply part of the stellar BBC Saturday evening line-up of that particular era.  I was oblivious to the nuances of characters and plot, and my young mind failed to grasp the issues which were being touched on.

Revisiting the episodes brought home to me how dark and bleak some of the subject matter really was, dealing as it did with the seedy and hedonistic underbelly of urban life in the 1970s. Topics such as race, homosexuality, narcotics and official corruption were examined with a maturity and a frankness which was unusual for a prime-time show of that time.

One of the strengths of "Starsky and Hutch" was the depth of the characters, and the care taken with them. The producers did not just take the easy option of making the two lead characters exact
opposites, and sitting back and watching the tensions develop. A more holistic approach was adopted.

It is probably fair to say that back in the 70s, the character of Hutch was more popular, perhaps because of David Soul's pin-up appeal and music career. However, watching the programme afresh has endowed me with a fresh appreciation of the talents of Paul Michael Glaser, and his versatility as an actor. He ably portrayed the street-wise, volatile but principled Starsky. By way of contrast, Hutch comes across as cerebral, taciturn and reserved. However, these qualities frequently overlapped, and the topics of male friendship and bonding underpin much of the show's enduring appeal.

"Starsky and Hutch" was given additional depth by its supporting characters. The detectives' superior, Captain Dobey, came across as cynical and grumpy, but he was always loyal to, and trusting of, his men. An endearing and well-pitched performance by Bernie Hamilton.

The character of Huggy Bear was a master-stroke, with the writers and producers not allowing themselves to fall for lazy stereotypes. Although as hip and savvy as they come, Huggy was also clearly in possession of ethics and principles.

Criticisms? Well, a few of the plot-lines were slightly far-fetched, and things always worked best when set in the everyday environment of "the streets". Also, it is difficult to believe that that much violence occurred, even in 1970s Southern California!

On balance, any criticisms are outweighed by the show's virtues. Even if it was very "of its time", "Starsky and Hutch" has aged better than most other programmes of its genre.