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A Man Called Hawk
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| A Man Called Hawk | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Drama Action |
| Based on | lead character by Robert B. Parker |
| Developed by | Stephen Hattman William Robert Yates |
| Starring | Avery Brooks Moses Gunn |
| Theme music composer | Stanley Clarke Avery Brooks Lawrence "Butch" Morris |
| Composers | Stanley Clarke Avery Brooks (final two episodes) |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 13 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Production companies | Hattman-Yates Productions Avery Brooks Productions Warner Bros. Television |
| Original release | |
| Network | ABC |
| Release | January 28 – May 13, 1989 |
| Related | |
| Spenser: For Hire | |
A Man Called Hawk is an American action drama series, starring Avery Brooks, that ran on ABC from January 28 to May 13, 1989. The series is a spin-off of the crime drama series Spenser: For Hire, and features the character Hawk, who first appeared in the 1976 novel Promised Land, the fourth in the series of Spenser novels by mystery writer Robert B. Parker.
Main cast
[edit]On the air for just thirteen episodes, A Man Called Hawk starred Avery Brooks as the title character, who has relocated from Boston to his hometown, Washington, D.C. The series co-starred actor Moses Gunn, who portrayed a father figure to Hawk known only as "Old Man".
Production
[edit]A Man Called Hawk was a spin-off of Spenser: For Hire, which aired on ABC from 1985 through 1988. Brooks co-wrote the theme music for the show with jazz legends Stanley Clarke and Butch Morris, the latter of whom also did most of the incidental music for the show.
The series was filmed in Washington, D.C.[1]
During the first three seasons of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Brooks wore a full head of hair and shaved his goatee, as a means of distinguishing his character Benjamin Sisko from Hawk. The goatee was added to Sisko's look near the end of Season 3, and his head was shaved bald at the start of Season 4 (this was due in part to production of DS9 concurring with that of a series of Spenser: For Hire reunion films in which Brooks reprised Hawk).
Episodes
[edit]| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | U.S. viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "The Master's Mirror" | Virgil W. Vogel | Stephen Hattman | January 28, 1989 | 17.6[2] |
| 2 | "A Time and a Place" | Winrich Kolbe | Stephen Hattman & William Robert Yates | February 4, 1989 | 16.3[3] |
| 3 | "Hear No Evil" | Stanley Lathan | William Robert Yates | February 11, 1989 | 15.2[4] |
| 4 | "Passing the Bar" | Bill Duke | Jerome Coopersmith | February 18, 1989 | 15.5[5] |
| 5 | "The Divided Child" | Winrich Kolbe | Carleton Eastlake | February 25, 1989 | 15.3[6] |
| 6 | "Vendetta" | Sigmund Neufeld | Jaison Starkes | March 4, 1989 | 14.6[7] |
| 7 | "Choice of Chance" | Virgil Vogel | Steve Duncan & L. Travis Clark | March 11, 1989 | 12.8[8] |
| 8 | "Poison" | Harry Falk | Story by : Joan Parker & Robert B. Parker Teleplay by : Robert B. Parker | March 25, 1989 | 13.7[9] |
| 9 | "Never My Love" | Virgil Vogel | Steve Duncan & L. Travis Clark | April 1, 1989 | 12.3[10] |
| 10 | "Intensive Care" | Virgil Vogel | Carleton Eastlake | April 15, 1989 | 12.2[11] |
| 11 | "If Memory Serves" | Mario Di Leo | Jaison Starkes | April 29, 1989 | 6.9[12] |
| 12 | "Beautiful Are the Stars" | Virgil W. Vogel | Story by : Calvin Hernton Teleplay by : Calvin Hernton and Steve Duncan & L. Travis Clark | May 6, 1989 | 10.1[13] |
| 13 | "Life after Death" | Harry Falk | Thomas Huggins & Charlotte Clay | May 13, 1989 | 7.5[14] |
Notable guest stars
[edit]- Angela Bassett
- Keith David
- William Fichtner
- Samuel L. Jackson
- Delroy Lindo
- Joe Morton
- Wesley Snipes
- Wendell Pierce
- Charles S. Dutton
- Michael Wincott
- Diane Salinger
- Michelle Thomas
- Kimberly Scott
- Joseph C. Phillips
- Paul Guilfoyle
- Vondie Curtis-Hall
- Anthony LaPaglia
- Frankie Faison
- Roscoe Orman
- Joe Seneca
Syndication
[edit]The series was re-aired in reruns on TV One in 2006. The series was available for streaming online on Tubi,[15] but was removed sometime in 2024.
References
[edit]- ^ Gaines-Carter, Patrice (November 17, 1988). "LIGHTS! CAMERA! 'HAWK'!". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
- ^ "Midseason entries boost NBC". Life. USA Today. February 1, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306144802.
