A&E’s A Nero Wolfe Mystery: A Classic Whodunit Period Show

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Mysteries that stump police departments, elegant ladies in trouble, vintage cars, fancy food, and a touch of brilliant detective work – all elements found in A&E’s adaptation of Rex Stout’s character, Nero Wolfe. This portly and intelligent gourmet detective, aided by his associate Archie Goodwin, solves cases that leave New York City’s best baffled. It’s an excellent whodunit series from the past, although it only ran for two seasons, I still find myself rewatching it frequently.

Initially, A&E presented Nero Wolfe in a 2-hour TV special titled “The Golden Spiders: A Nero Wolfe Mystery” on March 5, 2000. In this presentation, we encountered Nero, skillfully played by Maury Chaykin, and Archie Goodwin, portrayed by Academy Award winner Timothy Hutton. This was our initial introduction to the intriguing relationship between these two central figures.

As an ardent admirer, I’d say Nero is a prodigious genius, boasting an impressive ego and exquisite taste, rarely seen without a financial incentive. Yet, when it comes to solving a case, Nero stands head and shoulders above the rest, armed with a masterful strategy. The man responsible for executing these strategies is none other than Archie Goodwin, a rugged, street-savvy gentleman who has a keen eye for beauty and a heart overflowing with kindness. Interestingly, despite his genius and grandeur, Nero stumbles when it comes to women, relying heavily on Archie to navigate the complexities of social dynamics.

Archie understands that in order to fund both Nero’s extravagant lifestyle and his own necessities, he must occasionally provoke the genius – often through playful pranks and sharp-witted sarcasm that inevitably set off a chain of events leading to a case. Despite the occasional friction between them, they both recognize their mutual dependence. Nero’s calm demeanor serves as a balancing force for Archie’s impulsiveness, while Archie’s reliability keeps Nero focused on the task at hand.

Occasionally, Archie’s compassionate nature lands him in tricky situations, particularly when women are concerned. His tendency to help a woman in need frequently leads to complications, leaving Nero frustrated. This was most evident in the two-part episode “Prisoner’s Base,” where Archie felt responsible for the death of Priscilla Eads (played by Shaunna Black), despite his efforts. However, this didn’t deter Archie from enjoying the company of women, especially his complex relationship with Lily Rowan (portrayed by Kari Matchett).

Regarding the supporting characters in Law & Order, we have Inspector Cramer, portrayed by Bill Smitrovich, who perfectly embodies his role, even with a cigar always wedged between his teeth. He harbors a rivalry with Wolfe and is often frustrated that this team, despite having fewer resources, consistently apprehends the criminals he can’t catch. There’s also Sergeant Purley Stebbins (R.D. Reid) who serves under Cramer and doesn’t hesitate to give Nero or Archie a tough time. Despite their occasional friction, both Nero and Cramer’s department are committed to upholding justice. However, they don’t shy away from stepping on each other’s toes whenever they can.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to be part of the circle backing Nero and Archie’s investigations. Colin Fox brilliantly portrays Fritz Brenner, Nero’s chef and butler, whose exchanges with Nero often provide amusing moments in the series. Whenever they discuss food, my appetite seems to grow! They also collaborate with other P.I.’s like the skilled Saul Panzer, played by Conrad Dunn, whom Archie suspects is after his position. Additionally, there’s Fred Durkin, portrayed by Fulvio Cecere, and Orrie Cather, brought to life by Trent McMullen.

Based on the success of “The Golden Spiders,” A&E has approved a series adapting Rex Stout’s other stories, primarily in an hour-long format, although some episodes may be extended or split into two parts. The settings of these stories aren’t always in sequence, so you’ll find some episodes set in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Attentive viewers will notice the time shifts through the classic cars and costumes used in the series. The costume department does an impressive job, particularly with the stylish suits and period clothing.

One aspect I appreciate about this series is its use of a rotating cast, similar to that seen on stage in a playhouse. Characters like James Tolkan and Kari Matchett might appear as diverse characters across various episodes. Occasionally, these versatile actors take on roles such as victims, perpetrators, or other supporting figures within the show. This approach lends an air of murder mystery theater to it. In fact, you’ll find Giancarlo Esposito, a future star, playing a villain in one episode, demonstrating his talent for portraying sinister characters.

It’s unfortunate that we didn’t see more of this series, as it seemed to be popular among viewers. The reason for its cancellation appears to have been high production costs, although some speculate it may have been due to A&E moving towards reality TV programming, according to Maury Chaykin in a 2008 interview with the National Post. Regrettably, this is what happened.

Here are a few different ways to phrase that statement:

1. A&E’s Nero Wolfe is available for viewing on YouTube, or with the Prime Video add-on on Roku. Additionally, you can buy it on DVD from Amazon. Personally, I would suggest going for the physical copy since online streaming platforms may be unreliable.

2. You have several options to watch A&E’s Nero Wolfe: stream it on YouTube, or use the Prime Video add-on on Roku; alternatively, you can purchase a DVD copy from Amazon. In my opinion, I prefer having the physical copy because online platforms might be unpredictable.

3. A&E’s Nero Wolfe is accessible for viewing on YouTube or with the Prime Video add-on on Roku, but you can also buy it on DVD from Amazon. My suggestion? Go for the physical copy since online streaming platforms can be finicky at times.

4. Watch A&E’s Nero Wolfe on YouTube, or with the Prime Video add-on on Roku; alternatively, grab a DVD copy on Amazon. I’d recommend the physical version because internet streaming services aren’t always dependable.

If you like a good detective period drama, definitely give this one a shot.

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2025-03-11 23:15