A Brand New Cast for TJ Hooker

TJ  Hooker was a popular American police drama which aired weekly on television screens in America (and other English speaking countries around the world).  It ran from March 1982, to May 1985.

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This show always intrigued me, not only because the talented William Shatner  had the leading role as a police sergeant, but because of the striking theme tune and the pace at which the baddies would inevitably be caught and read their rights. The beautiful Heather Locklear (Officer Stacy Sheridan), gracing the screen as a serious police officer, did a lot for the show from the male perspective as well.

As the story went, Sergeant TJ Hooker, used to be a no-nonsense, fun-loving plainclothes detective, but after his partner died, he returned to the street, to the ‘beat’ in order to rid the streets of the types of criminals who caused his partner’s demise.

On the streets, he was paired with a rookie cop Vince Romano (Adrian Zmed), and through the thick and thin of police work, they became faithful friends and a solid team.

This show filled hours of boredom for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed every episode of every series.  I know that the actors have all taken different paths since then, but I would love to see this show return, so I’ve picked the following people to reprise the roles of the original cast members.

William Shatner as TJ Hooker

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The kind but firm and efficient sergeant who would do anything to protect his colleagues who served under him.  He always got the baddies and showed by his leadership, how important teamwork and loyalty was in getting the job done.  His personal life wasn’t a great hit, but he more than made up for his shortcomings with his strong personality, generosity and charm.

My choice, George Eads (CSI)  

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He’s probably about the same age William Shatner was when he started playing TJ. His character in CSI can do leadership very well, when given the chance. There isn’t much revealed about his personal life, but that’s probably because he doesn’t have one.  He will be firm, but fair, and will do anything to protect his team.  A perfect TJ in my book. 

Adrian Zmed as officer Vince Romano

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He was the one that stood out in the crowd, and the obligatory ‘tall, dark and handsome one.’  Being the male eye candy on TJ Hooker was no easy feat, but Zmed pulled it off with an air of sophistication and style. Not only was he not aware of his charm and good looks, he was completely dedicated to his job, a dependable friend, and a superb ‘go-to’ guy. 

My choice, Zach Braff (Scrubs)

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Zach is ‘the funny, one without a clue’ in scrubs, but when it comes to friendship, he’s loyal and totally dedicated to Carla and Turk.  He would do anything to make them happy and even though his private life leaves much to be desired, he’s a fine doctor.  I think that he would fit in nicely in the role of Officer Romano.  His fondness of his job and his charm will both come shining through.

Heather Locklear as Officer Stacy Sheridan

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The female eye-candy of the show, but despite her ‘rookie’ status, her job always came first.  She often found the answers that evaded TJ, and evolved into an independent-minded, respected young cop, despite the authority of her father.

My choice, Jennifer Esposito (Spin City)

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Her character in Spin City was the pretty one no one messed with.  She could give as good as she got, in a career where men were seen as the ones with authority.  She would make a good ‘rookie’ cop who, despite (or maybe because of) her good looks, and love for her job, found it difficult to maintain a long term relationship.

Richard Herd as Captain Dennis Sheridan

He was a  captain who hid his soft side to run his office to the last letter of the law.  He was a no-nonsense kind of boss, and on the surface, did not suffer fools gladly.  I wouldn’t say that he was a lovable kind of guy.  He was kind and just, and earned the solid respect he received from both his staff and his family.

My choice, George Peppard  (The A Team)

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He ran the A Team with a solid fist, but he was given to pranks, and had an infectious sense of humour.  He was one to delegate and didn’t take himself too seriously. Nevertheless, his intelligence and talents automatically won him the admiration of his team members, and to some extent, even the baddies.  He would make a fun captain, but one who took the job seriously enough, to get the work done.

James Darren as Officer Jim Corrigan

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He was the quiet one, but his sensitivity shone through when the TJ Hooker team came upon hard times and work disputes.  His focus rubbed off on his colleagues, who all respected and loved the stability and security his good-nature afforded them.

My choice, Richard Dean (MacGyver)

I loved Richard Dean Anderson in MacGyver.  He could make a car out of a couple of hair curlers, some twigs and a small onion (not really). I think that the stability he would offer, and the sensitivity he would show, will make a perfect officer Jim Corrigan.

 These are my choices, what are yours?