FFB: The Critics' Choice: The Best of Crime and Detective TV -- Max Allan Collins & Allan Javna

This book was published in 1988, so you might think it's a little bit out of date.  Not so, however, or at least not so in the ways that count.  It's still just as much fun to read and just as insightful as ever.  Not to mention just as opinionated:  ". . . we do not pretend to be the definitive volume on the subject.  We are here to have a good time -- to praise some shows, to bury others, and damn near ignore some that we don't care for."

How did the authors arrive at their rankings?  ". . . a poll taken among mystery fans, mystery writers, and TV critics.  A ballot was published in Mystery Scene, the news magazine of the mystery and horror field, and both fans and professionals were invited to participate; later, a slightly revised ballot was mailed to a select group of prominent mystery writers and critics [disclaimer: I was one].  Those participating were encouraged to make write-in selections and express dissenting opinions."

Here's something interesting.  While the amateur sleuth shows were closely bunched, with five shows in almost a tie for the top spot, in the private-eye area two shows were easily the favorites, The Rockford Files and Harry-O.  Mannix was "mostly unloved."  In the cop show field, Hill Street Blues and Dragnet were tops, with Cagney and Lacey at the bottom.

The book is full of essays on the shows, comments from critics, and photos.  Highly recommended.  Cheap copies abound on the internet.