Half Nelson

1 9 8 5 (USA)
8 x 60 minute episodes

Rocky Nelson (Joe Pesci) is a decorated undercover New York City cop with acting aspirations.

He sells his heroic story to Hollywood and moves to LA, but when he is denied the opportunity to portray himself, he takes a job as a private detective with the Beverly Hills Patrol, an expensive private security service started by celebrities who want to keep their lives safe and private.

His police experience certainly comes in handy, though it does not endear him to either his boss, Chester Long (Fred Williamson), or Detective Hamill (Gary Grubbs) of the Beverly Hills Police. Rocky is supposed to guard bejewelled poodles and manicured lawns, not solve crimes.

However, he finds that his diminutive stature allows him to sneak into secret places and obtain clues, simply because nobody takes such a little guy seriously.

Kurt (Dick Butkus) and Beau (Bubba Smith) are two of his fellow guards at the Patrol – all muscle and no brains – and Annie (Victoria Jackson) is the slightly daffy secretary and switchboard operator at the office.

Rocky likes the job mostly for the contact it gives him with celebrities, including his client and confidant, Dean Martin.

Rocky’s pitbull dog is called Hunk.

Rocky Nelson
Joe Pesci
Annie O’Hara
Victoria Jackson
Chester Long
Fred Williamson
Dean Martin
Himself
Kurt
Dick Butkus
Beau
Bubba Smith
Detective Hamill
Gary Grubbs

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