- ^ "Comedies sweep up for NBC". Life. USA Today. February 8, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306179902.
- ^ "CBS gallops to a tie with NBC". Life. USA Today. February 15, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306163263.
- ^ "NBC's back alone on top". Life. USA Today. February 22, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306175741.
- ^ "CBS up despite Grammy drop". Life. USA Today. March 1, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306152931.
- ^ "Hit-and-miss program changes". Life. USA Today. March 8, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306184202.
- ^ "NBC, in front with 'Left Behind'". Life. USA Today. March 15, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306172200.
- ^ "A 'Brewster' boost for ABC". Life. USA Today. March 29, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306173300.
- ^ "ABC's roller-coaster week". Life. USA Today. April 5, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306171172.
- ^ "CBS squeaks by into second". Life. USA Today. April 19, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306176608.
- ^ "We loved CBS' 'Lucy' tribute". Life. USA Today. May 3, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306197470.
- ^ "Bright spots for No. 3 ABC". Life. USA Today. May 10, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306210811.
- ^ "NBC sweeps top 11 spots". Life. USA Today. May 17, 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306203436.
- ^ "Watch A Man Called Hawk". Tubi. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
External links
[edit]A Man Called Hawk
View on GrokipediaBackground and Premise
Origins as Spin-Off
The character of Hawk was first introduced in Robert B. Parker's 1976 novel Promised Land, the fourth installment in the author's Spenser detective series, where Hawk serves as a formidable enforcer with a complex code of loyalty and independence.[8] In this literary debut, Hawk emerges as Spenser's ally, blending street-wise toughness with intellectual depth, setting the stage for his enduring appeal in the franchise. The novel's adaptation into the ABC television series Spenser: For Hire, which aired from September 20, 1985, to May 7, 1988, brought Hawk to a wider audience, with actor Avery Brooks portraying the character across all three seasons as Spenser's enigmatic partner in Boston-based crime-solving adventures.[9] Brooks' commanding performance as Hawk—depicted as a sophisticated Vietnam veteran, former boxer, and jazz enthusiast—quickly became one of the most celebrated elements of Spenser: For Hire, often overshadowing the lead due to its cool intensity and cultural resonance.[10] Following the parent series' cancellation in 1988 amid network shifts at ABC, the character's popularity prompted executives to pursue a spin-off to capitalize on the established fanbase and extend the franchise without relying on the original protagonist.[9] This decision aligned with broader industry trends of leveraging breakout supporting roles, as Hawk's enigmatic persona offered untapped potential for standalone narratives emphasizing his autonomy beyond his association with Spenser. The spin-off was announced in late 1988, shortly after Spenser: For Hire's finale, with development accelerating to produce a pilot episode that bridged the transition while establishing Hawk's solo arc.[11] Produced by Warner Bros. Television under Christopher Chulack, the pilot tied into the final season's momentum but shifted Hawk's base from Boston to his hometown of Washington, D.C., allowing fresh storylines centered on his personal history, government entanglements, and independent vigilante pursuits free from Spenser's influence.[9] This relocation was a deliberate creative choice to explore Hawk's roots and broader societal themes, premiering the series A Man Called Hawk on January 28, 1989, on ABC.[12]Setting and Narrative Concept
A Man Called Hawk is set in Washington, D.C., the protagonist's hometown, where he operates as a vigilante protector, assisting individuals in distress while addressing urban crime, organized syndicates, and unresolved personal conflicts from his past.[5] The series portrays Hawk as a former intelligence operative and Vietnam veteran who employs his formidable skills—honed from street life and previous associations with criminal elements—to deliver hands-on justice, often walking a fine line between legality and vigilantism.[13] This relocation from the Boston backdrop of the parent series allows for a deeper exploration of Hawk's roots and independence.[10] The narrative delves into themes of Black identity, street justice, mentorship, and moral ambiguity, presenting Hawk as a stoic, philosophical enforcer who blends intense action sequences with introspective moments.[14] His character embodies Afrocentric spirituality and ethical guidance, frequently seeking counsel from an elderly mentor figure known as the "Old Man," which underscores motifs of wisdom and cultural depth.[10] Unlike his more peripheral role as a sidekick in Spenser: For Hire, the series emphasizes Hawk's autonomy, highlighting his internal struggles and commitment to community protection over blind allegiance.[10] Episodes typically follow a self-contained structure, centering on discrete cases tied to Hawk's past connections or local community issues, such as protecting vulnerable individuals from threats.[13] Overarching elements weave in his journey toward self-reliance, distancing from prior partnerships and confronting lingering demons, thereby shifting focus to his philosophical and cultural dimensions.[10] Hawk's literary origins trace briefly to Robert B. Parker's 1976 novel Promised Land, where he debuted as a complex ally to the detective Spenser.[10]Cast and Characters
