
Watch Randall and Hopkirk
- Not Rated
- 1969
- 1 Season
-
7.7 (1,431)
Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) is a British television series from the late 1960s that initially aired on ITV. Created by Dennis Spooner, the series features the dynamic duo of Jeff Randall (Mike Pratt) and Marty Hopkirk (Kenneth Cope), a pair of private detectives who always find themselves embroiled in the most bizarre and supernatural cases. The twist on this particular show is that Hopkirk is actually a ghost, having been murdered in the first episode, but unable to pass on to the afterlife until his killer is caught. As such, he remains tethered to Randall, acting as both an ally and a hindrance as they work together to solve crimes. Throughout its two-season run, Randall and Hopkirk tackles all manner of otherworldly cases, from haunted houses to hypnosis-induced time travel. The show's tongue-in-cheek humor, combined with its blend of procedural and paranormal elements, make it a charming and entertaining series that still holds up more than fifty years later. Beyond the main duo, the show's cast also includes Annette Andre as Jeannie Hurst, Randall's love interest and secretary, and Ivor Dean as Inspector Large, the police detective who is constantly frustrated by Randall and Hopkirk's unconventional methods. What really sets Randall and Hopkirk apart, though, is its use of split-screen and other innovative camera techniques. The show frequently uses split-screen shots to show both the living and the dead perspectives on a given scene, as well as other visual effects to convey the ghostly nature of the series. Meanwhile, the show's theme tune - a Jerry Goldsmith composition called "Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)" featuring an unforgettable harpsichord riff - has become an enduring part of its legacy. The theme is often cited as one of the greatest television tunes of all time and has been covered by various artists over the years. Unfortunately, despite its popularity, Randall and Hopkirk was cancelled after its second season due to declining ratings. However, it remains a cult classic that has been revived in various forms over the years. In 2000, a remake of the series debuted, featuring Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer as Randall and Hopkirk, respectively. This version added a few modern updates to the show's formula, including a more high-tech take on the duo's detective agency and new supporting characters. Then, in 2010, the American network Syfy produced a pilot for a new version of Randall and Hopkirk, this time set in the United States and starring Josh Hopkins and Meagan Good. However, the pilot was not picked up to series. All told, Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) remains a beloved and influential series that bridges the gap between classic and contemporary television. Its blend of comedy, detective work, and the paranormal has inspired countless imitators over the years and cemented its place in the hearts of fans around the world.