Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) (2000 TV series)

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Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)
Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) title card.jpg
Created by Dennis Spooner
Starring Vic Reeves
Bob Mortimer
Emilia Fox
Tom Baker
Charlie Higson
Theme music composer David Arnold
Tim Simenon
Composer Murray Gold
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series2
No. of episodes13
Production
Executive producerSimon Wright
Producer Charlie Higson
CinematographyJohn Ignatius
Running time49-51 minutes
Production company Working Title Television
Original release
Network BBC One
Release18 March 2000 (2000-03-18) –
10 November 2001 (2001-11-10)

Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) is a British television series, produced by Working Title Television for BBC One, written and produced by Charlie Higson. It is a revival of the 1960s television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) and stars Vic Reeves as Marty Hopkirk and Bob Mortimer as Jeff Randall, two partner private detectives, Emilia Fox as Jeannie Hurst, Hopkirk's fiancée, and Tom Baker as Wyvern, a spirit mentor. Two series were commissioned and were broadcast in 2000 and 2001 with the pilot episode airing 18 March 2000.

Contents

In keeping with the original series, in the initial episode Hopkirk is murdered during an investigation and returns to Earth as a ghost tied to his partner Randall. Randall is the only living main character who is able to see him (though occasionally other characters can). The remake paid much more attention to where Hopkirk went when he was not on Earth than the original and introduced Limbo, a place where he could meet other ghosts. It also introduced the character Wyvern, a mentor who helps Hopkirk hone his powers, introduces him to other ghosts, and is terrible at poetry. The remake also made Jeannie a more central character than the original and changed her status to Hopkirk's fiancée, rather than widow, allowing for a love-triangle element between the three main characters to form.

Background

Two series were made, the first in 1999 (broadcast in 2000) and the second in 2001. The show was produced by Charlie Higson, who also directed some episodes. Writers for the series include Gareth Roberts, Mark Gatiss and Jeremy Dyson, Paul Whitehouse, and Higson. [1] When the rights to the series were first obtained by WTTV, Simon Wright, the company's executive producer and president, envisaged the series as a straight thriller, but this changed after he suggested casting a comedian as Marty Hopkirk with Robbie Coltrane and Rik Mayall originally considered for the role. [2] After discovering that the rights had been bought by WTTV, Reeves and Mortimer showed a strong interest in the two lead roles. After being offered the roles, the pair suggested Charlie Higson as writer.

Mortimer was initially to play Marty Hopkirk, to echo the physical characteristics of the original actors, but this was changed as Higson felt that Reeves' "manic energy" better suited Hopkirk's personality and situation. [3] Reeves and Mortimer are both fans of the original series, with Reeves citing Hopkirk as the inspiration behind his all-white outfit in the pilot episode of Vic Reeves Big Night Out . [4]

Reeves, Mortimer and Higson's connections helped to draw in many cameos and guest stars from the comedy world and beyond, to play bit parts or larger roles in individual episodes. Guest stars include Hugh Laurie, Derek Jacobi, Simon Pegg, Mark Gatiss, Charles Dance, Matt Lucas, David Walliams, Reece Shearsmith, and Martin Clunes. Higson himself cameos in every episode, twice as characters who appear in more than one: these were Gomez the Limbo barman in "A Blast from the Past" and "Marshall and Snellgrove" and civil servant Bulstrode in "Paranoia" and "Pain Killers".

Many episodes include story lines or mentions that pay homage to the original series. In the fifth episode of series one, a clip of Mike Pratt - who played Jeff Randall in the original series and had died before the new series was created - was used, from the episode "The Smile Behind the Veil". Kenneth Cope, who played the original Marty Hopkirk, was asked to cameo, but declined. [5] Place names also paid homage to the original series: Spooner Drive and Berman Street - after creator Dennis Spooner and producer Monty Berman - are used in the first episode of series one; and Cope House - after Kenneth Cope - is the name of the building where the duo's office is based.

