Reboot Falls Flat - Price Prediction

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

Television often seems enamored with revitalizing iconic detectives from yesteryears, whether this affection is for preserving timeless classics or due to a scarcity of original concepts. Shows like Van der Valk, Magiret, Perry Mason, The Equalizer, and endless iterations of Agatha Christie’s and Sherlock Holmes’ stories exemplify this trend.

In this modernized, atmospheric rendition, it’s DCI Jim Bergerac, a beloved figure from the ’80s, who is now receiving treatment.

Prior to his role as Inspector Barnaby in Midsomer Murders, actor John Nettles gained widespread recognition by portraying the unconventional detective Bergerac in a BBC series. Set on the picturesque tax haven of Jersey, this show spanned over a decade and reached an audience of 15 million viewers at its peak.

1. The popular show ignited a surge in tourism to the Channel Islands and turned the rugged, sun-kissed character Nettles into an idol among housewives. At one point, a critic referred to him as “a mix of manliness and spice, entirely irresistible.”

2. The hit show caused a tourism boom in the Channel Islands and made the rugged, tanned Nettles an object of affection for many housewives. A critic at the time even called him “part man, part nutmeg, and all sex symbol”.

3. The successful series brought about a rise in tourism to the Channel Islands and turned the tough-as-teak, sun-kissed Nettles into a heartthrob for many housewives. One critic went as far as describing him as “half man, half nutmeg, but all sex god”.

4. The well-known show led to an increase in tourism to the Channel Islands and made the ruggedly handsome, sun-kissed Nettles a heartthrob for many housewives. In fact, one critic labeled him “half man, half nutmeg, but all sex symbol”.

5. The popular show triggered a tourism boom in the Channel Islands and turned the tough, tanned Nettles into a household name among housewives. At one point, a critic referred to him as “a mix of manliness and spice, entirely irresistible.”

34 years after the original series ended, U has given a modern twist to the character, not just reprising but reimagining it for today’s viewers. Charismatic Irish actor Damien Molony (from The Split and Brassic) steps into the role, infusing him with an angst-filled intensity and fashion sense befitting a rock star from an indie band.

In the revamped version, some distinctive features of the original story persist. Our protagonist continues to bear the scars of life’s hardships. Both characters share a past struggle with alcohol addiction, yet the previous character, Bergerac, was divorced and had a limp, while the new one is grappling with debilitating sorrow.

Initially, we encounter him at a help group, a man who’s been through hardship, struggling with personal issues following the loss of his wife six months prior, taking a leave of absence due to compassionate reasons.

In this updated version, homages to the original will satisfy longtime enthusiasts. The character Bergerac remains in his brown leather jacket and cruises around in a 1947 Burgundy Triumph Roadster. Regrettably, there’s no catchy reggae-inspired accordion theme song to be found.

In this captivating narrative, I find myself graced with the company of the exceptionally talented Zoë Wanamaker. She takes on the role of my late wife’s mother, Charlie Hungerford – a character originally male in the series – now reimagined as a strong female presence. Together we navigate the challenges of raising my 14-year-old daughter, Kim (Chloé Sweetlove), and working to prevent Bergerac from spiraling out of control.

The witty banter between Wanamaker and myself serves as a delightful contrast, with her sharp humor providing an excellent counterpoint to my cynical nature. These exchanges, brimming with barbs, are undoubtedly one of the most engaging aspects of the story.

In a different phrasing: Actor Philip Glenister, known for his portrayals of unconventional detectives, takes the lead alongside others in the series, playing the role of wealthy businessman Arthur Wakefield. His family, like many powerful families, harbors some disturbing secrets, as is often the case with influential dynasties.

In the tragic event of a family member’s murder in Wakefield, Police Chief Uma Dalal (played by Sasha Behar) insists on having her best detective handle the investigation, despite his ongoing struggles with grief and alcohol.

Solving the high-profile crime provides Bergerac with redemption and an opportunity for a new beginning. It’s a way for him to get his life organized once more, and most importantly, to demonstrate his worth to Kim.

In order for him to achieve success, he needs to overcome a power struggle with DI Barney Crozier (Robert Gilbert) at police headquarters in St Helier first. Crozier assumed control while the protagonist was away and isn’t fond of the unconventional methods of the rule-breaking, rebellious cop who has returned. Their strained, prickly relationship adds complexity to the case they are handling together.

Bergerac version 2.0 was penned by Toby Whithouse, a writer known for his work on shows like Doctor Who, The Game, The Red King, and the cult supernatural series Being Human, in which Molony portrayed a compulsively obsessive vampire.

Whithouse’s scripts are filled with witty dialogues. “I can’t stand listening to Piers Morgan anymore,” Charlie angrily remarks as she switches off her car radio, a change in format not helping his case.

In contrast to the original series where Bergerac tackled a new crime in each standalone episode, this version focuses on a single case that unfolds over the course of the six-part series. This provides more scope for detailed character development, but it also means the narrative moves at a slower pace, resembling the almost leisurely style often seen in Scandinavian dramas.

The island scenery is both windblown and sun-kissed. You can anticipate numerous scenes featuring characters deep in thought, staring contemplatively towards the ocean.

The formerly retired Nettles, now aged 81, has granted his approval for the comeback. Regarding his successor, he remarked, “I used to be like Cliff Richard; this one is more like Clint Eastwood.

In simpler terms, the original Bergerac series had a lighter, more lively tone, reminiscent of Death in Paradise, with our tough lead character chasing after charming swindlers and flashy thieves. The new version, however, is more like the show Grace, as it delves into a complex murder mystery and features a protagonist with a difficult history.

The outcome presents a strong cozy mystery that, apart from a few character names and the Jersey location, shares little similarities with its predecessor.

Similar to the current revival of Van der Valk on ITV, it lacks the loyalty to the original that fans appreciate, and doesn’t have enough excitement to attract a new audience. Molony delivers an excellent portrayal of the main character, but Nettles brought more edge to the role.

2025-02-27 12:09

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