The Detectives

This article is about the British series. For the American series of the 1950s, see The Detectives Starring Robert Taylor.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Detectives (1993-1997) was a British comedy series, starring Jasper Carrott, Robert Powell, and George Sewell. It was a spoof of police dramas, which were numerous in the 1990s, and it was aired on BBC One.

Related Topics:
1993 - 1997 - British - Comedy - Jasper Carrott - Robert Powell - George Sewell - Spoof - Drama - 1990s - BBC One

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Detectives originated from a 5-minute sketch which first appeared on Jasper Carrots sketch/stand-up show Canned Carrott. Because of its success, it was turned into a television series. There were a few differences from the sketch to the TV series, such as Bob Louis being married in the sketch, yet both he and Briggs are single and hopeless at romance in the series.

Related Topics:
Sketch - Canned Carrott

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Jasper Carrott and Robert Powell play the bumbling detective constables Bob Louis and David Briggs. They were hopeless at their job, to the despair of their "super" Frank Cottam (played by Sewell). However, they usually ended up solving their cases and retaining their jobs, though they came close to being fired on occasion. Louis was more downbeat, whereas Briggs tried to emulate the gung-ho cops shown on TV and in film.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The series has been compared to the series Special Branch (1969-74), but it bears more similarity to The Sweeney (1976-78). Cottam, the superintendent, is a spin on The Sweeney's Chief Inspector Haskins (played by Garfield Morgan).

Related Topics:
Special Branch - 1969 - 74 - The Sweeney - 1976 - 78 - Superintendent - Garfield Morgan

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Each episode showcased different guest stars, and some of them played the same characters they played in other television series. An example is Leslie Grantham's appearance as Danny Kane from The Paradise Club.

Related Topics:
Leslie Grantham - The Paradise Club

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~