The 1970's saw a streak of shows about unconventional cops who, though quirky, were skilled investigators, dedicated to seeing justice done- even if they sometimes had to throw out the rule book (and, of course, get in trouble with their by-the-book superior officer).
Let's see, there was Kojak (quirk- omnipresent lollipop and
weird saying- "Who loves ya, baby?". Then there's McCloud (quirk- he's a cowboy in the big city). Ironside (he's in a wheelchair). The list goes on.
Baretta falls firmly in this tradition, but established its own identity that transcended the formula. Tony Baretta (Robert Blake) was an Italian-American police detective living in a run-down apartment building with sage old ex-cop Billy (the great Tom Ewell) and a seriously neurotic cockatoo named Fred.
Tony uses his street smarts, advice from Billy, his mastery of disguises and timely tips from his street informant, Rooster (Michael D. Roberts, who by the way, I would love to see in a cage match with Huggy Bear) to solve the crime o' the week. What sets this series apart is the unconventional acting style and personality of Robert Blake in the title role and the humor that permeates every episode. Lots of laughs in this series, but also lots of satisfying, well done action scenes. And bonus points for having the coolest theme song EVER!moreless
Show Summary
EDITBaretta was an indirect spinoff of Toma. After Tony Musante left the show, Robert Blake was asked to step in, and the show was revamped into Baretta. Tony Baretta was an unconventional cop, streetwise with a decidedly funky lifestyle. He lived in apartment 2-C of an old run-down hotel called the King Edward, with his pet cockatoo, Fred. The orphaned son of poor Italian immigrants, Baretta was a master of disguise, an ability he used to infilrate gangs. The show had plenty of hard action, as well as comic relief provided by his dude informant friend, Rooster. The show made it into the Top Ten for the 1976/1977 season.
moreless| S 4 : Ep 24 | The Bundle | Aired 5/18/78 | |
| S 4 : Ep 23 | The Snake Chaser | Aired 5/11/78 | |
| S 4 : Ep 22 | The Dream | Aired 5/4/78 | |
| S 4 : Ep 21 | Barney | Aired 4/6/78 | |
| S 4 : Ep 20 | The Gadjo | Aired 3/30/78 |
 Tom Ewell |
Billy Truman |
Dana Elcar |
Insp. Shiller [ 1 ] |
Michael D. Roberts |
Rooster |
Edward Grover |
Lt. Hal Brubaker [ 2-4 ] |
Robert Blake |
Det. Tony Baretta |
Chino 'Fats' Williams |
Fats |
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STARS, THEY WATCH TV JUST LIKE US!
Celebrity High-Five: LeVar Burton's 5 Favorite TV Shows
The ever-affable host of the long-running PBS cult classic Reading Rainbow names his top five TV shows.
By Anngie Dehoyos, Aug 03, 2012
MACGYVER STAR DANA ELCAR, WHO ENJOYED A SUCCESSFUL ACTING CAREER DESPITE THE LOSS OF HIS EYESIGHT, PASSED AWAY THIS PAST MONDAY.
Goodbye, Dana Elcar
By Lila Holland, Jun 10, 2005
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Trivia Question....
07/14/103Reply
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Baretta on DVD
02/16/082Reply
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Bernard Kowalski, Producer/Director
11/03/071Reply
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Mixed Feelings
10/06/063Reply
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