TheJiveMaster
Nowadays most younger television viewers would think of DCI Barnaby solving murders in the fictional yet dangerous Midsommer whenever the name John Nettles is mentioned. However his rise to fame came in the 1980's series Bergerac. Nettles played Detective Seargeant Jim Bergerac, a detective with Jersey's Bureau Des Etrangers. The background to this character was that he was a recovering alcoholic who had returned to his native Jersey following a serious accident whilst on duty and the breakdown of his marriage.The background to Jim Bergerac was complex but was skillfully played by Nettles. His appearance was as a charismatic generally amiable character. His hardness usually came out when dealing with criminals or attempting to get information. His approach to solving crime is often unorthodox and usually against the wishes and orders of his superiors.The most notable supporting character of the series is the cigar toting Charlie Hungerford played by Terence Alexander. The initial sniping between the two characters and the later friendship that develops between them is a nice diversion. Alexander also provided a slight comedic element to the show due to his money making schemes and other slightly shady dealings.Bergerac was a good series for the 1980's and is still of a high quality today. It portrayed a seedy world under the glamour of tax exiles living in Jersey. It was filmed in a 50 minute format popular until 2000 which allowed it to be easily sold to commercial channels and as such it lacks a bit of substance compared to modern dramas. This does make it easy to watch as the crimes are easy to solve for the armchair detective. One thing that is grating though is the lack of conclusion to each episode or recrimination afterwards.In general the series is still well worth watching even after nearly 30 years of debuting on television.
redram91
I am 15 years old and have been watching Bergerac for only a few months. Nevertheless I have given the show a lot of thought and have formulated a few ideas. It is quite entertaining to say the least. There is no episode (that I have seen) that is completely boring, but I'm sure some exist.Its roots definitely exist in Secret Agent starring Patrick McGoohan. The cinematography, the acting, the direction, the writing, and certainly the music. In fact, most of the writers and directors were Secret Agent veterans. However, the writing is still crisp, and the show always has fresh twists that you won't be able to guess.The filming is wonderful. Although the first few seasons are a bit low budget, the scenery of Jersey makes up for this fact. The music, especially the piano and the end music where "John Nettles" is credited is wonderful. I particularly love those ominous or poignant endings which freeze and turn to the creepy music where the credits are given. John Nettles, whom I enjoy watching on Midsomer Murders, is not wonderful in the first few episodes, but he quickly picks up the role. The guest stars are also superb. The scripts, as I mentioned before, are really original. I won't give too much away but be sure to check out episodes like House Guests, S.P.A.R.T.A., Last Chance for a Loser, Campaign of Silence, Fires in the Fall, or Ice Maiden. Previous viewers have commented on the lack of reality due to the high body count. OK, who cares? Do you really think James Bond, Secret Agent, Miami Vice, or even Law and Order maintain reality ALL the time? Absolutely not. But, the show is much more intelligent than most of the TV shows made nowadays or even during the 80s. Although somewhat dated and somewhat poorly produced during the first couple seasons, this show will always be one of my favorites due to its creativity, witty dialogue, and plot.
Big Movie Fan
I have looked at a few of the comments about this show and I pretty much agree. Bergerac was suitable if you're stuck in on a rainy day and have nothing much to do but it isn't the most memorable show ever.As was noted by one reviewer, the body count for this show was ridiculous. With all the murders that were taking place on the island resort of Jersey, there would have been no-one left. The show was supposed to be realistic but no way on earth could there have been the crime in real life Jersey that was on this show.However, nitpicking aside, there were a few decent episodes. Nothing too memorable but a few things of enjoyment.As I said earlier, watch the episodes if you're stuck indoors but I wouldn't recommend spending your money chasing episodes on video.
natalyajane
I love Bergerac it is my favourite British tv cop drama, I have searched everywhere and wonder if anyone can put me onto where I can buy the series as britannia, Amazon, Choices and other big companies do not stock it anymore,thanks to anyone who might reply
