If murdered, which fictional TV detective do you want on the case?

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The discussion centers around preferences for fictional TV detectives to investigate a murder case. Columbo emerges as a popular choice, praised for his quick deduction skills and engaging style. Other notable mentions include Sherlock Holmes, with actors like Benedict Cumberbatch and Jeremy Brett highlighted for their portrayals, and Jim Rockford from "The Rockford Files," known for his charm and humor. The conversation also touches on various British detectives, such as Inspector Morse and characters from shows like "Minder" and "The Sweeney." Humor is prevalent, with references to the quirks of these detectives and their fictional worlds. The participants express a desire for detectives who would ensure justice is served, with some jokingly suggesting more unconventional choices like Dexter or even cartoon characters. Overall, the thread reflects a lighthearted exploration of beloved detective characters and their unique investigative styles.
  • #51
DrGreg said:
Of course! If you are deceased, it's only natural you'd seek the help of a deceased detective!
and his beautiful widow Jeannie, a great team.

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  • #52
Being a good TV detective is not just about having a beautiful woman in the team.

Notable mention, these guys, “The Sweeney”

John Thaw (on the left who played Regan) was a Manc and from Gorton where I grew up.

They did not always get their man but they always gave their best, broke the rules, clashed with higher management and still manage to party 1970s style.

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  • #53
This series was great too, set in Manchester in 1973 amazing music and plenty of tip of the hats to The Sweeney.

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  • #54
Probably still go with Columbo...
 
  • #55
pinball1970 said:
I give in, who are they?
the Eureka gang
 
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  • #56
  • #57
how about Detective Murdoch ?
 
  • #58
Bobthefreeradical said:
who dat?
'That' is Alexandra Bastedo
 
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  • #59
Talking of John Thaw, there is the brilliant Detective Chief Inspector Morse.

Inspector Morse was a detective with the Oxford City Police, known for his intellectual acumen, love of classical music, taste for the finer things, and his fondness for real ale. Morse often solved complex murder cases in and around the city of Oxford, assisted by his loyal and more down-to-earth colleague, Sergeant Lewis, played by Kevin Whately.

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  • #60
Then there is inspector Jacques Clouseau. Though being a bumbling and inept police detective, he would end up successfully solving the case by sheer luck.

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  • #61
If you happen to be a cartoon that has been murdered, there is the remarkably similar looking inspector John Gadget. Though it would be his niece Penny and his dog brain who would actually solve the murder. Although, to be honest, I don't recall there being a multitude of murders in the programme.

inspector_gadget___gadget___penny_and_brain_by_niallnorwood66_depbrc4-fullview.jpg
 
  • #62
julian said:
Then there is inspector Jacques Clouseau. Though being a bumbling and inept police detective, he would end up successfully solving the case by sheer luck.

View attachment 336913View attachment 336916
Although breaking a few priceless items in the process …
 
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  • #63
julian said:
Talking of John Thaw, there is the brilliant Detective Chief Inspector Morse.

Inspector Morse was a detective with the Oxford City Police, known for his intellectual acumen, love of classical music, taste for the finer things, and his fondness for real ale. Morse often solved complex murder cases in and around the city of Oxford, assisted by his loyal and more down-to-earth colleague, Sergeant Lewis, played by Kevin Whately.

View attachment 336912
We've gone a bit British, midsummer murders next! I will check out USA "Murder she wrote" She was a little bit Columbo from memory, so if you did get murdered you need her on the case.
However, seeing as every event she attended was where the murder was, avoiding her like the plague would probably extend one's life.
 
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  • #64
  • #65
Inspector Clouseau. If I'm following the case on the astral plane then I at least get some laughs out of it. And doesn't Clouseau always get his man?
 
  • #66
Sludge Hammer.


"Trust me. I know what I'm doing."
 
  • #67
Vanadium 50 said:
<ring> "Hi, Jim, it's Jamie at the police impound. They picked up your car again. Lately, they've been driving it more than you have."

<ring> "That number four you just picked up from Angelo's Pizza? Some scouring powder fell in there. Don't eat it. Hey, I hope you try your phone machine before dinner."
Yes, I loved the phone messages at the start of The Rockford Files. My personal favorite:

<ring>"Hi, Jim, this is <forgot name> at <forgot name of bar>'s Bar. Some guy named Angel Martin ran up a $200 tab and said to bill it to you. Are you gonna pay it?"
 
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  • #68
PeroK said:
Sherlock Holmes often lets the criminal off. For example, from the Blue Carbuncle:
Captain Crocker from The Abbey Grange is an even better example, since his crime was homicide (though arguably in self-defense), whereas Ryder's was just theft.
 
  • #69
PeterDonis said:
Yes, I loved the phone messages at the start of The Rockford Files

<ring>Mr. Rockford, Sue Ellen. Our class is that having crazy scavenger hunt I told you about. If you're wondering what happened to your trailer door, it's going to win me first prize!

PeterDonis said:
Some guy named Angel Martin
<ring>Jimmy, old buddy, buddy. It's Angel! You know they allow you one phone call? Well, this is it.

One of the most telling features of Rockford's personality was his loyalty, especially to Angel. Most of us would have taken the gun right out of the cookie jar and shot him. Of course, as we all know "the gun is for pointing, not shooting."
 
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  • #70
nsaspook said:
Sludge Hammer.


"Trust me. I know what I'm doing."

Konstnärliga illustration | Made in the 80s | Europosters
 
  • #72
Demystifier said:
Patrick Jane (Mentalist)
Are there any famous Croatian detectives?
 
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  • #73
PeroK said:
Are there any famous Croatian detectives?
Nope.
 
  • #74
PeroK said:
Are there any famous Croatian detectives?
Nero Wolfe was (sometimes) born in Montenegro. Does that count as close enough?
 
  • #75
In Back To The Future II Doc Brown and Marty figure out Biff killed George McFly so they functioned sort of as detectives. I would have them hired to solve my murder because with a time machine at their disposal, they could prevent it too! If not them then Joe Mannix is my choice.
 
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  • #76
Obviously I want the ne'er-do-well to have to answer to a rodent!
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  • #77
pinball1970 said:
Being a good TV detective is not just about having a beautiful woman in the team.

Notable mention, these guys, “The Sweeney”

John Thaw (on the left who played Regan) was a Manc and from Gorton where I grew up.

They did not always get their man but they always gave their best, broke the rules, clashed with higher management and still manage to party 1970s style.


View attachment 336893
Since you mentioned John Thaw, I'm surprised no one on this thread mentioned Inspector Morse.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inspector_Morse_(TV_series)
 
  • #79
Demystifier said:
Patrick Jane (Mentalist)
How many seasons did it take him to catch Red John? I'd prefer someone speedier.
 
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  • #80
Vanadium 50 said:
How many seasons did it take him to catch Red John? I'd prefer someone speedier.
He is not good in catching people with whom he's personally involved, it took him even more seasons to catch Teresa Lisbon. But when there is no personal involvement, he's quite fast. :smile:
 
  • #81
Demystifier said:
He is not good in catching people with whom he's personally involved, it took him even more seasons to catch Teresa Lisbon. But when there is no personal involvement, he's quite fast. :smile:
Actually that was one of my complaints of "The Mentalist" toward the end of the series. The "Patrick Jane/Teresa Lisbon love affair" didn't ring true to me -- I always felt the relationship between the two worked as a platonic relationship.

I also thought that the series kind of lost its footing after Red John was finally uncovered and caught. A shame, because otherwise I quite enjoyed the series.
 

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