Next time, stick closer to the original story...it's simply better.

The 1981 Nero Wolfe series with William Conrad and the 2001 version with Maury Chaykin are very different. The main difference is that the 2001 series tries much harder to stick to the original Rex Stout stories and this story was the pilot episode of the 2001 show...and I loved it. I loved it so much that the 1981 version really disappointed me, as it was just way too different and the Stout story was great.

A friend of Archie's is shot by a sniper as he approached the door to Nero Wolfe's brownstone. Why would someone shoot the guy? In the original, this shooting didn't happen and the baddies were the FBI! But here...well, watch the show and see who's behind it and why.

To say this is a version of "The Doorbell Rang" is pretty ridiculous. It shares almost nothing with the original story, though it is mildly enjoyable. It does make you wonder why they even bothered calling the series "Nero Wolfe"!

The crime genre features criminal activities, investigations, law enforcement, crimes, and the pursuit of justice. Crime stories often revolve around the planning, execution, and consequences of criminal acts, as well as the efforts to solve and prevent such acts. They explore various aspects of criminal behavior, motives, and the moral dilemmas faced by both perpetrators and those seeking to uphold the law.

James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in The Sopranos (1999)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The mystery genre features the investigation and solving of a puzzle, typically a crime or an enigmatic event. Mysteries are known for their suspenseful narratives, intricate plots, and the challenge they present to readers or viewers to piece together clues and solve the central mystery alongside the characters.

Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. in Chinatown (1974)

An update of The Doorbell Rang. Archie Goodwin's friend is shot by a sniper on Wolfe's doorstep. Inspector Cramer warns Archie that he is being followed by an NYPD detective; Archie and Wolfe set a trap for the rogue elements from the NYPD.

Tim Thomerson in Death on the Doorstep (1981)

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Death on the Doorstep

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