Simon & Simon Season 6 Episode 17 Tanner P.I. For Hire

Simon & Simon was a classic American detective television series that aired from 1981 to 1989. Starring Gerald McRaney and Jameson Parker as the titular brothers, it followed the ups and downs of two very different private investigators as they solved cases and got into trouble in their hometown of San Diego.

Season 6, episode 17, titled Tanner P.I. For Hire, finds Rick and A.J. Simon dealing with a case that hits closer to home than usual. When a former rival of A.J.'s from his college days shows up in town claiming to be a private investigator and looking for work, the Simons are skeptical. But when the man's first case turns deadly, the brothers must team up with him to solve the mystery.

The episode opens with A.J. (Parker) running into an old classmate from his days at Stanford, a man named Dean Tanner (played by guest star David Soul). Tanner is now a private investigator and has come to San Diego looking for clients. A.J. is polite but dismissive, assuming that Tanner is just another wannabe detective trying to make a quick buck.

Meanwhile, Rick (McRaney) is dealing with his own problems. His girlfriend, Cecilia, has just broken up with him and he's feeling down. To cheer him up, his brother suggests they take Tanner up on his offer of a free case. However, as soon as they start working with him, things start to go wrong. Their client, a wealthy businessman named Mason, is murdered in his home, and Tanner becomes the prime suspect.

The Simons don't believe Tanner is guilty but they also can't ignore the evidence against him. As they start investigating, they discover that Mason was involved in some shady business deals with a group of investors who may have wanted him dead. Meanwhile, Tanner reveals that he has a personal stake in the case, as his own mentor was murdered years earlier and he's been looking for the killer ever since.

The investigation takes the trio all over San Diego, from high-end hotels to shady bars. Along the way, they encounter a variety of colorful characters, including a hard-drinking ex-cop, a seductive journalist, and an eccentric artist. Each clue they uncover leads them closer to the truth about Mason's murder, as well as Tanner's past.

As always, the Simons use their unique combination of street smarts and book smarts to crack the case. Rick's muscular brawn and A.J.'s sharp mind are complemented by Tanner's own knowledge of the PI business. Together, they make a formidable team, even if they don't always get along.

By the end of the episode, the mystery is solved, and the Simons are able to clear Tanner's name. They also gain a newfound respect for him, as they learn that he's not just a flaky college rival but a competent and determined investigator in his own right. The episode ends with the three men parting ways, but with the possibility of future collaborations hanging in the air.

Overall, Tanner P.I. For Hire is a fun and engaging episode of Simon & Simon. It combines the show's trademark humor and action with a bit of intrigue and mystery, as well as a guest star whose chemistry with the main cast is undeniable. Fans of the show will enjoy seeing Rick and A.J. take on a case with a new partner, while newcomers will find plenty to enjoy as well.