It wasn't meant to be a classic and admittedly it wasn't. But I doesn't mean it wasn't any good. Personally, at the time of the original broadcast I was too young to get the jokes or to be interested in the series. I even had no idea who Robert Powell was (other than the fact that at one point he had been crucified (Jesus Of Nazerath)). But now the DVD's are coming out, I'm getting back into them. Obviously, the humour has changed and I'm finding many of the jokes very 'of the time' and 'too tame' to some lines that I could put in. The only comment I could say against the first series is, why the hell put Jim Bergerac in it? He's got his own show! It might have seemed like a good idea at the time, but it just seemed odd to me. The issues tackled in this fantastic comedy/drama, are also very much of the time and are funny but only if you're old enough to remember them. Nothing these actors have done since matches this. Powell and Carrott, a perfect pairing! But(like The Thin Blue Line) this is worth a watch with an open mind.
11 Reviews
Top notch sitcom
unlisted14 March 2001
Fantastic show! One of those shows that will grab you for several episodes; great characters in bungled escapades. In North America, I rate its writing/humour as comparable to Third Rock and Drew Carey. In other words, good fun and wide appeal.
I live in Canada and this show appeared on our national station a couple of years ago with several other British gems like: Vicar of Dibley, Black Adder, Mr. Bean, Murder Most Horrid. No offense to Rowan A, whose work I always enjoy, but I much preferred The Detectives to The Thin Blue Line. I've been trying to find replays on TV constantly, but it's one of those that just didn't catch the limelight like it should have.
If you enjoy the kind of slapstick situations that brought fame to James Herriot, it's likely that you'll also enjoy The Detectives. Jasper Carrott's rubberized helpless faces kept me in stitches.
I live in Canada and this show appeared on our national station a couple of years ago with several other British gems like: Vicar of Dibley, Black Adder, Mr. Bean, Murder Most Horrid. No offense to Rowan A, whose work I always enjoy, but I much preferred The Detectives to The Thin Blue Line. I've been trying to find replays on TV constantly, but it's one of those that just didn't catch the limelight like it should have.
If you enjoy the kind of slapstick situations that brought fame to James Herriot, it's likely that you'll also enjoy The Detectives. Jasper Carrott's rubberized helpless faces kept me in stitches.
one of the British finest
adam-100915 June 2008
I know what some people will say - it's not "Fawlty Towers", it's not "Monty Python", so it's can't be that good. And here's where they will be wrong - England have produced at least dozen great comedy series on level that none of the US series would ever reach.
And "The Detectives" is one of those series - funny, entertaining and not too pushy about the humor - that's all I ask from comedy :) Despite that fifth season was on a little bit lower level still this is one of my favorite comedy series. Perhaps because there isn't unnecessary vulgarisms or boring "action" scenes - just simply stories with plenty of memorable quotes and hilarious situations.
If you haven't seen it you don't know what you're missing!
And "The Detectives" is one of those series - funny, entertaining and not too pushy about the humor - that's all I ask from comedy :) Despite that fifth season was on a little bit lower level still this is one of my favorite comedy series. Perhaps because there isn't unnecessary vulgarisms or boring "action" scenes - just simply stories with plenty of memorable quotes and hilarious situations.
If you haven't seen it you don't know what you're missing!
Detectives in touch with their inner children
IridescentTranquility28 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
To be fair to Briggs and Louis, they certainly are in touch with their individual inner children. We're talking about policemen here, policemen who argue like little children, and who couldn't even dream of missing their inter-departmental table-football tournament, complete - of course - with scale model of Wembley Stadium.
There is a sort of charmingly naive side to Briggs and Louis. Left to guard a high-security prisoner on a train, who else would fall for his claims to be seriously ill for long enough to let him escape? And not only escape - since Briggs and Louis have been handcuffed by the said convict to a British Rail toilet door, they're actually going to have to follow him (complete with door).
Jasper Carrott himself having very little hair, it was also another visually comic moment when the two were disguised as hippies to try to save their superintendent's environmentally friendly granddaughter from being arrested. Having a drink in the pub in the expected hippie costume, Briggs is amazed at the change in Louis when he realises the effect a long, blonde wig is having on his colleague.
Fortunately, satellite TV in Britain does occasionally treat me by repeating a couple of episodes now and then, but I just wish I could find the series on DVD.
There is a sort of charmingly naive side to Briggs and Louis. Left to guard a high-security prisoner on a train, who else would fall for his claims to be seriously ill for long enough to let him escape? And not only escape - since Briggs and Louis have been handcuffed by the said convict to a British Rail toilet door, they're actually going to have to follow him (complete with door).
