The Detectives

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.

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.

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?????

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!

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.