Episode list

Series 1

Episode numberTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateAudience (millions)
1"Drop Dead" Mark Mylod Charlie Higson 18 March 2000 (2000-03-18)10.63
Whilst working for a troubled artist, Marty is killed by the artist's apparently suicidal wife, but all is not as it seems and Marty is allowed one night to return and solve the mystery of his murder. Guest starring David Tennant, Charles Dance, Mark Gatiss and Steve Pemberton.
2"Mental Apparition Disorder" Rachel Talalay Charlie Higson, based on original story by Mike Pratt and Ian Wilson25 March 2000 (2000-03-25)8.1
After revealing to Jeannie that he can talk to the ghost of Marty, Jeff finds himself spending a week at a psychiatric retreat. However, the doctor running the retreat has a terrible secret. Guest starring Martin Clunes, Hugh Laurie, Steven Berkoff, Fiona Allen and Richard Todd.
3"The Best Years of Your Death"Mark MylodCharlie Higson1 April 2000 (2000-04-01)6.29
After receiving a disturbing message from Jeannie's nephew, she and Jeff go undercover at the boy's new boarding school and discover a horrific secret. Guest starring Peter Bowles and Anthony Daniels.
4"Paranoia"Charlie HigsonCharlie Higson and Paul Whitehouse 8 April 2000 (2000-04-08)6.09
Hired to protect a man who will shortly be presenting evidence of several politically damaging events, the duo find themselves protecting their client from assassins determined to obtain and sell the secrets themselves. Guest starring Paul Rhys, Alexis Denisof, Simon Pegg, Simon Day, Arabella Weir, Rhys Thomas and Tony Way.
5"A Blast From the Past"Rachel TalalayCharlie Higson15 April 2000 (2000-04-15)6.06
When a retired policeman turns up asking for help to locate an old enemy, Marty finds himself on the run from the ghost of the criminal's brother, who is seeking revenge for his death at the hands of Marty's father. Guest starring Paul Whitehouse, Mark Benton, Dudley Sutton and Patrick Ryecart.
6"A Man of Substance"Mark MylodCharlie Higson22 April 2000 (2000-04-22)N/K (<5.85)
Whilst investigating the disappearance of a businessman, the pair find themselves stuck in a mysterious village whose inhabitants are able to both see and hear Marty. Guest starring Gareth Thomas, Elizabeth Spriggs, Phil Smeeton and Hugh Lloyd.

Series 2

Episode numberTitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
7"Whatever Possessed You" Metin Huseyin Charlie Higson and Gareth Roberts 29 September 2001 (2001-09-29)
Jeff and Jeannie check into a remote hotel which has been the site of various murders going back almost 50 years. Marty returns to help and discovers a supernatural element to the mystery. Guest starring David Walliams, John Thomson, Hywel Bennett and Janet Henfrey.
8"Revenge of the Bog People"Charlie HigsonCharlie Higson and Kate Woods6 October 2001 (2001-10-06)
Jeff runs into an old flame and agrees to re-open an old case in order to attempt to clear her father's name. Guest starring Matt Lucas, Celia Imrie, Mark Williams, Freddie Jones and Adam Buxton.
9"O Happy Isle"Metin HuseyinCharlie Higson13 October 2001 (2001-10-13)
A young man is found dead on a small island. According to the local police it was a simple suicide, but Jeff and Marty suspect the locals have something to hide at the local brewery. Guest starring John Sessions, Ford Kiernan and George Baker.
10"Pain Killers"Charlie HigsonGareth Roberts20 October 2001 (2001-10-20)
Hired to investigate the death of an undercover agent, Jeff and Jeannie meet a mysterious man who is attempting to recreate a rainforest ecosystem in an underground facility, but why? Guest starring Derek Jacobi, Dervla Kirwan, Duncan Preston and Alibe Parsons.
11"Marshall & Snellgrove"Metin HuseyinCharlie Higson27 October 2001 (2001-10-27)
A case involving feuding twins and a large inheritance goes horribly wrong when one of a rival detective duo is seemingly killed by one of the twins. Rather than 'going up' the deceased detective begs Marty to help him solve his own murder. Guest starring Colin McFarlane.
12"The Glorious Butranekh"Charlie HigsonCharlie Higson3 November 2001 (2001-11-03)
After receiving a call from their old secretary, the detectives travel to Latvia to solve the disappearance of their old friend's husband and baby son. Guest starring Pauline Quirke.
13"Two Can Play That Game" Steve Bendelack Mark Gatiss and Jeremy Dyson 24 November 2001 (2001-11-24)
Jeannie goes missing and whilst tracking her down Jeff finds himself trapped in an abandoned department store. Meanwhile, after Marty and Jeff have a falling out Marty finds himself in a part of the afterlife filled with other ghosts who also fell out with their chosen ones, but they don't seem to want him to leave. Guest starring Roy Hudd, Eleanor Bron and Reece Shearsmith.

