Netflix’s New ‘TJ Hooker’ Movie – A Smart Move or Total Cop-Out?
Guess what, folks? Looks like Netflix has decided it’s time to dust off TJ Hooker – another relic from the treasure chest of 80s TV nostalgia. If you thought the world had enough reboots, reimaginings, and cash-grab revivals, brace yourself for the news that TJ Hooker is officially coming back – but this time, as an action-comedy movie. Yep. A show once known for its serious, albeit sometimes unintentionally funny, portrayal of law enforcement is now being rebranded for laughs.
What was TJ Hooker About?
For the uninitiated, TJ Hooker was a classic 80s cop show featuring none other than William Shatner, a star who brought his Star Trek flair to the streets as Sergeant Thomas Jefferson “TJ” Hooker.
Alongside his rookie partner Vince Romano (played by Adrian Zmed) and eventual fan-favorite Stacey Sheridan (Heather Locklear), Hooker chased down criminals in true over-the-top 80s fashion. Think cheesy car chases, meaningful lectures about “justice,” and Shatner chewing up scenes with the enthusiasm of a golden retriever chasing a tennis ball.
A Twist Nobody Asked For?
Now, Netflix claims there’s a “twist,” but so far, the internet is collectively scratching its head. Is the twist the fact that it’s now an action-comedy? Because if you’ve watched the original series, you might argue it was already halfway there unintentionally. Shatner’s dramatic monologues and those perfecto slow-motion stunts often felt more like parody than drama.
The script for this reincarnation will reportedly be penned by Jarrad Paul and Andy Mogel, the duo behind The Grinder. While there’s some hope they’ll deliver a creative spark to the project, fans (and critics) can’t help but question whether every reboot needs to follow the 21 Jump Street route. Are slapstick jokes and self-aware gags a requirement for every revived cop show now? Apparently, yes.
Why Resurrect TJ Hooker?
While nostalgia is clearly a powerful force in Hollywood, it begs the question – is this iconic property really begging for revival? Sure, TJ Hooker had its day, blending moral high-ground speeches with explosive chases through generic city streets. But turning it into an action-comedy could alienate fans who cherished its idealistic (and naïve) sense of heroism.
Not to mention, the original series had a whopping 91 episodes to its name, so… you could just go watch the originals. (They’re streaming on Tubi, by the way.)
And can we talk about timing? The media landscape is more complex now. A comedy cop reboot might not hit the same as it did a decade ago. Many fans are leery about how this will align with today’s sociopolitical reality, where police procedurals often face scrutiny.
Will William Shatner Return?
Here’s the million-dollar question. Will the reboot be blessed with the inimitable charm of William Shatner, now in his 90s? Nothing has been confirmed yet, but considering Shatner’s infamous larger-than-life persona, his absence could leave a Hooker-sized gap in the reboot.
But if not Shatner, who’s taking over the mantle of TJ? Internet fan casting has ranged from Chris Pine (a logical fit given his Star Trek connection) to others throwing Nathan Fillion or even Adam Baldwin into the mix. Netflix, your move. The world awaits (with kinda “meh” expectations).
Why This Might Still Work
To its credit, the original series has enough cultural resonance to warrant a second look, and if done properly (big “if”), the comedy angle could modernize the franchise for younger audiences who weren’t glued to their TVs in the 80s.
What 21 Jump Street taught Hollywood is that ridiculous old shows can be made self-aware, with humor acting as a bridge between generations. If this new take on TJ Hooker captures that balance, there’s a chance it might pleasantly surprise skeptics.
Still, the idea feels risky. The fanbase of the original TJ Hooker skews older, many of whom directly associate the show with its serious themes and chest-thumping approach to justice. Striking the right tone without devolving into parody will take finesse, and, well, if Netflix’s track record is anything to go by, it’s anyone’s guess whether they’ll stick the landing.
What’s Next for TJ Hooker Fans?
For now, fans are left with more questions than answers. Will the reboot honor the original characters and their arcs (hello, Stacey Sheridan)? And hey, if the reboot flops, at least we’ll always have Tubi to revisit those dramatic car chases.
Netflix better have a really good reason for calling this a “twist,” or else they might find themselves handcuffed by their own nostalgia-fueled cash grab. Here’s hoping some part of what made the original TJ Hooker charming survives in this flick.
