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.

"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 a devoted Hart to Hart fan when they first aired. I was about 13 years old and thought Jonathan and Jennifer were just about the most glamorous and fabulous couple. Recently I found it again on the Hallmark Mystery Channel and out is just a delight! Stephanie Powers, Robert Wagner and Lionel Sanders made a powerhouse team. Yes, the plots were over the top but they were always entertaining. The main thing was it was so easy to get emotionally invested in not only the Hart's but the chauffeur and even Freeway, their dog. Of course, it would be impossible to have this type of show today and that's a shame. These type shows provided a nice, easy and enjoyable 47minute vacation from whatever you may be facing and I am so glad to be able to watch them again!

If you've read some of my other user comments, you'll quickly discover that Hart to Hart isn't the kind of thing I usually go for. But, surprisingly, the show works for me. A loving relationship, plenty of money, a wonderful house, nice cars, and a life filled with adventure and mystery - this is what has always drawn me to Hart to Hart.

At the heart of Hart to Hart is its two leads - Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers as Johnathan and Jennifer Hart. Has there ever been a more perfect television couple? It's easy to see that they were longtime friends in real life before the show started. They seem so natural together. Both are also accomplished actors and are capable of making even the most ridiculous of situations believable. And Lionel Stander as the butler, chauffeur, handyman, cook, and general do everything guy, Max, is also a real asset. Like Wagner and Powers, he came to the series with a long resume. It's a solid cast.

Looking back at some of the episodes, they may seem incredibly corny to those more accustomed to modern TV. Two people just don't find themselves in these kinds of predicaments week after week. One week you're running from drug smugglers, the next week your house is completely emptied by thieves, and the next you're recovering a priceless antique for a Buddhist temple. I could live a lifetime and never have one episode worth of the adventure the Harts experienced. And, you know what? - it's this implausibility that really makes the show work for me. I enjoy it because it is unrealistic and fanciful. Life is tough enough without having reality rear its ugly head disguised as entertainment on television. I love to turn on something like Hart to Hart (or Charlie's Angels or Wonder Woman or Banacek or whatever show you can name form this period) and be entertained, and, even for a brief moment, forget about the real problems we all face. I don't find today's reality-based television dramas entertaining - they're depressing to me.

My parents were the ones who introduced me to Hart to Hart, because they used to tape the show. It is really one of the better TV shows ever made. Shows nowadays are just really shallow. I don't agree with the fact that it's dated, because people can still relate to it, I think. Lionel Stander, as Max, is really one-of-a-kind, and adds a wonderful warmth to the screen.

Stephanie Powers and Robert Wagner make a great screen couple, and a spectacular team. Their chemistry is fantastic!

The only thing I don't think is good about Hart to Hart is the way Jennifer Hart depends on Jonathan so much, when she's in danger.