Buddy Faro

Man, I miss this type of show. And, I was probably as cynical as the rest of America back in 1998, as this was on network television and thought that network t.v. was for old people Specifically CBS. I bet it would've found its audience on the fledgling FOX. So here I am in 2020 lamenting why this isn't still on air. A LOT of sitcom people gather here, Allison Smith and Charles Robinson to name a few and great character actor leads from Dennis Farina and (a very underrated Frank Whaley) gives this a buoyant traipse through late 90's Hollywood (the time I first arrived in Los Angeles). Hard boiled detective nods, and also a reference to "L.A. Confidential" this is a spoof much like "Sledge Hammer!" Sometimes oddball (which seems not so odd for Los Angeles) and great cases you watch to get to the end. The production value is something to mention as it travels around some REALLY iconic areas, that, in today's climate, they probably would charge and arm and leg to film. Places like The Magic Castle and Forum make appearances. Stunts, explosions, and so much went into this series. I'm sicken that this didn't have a longer run. Any way, for those wondering why it hasn't been released into DVD land, I can only assume the music clearance would be astronomical. But look, I think pre-Millenium Hollywood was the last of this look into real Hollywood. When you still hung out at divey bars that weren't overrun by hipsters. And that the internet and cellphones were in their infancy. I LOVE this show. And thank you Mark Frost for adding the "Twin Peaks" oddness to it.

Well, if the previous reviewer felt that he had been "sucker punched" when this series was canceled, I felt like someone jerked the carpet out from under me. Besides being a fan of Dennis Farina the show itself was my idea of a good detective show. I promoted this show at the office so you can see how I felt when it hit the can. So now I see a new series beginning on January 17, 2011, called Harry's Law starring Kathy Bates. This looks like a winner to me so, like Buddy Faro, it will probably last for a few episodes before being summarily dumped. Dennis would have made a good "Harry." In fact, I'm reading that the lead was supposed to have been a male but they didn't find what they wanted and selected Kathy, also an excellent actor/actress.

Some TV programs continue into embarrassment (my beloved 'X-Files' comes to mind.) I've been a fan of Dennis Farina since 'Crime Story,' another late, lamented show. 'Buddy Faro' never had a chance. The series had a good premise and great actors. It's really, really a shame.

I attribute the failure of Buddy Faro to the theory that there were too few viewers old enough to remember the shows which it was parodying. This wonderfully written and acted show deserved a much longer run. Rarely have I heard (maybe on Frasier) an exchange of dialogue as clever as:

(detective) "Are you ignorant or apathetic?" (suspect) "I don't know and I don't care!"

Buddy Faro was a bright spot in my TV week, for its entire 8-week run (I've read that they filmed 13 episodes, but 5 were never broadcast). I would buy copies of the extant episodes if I could find them. ...of course, the first time I saw The Beverly Hillbillies I said "This thing can't possibly last half a season," so -- obviously -- my taste is not that for which most shows are created. If your local cable channel ever shows "Buddy" at some odd hour, be sure to see it. It was a very funny show.

Well, I thought I was the only one who lamented this show's demise. Was just surfing around this site and looked to see if Buddy was listed and lo and behold! "Buddy Faro" was one of the most interestingly-premised new show in quite a while with a great cast and fun to watch. Felt like I was sucker-punched when it was cancelled. Then a few years later, I find another very interesting show, "Push, Nevada" and THAT gets cancelled. That's the last new show I watched. It seems when you get a good off-the-wall new show, people get uncomfortable and go back to watching the formulaic old standbys and the networks go along with that thinking. Didn't mean to rant here...just still upset that this show never was given a real chance to catch on.