Soundtrack

A soundtrack album to the series was released by Island Records in 2000. [6] The show's theme, which plays over the opening titles of the series, was written by David Arnold but was not included on the soundtrack album.

Incidental music for the show was written by Murray Gold who also wrote various stings and pieces based on Arnold's theme. An original song, "My Body May Die", was written for the show by Pulp and featured The Swingle Sisters. This song became associated with Marty's character when he was onscreen. [7]

Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) The Soundtrack
No.TitleArtistLength
1."Theme from Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)" Nina Persson & David Arnold 4:13
2."Jus' Tonight" Basement Jaxx feat. Gwyn Jay Allen3:59
3."Confusion" James 3:41
4."My Beautiful Friend" The Charlatans 4:02
5."My Body May Die" Pulp vs The Swingle Sisters3:53
6."Eve" Spacek 5:07
7."Hamlet of Kings" The Orb 2:17
8."To You Alone" The Beta Band 4:52
9."Carnival of Drums" Talvin Singh 6:40
10."U.S. Roach" Gay Dad 4:08
11."Zero Zero" Witness 3:46
12."Dead Things" Emiliana Torrini 4:24
13."Blue Eyes" Lewis Taylor 3:44

A vocal version of the theme sung by Nina Persson of The Cardigans was also released in 2000 and featured in the episode "Revenge of the Bog People". [8] The vocal version was originally written as a duet, with Reeves to sing with Persson. [7] While not featuring on the final theme, a bonus track sung by Reeves was included on the single, a cover of "Ain't That a Kick in the Head?". The extended instrumental of Arnold's theme was also included as a B-side on the single.

Theme from Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)
No.TitleArtistLength
1."Theme from Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)" Nina Persson & David Arnold 4:13
2."Theme from Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)" (instrumental)David Arnold4:24
3."Ain't That a Kick in the Head?" Vic Reeves 2:25

Books

A tie-in book Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased): the files was released after the second series, written by Andy Lane with an introduction by Charlie Higson. [9]

Two novelisations of the series were also released, Ghosts from the Past, [10] written by Graeme Grant and Ghost in the Machine [11] by Andy Lane. Both were published by Macmillan Publishers.

See also

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"My Late Lamented Friend and Partner" is the pilot episode of the 1969 British television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) starring Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope and Annette Andre. The episode was first broadcast on 21 September 1969 on ITV and directed by Cyril Frankel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Disturbing Case</span> 2nd episode of the 1st season of Randall and Hopkirk

"A Disturbing Case" is the second episode of the 1969 British television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), distributed by ITC Entertainment and starring Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope and Annette Andre. The episode was first broadcast on 28 September 1969 on ITV. It was directed by Ray Austin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">That's How Murder Snowballs</span> 5th episode of the 1st season of Randall and Hopkirk

"That's How Murder Snowballs" is the fifth episode of the 1969 ITC British television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) starring Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope and Annette Andre. Directed by Paul Dickson and written by Ray Austin, the episode was first broadcast on 19 October 1969 on ITV.

Just for the Record (<i>Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)</i>) 6th episode of the 1st season of Randall and Hopkirk

"Just for the record" is the sixth episode of the 1969 ITC British television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) starring Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope and Annette Andre. The episode was first broadcast on 25 October 1969 on ITV. Directed by Jeremy Summers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whoever Heard of a Ghost Dying?</span> 8th episode of the 1st season of Randall and Hopkirk

Whoever Heard of a Ghost Dying? is the eighth episode of the 1969 ITC British television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) starring Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope and Annette Andre. The episode was first broadcast on 9 November 1969 on ITV. The episode was directed by Ray Austin.

