I'm a big fan of the Nero Wolfe series, and have both seasons on DVD. Here's why:

1) Never read the books, so have no basis for being disappointed with the characterizations; this is neither praise nor judgment, just criteria to consider
2) Quirky sense of humor; not hilarious, laugh out loud, but amusing and entertaining
3) Two all out characterizations by Hutton and Chaykin as Archie and Wolfe respectively; Hutton goes a bit far on the odd occasion but still excellent
4) Strong stories; characterizations help prop up the slower parts
5) Good ensemble cast, with many of the same players showing up show after show; some of the actors have a very deliberate style that they carry from character to character, and that can get a bit old, but others do an excellent job; Actors playing Saul Panzer and the newspaper reporter are especially good
6) Set/costume design are terrific, with some interesting use of color and period
7) Some really poignant moments along the way, such as in Prisoner's Base, when Archie has to deal with an error in judgment that has serious ramifications

But I think that one of the best underlying reasons for getting both years of this series is that the entire production feels like a labor of love for all invovled, and you don't find that quality on TV all that often.

I just wish there was a season 3.

In 1981 NBC launched Nero Wolfe, a mystery series based on the books by Rex Stout starring William Conrad as the detective who never leaves home, but relies on the info he gets from his legmen including Archie Goodwin (played by Lee Horsley) to solve the case. The series tanked after 1 season (it was a mid season series anyway). 20 years later, A&E launches an all new Nero starring Maury Chaykin as the definitive Wolfe and Timothy Hutton (who also helped create, produce, direct and write for tv) as Goodwin. It stared actually in 2000 with "The Golden Spiders" (which you have to either buy separately or get in set 2, read my review on set 2 here for IMPORTANT INFORMATION) then released 12 episodes (some are 2 parters which aired either in their entirety or over 2 weeks) the following season. These are those episodes. It was renewed by A&E for another 12 the following season (also mixed single and 2 part stories) again see my review of set 2. Despite its short life, this was a fun series, and you should buy both sets and enjoy a series whose like may never be seen again (especially since the 1981 series is probably buried in TV Land's Vault ;-)).

This series one of NERO WOLFE shows what television can be when creative, talented people are given the opportunity.

The series is very faithful to the original Rex Stout novels (always a concern for fans when a series is moved to a different medium). Maury Chaykin and Timothy Hutton bring their roles as Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin respectively to life while remaining true to the books' depictions. The stories chosen for this set, ("The Doorbell Rang", "Champagne for One", "Prisoner's Base", "Eeny Meeny Murder Moe", "Disguise for Murder", "Door to Death", "Christmas Party" and "Over My Dead Body") are all set in the late forties to early sixties which is indicated to the viewer with dialogue references to 'current' events and the costumes.

The action is fast paced, sometimes so much so that the viewer might need to replay the final scene to see how Wolfe reached his solution. The original plots are straight from the Stout novels, and are therefore clever and fairly laid out for the viewer to follow. The dialogue to very much in keeping with the books, the banter between Wolfe and Archie is delightful. The other characters come to life as if they had just walked out of the pages of the novels.

The settings of this series are beautiful, this IS the familiar brownstone that fans have heard described so many times. The other sets are detailed and correct for the time of that particular story.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this series is that while there are some actors, like Chaykin as Wolfe, Hutton as Archie and Colin Fox as Fritz the chef most of the cast change roles from episode to episode in the manner of a repertory company. This has mixed results, a times it may confuse but only momentarily, usually it is not distracting but is instead intriguing to see how well it is done.

This is definitely a series to buy since viewing it once or twice is not enough.

The quality of the DVDs are good, the only complaints I have are first that there are not enough extras included. The bios on Chaykin and Hutton are cursory at best. The biggest problem is that A&E was foolish enough to cancel the series!

Fooey and nuts! We had never even heard of Nero Wolfe before we went out on a limb and purchased this Nero Wolfe set based on its association with other favourites of ours (Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Maigret, etc.) Wow! What a thoroughly sumptuous treat!

"Colorful" really is the best word for everything here: The characters, the set, the dialog, the clothing, the interiors, all very, very colorful, both literally and figuratively. As for the 'colorful' characters: Timothy Hutton's Archie Goodwin (Nero Wolfe's "Sam Spade" assistant) is perhaps a bit too cocky at times; nevertheless, you'll see the sensitive romantic in him after all is said and done. Maury Chaykin's Nero Wolfe (the more genteel "Poirot" genius detective) is perhaps a bit too god-like at times, but he's charmingly openly consumptuous ("I like money. I use a lot of it.") You can't help but love how "Mr. Wolfe" eats, rests and recreates (with his orchids, of course), and he does it frequently and right...on...schedule. So many other movie-made stories don't incorporate these wonderful and necessary activities which allow the audience to really relate to the characters so very, very well. And, if it wasn't for Fritz, how could he possibly eat, rest and recreate so very, very well! Three cheers for Fritz in the kitchen!!!

The late '40s/early '50s setting is the one factor that seems to really allow this series of stories to stand out. Such an artsy and sumptuous time and not portrayed much, if at all, in many other movies, and certainly not done this well. It's a wonderful mix of Sam Spade meets Hercule Poirot, living it up in in a most beautiful brownstone in a most beautiful time!

We love how they use the same repertory of actors/actresses, which makes this series of shows (some one-hour and some two-part) so homey and fun to watch. The stories are very interesting, believable and strong; well worth watching over and over.

No glorification of violence, no overt sex, no profane language. A treat for all!

See also: Very similar is the "Maigret" collection of mostly one-hour shows with Michael Gambon playing a very kindly and go-getter older chief investigator in 1950s Paris. The theme song, costumes and setting are wonderful. His character is very likeable and he does a wonderful job of acting. And, his three assistant detectives are three very different but also very likeable and well-acted characters that help round out the stories and action.

"The Golden Spiders," which was one of Rex Stout's good efforts but not best, started it all. A&E invested in sets, writing and a stable ensemble cast to produce the best series they have ever done.

With very, very few lapses the series represented the best that cable TV has to offer: good writing (most often leaving it entirely to Rex - not a mistake), great production values, and highly comptent acting. You feel as though you are a member of the household in Nero's very special clean, well-lighted place "in the middle of the Hudson River." It is a placed often bathed in sunlight, showing off the yellow that was Nero's favorite color.

You can watch these shows again and again and they don't get old. In fact, you tend to see things in them which you missed on earlier viewing. Buy both parts of the collection when the second season becomes available again!