Jasper Carrott himself having very little hair, it was also another visually comic moment when the two were disguised as hippies to try to save their superintendent's environmentally friendly granddaughter from being arrested. Having a drink in the pub in the expected hippie costume, Briggs is amazed at the change in Louis when he realises the effect a long, blonde wig is having on his colleague.
Fortunately, satellite TV in Britain does occasionally treat me by repeating a couple of episodes now and then, but I just wish I could find the series on DVD.
Sadly it seems forgotten, but this is a diamond quality show.
Sleepin_Dragon8 January 2017
What a shame that The Detectives seems to have been forgotten, it's only when you start watching them that you realise just how good they were. The writing, clearly on point, hilarious scripts, witty, good, honest family fun.
The performances throughout, just marvellous, Robert Powell, truly a class act, and Jasper Carrott having incredible timing and some of the funniest reactions you could possibly see. George Sewell manages to play their boss with an entirely straight face, what a professional actor.
It is no wonder the show attracted some wonderful guest actors, Herbert Lom, Rula Lenska and John Nettles to name just a few.
Some great episodes, the standout two for me are Dutch Cops and Sparring partners, both in particular feature some huge belly laughs and some wonderfully funny physical performances.
A forgotten gem.
9/10.
The performances throughout, just marvellous, Robert Powell, truly a class act, and Jasper Carrott having incredible timing and some of the funniest reactions you could possibly see. George Sewell manages to play their boss with an entirely straight face, what a professional actor.
It is no wonder the show attracted some wonderful guest actors, Herbert Lom, Rula Lenska and John Nettles to name just a few.
Some great episodes, the standout two for me are Dutch Cops and Sparring partners, both in particular feature some huge belly laughs and some wonderfully funny physical performances.
A forgotten gem.
9/10.
A Must Watch
lesleyannrobbo17 March 2022
Hilariously funny I got this on boxset a few years ago and never tire of briggs & louies antics my favorite episode is between a rock and a hard place so funny I'd definitely recommend watching this great comedy that doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
Forgotten gem
lizs12893 September 2020
I was gifted the box set and have been delighted to rewatch these shows. Yes, the humour is far from sophisticated but that is its strength. Have just watched S1E6 'Strangers in Paradise'. Barry Cryer stole the show - we were crying with laughter. It's great to pick out the stars who make appearances. Probably an age thing!
Good, clean fun
Bulldog720 July 2002
This show was, and still is, great fun as the two leading roles play off of each other perfectly. No-one else could play the ever insecure roles of Briggs and Louis as well as Powell and Carrott. This show, to the best of my recollection, was never touted as a TV classic and was meant to be one of those programmes that everyone loves. It was very successful in that. The only person who I have ever heard say they did not like it was American and, by their own admission, did not get some of the 'British humour'. This show was a class act all the way.
Very funny guys!
deedee20055 August 2002
As I live in the USA I've never seen any of The Detectives on television, but I belong to a network of Robert Powell fans and we have managed to get the tapes to each other with no problem. Robert and Jasper are a great team, and why they decided to film only five years of the show is beyond me. Those two are a riot! Sparring Partners was one of the funniest comedy shows I've ever seen. What a shame the show was never broadcast in the USA! I wish Jasper and Robert would consider making The Detectives: the Movie!!!! Hear that Robert?????
Finally on DVD!
Jattwood127 March 2006
Series 1 of "The Detectives" is finally coming to DVD on the 12th June 2006, that's according to play.com and amazon.co.uk, so at last we can enjoy these excellent shows again without having to hunt for the out of print VHS tapes. The DVD is being released by Cinema Club, according to amazon, so yet again the BBC have not got their act together and released it themselves. As with the classic comedy "Goodnight Sweetheart", released by Revelation Films, it seems it has taken another studio to release this wonderful show to the eagerly awaiting public. Although I'll bet that the BBC get royalties from the release because most DVD producers go to the BBC for permission unlike Revelation Films who seem to find another route which enables them to by-pass that permission. Anyway, it's still a big thank you to Cinema Club for finally getting the DVD out there. Now we just have to hope that all 30 episodes will be released, we don't want another fiasco like the "People Like Us" release where the subsequent series don't appear.
Direct from the 'sex and toilets' school of comedy...
movie-stu7 October 2001
I guess its pretty mediocre stuff at the end of the day, but its often so stupid you can't help but laugh - plenty of toilet gags. Almost every episode is (or seems to be) produced on a shoestring budget, and its certainly true the quality of them is a 'mixed bag'.
Ironically the 2 minute weekly sketch this series was developed from I always thought was the low point of Jasper Carrots show.
Remember comedy critics - theres loads of unfunny shows out there to knock before you pick on this one.
Ironically the 2 minute weekly sketch this series was developed from I always thought was the low point of Jasper Carrots show.
Remember comedy critics - theres loads of unfunny shows out there to knock before you pick on this one.
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