This series might be regarded as an American reply to the BBC's series of mysteries based upon Agatha Christy's eccentric detectives, Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. Based upon Rex Stout's equally eccentric American detective, Nero Wolfe, this series features impeccable period sets and costumes and an equally impeccable cast. The late Canadian/American actor Maury Chaykin is perfect in the title role, a 300-pound, orchid-fancying gourmet and detective- genius who rarely ventures forth from his brownstone on Manhattan's West Side. Timmothy Hutton, who co-produced,the series, does an equally fine job as Wolfe's leg-man and chronicler, Archie Goodwin. In much the same manner that that Dr. Watson tells the stories of Sherlock Holmes in Arthur Conan-Doyle's stories, Archie Goodwin recounts the cases of Nero Wolfe in Rex Stout's novels.
An somewhat novel feature of this Nero Wolfe series is that a veritable stock company of actors appears in the episodes. However, rather than playing running characters, as is the usual case in a television series, most of the actors portray different characters in each episode. If nothing else, it gives the viewer an appreciation of the versatility of these actors.
All in all, this series is a truly superior example of just how good a television production can be. Considering the amount of rubbish that generally appears on American television, It's a wonder this series was made at all. As it was it only aired for a couple of seasons, and then only on the cable station, A&E. Nevertheless, if you can manage to find this series, it is well worth a look.
An somewhat novel feature of this Nero Wolfe series is that a veritable stock company of actors appears in the episodes. However, rather than playing running characters, as is the usual case in a television series, most of the actors portray different characters in each episode. If nothing else, it gives the viewer an appreciation of the versatility of these actors.
All in all, this series is a truly superior example of just how good a television production can be. Considering the amount of rubbish that generally appears on American television, It's a wonder this series was made at all. As it was it only aired for a couple of seasons, and then only on the cable station, A&E. Nevertheless, if you can manage to find this series, it is well worth a look.