The Detectives is a British comedy

Comedy

Comedy , as a popular meaning, is any humorous discourse or work generally intended to amuse by creating laughter, especially in television, film, and stand-up comedy. This must be carefully distinguished from its academic definition, namely the comic theatre, whose Western origins are found in...

 television series, starring Jasper Carrott

Jasper Carrott

Jasper Carrott OBE is a British comedian, actor, television presenter and personality.-Early life:...

, Robert Powell

Robert Powell

Robert Powell is an English television and film actor, probably most famous for his title role in Jesus of Nazareth and as the fictional secret agent Richard Hannay...

, and George Sewell

George Sewell

George Sewell was an English actor.-Early life and early career:The son of a Hoxton printer and a florist; Sewell left school at age 14 and worked briefly in the printing trade before switching to building work, specifically the repair of bomb-damaged houses...

. It was a spoof

Parody

A parody , in current usage, is an imitative work created to mock, comment on, or trivialise an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation...

 of police dramas, which were numerous in the 1990s, and it was aired on BBC One

BBC One

BBC One is the flagship television channel of the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It was launched on 2 November 1936 as the BBC Television Service, and was the world's first regular television service with a high level of image resolution...

. It was written by Mike Whitehill and Steve Knight.

Concept

The Detectives originated from a 5-minute sketch

Sketch comedy

A sketch comedy consists of a series of short comedy scenes or vignettes, called "sketches," commonly between one and ten minutes long. Such sketches are performed by a group of comic actors or comedians, either on stage or through an audio and/or visual medium such as broadcasting...

 which first appeared on Jasper Carrott's sketch/stand-up show Canned Carrott

Canned Carrott

Canned Carrott was a comedy stand-up and sketch-show by Jasper Carrott. Two of the regular sketches were "Wiggy" and "The Detectives"....

. 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 Dave Briggs being married in the sketch (to Brenda), yet both he and Louis are single and hopeless at romance in the series, and according to one plotline both virgins.

Jasper Carrott and Robert Powell play the bumbling detective

Detective

A detective is an investigator, either a member of a police agency or a private person. The latter may be known as private investigators or "private eyes"...

 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

Special Branch (TV series)

Special Branch is a British television series made by Thames Television for ITV and shown between 1969 and 1974. A police drama series, the action was centred on members of the Special Branch anti-espionage and anti-terrorist department of the London Metropolitan Police.The first two series were...

(1969–74), but it bears more similarity to The Sweeney

The Sweeney

The Sweeney is a 1970s British television police drama focusing on two members of the Flying Squad, a branch of the Metropolitan Police specialising in tackling armed robbery and violent crime in London...

(1976–78). Sewell had starred in Special Branch and his character, superintendent

Superintendent (police)

Superintendent , often shortened to "super", is a rank in British police services and in most English-speaking Commonwealth nations. In many Commonwealth countries the full version is superintendent of police...

 Cottam, is a spin on The Sweeney's Chief Inspector Haskins (played by Garfield Morgan

Garfield Morgan

Garfield Morgan was an English actor who appeared mostly on TV and occasionally in films.Born in Birmingham, Morgan was apprenticed as a dental mechanic before going to drama school. He started his acting career with the Arena Theatre, Birmingham...

). Moreover the original sketches were introduced by a blue-tinted sequence and musical score that parodied The Sweeney's opening titles.

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

Leslie Grantham

Leslie Michael Grantham is an English actor best known for his role as "Dirty" Den Watts in the soap opera EastEnders. He is also a convicted murderer, having served 10 years for the killing of a German taxi driver, and he generated significant press coverage as the result of an online sex scandal...

's appearance as Danny Kane from The Paradise Club

The Paradise Club

The Paradise Club is a BBC television drama starring Don Henderson and Leslie Grantham as Frank & Danny Kane. Two series were produced and were broadcast between 1989 and 1990....

