Les enquêtes extraordinaires

Excellent television series that went on for a decade on NBC, found a home for less than half a season on CBS (only completing six episodes for the network) and still living in syndication on the Lifetime Network. The series finally hit a brick wall for all intensive purposes by 2002 as nothing new was really being added to old episodes and new mysteries were only given a quick glimpse. The series is an intense study in crime, history, religion, the super-natural and seemingly everything in between. The show started slowly in the late-1980s with Karl Malden and Raymond Burr starting out as hosts (never hosting at the same time). It was not until Robert Stack took over very early in the series' run that the program found a permanent audience. His golden voice spooked and intrigued for over a decade. As the years passed the program struggled in spite of the fact that many bad people were caught and innumerable mysteries were solved. Gimmicks followed with co-hosts like Virginia Madsen and Keely Shaye Smith, but by that time "Unsolved Mysteries" had sadly become a Nielsen Ratings dog. All shot in a documentary style, the series was always endearing to me. However its purpose was never really to entertain and the sometimes dark and disturbing subject matter turned many in the viewing public away. Even in syndication it is fun to look back to a part of television history that will stand the test of time. 5 stars out of 5.

Unsolved Mysteries was slammed by critics who just didn't get it. Sure, it featured stories involving ghosts and UFOs, but it served a greater and more valuable purpose: asking for help from viewers in unsolved cases, including: wanted fugitives, missing persons, lost loved ones, and unsolved homicides.

Thanks to this show, more than 280 cases have been solved, and the number just keeps growing (which is now probably past 300). In particular, the show was extremely effective in helping people get reunited with lost loved ones. Unsolved Mysteries helped people, especially when no one else could (or would). Therefore, it is a real shame that the primetime powers-that-be pulled the plug on the series in 1999. I miss this show a lot, and hold on to the hope that it will someday be revived so that it could resume helping the public in finding closure.

Robert Stack had a lot of talent and charisma. The authoritative, yet sympathetic ring to his voice when he spoke of poignant cases was very unique. Ever dapper and intelligent, he makes the viewer identify with victims and their families, feel intrigued by the supernatural; i.e., UFOs, ghost stories, etc. I have watched many episodes with my daughter who is 14 and sons in their 20s. We all like and respect Robert Stack and were genuinely sorry about his passing. He had a unique talent and charisma similar to John Newland of ONE STEP BEYOND, a series about supernatural occurrences which aired when I was very young. I remember John having a similar ring of sincerity in his voice and an intriguing way of hosting this show which was based on true life experiences. In conclusion, no one could ever replace Bob, but it would be sad if the show could not continue.

Robert will be sorely missed by many viewers!

The late, great Robert Stack certainly "made" this show. BUT, he had plenty of good things to work with including well written and intelligent scripts and excellent production values.

Quality story telling has become something of a lost art in present day films and TV. It's all noise, special effects and four letter words now. Mr Stack was blessed with a fine voice and an authoritative screen presence. His style of presentation reminded me of a top radio talent.

Dramatic impact is much more effectively generated by using a slow, deliberate style of delivery rather than waving your hands about, ranting and raving. The use of dramatized recreations in the flashback scenes of this series were always masterfully handled.

I continue to comb the program guide regularly to see if this terrific show has resurfaced. I'm still waiting .

I miss this show. I consider it to be one of the best TV programs ever made. Robert Stack was perfect as host, and if you get a chance to see it reruns, do not pass it up.

The segments featuring an unsolved case were A-1. I loved every one of the episodes, and it was as close to perfect as a tv show will ever get.

**** out of ****