Sonny Spoon

As played by Mario Van Peebles, Sonny Spoon was a private detective with an eye for the ladies (and vice versa), people in legal places who tolerated him, lowlife informers... it certainly doesn't sound original (four people shared creator credit, including Stephen J. Cannell and Randall Wallace), but as is often the case what the finished result is didn't matter so much as how it came about.

Thanks to lightly amusing scripts and likeable playing - plus a pleasing tendency to treat disabled people like regular people rather than sentimental crutches (a trait shared with "Wiseguy") - "Sonny Spoon" was one of the more entertaining private-eye shows out there. Too bad Mario Van Peebles never bettered this fun but short-lived show.

"Now I want this understood - I control the film, video and television rights to this entire story..."

Remember that show with Ice-T and company, where they were cons working for the government in exchange for parole? Everytime I see that show, I see Sonny Spoon. It was too cool for it's time period (the late 80s). Cannell should see about getting this show into syndication somewhere....like on FX, where I am POSITIVE that it will gain a good and loyal audience...and who knows, the show might catch on as a midseason replacement again!

Settummanque!

I also got to watch Sonny Spoon on AFN in Germany. I was in High School and remembered being very disappointed when the show was cancelled (along with Tim Reid's Frank's Place). This was my first lesson that its not always the quality shows that make it on TV. In my opinion, the laid-back chemistry between Van Peebles and his cast is what separated Sonny Spoon from the competition

I used to watch this on Armed Forces Radio and Television Services in Germany. I thought this show was great.

Mario would use some great disguises. Great action. Too bad I only saw it for one season (and in the military, most shows are seen one season after it's normal air season in the states). I think I only got to see maybe 5 episodes. If this is ever on in re-runs on TV-Land or TNT, you try to watch it, but with only 9 episodes, we may not ever see it again. Comedy/Drama.

Like 'Leverage' on TNT. I would not compare it to 'Robin Hood' but it's very similar in (UPDATED 02OCT09)