Cracker (American TV series)


Cracker is an American crime drama series based upon the British television crime drama of the same name created by Jimmy McGovern.
It stars Robert Pastorelli as criminal psychologist Gerry 'Fitz' Fitzgerald and includes a young Josh Hartnett in his first professional role, appearing in several episodes playing Fitz's eldest child. Robbie Coltrane, the star of the original series, appears as a villain in one episode.
An "innovative but disturbing" take on the standard police-detective genre, the Americanized Cracker consists of sixteen one-hour episodes set in Los Angeles and was produced by Granada Entertainment. It ran on ABC from September 18, 1997, until January 24, 1998. The remade show was broadcast as Fitz in some countries, including the UK.
The series focuses on a professional psychologist who assists the Los Angeles Police Department due to his unique ability in understanding the psychology of criminals. But this understanding is based largely on this troubled man having similar inner demons and addictions to the criminals which he is investigating.

Overview

Gerry "Fitz" Fitzgerald is an unconventional but brilliant psychologist, an insulting, nosy, loathsome individual. To be able to pay the bills, he gives lectures at colleges, has a small practice in a mini-mall, and has his own radio show. He also helps the Los Angeles Police Department solve difficult cases, thanks mostly to his own quirks and perversity. These give him an uncanny ability to get inside the criminal mind. But that is only true when he does not have to deal with his own inner demons, which include drinking, gambling, extramarital affairs, and a tense relationship with his wife Judith and his 17-year-old son Michael.

Cast and characters

Main

Recurring

Special guest appearances

Production

Alternate titles considered for the series were Cracker: Mind Over Murder and Fitz.