Hamish Macbeth

Haven't read the books but like this series for all the reasons others gave, just started watching. From what I've seen & heard most people are disappointed if they see film versions after reading the book.

For the reviewer who had a question about the oxen, they are Scottish Highlands breed.

The main "star" of this series is the people who live in the town. They are all so much fun, and decent. We just end up wanting to live there.

The Constable, Hamish Macbeth, is sort of like Andy Griffith. The show doesn't revolve around him even though ostensibly he is the main character.

The writing is superb. Understated, wise, and funny. Macbeth maintains "law and order" in a wise, but unusual fashion. He doesn't sweat the small stuff.

Apparently the series does not follow the books very well, but we can't think of a reason why that should matter. Maybe the books were great.

But the series is nothing short of delightful.

I bought the full series on dvd and wasn't too keen on the first episode. However, the series has grown on me and each episode is quite unique - some episodes are zany and quite brilliant. The scenery is wonderful, there are some superb cameo roles and some small touches are very very funny.

I wholeheartedly recommend this series of the small town constable Hamish MacBeth. It does remind me a lot of Northern Exposure, but without the constant whining of Rob Morrow as Dr. Joel Fleishman. This series is so well written that it always makes you feel like you're a member of the village of Lochdubh. The scenery is gorgeous, the background music is perfect and the story lines are actually pretty simple with the focus on the people and their day to day lives. It is so refreshing to view a series that does not depend on outrageous situations to get by like ABC's Desperate Housewives....the Brits are light years ahead of anything that Hollywood can put out...and have been for decades. Both of my daughters ( ages 20 and 24) LOVE this series. I am sad they only made 3 seasons worth, but, each and every episode is first rate quality....even if I can't understand a lot of their dialog...their Scottish accent is accurate and hasn't been dumbed down for us Americans. A true first rate series that I will recommend to anyone.

It's a bit weird. And it's a lot Scottish. And it's a bit all over the place. Disembodied spirits. Crimes. Not crimes. Drama. And lil of the old slap and tickle. I can't believe it took us 26 years after the fact to discover this BBC Scotland gem! It's touching, it's funny at times, it's cute. It's inspiring. It's a who dunit. But mostly it's just Scottish. Really really Scottish. So glad we found this. I will DEFINITELY be buying the DVD's. I'd put this right up there with the best American televised cop shows. It's Jim Rockford meets Barney Miller. With westies! Give it a chance. You won't regret it.