Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda

Evil lurks within the sordid underbelly of an outwardly bucolic burg in the West. But this isn't Twin Peaks, this is Colorado Springs. And this isn't FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper, this is Lt. Joe Kenda. And the stories are real.

Kenda claims to have solved over 400 homicides over the course of his career, which means the show could go on almost indefinitely. We see him in two guises: one is the young homicide investigator, played by Carl Marino, the other is Kenda himself, who appears frequently with commentary on the case as it proceeds. The younger Kenda does resemble Kyle MacLaughlin's Dale Cooper, with a healthy dose of Jack Webb's Joe Friday. We occasionally see Kenda in repose, enjoying a rare moment relaxing with his wife, when the inevitable call comes. Another homicide. And Kenda is off.

It's the present-day Kenda, however, who makes the show worth watching. World-weary, laconic, jaded but not quite cynical, Kenda renders lacerating insights into human nature and the criminal mind. More often than not, alas, these are mindless, unnecessary murders, and we can only nod in agreement as Kenda bemoans the pointlessness of all the lives lost.

If you kill, Kenda will not only find you, he will mock you, and we will love every minute of it.

True crime shows are my favorite genre. I've watched almost every show on ID. Some are better than others (much better) and Homicide Hunter is one of my favorites. The reason I call Lt. Joe Kenda the anti M. William Phelps is that Kenda is everything Phelps isn't: He is an excellent investigator, he is free of ego, and he doesn't exaggerate the story for dramatic effect (or to sell more books). He discloses the important details without getting bogged down in the trivialities of each case. The only criticism I have of this program is that ID doesn't seem to air many episodes. Maybe it's just my timing, but the network reruns the same three or so episodes repeatedly. I even set my DVR. I will set it again for the upcoming season, and hopefully I can catch more.

I came across this show completely by mistake one night, and became my #1 Crime Show!

The almost dry humor quotes from Joe: My my my, I like crazy and much more is what caught my attention to this show Homicide Hunter.

Ambition and curiosity molded this 70's College Graduates after starting with the CSPD as Lt Joe Kenda. Taking several years he quickly rose in the Homicide Department. The candor of Lt Joe Kenda who's work for over 20+ years solving over 400+ cases reminds us when a life is taken they will never be back.

Fighting the network, he did not want a show you read the words of the show's writers. Unscripted and in his own words, you get the real now retired "Joe Kenda".

I've been waiting for new episodes featuring Joe Kenda, so hope there are more being filmed. This is one of my favorite shows. I particularly like the real Lieutenant Kenda's matter of fact style, and find myself quoting his "Well, my, my, my" observation quite frequently. As noted in a previous review, Kenda gives an excellent view into real police procedures, observations, and attitudes.

Every episode gives the viewer an accurate picture of how police act when a crime has been committed, from the hours of actual leg-work, to the questioning of witnesses and suspects. Lt Kenda's supreme goal is for justice, and his sympathy for the victims and family of victims is welcome. Too often shows depict police as hardened officers instead of human beings. This show provides views of the police as officers who care about the victims even when forced to cajole suspects into telling the truth.

Please, give us more episodes!

I love Joe Kenda, in a way, although I'm British he reminds me of my father, also Joe. He was a police inspector & his steely professional gaze, like that of Kenda belied a very kind hearted generous man.

I enjoy the intercourse between the real Joe and actor Joe. Mr Kenda's knowledge of guns, velocity are carefully explained, as are blood splatter, knife wounds etc.

Really great character & great show. Long may it run