Lead Performers
Avery Brooks portrayed the titular character Hawk, a stoic troubleshooter and former mercenary navigating moral dilemmas in urban America. Brooks was cast in the lead role due to his acclaimed performance as Hawk in the parent series Spenser: For Hire, where his commanding presence and enigmatic intensity had already captivated audiences.[15] His portrayal in A Man Called Hawk emphasized a moody, brooding demeanor, blending poetic, introspective dialogue with physical prowess in action sequences, which added depth to Hawk's code of honor and philosophical outlook.[15]Supporting Roles
The primary recurring supporting character in A Man Called Hawk was the "Old Man," portrayed by Moses Gunn in 10 of the series' 13 episodes. This enigmatic elder served as Hawk's mentor and confidant, offering philosophical guidance and occasional assistance drawn from his deep roots in the Washington, D.C., community, thereby grounding Hawk's otherwise solitary vigilante pursuits in a sense of historical and cultural continuity. Gunn brought a measured, authoritative performance that provided a counterpoint of wisdom and restraint.[1][10] Another notable recurring figure was Bailey Webster, played by Angela Bassett in three episodes, who functioned as Hawk's romantic interest and a professional ally in the city's social services network. Her presence introduced elements of personal vulnerability and emotional depth to Hawk's character, highlighting themes of intimacy amid urban isolation without compromising his lone-wolf independence.[1][10] William Fichtner appeared as the informant Boros in two episodes.[1] These supporting roles contributed to the narrative by providing community ties and subtle cultural commentary on African American experiences in D.C., such as intergenerational mentorship and resilience against systemic challenges. The ensemble's diversity, featuring prominent African American performers like Gunn and Bassett, mirrored the city's demographics, where African Americans comprised approximately 70% of the population in the late 1980s.[1][16][17] Over the short run, these characters evolved to reinforce Hawk's archetype, starting with establishing his D.C. connections in early episodes and progressively providing sporadic support that underscored his self-reliance.[1][10]Production Details
Development and Creative Team
The series A Man Called Hawk was produced by Hattman-Yates Productions, Avery Brooks Productions, and Warner Bros. Television, with the latter serving as the primary distributor for ABC.[18] The project was developed by Stephen Hattman and William Robert Yates, who adapted the lead character from Robert B. Parker's Spenser novels, in which Hawk first appeared as a sidekick to the titular detective.[19] Parker received credit for the character's creation across all 13 episodes and co-wrote select episodes, such as "Poison," alongside his wife Joan Parker; he is credited as a writer on at least eight episodes.[20][21][22] The creative team featured a mix of established television directors, including Winrich Kolbe, Sigmund Neufeld Jr., Bill Duke, Stan Lathan, and Harry Falk, who handled the episode direction to blend action sequences with character-driven narratives.[23] The theme music, composed by jazz bassist Stanley Clarke, actor Avery Brooks, and cornetist Lawrence "Butch" Morris, adopted a jazz-funk style that underscored the show's urban, introspective tone with improvisational brass and rhythmic grooves.[24] Development began in 1988 following the cancellation of Spenser: For Hire, with scripting focused on transitioning Hawk to a standalone protagonist in Washington, D.C., while tying into the established lore from the parent series' finale.[9] ABC ordered a limited 13-episode run as a mid-season replacement, reflecting budget constraints typical for spin-offs amid network shifts toward cost-effective programming.[25] Brooks advocated for exploring social themes like racial identity and personal redemption through Hawk's role as a troubleshooter for an Afrocentric organization, though this vision sometimes clashed with ABC's preference for straightforward action-drama formats to attract broader audiences.[9]Filming and Technical Aspects
