B.L. Stryker

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B.L. Stryker
BL Stryker.jpg
Genre Detective Drama
Created by Christopher Crowe
Starring Burt Reynolds
Ossie Davis
Rita Moreno
Country of origin United States
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 2
No. of episodes 12
Production
Executive producer(s) Tom Selleck
Burt Reynolds
Running time 95-120 minutes
Production company(s) Blue Period Productions, Inc.
T.W.S. Productions, Inc.
Universal Television
Distributor NBCUniversal Television Distribution
Release
Original network ABC
Original release February 13, 1989 –
May 5, 1990

B.L. Stryker[1] is an American detective drama that aired on ABC from February 13, 1989 to May 5, 1990 as part of the ABC Mystery Movie umbrella group, along with Gideon Oliver, Columbo, and Kojak. Tom Selleck was one of the series' executive producers.[2] The series starred Burt Reynolds, Ossie Davis, and Rita Moreno; Reynolds also directed several of the episodes.

Premise

Reynolds portrays Buddy Lee Stryker, aka B.L., a Vietnam war vet and retired New Orleans police officer who has moved back home to the other side of the tracks in Palm Beach, Florida and is working as a private investigator. Stryker lives on a houseboat and drives an old Caddy, and occasionally scrapes up a client while trying to avoid being relocated for not paying his slip fees.

Cast

  • Burt Reynolds as B.L. Stryker
  • Ossie Davis as Oz Jackson, Stryker's best friend and a former boxer
  • Rita Moreno as Kimberly Baskin, Stryker's ex-wife (6 episodes)
  • Dana Kaminski as Lynda Lennox, Stryker's assistant (11 episodes)
  • Michael O. Smith as Chief McGee
  • Alfie Wise as Oliver Wardell, diminutive owner of the marina at which Stryker's boat is moored, and frequently Stryker's comic foil
  • James C. Lewis as Captain Cartrude, Palm Beach police (10 episodes)

Episodes

Season 1 (1989)

No. Title Original air date
1 "The Dancer’s Touch" February 13, 1989
A serial rapist that Stryker put away in New Orleans is at it again in Palm Beach, and he’s targeting Stryker’s young friend (Kristy Swanson).
2 "Carolann" March 6, 1989
Stryker protects a Middle Eastern queen whose husband has been assassinated.
3 "Blind Chess" March 27, 1989
Stryker’s secretary enlists his aid for her brother (Austin Pendleton), an accountant who wants to get himself and his girlfriend out of prison.
4 "Auntie Sue" April 17, 1989
Stryker’s kooky Aunt Sue (Maureen Stapleton) wants to buy a house for herself and her friends (including Jack Gilford), but she’s mixed up with the wrong people to get the money.
5 "Blues for Buder" May 15, 1989
Stryker acts as bodyguard for a young religious zealot (Neil Patrick Harris) who makes enemies by sermonizing everywhere he goes. Burt Reynolds also directed this episode.

Season 2 (1989–90)

No. Title Original air date
6 "The King of Jazz" November 18, 1989
Stryker enlists an old buddy with the FBI (Ned Beatty) to help investigate a cheating husband whose girlfriend may be up to more than just an affair. This episode was directed by Hal Needham, who also directed Reynolds in multiple major motion picture releases, including Smokey and the Bandit, Hooper, and The Cannonball Run.
7 "Die Laughing" December 16, 1989
Stryker is hired to protect a comedian (Dom DeLuise) whose life is in danger, while also trying to find a new slip for his houseboat. Burt Reynolds also directed this episode.
8 "Winner Takes All" January 13, 1990
The father of a big-time high school football prospect dies in a car crash, and Stryker and an old football buddy (Paul Gleason) investigate at the request of the prospect’s grandmother (Cicely Tyson).
9 "Grand Theft Hotel" February 24, 1990
Stryker is hired to act as head of security at a posh Bahamas resort for a weekend, and becomes involved with a beautiful lady (Loni Anderson) and the murder of his ex-wife’s (Rita Moreno) wealthy friend.
10 "High Rise" March 10, 1990
On Stryker’s birthday, his ex-wife (Rita Moreno) and best friend (Ossie Davis) are held captive by a bank robber (Ricardo Montalban). Episode also features Julianne Moore.
11 "Plates" April 14, 1990
A simple trip to the DMV turns into a nightmare as Stryker encounters a parade of strange and dangerous characters. Co-stars Carol Alt. This episode was directed by Stuart Margolin, well known for his role as Angel on The Rockford Files.
12 "Night Train" May 5, 1990
Stryker escorts a young female murder witness on a train trip to Washington DC, but assassins are after them. Burt Reynolds also directed this episode.

DVD releases

The complete 12-episode series is currently available on Region 1 DVD from Arts Alliance America in a 7-disc set.[3]

References

External links


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