Cracker

Rating:
Summary: The American Version of "Cracker"
Review: "Cracker" is one of those series that, in my opinion, should never have played on network television; it's my belief that the show would likely have enjoyed a much longer life had it played as a cable TV series. Since the American version of "Cracker" had such a limited run, it's quite possible that this may end up being the only DVD release that we'll ever see of this series and, as such, should be savored for the late Robert Pastorelli's fine performance in the title role. This is the two-part series opener and it's a good enough introduction to the series, though the second episode tends to drag a bit, especially during Fitz's (Pastorelli) confrontation with a woman who has electrocuted several young men. Look for Josh Hartnett as an intended victim of the killer who also happens to be Fitz's son in the series.

The DVD is pretty much a "bare bones" affair . . . there are no extras included and though the back cover of the DVD says "scene selections," they either didn't work on my DVD player or don't exist. Both episodes, including the opening and end credits, played straight through.

My rating for "Cracker" is closer to *** & ½.


Rating:
Summary: Great series, deserved a chance
Review: Had the American version of Cracker been produced in a better era of television, it would have been given the chance to gain an audience (as MASH was) and would have become a classic. It was a wonderfully engaging show with refreshingly complex characters and storylines. Robert Pastorelli creates an brilliantly dark and infuriatingly charming version of Fitz. If you like good, intelligent mysteries with plots and characters that draw you in and keep you wanting more, you'll love Cracker.

Admittedly, this not the British version. Few American versions of British shows meet the quality of their predecessors. It was a formidable task to bring this show to American television. I think this series tried to come fairly close to the quality of British Cracker while attempting to be acceptable to U.S. viewers. It wasn't given the chance to succeed. I don't think it's fair to compare the the U.S. and British versions, but I'm sure many fans of the original series will.

Cracker allows its characters to be human and flawed, intelligent and fascinating. I miss this show; glad to see it on DVD. This DVD contains the series' 2-part premiere episode "A True Romance." I hope more episodes follow.

Rating:
Summary: Feeble American ...of a British classic
Review: This one definitely falls into the category of "what were they thinking?" Robbie Coltrane made this part his in the original British series and this American remake does nothing but muddy things up. Whereas Coltrane was truly offensive but brilliant, Pastorelli is forced to turn the character into a softer "likable" version to fit the network sensibilities. If you saw the original, this one is unbearable. If you didn't, go get it now that it's being released on DVD.