Episode 114: Hunter (1984) Pilot Episode: A Discussion of Representations of Law Enforcement in U.S. Culture
Update: 2024-12-19
Description
An old-school style Inside the Box episode. No guests, just Steve and Jonathan discussing the 1984 pilot episode of the cop show, Hunter (1984-1991) starring Fred Dryer, Stepfanie Kramer, and Brian Dennehy. A mixture of lighthearted poking fun at some of well-worn tropes combined with serious talk that attempts to contextualize the series within the larger issue of representations of police in U.S. culture.
The Dirty Harry inspired pose of Rick Hunter with his big gun.
Even though actress Stepfanie Kramer brought more to her character of Dee Dee McCall than sex appeal and a taste for violence, producers often leaned on these attributes to draw-in viewers to this male power fantasy.
Future 21 Jump Street star, Steven Williams, earns his paycheck having to play street pimp King Hayes.
An attempt in the pilot to soften / feminize the McCall character is seen in her adult woman’s bedroom.
Ridiculous sequence where we find Rick Hunter hiding in McCall’s closet awaiting the killer.
Dryer’s Hunter engages in a game of psychological warfare with Dennehy’s therapist turned killer Dr. Bolin.
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