In their prime, Charlie’s Angels characters had an advantage that no other private investigator or detective from that era could boast: They were hackers. And not just any hacker; they were experts in the cutting-edge technology of the time. In this article, we will explore how these cybercrime detectives used their expertise to catch bad guys, breaking all kinds of laws along the way. We’ll also examine why these crime-fighting ladies made such a big impact on pop culture and whether or not their specific brand of hacking would hold up in today’s world.
One of the many reasons why Charlie’s Angels characters have such a lasting legacy is because they were products of their environment. Each of their backstories was rooted in the 1970s, a time when technology was quickly becoming a part of everyday life but had yet to do so in a way that was accessible to the masses. These women were given a skill set that would be extremely helpful in their line of work, however, it would be difficult for anyone to replicate in a modern setting of the era. Cultural influences were encoded in their characters through their clothing. The Angels wore mini-skirts, go-go boots, puffy sleeves, and bell-bottom pants. This era-specific clothing was especially odd for investigators. After all, police officers usually don’t wear mini-skirts or go-go boots. But this was the era of Charlie’s Angels when fashion was at its most outlandish.
Angels Were Experts in Lock Picking
As if their surveillance skills weren’t invasive enough, the Charlie’s Angels characters were also experts in picking locks. They used this skill both in their stakeouts and when breaking into homes and businesses to steal information, as well as steal items. The Angels were skilled enough in lock picking to not only open standard locks but also to pick high-security locks. Lock-picking is a skill that has been around for many years. Back then, it was a skill that criminals only used, but nowadays it can be used by anyone. One of the most common ways to learn how to pick a lock is by using a set of training locks that are designed specifically for this purpose. These training locks are designed so that people can learn how to pick locks without having to steal a real lock or break the law.
Angels Had an Advantage When it Came to Stakeouts
The Charlie’s Angels characters were experts in surveillance, meaning that they were skilled at watching subjects without being detected. They used this skill extensively on stakeouts, often watching subjects for hours at a time.
A stakeout involved a person or team of people being physically on-site and concealed to view another party's activities from a safe distance. As part of the stakeout, people observed patterns and behaviors, often for several days, weeks, or months at a time, in order to coordinate a response to illegal or illicit activity. As new technologies entered the scene, photographers could take photos of the activity; video cameras could film a site or a person; audio equipment could be set up to listen in on the activities; eventually, computers could monitor data being transferred into and out of a location.
Angels Were Masters of Surveillance
The Angels had a wide array of tools at their disposal, one of which was an analog computer that could monitor and record phone calls. This computer utilized a primitive form of voice recognition software, allowing it to record and transcribe phone conversations with perfection. This computer allowed the Angels to monitor phone conversations without physically tapping any phones. While most modern computers are capable of monitoring and recording phone conversations, doing so without permission is illegal.
The Bottom Line
While the Charlie’s Angels characters were undeniably impressive and groundbreaking in their day, they don’t have the same impact in the modern era. This is due to the fact that their skill set is out-of-date and difficult to reproduce in today’s world. However, what these characters do have is a lasting cultural impact. They proved that women can be just as competent and effective as men, and they did so in a way that was both sexy and adventurous. By exploring the ways in which these women were different from the detectives of their era, we can also learn more about what these professions were like before technology made them more accessible and doable for everyday people.