What happened to Joe Penny? He's obviously another one of those actors, pigeon holed for the small screen, and it's a shame. In my opinion as just recently tuning into re runs of the series, he makes the show, where I know a lot of viewers would be barracking for his partner in law, the grouchy Jake, a beefy guy of a few words, and I know Conrad plays it brilliantly, but it's what Penny does with his character. He has a certain kind of enviousness, and pathetic style. He has an unhurried coolness. We know exactly what he's about and what he wants. But there's much more to him. Basically, the show has him as a sexy PI, and Penny really enjoys his job. After he catches the bad guy, and makes the case, our fat grouchy DA (Conrad) prosecutes with his few words. This wasn't the best drama on the block, but it was up there. The stories were tightly scripted, and at the time, quite original. One episode had a female fatale, Penny let himself be controlled by, via a deadly concoction of drink, a twist of that, not just of lemon, as I recall, watching an another episode over a year ago. Without Penny as the lead, this show truly wouldn't have the same impact or fun. He's just embodies a character, I really find fascinating, like I do with roles of other actors, whether film or t.v. T.v shows music score is something that really brings back memories of 87. If you've never seen this, watch it, sheerly for Penny, the driving force of the show, but Conrad's much smaller screen time appearances are gold. He reminds me of and could of played the Lawrence Tierney character in Reservoir Dogs. I really hope Penny's career is resurrected in the future.

Jake & The Fatman was a great experience for me, to participate in many episodes as an extra gave me the opportunity to meet so many talented actors and make many new friends. I truly enjoyed the times that I was asked to be part of all episodes of this great show, I truly enjoyed very much and learned a lot about the TV industry...and the experience led me to more participation in other TV shows shot in Hawaii! Jake & The Fatman was an exciting and wonderful experience for many of us...meeting, socializin and just being next to so many great actors, actresses, and fellow extras were unique moments to treasure Looking forwards to more TV shows in the Future!! Thank you for the Opportunity to have been part of TV history in Hawaii Rolando Sanchez

Does anyone know which episode contained William Conrad telling the Christmas story to a bunch of Hawaiian kids in the hospital children's ward? I can't tell from the episode guide. I'd love to have a video of it as a gift for my husband. Does anyone have one they'd be willing to sell or trade? We loved the series, although have to agree that it was much better when set in Hawaii than in Los Angeles. It's a shame that it never made it to syndication. We felt that it ranked right up there with many of the best of the 80s detective shows, and the relationships between the two stars and of course, Max, were very well drawn. Jake and Max were perfect foils!

Hailing from the UK i am not that familiar with niche 80's US detective shows, so imagine my surprise whilst flicking through the various cable channels at 4am (dont ask) that i came across Jake and the Fatman.although other people might disagree i found myself hooked on this show which for an 80's programme (reaganite politics aside) is extremely groundbreaking in a cheesy sort of way. episodes that dealt with vigilante husbands punishing random muggers due to his wife being gang-raped (something he was made to watch)years previously to an avenging cops wife shooting her husband and his partner for the miscarriage he rather violently inflicted on her in the past.i am aware of the censorship issues that are in operation in network American TV so it is all the more refreshing and intelligent that such a programme could have dealt with these issues in (i am assuming) its prime-time slot.if you happen to read my rather general review on Jake and the Fatman and i have piqued your interest you would not be wasting your time if you were to give it a go, so search the stations on those cold dark nights and be entertained.