B.L. Stryker


B.L. Stryker is an American detective drama that aired on ABC from February 13, 1989 to May 5, 1990 as part of the ABC Mystery Movie umbrella group, along with Gideon Oliver, Columbo, and Kojak. Tom Selleck was one of the series' executive producers. The series starred Burt Reynolds, Ossie Davis, and Rita Moreno. Reynolds also directed several of the episodes.

Premise

Reynolds portrays Buddy Lee Stryker, aka B.L., a Vietnam war vet and retired New Orleans police officer who has moved back home to the other side of the tracks in Palm Beach, Florida and is working as a private investigator. Stryker lives on a houseboat and drives an old Cadillac, and occasionally scrapes up a client while trying to avoid being relocated for not paying his slip fees.

Cast

Reynolds decided to return to television after appearing in a number of unsuccessful movies. The deal came together very fast - ABC approached Reynolds and he agreed to make it in two days. Reynolds says he was attracted by the fact the series gave him six months off and considerable creative control, and it would be shot in Florida where he lived.

Episodes

Season 1 (1989)

Season 2 (1989–90)

Home media

The complete 12-episode series was released on Region 1 DVD from Arts Alliance America in a 7-disc set.