This one-season wonder starred Tony Musante as Newark detective David Toma, who often used elaborate disguises to catch criminals. ABC wanted to renew the series, but Musante only committed to one season and refused to reconsider. With Robert Blake hired to replace Musante, the series was retooled to become “Baretta”.

I remember the series existed and remember that it aired, but aside from that I recall nothing because I didn't watch this series back in the day when ABC ran it. I think it was fairly well received but Tony Musante didn't want to continue with it after the 1st season.

Schmo said:

"This one-season wonder starred Tony Musante as Newark detective David Toma, who often used elaborate disguises to catch criminals. ABC wanted to renew the series, but Musante only committed to one season and refused to reconsider. With Robert Blake hired to replace Musante, the series was retooled to become “Baretta” ".

retroTVfan4ever:

I remember the series existed and remember that it aired, but aside from that I recall nothing because I didn't watch this series back in the day when ABC ran it. I think it was fairly well received but Tony Musante didn't want to continue with it after the 1st season.

I didn't watch this show either and I always assumed it was cancelled because of low ratings. It does appear Musante agreed to only one season of 22 episodes, but he was in fact interested in continuing the show on a limited basis. He wanted to do around 10 ninety minute episodes a year (maybe thinking of the show in the same context as NBC's wheel series (Columbo, McCloud and McMillan and Wife).

Toma in a 90 minute time slot might have been interesting, those 90 minute/mini movie, cop/detective shows were sort of a trendy thing during that time. If Tony Musante presented the idea to ABC, they obviously rejected it as Toma was converted to Baretta with Robert Blake as the main star.

I have a few episodes myself. It's a terrific show. What incredible acting.

If anyone has any episodes they're willing to trade, please PM me.