Hart to Hart

Between the mostly comedic Moonlighting and the dark, gritty crime shows of the 21st century like CSI and Criminal Minds, crime series' like this portrayed the scathing wold of diabolical crime and murder without being too grim and intense, unlike crime shows of the past couple decades. Wagner's Jonathan Hart was a superhero level fighter, and also a refined gentleman, very manly, but too humble, dignified, and willing to show his feelings to be macho and Jennifer was just as plucky, self-reliant and quick-witted; the quips and cute jokes made this show much more lighthearted than other crime shows, especially today's. Their laid-back, fun-loving butler gave a good amount of the laughs with his comedic deliveries. They were very wealthy and lived a glamorous lifestyle but didn't lose sight of what mattered in life and wouldn't hesitate to help anybody. Which is why they were amateur detectives in the first place. Their wealth, plucky resourcefulness, and street smarts gave them clearance to go on any caper and often made them targets for the nefarious villains. I have wondered why they never had children, I did think that was somewhat sad: one time there was a young boy who claimed to be Jonathan's son, a situation that came together by one of Jonathan's old loves and an unstable father where they were both very kind, devoted and protective parents who grew attached to the boy in season 1. Another attractive quality of the show is their cute little shaggy dog and how he was written as one of the family and one of the detectives. Most shows don't seem to write animals as that versatile and central to the story unless the show is about the animal. The episodes write suspense together nicely with creepy two-faced characters and setups and the culprits evil deeds and preying so close by all the noble, likable heroes.

He was a handsome millionaire. She was a well-know journalist. Their hobby was murder. What a beginning! The Harts were, of course, Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers. And the show was an update of "Thin Man" movies. But thanks God, plots were better in the show. Behind all that was creator (and best-seller novelist) Sidney Sheldon who also wrote some scripts in the show. The show was excellent, specially for a very good acting and good scripts. And no forget that wonderful sense of humour! Lionel Stander was the housekeeper Max and Freeway (that was also kidnapped in one episode) was Hart's dog. This is one of my favourite 70's crime and mistery show. Better than Charlie's angels, Kojack, Columbo, etc. It had the same kind of magic I found years later with "Remington Steele".

Robert Wagner (Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me) "Jonathan Hart" the very nice looking self-made millionaire, with his beautiful wife "Jennifer Hart " Stefanie Powers (The Magnificent Seven Ride!) lived in this darling house along with a butler "Max," Lionel Stander (New York, New York). Max was a dream of a house caretaker, and a cook full of good intuition and love for Jennifer and Jonathan. I would welcome someone in my house like Max. He had initiative. Their cute little dog Freeway, was just adorable. The series started when I first got married and my husband and I loved watching it. I wanted to look at Jennifer's outfits, and somehow managed to get a small leather jacket like hers and was thrilled that I could dress like the millionaire Jennifer Hart. What I liked most about the show was how close the Harts were and also how very happily married. They knew each other extremely well and respected each others opinion. That is what I remembered the most about the series. The people they fought every time were incidental to the show to me, but my favorite part was to see such a happy and nice looking couple. The series was very well done full of beautiful places and beautiful people.

"This is Jonathan Hart, a self made millionaire, this is Mrs H., she's one hell of a lady...My name is Max, I look after the two of them, because when they met, it was moider!"

The Harts were this super rich glamorous couple who solved crimes with a wink and a nod and the sarcastic comment from their butler, Max and his thick New Jersey accent. Both Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers were the king and queen of American television at that time and their performances were so relaxed, so confident and oozing charm that you couldn't help be swept along with the show. And Stefanie Powers is one of the most gorgeous and charismatic actresses ever to grace the small screen (and would still blow her younger counterparts away to this day).

What I think sets "Hart to Hart" apart from "The Thin Man", is the sexual playfulness of Jonathan and Jennifer. These two couldn't keep their hands off each other, and amidst investigating a murder or an art theft, they'd be nibbling each others ears, or fondling their knees or groping each other in a hot tub. There's a voyeuristic quality about this show, as their flirtatious dialogue and just what Jonathan was doing to Jennifer under those hot tub bubbles got the mind going. Some have said that part of the show was the best bit. If the Harts have left a legacy, it was to make viewers want to try kissing underwater.

I was in elementary school in the late 70s when this show debuted, but my mother loved watching it, and so it has a soft spot in my heart. It will seem dated now, but the chemistry between Robert Wagner and Stephanie Powers as well as the glamorous settings made for fun viewing. As a jet set couple very much in love, the show has a nostalgic positive vibe that is sadly missing these days. I really like the fact that they are very happily MARRIED. Very 70s-Sidney Sheldon chic. I would love to see an intelligent, non-goofy remake of Hart to Hart. It would require intelligence as well as good looks in the two leads. And obviously great chemistry! Both of these original actors are very classy, and it would be hard to top them. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes romance and mystery, 70s style.