By Forris Day Jr.
I admit I have never seen an episode of “Diagnosis Murder” until reviewing one of the discs from this set. I really like the show. Even though I was around when the series was first run it just never occurred to me to watch it. I love the Dick Van Dyke show so it seems the same would apply to “Diagnosis Murder”. Planning on being home to watch a weekly show has never appealed to me nor does it now. This is why the box sets of these shows fit perfectly with a guy like me. I can watch an episode anytime I choose.
The disc I received for review is disc 3 from season three. The show ran for an almost unheard of eight seasons (1993-2001). Quite a testament to everyone involved. Diagnosis Murder is a spin-off from a show called Jake and the Fatman. I have never seen that either but I remember it being on.
The show focuses on Dick Van Dykes character, Doctor Mark Sloan, and his son, Detective Steve Sloan, played by his real life son Barry Van Dyke. They always come across suspicious deaths at the hospital and surrounding area in town a begin delving in to solve the crime. Doctor Sloan is always able to solve the crime with his son providing much needed clues.
Diagnosis Murder is a fun detective show that doesn’t get too weighed down with reality. At times a bit implausible but still enjoyable to watch. Well written and intelligent, I recommend it. Dick Van Dyke is still on top of his game in this series. What is amazing is that he was 67 years old…when the show BEGAN!
The box set consists of 51 discs. It also contains three pilot episodes, an episode of the TV show Mannix and a bunch of bonus clip where Doctor Mark Sloan meets Rob Petrie. Pretty wild. Seemingly pricey at around 150 bucks, but it is 51 discs and 8 seasons worth of entertainment. Break it down that way an it is a reasonable price for the dozens of hours of viewing you get.
Rating: 7.5/10 — “Book’em Dan-O….oops, wrong show”
