Once upon a time, the incredibly rich people of America focused on solving crimes instead of manipulating the American political system. It might be hard to believe, but the proof can be found on Hart to Hart: The Complete Third Season. Jonathan and Jennifer Hart could have easily set up Super PACs and created a cabal of Congressmen that would inflict their will onto the country. But instead, they used their jetsetting lifestyle to zip around the country solving crimes. Jonathan Hart (Pink Panther‘s Robert Wagner) made his fortune in electronics so he knows about bit about spy gadgets. His wife Jennifer (The Boatniks‘ Stefanie Powers) is a former journalist. She’s got a sense for snooping. They are a perfect team. Also along for the ride is Max (Pulp‘s Lionel Stander). He’s their utility servant who does everything with his non-sophisticated accent. Along with their dog Freeway, no mystery will remain obscured.
“Harts and Flowers” starts out innocent enough. Max has created a rose in honor of Mrs. Hart. He entered it into a major competition under Mrs. Hart’s name since he’s too shy to take all the credit. Things get nasty as other competitors begin to push up daisies. Natural the Harts must uncover the killer especially since he might hit one of them next. “A Couple of Harts” ruins the Hart’s vacation in Mexico when a senator gets killed. The FBI needs to back off and let the Harts uncover the murderer. The guest stars include Gregory Sierra (Barney Miller), Grace Zabriskie (Twin Peaks), Charles Fleischer (Roger Rabbit) and René Enríquez (Hill Street Blues). “Hartland Express” puts them on a train with David Doyle (Charlie’s Angels), Ron Glass (Barney Miller), Florence Henderson (The Brady Bunch), Bernie Kopell (The Love Boat) and a killer. “Rhinestone Harts” involves a jewelry heist and bad country music outfits. “My Hart Belongs to Daddy” makes Ray Milland (Man With the X-Ray Eyes), Jennifer’s old man. He’s on the trail of Nazis. “Hart of Diamonds” reunites Wagner with his Pink Panther co-star Capucine. “Harts and Palms” beams down Jonathan Frakes before he’d take command of the Enterprise.
Hart to Hart has all the joyful glitz desired from a detective show in the early ’80s. There’s just a touch of danger as the charming duo dig around for clues. There’s plenty of timely fashions for those who enjoy vintage clothing. There’s way too much grace as the husband and wife team do their best to solve crimes without losing their cool. This is how we dream the filthy rich act in private.
The third season proved to be the most popular for Hart to Hart over its five year run. The show brings out the joyful frivolity that the ’80s tried to offer. This is perfect for a night of retro mysteries. It’s been 8 years since season two came out so fans will not only rejoice in the arrival of season three, but the fourth season is scheduled for release on Feb. 10, 2015. Ultimately Hart to Hart reminds us that we can enjoy the rich as long as they stick to solving crimes instead of frightening voters.
The video is 1.33:1 full frame. The transfers bring out the details of the time. The things they made Mrs. Hart wear are almost trendy again. The audio is Dolby Digital mono. You can really hear the rough way Max mangles words.
No bonus features.
Hart to Hart: The Complete Third Season is a fun filled romp through a glamorous life. Wagner and Powers are a dynamic duo as they hunt down suspects while enjoying their wealth.
Shout! Factory presents Hart to Hart: The Complete Third Season. Starring: Robert Wagner, Stephanie Powers and Lionel Stander. Boxset Contents: 24 episodes on 6 DVDs. Rated: Unrated. Released: December 9, 2014.
