The chemistry between Fred Dryer and Stephanie Kramer made the series. Charles Hallahan was the best cast addition in later seasons. Although the series became a stronger procedural as the seasons went on, I preferred the earlier episodes where Hunter and McCall worked more closely together and we saw more of their relationship off duty. I also prefer the earlier tone, when they lived up to their tough reputations. Less realistic as a police drama, but more entertaining for my taste. Rick Hunter became dryer (no pun intended) as the series progressed, losing some edge. I missed the presence of Kramer when she moved on, but Dryer carried the show well mostly on his own. I don't think the series was truly tired at the end, but that the loss of Kramer cost it viewers. It was a series that wouldn't die, though, with three movies following it's cancellation and an order for a series reboot in 2003 with Dryer and Kramer back together. NBC dropped the ball royally on the reboot, not promoting it sufficiently and cancelling it after just a few episodes. No respect for a series that had so much staying power. I can't help myself, I have to say it: Hunter "works for me!".
Review of Hunter
