Cult Spy Icons: Ted Hoffman from 'Murder One'

The first season of 1995 cult drama Murder One was notable for its innovative structure, massive twists and labyrinth plot, but through all this one lone, portly figure presided over the series and held it together. Step forward criminal defence lawyer Theodore Hoffman.

Played with aplomb by Daniel Benzali, Hoffman was a world away from your average male leads. He had an expansive waistline, no hair and a countenance that can be diplomatically described as weathered. He was the antithesis of the airbrushed, anodyne types often used to spearhead shows and attract the right kind of demographic through simply looking 'hot'.

But Hoffman's looks, in conjunction with his austere yet soft-spoken voice and gigantic intelligence, were quickly trusted by hordes of viewers, who became hooked on his attempts to find the truth behind the murder of a young girl and exonerate his Hollywood film star client, who was quite possibly being framed. Hoffman was our constant reassurance amidst a narrative that covered just one court case in exhausting depth along its 23 episodes.

His sheer determination, coupled with an endearingly gruff manner, saw him lock horns with his businessman friend Richard Cross in a battle to uncover the truth behind the pivotal murder. This ultimately led to him uncovering a devilishly dark world of voyeurism and secret depraved video recordings.

We could also admire the dignified manner in which Ted Hoffman tried to keep his family life afloat during such a draining, high-profile case. Often prone to bouts of intellectual vanity and selfishness, he soon battled through his flaws to win back his wife after a threat of divorce and save his child from a crooked kidnap attempt.

With his compelling legal mind, sincerity and appeal, Theodore Hoffman may be deserving of a Cult Spy Icon accolade, but he didn't make the cut for the second season of Murder One. Replaced by Anthony LaPaglia, far more easy on the eye for the housewives, the sophomore season bombed. But at least the male lead looked good. Who cares about the quality of the show when you have that?