For the Girl Who Has Everything (<i>Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)</i>) 12th episode of the 1st season of Randall and Hopkirk

"For the Girl who Has Everything" is the twelfth episode of the 1969 ITC British television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) starring Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope and Annette Andre. The episode was first broadcast on 6 December 1969 on ITV. Directed by Cyril Frankel, it featured Lois Maxwell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">But What a Sweet Little Room</span> 13th episode of the 1st season of Randall and Hopkirk

"But What a Sweet Little Room" is the thirteenth episode of the 1969 ITC British television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) starring Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope and Annette Andre. The episode was first broadcast on 14 December 1969 on the ITV. Directed by Roy Ward Baker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">When the Spirit Moves You</span> 16th episode of the 1st season of Randall and Hopkirk

"When the Spirit Moves You" is the sixteenth episode of the 1969 ITC British television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) starring Mike Pratt and Kenneth Cope. The episode was first broadcast on 2 January 1970 on ITV and was directed by Ray Austin.

A Sentimental Journey (<i>Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)</i>) 19th episode of the 1st season of Randall and Hopkirk

"A Sentimental Journey" is the nineteenth episode of the 1969 ITC British television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) starring Mike Pratt and Kenneth Cope. The episode was first broadcast on 23 January 1970 on the ITV. It was directed by Leslie Norman. In this episode Marty learns to search every hotel room in London quickly and is able to blow an entire small aircraft across the runway. Annette Andre does not appear in this episode. The absence of Jeannie Hopkirk, as with her lack of appearance in "When the Spirit Moves You", is not explained in this episode. Also as with "When the Spirit Moves You", Andre still receives a credit at the end of this episode, despite her lack of appearance.

The Trouble with Women (<i>Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)</i>) 23rd episode of the 1st season of Randall and Hopkirk

"The Trouble with Women" is the twenty-third episode of the 1969 ITC British television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) starring Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope and Annette Andre. The episode was first broadcast on 28 February 1970 on ITV. It was directed by Cyril Frankel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vendetta for a Dead Man</span> 24th episode of the 1st season of Randall and Hopkirk

"Vendetta for a Dead Man" is the twenty-fourth episode of the 1969 ITC British television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) starring Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope and Annette Andre. The episode was first broadcast on 27 February 1970 on ITV. It was directed by Cyril Frankel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Smile Behind the Veil</span> 26th episode of the 1st season of Randall and Hopkirk

"The Smile Behind the Veil" is the final episode of the 1969 ITC British television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), starring Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope, and Annette Andre. The episode was first broadcast on 13 March 1970 on the ITV and was directed by Jeremy Summers.

Money to Burn (<i>Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)</i>) 20th episode of the 1st season of Randall and Hopkirk

"Money to Burn" is the twentieth episode of the 1969 ITC British television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) starring Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope and Annette Andre. It was directed by Ray Austin.

Who Killed Cock Robin? (<i>Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)</i>) 14th episode of the 1st season of Randall and Hopkirk

"Who Killed Cock Robin?" is the fourteenth episode of the ITC British television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), starring Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope and Annette Andre. The episode was first broadcast on 21 December 1969 on ITV.

References

  1. ↑ "IMDB: Full cast and crew". IMDb .
  2. ↑ Lane, Andy (2001). Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased): the files. London: Boxtree. p. 14. ISBN   0-7522-2356-9.
  3. ↑ Lane, Andy (2001). Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased): the files. London: Boxtree. p. 17. ISBN   0-7522-2356-9.
  4. ↑ Lane, Andy (2001). Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased): the files. London: Boxtree. p. 46. ISBN   0-7522-2356-9.
  5. ↑ O'Brien, Stephen (April 2000). "Beyond Our Ken". SFX Magazine (63): 90–91.
  6. ↑ "Randall and Hopkirk soundtrack album". Island Records. 2000.
  7. 1 2 Lane, Andy (2001). Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased): the files. London: Boxtree. p. 115. ISBN   0-7522-2356-9.
  8. ↑ "Theme from Randall and Hopkirk". Island Records. 2000.
  9. ↑ "Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased): the files".
  10. ↑ Graeme Grant. "Ghosts from the Past".
  11. ↑ Andy Lane. "Ghosts in the Machine".
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