Tenspeed And Brown Shoe

Tenspeed And Brown Shoe is an American detective television series broadcasted by ABC in 1980, consisting of fourteen episodes. The innovative series, created by the esteemed Stephen J. Cannell, is the perfect blend of detective storylines, crime-solving adventure, and charismatic character dynamics. Serving as a remarkable epitome of the quintessential 80s crime TV show, Tenspeed And Brown Shoe immaculately merges humor, thrills, and action to offer a unique viewer experience.

The premise of Tenspeed And Brown Shoe revolves around the unusual detective pairing of the street-smart con man, E.L. 'Tenspeed' Turner, brilliantly portrayed by Ben Vereen, and the straight-laced stockbroker turned detective wannabe, Lionel 'Brown Shoe' Whitney, played with finesse by Jeff Goldblum. The two main characters carry a unique charisma, adding a comedic twist to the otherwise serious genre of detective drama.

E.L 'Tenspeed' Turner is a slick, smooth-talking hustler who’d try to con his way out of any situation. However, beneath his seemingly unscrupulous exterior lies a man with a good heart and astute grasp of human nature, which assist him in solving cases. His character further brings out the raw, street-level view of crime, presenting an unusual yet engaging perspective for the audience.

On the flip side, Lionel ‘Brown Shoe’ Whitney is a buttoned-up stockbroker with a soaring imagination fueled by hard-boiled detective novels. Such is his infatuation with the world of detective novels that he quits his job to become a private detective. Goldblum’s portrayal of an aspirational detective provides a fresh standpoint, fueled by naivety and bookish knowledge of crime-solving.

The element of contrast between the characters of Tenspeed and Brown Shoe forms the backbone of the show. The two characters, with their stark-differing backgrounds and disposition, make for an amusing and dynamic team, presenting a breakthrough from the traditional detective duos.

The episodic plots, while rooted in classic detective storytelling, are enhanced by clever scriptwriting and unexpected turns. The show is a mix of stand-alone episodes and overarching storylines, giving depth to the main characters while still offering each episode as a unique crime-solving adventure. The crimes that our duo sets out to solve range from small-time hustles to significant criminal conspiracies, thereby maintaining variety and intrigue throughout the series.

No discussion about Tenspeed And Brown Shoe would be complete without acknowledging its epoch-perfect theme song and score created by Pete Carpenter and Mike Post. The music perfectly complements its narratives, encapsulating the upbeat, offbeat, and sometimes intense atmosphere that the show works to maintain.

The retro ambiance of the series is further embellished with its impressive set design and costume. The 80s aesthetics, from Tenspeed's sharp suits to Brown Shoe's more straight-laced apparels, all contribute to the show's overall vintage vibe.

Produced by Shout! Factory, Tenspeed And Brown Shoe pushes the boundaries of detective dramas. The series refuses to be constrained by the conventional "whodunnit" lane it initially seems to opt for, and instead, takes an unconventional path by injecting doses of comedy, palpable suspense, and social insights.

Even though it aired only for a brief period, Tenspeed And Brown Shoe made its mark in the television industry. Its quirky blend of crime, humor, and captivating character dynamics still make for an entertaining watch, especially for fans of retro television and the crime-comedy genre.

In conclusion, Tenspeed And Brown Shoe is a series that goes beyond the traditional confines of a detective show. With its unique character combinations, witty dialogues, engaging storylines, and well-timed humor, it is a show that is worthy of being revisited.