The Law & Harry McGraw (1987)

[Cassette Carl]

Title: The Law & Harry McGraw

Genre: Mystery

Creator: Peter S. Fischer

Cast: Jerry Orbach, Barbara Babcock, Juliana Donald, Shea Farrell, Peter Haskell, Earl Boen, Marty Davis

First aired: Sep 26, 1987

Last air date: Dec 7, 1988

Overview: The Law & Harry McGraw is an American mystery crime drama television series created by Peter S. Fischer and a spin-off of Murder, She Wrote. The series stars Jerry Orbach as a Harry McGraw, a loudmouthed, uncouth, old school private detective who continually finds himself solving mysteries on behalf of the prim and proper attorney Ellie Maginnis who has an office across the hall.

"The Law & Harry McGraw" is indeed an intriguing piece of 1980s television history. As a spin-off from the immensely popular "Murder, She Wrote," it brought a unique dynamic to the small screen with Jerry Orbach's portrayal of the gruff yet endearing private detective Harry McGraw. This series allowed Orbach to shine in a lead role, showcasing his knack for blending humor with the gritty world of crime-solving.

The show aired on CBS and was part of the network's attempt to capitalize on the success of "Murder, She Wrote," which was a staple of Sunday night television during the 1980s. Despite its connection to a hit series, "The Law & Harry McGraw" faced stiff competition and struggled to find a large audience, leading to its relatively short run.

The chemistry between Harry McGraw and Ellie Maginnis, played by Barbara Babcock, was a highlight of the series, providing a charming contrast between McGraw's rough edges and Maginnis's sophisticated demeanor. This interplay added a layer of humor and warmth to the mystery genre, making it a memorable, albeit brief, addition to the 80s television landscape.

For fans of Jerry Orbach, the series is a delightful showcase of his talents prior to his iconic role as Detective Lennie Briscoe on "Law & Order." If you're interested in exploring a blend of mystery and character-driven storytelling, "The Law & Harry McGraw" is worth a watch.