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 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

..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'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!

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!