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.

I'm a bit of a true crime fan anyway and Lt. Joe Kenda is absolutely my cuppa tea.

I love the droll manner in which he comments on the crime or more often the criminal(s). Lt. Kenda is who makes this show what it is - it would just be another whodunnit without him. He has such an entertaining personality - absolutely riveting.

I always make a point of watching whenever I see this show listed on the ID Channel.

For those who have not seen this show, I highly recommend it. Lt. Kenda is an older gentleman who does the commenting and narrative bits while a younger actor portrays him in the scenes.

While the crime is shown, it is not generally overly graphic.

Lt. Kenda has investigated over 400 homicides during his career and he knows how criminals' minds work. He knows all the "tells" when they're lying and exactly how to draw them out and get the truth of what really happened.

10 stars for Lt. Kenda Homicide Hunter!

..You'll find it with Lt. Joe Kenda. He recounts the investigations while deadpanning it to the camera. His voice does not become overtly emotive to make the story more than it is. He simply in an almost monotone (not negatively) voice explains how he and his team methodically worked each case. Like with any vocation taken seriously, he proves his years of deduction, singling things out which obviously during his career he developed an inane ability to profile a killers motive and if they're a one off or will be a repeat offender. I find it difficult not to like this man; I doubt he changes for anyone. After a couple episodes you can tell that steely detective heart really cared about his victims and how he loathed those responsible. With Kenda you could be president or pauper; a life has been taken and he would be your voice as he has been for approximately 400 murder cases.

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 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