What is it? Father Dowling Mysteries, complete series, 43 episodes on 10 discs from CBS DVD
How much? $29.98
When? Now
Who is Father Dowling? Father Frank Dowling (Tom Bosley) is a kindly priest in Chicago. But while he works hard managing the various fiscal and spiritual needs of the parish of St. Michael's, it's his hobby of solving crimes that really keeps him busy.
His love of mysteries has helped hone his exceptional observation and deductive reasoning skills. So, when he stumbles across a suspicious death or other criminal activity (which happens a lot), he can't help but get involved.
He's ably aided and abetted by Sister Stephanie "Steve" Oskowski (Tracy Nelson), a young, streetwise nun who grew up in a housing project and now serves as his driver and Girl Friday. She's devoted to Father Dowling and her talents for hotwiring cars, picking locks, hunting for clues and playing pool can come in very handy.
The police don't always appreciate their efforts/interference -- probably in part because Father Dowling and Sister Steve always manage to beat them to the punch.
Father Dowling and Sister Steve are looked after by his stern housekeeper, Marie Gillespie (Mary Wickes). And the ambitious, officious priest Father Philip Prestwick (James Stephens) usually provides comic relief.
What's it like? Like a lot of the other 1980s mystery series that featured an older amateur sleuth searching for bad guys with a light touch: Matlock; Diagnosis Murder; Murder, She Wrote.
It's not particularly challenging, but it is entertaining in a "cozy murder mystery" sort of way. Though later in the run, it does get into some more bizarre territory (like an appearance by the devil) that doesn't really work.
Are there extras? There are promos for almost every episode but, otherwise, no.
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Style on 06/18/2017