Mike Hammer, Private Eye 1997-1998 (DVD)

The film noir genre, which became a staple for movie fans during it's heyday in the 1940's & 50's, was based on a tough and gritty environment and revolved around those who lived it. It was raw, without much margin for how things went down or who would end up surviving the fallout. Films stylized with elements of film noir have surfaced over the years and perhaps one of the best is the Mickey Spillane stories of Mike Hammer, which offered a more contemporary version of the format. Mike Hammer, Private Eye brings us to the late '90's. Stacy Keach plays the wiser, tougher, more sarcastic and blunt-worded private eye who offers a salute to the early years with his felt fedora. A bevy of beautiful women still abound in his world, and over-the-top measures with the use of his fists, wits, and savvy tenacity against deceptive enemies are the norm. Still, there is a balance, with Keach managing his character that's both serious and, at times, more lighthearted with some campy humor. This 26-episode series (along with the original trailer and episode synopses) includes a new sexy blonde secretary (Velda) played by Shannon Whirry and the introduction of a sidekick (Nick Farrell) played by Shane Conrad. Kent Williams returns with a strong portrayal of Deputy Mayor Barry Lawerence and Peter Jason plays Hammer's closely aligned police captain, Skip Gleason. Stacy Keach has spent a career making Mike Hammer his own character, and without question, he has succeeded. Private Eye (1997-1998) is a fast-paced, no nonsense Hammer series that will delight the many fans of Mickey Spillane's character and again prove that STACY KEACH IS MIKE HAMMER!