Matt Houston

^{Review by Sunday Simmons}

The 80s was arguably one of the best times for American action TV, and at the heart of that sat 2 of the most well-known names in television production and series creation. Glen A. Larson and Aaron spelling brought the action, the soap, the sheer excitement of super cars, attack helicopters, and shoulder pads that was the trademark of 80s television. Spelling was responsible for The Love Boat, Hart to Hart, Charlie’s Angels, Dynasty, and Charmed – to name just a few of his greatest hits! Another of his offerings is often overlooked amidst those titles. I’m talking about Matt Houston.

Created by Lawrence Gordon (48 Hours, Predator, Die Hard) and running for 3 seasons between 1982 and 1985, Matt Houston was as exciting as it was slick – with Lee Horsley in the title role of the ruggedly handsome, wealthy Texan oil tycoon turned private investigator. When Houston relocates to California to run the family business, he finds himself with plenty of free time on his hands. Bored with his day job, Houston turns his free time into sleuthing, and alongside his continuously frustrated business manager, Murray (George Wyner) and his lawyer friend C.J. (Pamela Hensley – Buck Rogers), sets about solving crimes in Los Angeles. Houston funds his crime busting ‘hobby’ by being absolutely filthy rich. Think moustachioed Bobby Ewing from Dallas, only fighting crime instead of his brother!

The series proved to be pretty popular, although it seems to be sadly overlooked today in favour of the more mainstream household names from that era. However, it has to be said it’s a great watch, and remains one of my favourites of that genre. It benefitted from some great writers – which is the heart of any decent series – and a solid, capable cast helped it to a healthy 3 year run before it came to an end in 1985. During those 3 years and 69 episodes, this kickasss show boasted its fair share of top names, with guest stars including Ernest Borgnine (The Dirty Dozen, Airwolf), Heather Locklear (T.J. Hooker, Dynasty), and 70s music heartthrob, David Cassidy (The Partridge Family).

One of my favourite things about Matt Houston has to be the continuity. Rather than being wholly episodic, the writers weren’t afraid to stray away from the ‘monster of the week’ type affair, which was a brave move during a time when most action series’ stuck to that format. The bad guys often ended up embroiled in the lives of Houston and his cohorts, with episodes often making them the target, or worse, the accused! During the two parter ‘On the Run’ and ‘Wanted Man’, even Matt is implicated in murder most horrid after he loses an entire month due to mind control! It’s a race to prove his innocence, which has been done many times before and after in countless films and series, but these 2 episodes are probably my favourites of the entire run.

If you’ve never watched this flashy, action packed gem of retro crime drama, that definitely needs remedying, and at just 3 seasons long it’s a weekend binge waiting to happen. And if this has piqued your interest, you can catch all 3 seasons on YouTube!