Private eye Laura Holt (Stephanie Zimbalist) grudgingly accepts a new partner when a mystery man (Pierce Brosnan) assumes the identity of her fictitious boss, Remington Steele. Together, the two battle crime as their feelings grow for each other.

CRITIQUE

Remington Steele continues to entertain both comically and suspensefully in its second season. The performances are again excellent and most of the stories are good. The few stories that aren’t as good as the rest are predictable and a bit flawed, but the dialogue and filmmaking aspect make up for it. Watching several episodes in a row and the whole season in a matter of one week (which I had to do for this review), well, let's just say that it becomes noticeable how stories seem familiar. The best way to enjoy the show is not to watch too many episodes at once, because otherwise the show loses a bit of its charm. The entertaining stories place Laura and Remington in impossible situations, such as them escaping danger or investigating in secret.

The characters grow closer romantically this season but shy away from big affection or kissing; in fact they have their moments in many episodes but the tension generally keeps their lips apart. If the show were on today, they probably would hook up, but back in the day circa 1983 the creator and producers knew what was best for the show, which is why they didn’t have Laura and Remington romantically involved until the last possible moment (probably in a future season).

Joining the cast in the second season is the adorable and funny Doris Roberts playing the new secretary/investigator that helps the heroes on many cases. All three actors, Pierce Brosnan, Stephanie Zimbalist and Roberts, have great rapport, their chemistry driving each episode and therefore the show.

Disc 1 Side A: Steele Away With Me, Red Holt Steele, Altared Steele

Disc 1 Side B: Steele Framed, A Steele At Any Price

Disc 2 Side A: Love Among the Steele, Scene Steelers, Steele Knuckles and Glass Jaws, My Fair Steele

Disc 2 Side B: Steele Threads, Steele Eligible

Disc 3 Side A: High Flying Steele, Blood Is Thicker Than Steele, Steele Sweet on You, Elegy in Steele

Disc 3 Side B: Small Town Steele, Molten Steele

Disc 4 Side A: Dreams of Steele, Woman of Steele

Disc 4 Side B: Hounded Steele, Elementary Steele

THE VIDEO

Fox presents Remington Steele in 1.33:1 fullscreen format. The video is quite nice considering it is a bit over 20 years old. Some specks and scratches appear here and there, but overall the picture is in good shape. The colors look fine. Despite some small flaws, this is a pretty decent presentation. Optional subtitles include English and Spanish.

THE AUDIO

Fox presents Remington Steele in English Mono. The front speakers deliver decent audio and music, though some noise creeps in.

THE EXTRAS

There are three audio commentaries available on this set. They include several good stories and trivia about the show and the selected episode. There’s also some silence in these tracks. Overall, they’re decent commentaries:

Co-Creator Michael Gleason and Director Sheldon Larry on Steele Eligible.

Michael Gleason and Writer Susan Baskin on Steele Sweet on You.

Writer Jeff Melvoin on Hounded Steele.

“Steele Action” Featurette (13:28) looks at the show’s action scenes and offers stories from the production with interview participants Stephanie Zimbalist, Michael Gleason, Sheldon Larry, stunt coordinator Ernie Orsatti, director of photography Ken Peach, Jr., head hair stylist Dorothy Fox, first assistant director Janet Davidson, writer George Lee Marshall, Doris Roberts, Pierce Brosnan, and writer Brian Alan Lane. When the show went off the air, a reel was assembled with the action scenes cut together to sell it into syndication, which is when Gleason realized just how many explosions and stunts they shot for the show. This featurette details action scenes and story elements from episodes in the second season (supported by clips) in quite a bit of detail as told in these interviews. There’s some great stuff in here. This featurette is located on disc 1 side B.

 “Steele Mildred” Character Profile (10:18) looks at the Mildred Krebs character played by Doris Roberts. Michael Gleason combined the secretary and investigator characters from the first season to create Mildred, who at first was supposed to be a good-looking, 35 year-old woman. But when Roberts auditioned (she was over 40 then), she got every joke and every nuance, giving Gleason every reason to cast her right then. This featurette talks more about the character, discusses certain moments from episodes, and comments on Roberts as an actress, featuring interviews with Gleason, Robert, Pierce Brosnan, director Christopher Hibler, Ernie Orsatti, supervising producer Lee Zlotoff, Janet Davidson, Brian Alan Lane, George Lee Marshall, writer Jeff Melvoin, Sheldon Larry, and Stephanie Zimbalist. This featurette is located on disc 2 side B.

“Steele Together” Featurette (10:51) discusses Laura Holt and Remington Steele’s relationship. Gleason didn’t want them to be together romantically as it would take away from the tension between them. During the season they get close and kiss each other numerous times, but they’re constantly interrupted by other people which break their moments. Stephanie Zimbalist jokes “the show is about foreplay,” and the featurette goes on to talk about the characters’ relationship, and several tidbits are revealed as well. Show clips appear throughout. This featurette is located on disc 3 side B.

FINAL THOUGHT

The show is “steele” fun to watch and the bonus material is great to have with three featurettes going into detail and featuring all-new interviews. This set comes recommended.