Walking Shadow

Although Robert Urich captured the physicality of the Spenser character, Joe Mantegna carries off the character's flippant one-liners and quiet badass manner in a more mature manner. Mantegna's calm, reasonable explanation of his (Spenser's) job to the leader of a Chinese Tong is a dead on perfect novel-to-film translation.

Unfortunately, some other parts of the movie don't hang as well. I love Ernie Hudson, but can't buy as him Hawk. But then again, who could follow Avery Brooks's portrayal of the character? If Brooks was unwilling to reprise his role, then it should have been renamed and given to another actor who could have made it his own. And Spenser's visions should have been more intergrated into the plot. Was he seeing these visions as a warning that he should get out of the private eye biz?

Minor qubbles aside, I loved WALKING SHADOW as I've loved all of A&E's SPENSER movies and I hope they continue to produce them. Joe Mantegna seems as if he's really comfortable playing Spenser and he throws off them smart ass/sarcastic lines REAL good. I luv ya, Joe..