The series was primarily filmed on location in Washington, D.C., utilizing authentic urban environments such as neighborhoods and landmarks to enhance the show's gritty realism.[26] Exteriors captured the city's streets and architecture, while interiors were likely handled at studios associated with production company Warner Bros. Television in Los Angeles. Cinematography was led by directors of photography Jack Priestley, who handled eight episodes, and Charles Mills, who covered the remaining five, contributing to the series' dynamic visual framing that highlighted lead actor Avery Brooks' commanding physicality in action scenes.[19] The stylistic approach emphasized cinematic action sequences, with moody lighting underscoring Hawk's intense persona, though specific techniques were tailored to the urban D.C. backdrop for a sense of immediacy and tension.[19] Key technical departments included sound, where jazz elements were integrated into the score composed by Stanley Clarke, with theme music co-written by Clarke, Avery Brooks, and Lawrence "Butch" Morris to evoke the character's sophisticated yet streetwise vibe.[24] Stunt coordination featured precise choreography for fight and vehicle scenes, exemplified by performer Michael Johnson's work as Brooks' double, including a controlled car impact stunt on East Capitol Street at 25 miles per hour, relying on timing and martial arts training to ensure safety.[27] Filming occurred from late 1988 through early 1989 to support the mid-season premiere on ABC starting January 28, 1989, across all 13 episodes.[3]Episodes and Broadcast
Episode Guide
A Man Called Hawk consists of a single season comprising 13 episodes, each running approximately 60 minutes, which aired on ABC Saturdays from January 28, 1989, to May 13, 1989, with some breaks in the schedule. The series follows Hawk, a sophisticated vigilante, as he navigates cases blending action, moral dilemmas, and social commentary in Washington, D.C., often drawing on his past relationships and philosophical insights. The broadcast order matches the production sequence, with no unaired pilots or rearrangements reported. Key contributors varied per episode, including directors like Virgil W. Vogel, who helmed multiple installments, and writers such as Stephen Hattman and Robert B. Parker, the latter contributing to the drug-themed "Poison" based on his story.[3][6] The episodes demonstrate a thematic progression, starting with introspective personal quests and evolving toward explorations of systemic issues like racial injustice, addiction, and cultural heritage, while integrating recurring elements such as Hawk's bond with the "Old Man."| No. | Title | Air Date | Director | Writer(s) | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Master's Mirror | Jan 28, 1989 | Virgil W. Vogel | Stephen Hattman | Hawk searches for an old friend and fellow Vietnam War veteran, David Tracton, now a stressed government operative turned assassin, aided by Tracton's half-Vietnamese daughter; the case culminates tragically at the Jefferson Memorial. Guest star: Vondie Curtis-Hall as David Tracton.[28] |
| 2 | A Time and a Place | Feb 4, 1989 | Winrich Kolbe | Stephen Hattman & William Robert Yates | Police suspect Hawk of murdering a fellow officer, sparking a confrontation and forcing him to clear his name amid urban tensions.[29] |
| 3 | Hear No Evil | Feb 11, 1989 | Stanley Lathan | William Robert Yates | Hawk safeguards a deaf college student and her roommate, who inadvertently witnessed a murder and now face retaliation from the killers.[29] |
| 4 | Passing the Bar | Feb 18, 1989 | Bill Duke | Jerome Coopersmith | Hawk assists an elderly lawyer friend defending a client accused of murder in a high-stakes courtroom battle intertwined with corruption. Guest stars: Earle Hyman, Mike Starr.[30] |
| 5 | The Divided Child | Feb 25, 1989 | Winrich Kolbe | Carleton Eastlake | A wealthy family hires Hawk to protect them after a kidnapping attempt on their young son, complicated by the child's own rebellious curiosity.[29] |
| 6 | Vendetta | Mar 4, 1989 | Sigmund Neufeld Jr. | Jaison Starkes | Hawk intervenes to rescue his cousin, who has drawn mob ire after romancing a gangster's girlfriend, leading to a cycle of revenge.[29] |
| 7 | Choice of Chance | Mar 11, 1989 | Virgil Vogel | Steve Duncan & L. Travis Clark | The murder of a federal witness endangers an innocent neighboring family caught in the crossfire of ensuing violence. Guest stars: Joe Morton as Rev. Marvin Lewis, Charles S. Dutton.[31] |
| 8 | Poison | Mar 25, 1989 | Harry Falk | Story: Joan & Robert B. Parker; Teleplay: Robert B. Parker | Hawk investigates a deadly strain of heroin laced with strychnine plaguing the streets, obstructed by an aggressive investigative reporter.[29] |
| 9 | Never My Love | Apr 1, 1989 | Virgil Vogel | Steve Duncan & L. Travis Clark | Hawk confronts a pair of brutal brothers, one of whom has entangled him in a personal web of violence and betrayal.[29] |
| 10 | Intensive Care | Apr 15, 1989 | Virgil Vogel | Carleton Eastlake | Hawk and the Old Man's sister become hostages during a hospital siege, where he must use his wits to outmaneuver the gunmen.[29] |
| 11 | If Memory Serves | Apr 29, 1989 | Mario Di Leo | Jaison Starkes | Hawk shields a Haitian historian from a voodoo practitioner seeking to expose a hidden family secret through supernatural threats. Guest stars: Paul Butler, Nathan George. |
| 12 | Beautiful Are the Stars | May 6, 1989 | Virgil W. Vogel | Story: Calvin Hernton; Teleplay: Hernton, Duncan & Clark | Hawk comes into possession of smuggled South African diamonds, drawing the lethal attention of a professional hit man.[29] |
| 13 | Life After Death | May 13, 1989 | Harry Falk | Thomas Huggins & Charlotte Clay | In the series finale, Hawk aids a young man desperate to prove his innocence in the shooting of his pregnant girlfriend.[32] |
