The Last Detective – Series One
Picture: B-
Sound: B- Extras: C Episodes: C
Sometimes a genre spoof works and sometimes it does
not. Part of the trick is how far you
go to be funny. When it comes to
detective shows, The Rockford Files (reviewed elsewhere on this site)
managed to walk the fine line well enough to work, but The Last Detective
(2001) is not as fortunate. Peter
Davidson is Detective Constable “Dangerous” Davies, whose problems include
getting drunk (surpassing Quincy in this respect) and is the last man in
the office to get assigned to anything.
Sometimes, the assignments are by accident or by default,
but faster than you can say Sledge Hammer!, he finds himself on a case
whether the department likes it or not.
Remarkably, he has yet to be fired.
Based on an actual series of novels by Leslie Thomas, directors like
Nick Hurran (Undertaking Betty, reviewed elsewhere eon this site)
attempt a sense of American quirkiness while still being British enough, but it
never works out in the full-length telefilm pilot or other three episodes
here. Even Sean Hughes (The
Commitments) as partner Mod does not save the show from a lack of
focus. The shows are:
1) Pilot
2) Dangerous
By Moonlight
3) Tricia
4) Lofty
I kept waiting for the show to find its way, but except
for some rare moments that work, The Last Detective is a big
disappointment. Maybe the 1981 Val
Guest version with Bernard Cribbins will resurface as well. It will take time to consider why this one
just does not add up.
The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image has some detail
issues, but is color consistent and has its share of depth. Though this is not the best such transfer we
have seen of such digital High Definition materials, it is better than
most. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has
Pro Logic surrounds to match. Extras
are stills and text cast filmographies and bio/bibliography information on
author Thomas. Two more seasons
followed. Maybe we’ll see an
improvement in future sets.
- Nicholas Sheffo
