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Created by Frank Lupo (The A-Team), Hunter was one of producer Stephen J. Cannell's more tough-minded cop shows. Credit the character of LAPD Det. Sgt. Rick Hunter (former NFL player Fred Dryer). Supplying the yin to Hunter's yang was partner Sgt. Dee Dee McCall (Stepfanie Kramer). "Sometimes a soft approach can work," she explains in the season premiere ("Overnight Sensation"). Unfortunately, Capt. Devane (Charles Hallahan) pulls the plug on their partnership in the following episode ("Change Partners and Dance"). "You and Hunter have gotten too close," he tells a disappointed McCall. To add insult to injury, Hunter takes the separation in stride. She thought they were friends. As it turns out, Hunter feels the same way and there's more to the breakup than meets the eye.
Other third season developments revolve around romance. Granted, Ray Wise (Twin Peaks) may be a murder suspect, but the culinary-challenged McCall can't resist a man who knows his way around a kitchen ("Crime of Passion"). A few episodes later, Hunter falls for a fellow detective with a few dirty secrets ("From San Francisco with Love"). Fortunately, there will be happier times ahead (that Hunter does get around). Filling out the quartet is Arnold "Sporty" James (original SNL cast member Garrett Morris), their snappily dressed informant, who provides a welcome jolt of eccentricity. In "Love, Hate, and Sporty James," he takes a rare lead, demonstrating some decent dramatic chops.
Twenty-two episodes were produced for Hunter's third year, including the two-part finale ("Hot Pursuit"). Notable guests include Chaka Khan ("The Cradle Will Rock"), Star Trek: The Next Generation regulars Brent Spiner ("The Contract") and Marina Sirtis ("Down and Under"), and future TV superstars Anthony LaPaglia (the Australian-set "Down and Under") and a pompadour-sporting George Clooney ("Double Exposure"). To quote Hunter, "Works for me!"