- in another episode, John Nettles

John Nettles

John Vivian Drummond Nettles, OBE is an English actor, historian and writer who is best known for playing the lead roles in Bergerac and Midsomer Murders.-Early life:...

 and Terence Alexander

Terence Alexander

Terence Joseph Alexander was an English film and television actor, best known for his role as Charlie Hungerford in the British TV drama Bergerac.-Early life and career:...

 reprised their roles from Bergerac

Bergerac (TV series)

Bergerac was a British television show set on Jersey. Produced by the BBC in association with the Seven Network, and screened on BBC1, it starred John Nettles as the title character Detective Sergeant Jim Bergerac, a detective in "Le Bureau des Étrangers" Bergerac was a British television show...

.

All of the episodes have been released on DVD.

David Briggs (Robert Powell)

Briggs usually spoofs the leader of a crime-fighting duo that takes all the risks, leads the cases and comes up with the ideas, but is always unluckier in flirting with girls. He always thinks Bob a 'pessimist'. His hobbies include eating pilchards and Quavers

Quavers

Quavers are a British snack, originally made by Smiths, and now produced by Walkers. Walkers, part of the Pepsico family, purchased the Quavers brand in 1997 where it became one of the Frito Lay International brand names.- History :...

, watching football, art, trying to impress girls and watching Manchester United Football Club. His name is a reference to the creators' real life friend of the same name, who went on to develop Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is a television game show which offers large cash prizes for correctly answering a series of multiple-choice questions of increasing difficulty. The format is owned and licensed by Sony Pictures Television International. The maximum cash prize is one million pounds...

with them.

Bob Louis (Jasper Carrott)

Though being the cynic and the voice of reason, Bob Louis is as hopeless as Briggs at flirting with girls. Louis is usually better than Briggs in some ways. For instance Bob can play the guitar, while Briggs can only play Feelings

Feelings (song)

"Feelings" is a song based on a melody composed by Loulou Gasté and made famous by Morris Albert, who recorded it as a single released in 1974 that later appeared as the title track of his 1975 debut album. The song's lyrics, recognizable by their "whoa whoa whoa" chorus, concern the singer's...

on the mouth-organ

Harmonica

The harmonica, also called harp, French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used primarily in blues and American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes or multiple holes...

. In the Canned Carrott

Canned Carrott

Canned Carrott was a comedy stand-up and sketch-show by Jasper Carrott. Two of the regular sketches were "Wiggy" and "The Detectives"....

 sketches, he turned out to be already married, despite rumours to the contrary stating that they could have divorced. Like Jasper Carrott, he also supports Birmingham City

Birmingham City F.C.

Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...

. He likes doing the same things as Briggs (except for eating pilchards).

Superintendent Cottam (George Sewell)

Frank Cottam is a parody of George Sewell's earlier character in Euston Films drama Special Branch

Special Branch

Special Branch is a label customarily used to identify units responsible for matters of national security in British and Commonwealth police forces, as well as in the Royal Thai Police...

. Cottam usually gives Briggs and Louis dangerous assignments to get rid of them, but as the series progressed, he learnt that he was going to need them, one way or another.His judgements about them can change rapidly; for instance in the episode, 'Sparring partners',he gave them a dangerous job out of a 'perverted desire for revenge', but at the end, he said that they were 'damn fine officers'.

Nozzer (Tony Selby)

Nozzer is a desk sergeant at West End Central police station. A colleague of Briggs and Louis he turns up periodically in the series. His first episode was in 'Rear Window', although in this episode, Nozzer was a dog handler rather than a desk sergeant. He also appearred in DC of Love and Curse of the Comanches.

"Crusher"

Crusher is a police officer who is friends with Briggs and Louis. He hasn't been shown, but recurring references were made about him: the first was the episode 'Hostage' when apparently, he was driving a police van that dropped them off. In 'Acting constables' we hear his voice for the first time, but the voice is unknown.

