Watching the Detectives

12 Columbo (1968-2003) –

The uncombed American detective, played by Peter Falk, first appeared in a TV movie before the first series of Columbo began in 1971. His apparent absent-mindedness and shambolic style lulled his suspects into a false sense of security, but he was always quick to guess who the culprit was. With each episode unfolding from the criminal’s point of view, we saw them trying to cover their tracks as the net closed in on them.

Columbo was a huge success and a host of famous names appeared in cameo roles, including Janet Leigh, Faye Dunaway, Dick Van Dyke and Johnny Cash, while Steven Spielberg directed an episode of the first series.

13 Hercule Poirot (1989-present) –

This fussy Belgian sleuth first appeared in Agatha Christie’s novel The Mysterious Affair At Styles in 1920. Christie didn’t like her character, describing him as an “egocentric little creep”, but when Dave Suchet brought him to life in TV’s Poirot, the detective found a whole new audience and gained fans across the world.

Starting life as policeman, Poirot retired and became a private investigator in England, where he met Hastings, who narrated his most successful cases, the most famous being Murder On The Orient Express. Although Christie “killed” Poirot his popularity outlived him and he returned to our TV screens with four new stories.

14 Miss Marple (1984-1992) –

Jane Marple was an elderly spinster and amateur detective in the village of St. Mary Mead. An Agatha Christie creation, she appeared in 12 novels, starting with Murder in The Vicarage. Although Margaret Rutherford made her famous on the cinema screen during the 1950s and 60s, it is Joan Hickson’s portrayal of her in the classic 1980s BBC series that is closest to the books.

Though she often seemed to be nothing more than a gossipy old woman, Miss Marple was quicker to get information out of suspects than local copper inspector Slack, and her willingness to put herself in dangerous situations meant that she always caught the criminal.

15 Kojak (1973-1978) –

This sleuth is famous for his love for sweeties and his catchphrase, “Who loves you baby?” Kojak starred Telly Savalas as the bald-headed, lollipop-sucking New York City policeman Lieutenant Theo Kojak. The reason that Kojak loved lollipops was because Savalas was a heavy smoker, and in the face of growing anti-smoking feeling in the USA he decided to suck on a lollipop instead. This became his trademark and, along with charisma and humour, it lightened the gritty storylines.

The show was a huge worldwide hit and featured unknown actors who later found fame, including Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere.

16 Jane Tennison, Prime Suspect (1991-2006) –

Created by TV dramatist Lynda La Plante, Jane Tennison first appeared in Prime Suspect as a detective Chief Inspector surviving in a male world. Played by Helen Mirrem, Tennison was as far away from cuddly Miss Marple as it was possible to get.

Obsessive and determined to succeed, Tennison battled gender bias, alcohol and men whilst tracking down muggers and fighting off serial killers. Dark and hard-hitting, Prime Suspect was an instant success. Last year’s Prime Suspect 7 was Tennison’s final case and it saw her hunting a killer and fighting for her career. She’ll be remembered for breaking the mould of female detectives.

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