"Cracker" (1997) TV series 1997-1998

User Rating:

5.0/10   

Directors:

Michael Fields
Whitney Ransick

Writer:

Jim Leonard (writer)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

18 September 1997 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Gerry "Fitz" Fitzgerald is a doctor of psychology. To be able to pay the bills, he gives lectures at colleges...

Plot Keywords:

Remake | Based On British TV Series

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Robert Pastorelli	...	Gerry 'Fitz' Fitzgerald (16 episodes, 1997-1999)
Carolyn McCormick	...	Judith Fitzgerald (16 episodes, 1997-1999)
Robert Wisdom	...	Detective Danny Watlington (15 episodes, 1997-1999)
Scott Sowers	...	Detective Parker / ... (15 episodes, 1997-1999)
Angela Featherstone	...	Det. Hannah Tyler (14 episodes, 1997-1999)
Josh Hartnett	...	Michael Fitzgerald (14 episodes, 1997-1999)
R. Lee Ermey	...	Lieutenant Fry (13 episodes, 1997-1999)
Paul Perri	...	Waldron (10 episodes, 1997-1999)
Sally Livingstone	...	Hope Fitzgerald (8 episodes, 1997-1999)
Zachary Seymour Fischman	...	Gerry & Judith's son / ... (8 episodes, 1997-1999)

Also Known As:

Cracker: Mind Over Murder (USA) (new title)

Runtime:

60 min (16 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Granada Entertainment

Movie Connections:

Remake of "Cracker" (1993)

So-so Remake of a British Show

This Cracker was OK, but a so-so remake of the original British TV series. Like so many US remakes of British TV, it was watered down by the US networks, who seem to treat American audiences like small children, and never let them see anything remotely "different".

The original British version starred Robbie Coltrane (Haggred in the Harry Potter movies), and his large, overweight frame helped make him a good anti-hero. It also made the romance between him and Sgt Jane Penhaligon all the more interesting (she was a slim red-head played by Geraldine Somerville). It was pretty obvious that she found him attractive because of his brains. In the US version, a slimmer actor was used. Why? Probably because US networks just won't EVER make the hero a fat guy, or perhaps because God forbid TV should suggest that looks aren't the most important thing in a relationship.