Tenspeed and Brown Shoe, a quirky detective series created by Stephen J. Cannell, first aired on ABC in 1980. Despite only running for one season, it has since gained a cult following thanks to its unique blend of comedy and drama, dynamic leading characters, and the undeniable chemistry between its stars, Ben Vereen and Jeff Goldblum. With its light-hearted approach to crime-solving and the offbeat charm of its protagonists, Tenspeed and Brown Shoe remains one of the lesser-known but fondly remembered TV shows of its era.
The Premise
The premise of Tenspeed and Brown Shoe centers on two unlikely partners: E.L. “Tenspeed” Turner (played by Ben Vereen), a fast-talking con man with a penchant for slipping out of tight situations, and Lionel “Brown Shoe” Whitney (played by Jeff Goldblum), an accountant-turned-private detective who is an idealistic and somewhat naive fan of hardboiled detective novels. Their unlikely friendship and partnership form the heart of the show as they team up to solve crimes while dealing with their vastly different personalities and approaches to detective work.
E.L. Turner is street-smart and operates in the gray areas of legality, while Lionel Whitney is more by-the-book and inexperienced but determined to live out his fantasy of becoming a classic detective. This odd couple dynamic, reminiscent of earlier buddy cop shows, gives Tenspeed and Brown Shoe its comedic edge, making it stand out in a TV landscape populated by more serious and formulaic crime dramas.
The Characters
Ben Vereen, a Tony Award-winning actor known for his work in Broadway musicals, brought his charismatic and energetic performance to the role of Tenspeed Turner. Turner is a con artist who, at the start of the series, has just been paroled from prison and reluctantly agrees to go straight. His fast-talking, often morally ambiguous character provides much of the show’s humor. Vereen’s ability to infuse Turner with charm and quick wit made him a memorable and endearing character despite his shady background.
Jeff Goldblum’s portrayal of Lionel Whitney, on the other hand, is equally compelling but in a completely different way. Goldblum’s character is a former accountant who dreams of becoming a private eye, having been inspired by the fictional detective Mark Savage from the dime-store novels he adores. His bumbling attempts to navigate the dangerous world of crime and his romanticized view of detective work often lead to humorous situations. Goldblum’s deadpan delivery and quirky screen presence were perfect for this role, and the series showcases the early stages of his now iconic acting style.
The chemistry between Vereen and Goldblum is the driving force of the show. Their contrasting personalities—Turner’s streetwise cynicism versus Whitney’s wide-eyed idealism—create a dynamic that elevates the show beyond typical detective fare. The interplay between their characters, with Turner often getting Whitney out of trouble (usually of his own making), provides much of the humor and heart of the series.
Creator Stephen J. Cannell’s Unique Style
Tenspeed and Brown Shoe was created by Stephen J. Cannell, one of the most prolific and influential television writers and producers of the 1970s and 1980s. Cannell was known for creating some of the most popular action and drama shows of the era, including The A-Team, 21 Jump Street, and The Rockford Files. His signature style often included flawed but likable protagonists, a mix of action and humor, and fast-paced, inventive plots.
Cannell’s touch is evident in Tenspeed and Brown Shoe as well. The show combined elements of the crime drama and buddy cop genres but added a comedic twist. While the show featured standard detective plots—murder investigations, con jobs, and crime-solving—it avoided taking itself too seriously. This approach allowed for more light-hearted, character-driven storytelling, where the interactions between Tenspeed and Brown Shoe took center stage.
In addition to Cannell’s writing, the show’s direction and production values were high-quality, a hallmark of Cannell’s work. The series maintained a brisk pace, with plenty of action sequences and clever plot twists, keeping audiences entertained throughout each episode.
Reception and Legacy
Tenspeed and Brown Shoe debuted in January 1980 to generally positive reviews. Critics praised the performances of Vereen and Goldblum, with many noting their unique chemistry as the highlight of the show. The show was also appreciated for its humorous take on the detective genre and its fresh, character-driven approach.
However, despite the positive reception, Tenspeed and Brown Shoe struggled in the ratings. The show aired during a competitive time slot, and its unique blend of comedy and drama may have been ahead of its time, making it difficult to find a broad audience. As a result, the show was canceled after only one season, with a total of 14 episodes produced.
In the years since its cancellation, Tenspeed and Brown Shoe has gained a cult following, particularly among fans of 1980s television and those who appreciate offbeat, character-driven series. The show is often noted for its early performances by Ben Vereen and Jeff Goldblum, both of whom went on to have successful careers in television and film. For Goldblum in particular, Tenspeed and Brown Shoe served as one of his first major television roles, giving him the opportunity to showcase his distinctive acting style that would later make him a star.
Why Tenspeed and Brown Shoe Stands Out
One of the reasons Tenspeed and Brown Shoe stands out, even decades later, is its unique take on the detective genre. At a time when TV was saturated with serious crime dramas, Tenspeed and Brown Shoe dared to inject humor and whimsy into the mix, creating a show that felt fresh and different. It didn’t rely solely on action or procedural elements; instead, it focused on character development and the relationship between its two leads.
The show’s playful tone and willingness to poke fun at the traditional detective tropes were a precursor to later shows like Psych and Monk, which similarly combined comedy and mystery-solving. Tenspeed and Brown Shoe also prefigured the buddy-cop dynamic seen in later hit films like Lethal Weapon.
Another standout feature of the series is the way it handled its characters. Tenspeed and Brown Shoe are not perfect heroes; they are flawed, relatable individuals with their own motivations and quirks. Turner’s struggles to go straight and Whitney’s misguided attempts to be a hero made them feel more human, more relatable, and ultimately more engaging than the typical infallible TV detectives of the time.
The Influence of Tenspeed and Brown Shoe on Later TV
Although short-lived, Tenspeed and Brown Shoe helped pave the way for future television shows that blended genres and embraced character-driven narratives. Its mix of humor and detective drama would become a template for other successful shows in later years.
Stephen J. Cannell, already a well-known name in television at the time, continued to produce hit shows after Tenspeed and Brown Shoe, and his influence on TV storytelling is undeniable. The show’s unique format and offbeat humor have kept it alive in the memories of TV enthusiasts and collectors of 1980s pop culture.
Availability and Viewing
For fans of classic television, Tenspeed and Brown Shoe is worth revisiting. Although the show is not as widely known as other 1980s series, its episodes can be found on DVD and through various streaming platforms. The show’s humor, fast-paced action, and stellar performances by Vereen and Goldblum make it a hidden gem worth discovering, especially for fans of buddy-cop comedies or detective shows with a twist.
In the end, Tenspeed and Brown Shoe might not have been a long-running success, but its unique approach to crime-solving, engaging characters, and light-hearted tone continue to resonate with fans of retro television, solidifying its place in the pantheon of cult classic TV shows.
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