Man, I miss this type of show. And, I was probably as cynical as the rest of America back in 1998, as this was on network television and thought that network t.v. was for old people Specifically CBS. I bet it would've found its audience on the fledgling FOX.
So here I am in 2020 lamenting why this isn't still on air.
A LOT of sitcom people gather here, Allison Smith and Charles Robinson to name a few and great character actor leads from Dennis Farina and (a very underrated Frank Whaley) gives this a buoyant traipse through late 90's Hollywood (the time I first arrived in Los Angeles).
Hard boiled detective nods, and also a reference to "L.A. Confidential" this is a spoof much like "Sledge Hammer!" Sometimes oddball (which seems not so odd for Los Angeles) and great cases you watch to get to the end.
The production value is something to mention as it travels around some REALLY iconic areas, that, in today's climate, they probably would charge and arm and leg to film. Places like The Magic Castle and Forum make appearances. Stunts, explosions, and so much went into this series. I'm sicken that this didn't have a longer run.
Any way, for those wondering why it hasn't been released into DVD land, I can only assume the music clearance would be astronomical.
But look, I think pre-Millenium Hollywood was the last of this look into real Hollywood. When you still hung out at divey bars that weren't overrun by hipsters. And that the internet and cellphones were in their infancy.
I LOVE this show. And thank you Mark Frost for adding the "Twin Peaks" oddness to it.
Review of Buddy Faro