DVD releases

• Series 1: June 2006
• Series 2: September 2006
• Series 3: October 2006
• Series 4: February 2007
• Series 5 and 'Go West, Old Man': April 2007
• The Complete Collection: 12 November 2007

Episodes

Series One
Title	First broadcast	Notes
What the Butler Saw	27 January 1993	The Earl of Lisson is cruelly slain at his country hotel, Louis and Briggs are called in to investigate. The murderer is obviously one of the weird assortment of staff and guests. But, Whoddunnit? The Detectives probe their suspects, including the mysterious Jerry Palmer (Jerry Hall).
Hostage	3 February 1993	It's F.A. Cup Final day and as Louis and Briggs settle in front of the telly with two crates of lager, another fanatic - of the killing kind - escapes from prison. As a dangerous situation develops the detectives are brought on as substitutes to play their part in a potentially dangerous game... With guest star Michael Melia.
Teed Off	10 February 1993	The Detectives take to the fairway to investigate suspected arms dealer and keen golfer Johnny McKenna (Jimmy Tarbuck). With a promotion up for grabs, the pair are keen to impress their boss, but when McKenna turns nasty, they find themselves in a whole new - and much more painful ballgame. Tony Jacklin makes a guest appearance.
Acting Constables	17 February 1993	Louis and Briggs take centre stage when they join the cast and crew of a TV drama as technical advisers. Intoxicated by a whiff of the greasepaint they fail to notice the real-life drama being acted out behind the scenes. Guest starring Anthony Head Anthony Head Anthony Stewart Head , usually credited as Anthony Head, is an English actor and musician. He rose to fame in the UK following his role in television advertisements for Nescafé Gold Blend , and is known for his roles as Rupert Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and as Uther Pendragon in... .
Studs	24 February 1993	The dim duo are in holiday mood as they sail for Jersey to investigate an international smuggling ring. Eager to bump up their expenses, Louis and Briggs put the investigation on hold while they soak up the sun, only to be brought firmly down to earth by local detective Jim Bergerac (John Nettles).
Strangers in Paradise	3 March 1993	When crime boss Tony Mazola is gunned down by mystery assassins, it seems that nothing can prevent all-out gang warfare. The killers have to be caught - and quickly. Specially selected for this dangerous mission, Louis and Briggs are sent undercover to a notorious East End club to keep an eye on prime suspect Danny Kane (Leslie Grantham). Also starring Barry Cryer.
Series Two
Collared	2 March 1994	Suspended after an unfortunate incident involving the Queen, Briggs and Louis decide to regain favour by nicking some serious East End villains.
Witness	9 March 1994	Two tough detectives are required to go undercover at a monastery. Unable to find any, the Super employes Briggs and Louis.
Never Without Protection	16 March 1994	A Duchess keeps appearing in the tabloids canooding with her police bodyguards. What the Super needs are two completely unappealing detectives...
Dutch Cops	23 March 1994	On Customs and Excise duty in Felixstowe, Bob and Dave manage to get themselves trapped in the back of a pilchard lorry - and Bob hates pilchards. A tenuous line of reasoning brings Dave to the conclusion that they must be in Venice - when in fact they're in Amsterdam. Unbeknown to then, they are also in possession of a large quantity of diamonds that had been smuggled there in the lorry - attracting the attention of the "wrongful owners"... Guest starring Herbert Lom.
Sparring Partners	30 March 1994	A natural steroid that promotes raw aggression has been developed, and the British Boxing Board of Control is worried that a certain trainer may be using it on his boxers. Briggs and Louis masquerade as the manager and trainer of a more athletically built policeman, working undercover at said trainer's gym. However, they are rather more interested in the drug's side effects, which include enhanced sexual prowess and drive... Guest starring Tim Healy.
Rear Window	6 April 1994	While Louis is comfined to a wheelchair, he witnesses a brutal crime of passion, but has trouble convincing Briggs that it wasn't all in his mind.
Series Three
D.C. of Love	9 January 1995	As a lonely and meaningless retirement beckons after 25 years on the force, the boys are given the task of finding 'The Black Widow' after a series of gruesome lonely hearts murders.
Flash	16 January 1995	After mixing their drinks at the policemen's ball, Louis and Briggs confront a new horror involving a flasher, a marquess and the commissioner's wife.
