Who remembers “Toma”? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Schmo · 10-30-2019, 01:16 PM

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”.

1960'sTVfan · 01-04-2020, 01:45 PM

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.

Duster76 · 01-09-2020, 11:28 PM

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).

1960'sTVfan · 01-10-2020, 12:04 PM

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.

baretta_finder · 05-18-2023, 03:59 PM

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.

10-30-2019, 01:16 PM	#1
Schmo Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 24, 2013 Posts: 466	Who remembers “Toma”? 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”.

01-04-2020, 01:45 PM	#2
1960'sTVfan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 30, 2009 Posts: 6,075	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.

01-09-2020, 11:28 PM	#3
Duster76 Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 01, 2008 Location: New jersey Posts: 1,644	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).

01-10-2020, 12:04 PM	#4
1960'sTVfan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 30, 2009 Posts: 6,075	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.

05-18-2023, 03:59 PM	#5
baretta_finder Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 13, 2023 Location: Canada Posts: 12	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.