Cracker (American TV series)

Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox television Cracker is an American crime drama series based upon the British television crime drama of the same name created by Jimmy McGovern.<ref name= "Granada">Template:Cite news</ref> It stars Robert Pastorelli as criminal psychologist Gerry 'Fitz' Fitzgerald and includes a young Josh Hartnett in his first professional role, appearing in several episodes playing Fitz's eldest child.<ref name="Lanum" /> Robbie Coltrane, the star of the original series, appears as a villain in one episode.<ref name= "A&E">Template:Cite news</ref>

An "innovative but disturbing" take on the standard police-detective genre, the Americanized Cracker consists of sixteen one-hour episodes set in Los Angeles and was produced by Granada Entertainment. It ran on ABC from September 18, 1997, until January 24, 1998. The remade show was broadcast as Fitz in some countries, including the UK.<ref name= "Atlantic">Template:Cite news</ref>

The series focuses on a professional psychologist who assists the Los Angeles Police Department due to his unique ability in understanding the psychology of criminals. But this understanding is based largely on this troubled man having similar inner demons and addictions to the criminals which he is investigating.

Overview

Gerry "Fitz" Fitzgerald is an unconventional but brilliant psychologist, an insulting, nosy, loathsome individual. To be able to pay the bills, he gives lectures at colleges, has a small practice in a mini-mall, and has his own radio show. He also helps the Los Angeles Police Department solve difficult cases, thanks mostly to his own quirks and perversity. These give him an uncanny ability to get inside the criminal mind. But that is only true when he does not have to deal with his own inner demons, which include drinking, gambling, extramarital affairs, and a tense relationship with his wife Judith and his 17-year-old son Michael.

Cast and characters

Main

• Robert Pastorelli as Gerry 'Fitz' Fitzgerald
• Angela Featherstone as Detective Hannah Tyler
• Carolyn McCormick as Judith Fitzgerald
• Robert Wisdom as Detective Danny Watlington
• Josh Hartnett as Michael Fitzgerald
• R. Lee Ermey as Lieutenant Fry

Recurring

• Scott Sowers as Detective Allen Parker
• Paul Perri as Waldron
• Sally Levi (as Sally Livingstone) as Hope Fitzgerald
• Josh Lucas as Lieutenant Macy

Special guest appearances

• Robbie Coltrane as David Roberge
• Mariska Hargitay as Detective Penny Hatfield
• Sarah Paulson as Janice
• John DiMaggio as Simon
• Lorraine Toussaint as Tisha Watlington
• Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as John Doe
• Peter Sarsgaard as Spencer Trent
• Lee Tergesen as Dan Green
• Carlos Jacott as Jim
• Amber Benson as Amy
• Peter Firth as Mitchell Grady

Production

Alternate titles considered for the series were Cracker: Mind Over Murder and Fitz.Template:Citation needed

External links

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