This was easily the most creative and freshest of the detective series of the modern time frame from 1980 to 2020. The show revolves around the regular cast, who pretty much stay in the background to the actions of guest stars. That's pretty much how most good TV action shows work. For instance, shows like The Big Valley and The Virginian would have the regular players be the "passing crowd of the public" for whatever guest stars came around with their drama. In other words, the "drama kings and queens" come and go. In this show, there was always some ironic twist to a "cold case" of murder...