Art Attack	23 January 1995	When forced to transfer into the Fine Arts Squad, our heroes are despatched to recover the latest artistic creation of 'enfant terrible' Hadyn Smailes - a pair of maracas, a tin of peaches and a fish tank of the artist's own urine.
On Thin Ice	30 January 1995	When Briggs and Louis investigate an attack on a top figure skater, the pair wind up on ice but fail to gain marks for artistic interpretation.
Between A Rock And A Hard Place	6 February 1995	After 30 years of watching and waiting, Superintendent Cottam ropes the boys into helping him catch notorious bullion thief, Ronnie Richardson. Guest starring Mike Reid.
Twitchers	13 February 1995	Briggs and Louis are assigned a case protecting the eggs of a newly-discovered breeding pair of red kites. Their unenthusiasm turns to panic as the eggs are stolen. Guest starring Bill Oddie.
Special
Thicker Than Water	23 December 1995	'Tis the season to be jolly! And whilst others may be celebrating, our plucky detective duo can only think of one thing - avoiding the dreaded Christmas duty. As Briggs and Louis settle down for Christmas dinner, a renowned criminal attempts to break in. But will a Christmas mugging turn into a family reunion for Louis?
Series Four
The Great Escaper	15 February 1996	Louis and Briggs are cuffed to a notoriously slippery customer as they escort him to his latest prison by train. So how do they end up crossing the Yorkshire moors carrying a toilet door?
Fur Coat, No Knickers	22 February 1996	Louis and Briggs are called in to investigate a murder that has taken place during the re-creation of a medieval battle scene. However, they are more concerned with the police football quiz.
Back to Class	29 February 1996	Drugs are found in the locker of a girl at a private school. In an appeal against her expulsion, she claims they have been planted by her socialite classmates. Bob and Dave are assigned to the case, but they can't keep their minds off the fact that Myrtle the Turtle, the last female member of a very rare species, has just died while under their supposed protection.
Sacked	7 March 1996	A new female Superintendent takes over the department. She decides a clean sweep is needed and Briggs & Louis are useless so it's time for them to go. Surely this isn't the end for the bumbling duo?
The Wembley Stadium Mystery	14 March 1996	D.C. Boyle, the son of the commissioner, has joined the police force and his father has ordered that he not be treated any different from the others. So Frank puts him with Briggs & Louis, who are assigned to guard Wembley Stadium that weekend. However, they have their minds on winning the police table football tournament.
Series Five
Special Branch	14 January 1997	The Superintendent selects the duo for a particularly sensitive assignment. His granddaughter has become involved in an anti-road protest and he needs Louis and Briggs to 'rescue' her.
Cardiac Arrest	21 January 1997	A gang member is shot by police during a getaway and is unconscious in hospital. The gang leader wants to ensure that he doesn't turn King's Evidence by killing him before he comes round. Briggs and Louis are assigned to protect the unconscious gang member while he is in hospital - giving Bob all sorts of opportunities to express his hypochondria.
The Beast Of Hackney Marshes	28 January 1997	A night patrolling the marshes, on the lookout for an escaped bear, is really not our heroes had in mind - particularly when their umbrella act for the Super's variety show is really coming together.
The Curse Of The Comanches	4 February 1997	When Briggs and Louis, helped by a mysterious Comanche Chief, go on the hunt for a sacred Indian carving, they soon find themselves on the trail of tragedy, death and disaster.
Best Man	11 February 1997	Much to his and everybody else's astonishment, Briggs is chosen to be best man at a colleague's wedding. When he discovers just who the bride's father is, Briggs isn't exactly keen either...
Mine's A Large One	18 February 1997	Briggs and Louis have found their true vocation during a job swap scheme - the river police. With peace, quiet and the total absence of any kind of crime, it seems like paradise. Then the boat runs into an unexploded World War II river mine...
Special
Go West, Old Man	28 December 1997	After years of stress due to being responsible for useless bungling detectives, Chief Superintendent Cottam suddenly disappears. Bob and Louis follow his trail all the way to Canada to try to get him to come back to England but will he be easily persuaded?