Ep 1. My Late Lamenated Friend and Partner

Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) is a British television series that first aired in 1969. The show revolves around the private detective duo, Jeff Randall and Marty Hopkirk. However, there is one unique aspect to their partnership - Marty is a ghost. In each episode, they embark on thrilling investigations while navigating the challenges of their unconventional relationship. In Season 1, Episode 1, titled "My Late Lamenated Friend and Partner," viewers are introduced to the world of Randall and Hopkirk as they embark on their first supernatural case.

The episode begins with Jeff Randall (played by Mike Pratt) narrating his backstory as a detective and introducing his partner, Marty Hopkirk (played by Kenneth Cope). Jeff recounts how they formed their detective agency and explains the unusual twist that came along with their partnership - the fact that Marty is deceased. After Marty's untimely death, he returned as a ghost and continues to assist Jeff in solving cases from the spirit world.

In their first case together, Jeff and Marty are hired by a wealthy businessman named Wyvern (played by J.L. Watt) who suspects his wife, Marion (played by Annette Andre), of having an affair. Desperate for answers, Wyvern informs the duo that he has received photographs suggesting his wife's infidelity. Intrigued by the case, Jeff and Marty agree to take it on, not realizing the impending danger they are about to face.

As Jeff and Marty begin their investigation, they visit Marion's art studio to gather more information. While snooping around, they stumble upon a discarded roll of camera film, which they believe could be the evidence they need to prove Marion's guilt or innocence. With the roll of film in hand, the duo eagerly heads to a nearby photography studio to get it developed, hoping to unveil the truth behind Marion's supposed affair.

However, the photography studio turns out to be more than they bargained for. Upon meeting the eccentric photographer, Neville Rankin (played by Joby Blanshard), they are greeted with hostility and suspicion. Neville seems to be guarding a dark secret and is desperate to prevent Jeff and Marty from discovering it. Sensing danger, the detectives grow increasingly suspicious of the entire situation.

As the episode progresses, Jeff and Marty find themselves caught in a web of deceit and danger. They encounter various suspects, including Marion's best friend, Linda (played by Jane Merrow), who seems eager to conceal her own involvement in the mystery. With each new lead, the case becomes increasingly complex, and the lines between truth and deception blur.

While navigating the treacherous world of high-society secrets, Jeff and Marty rely on their unique partnership. Marty, as a ghost, has the advantage of being able to eavesdrop on conversations and move undetected, aiding Jeff in every way possible. Together, they use their complementary skills to unravel the truth behind Marion's supposed affair, while also battling personal demons and the limitations of their extraordinary circumstances.

As the episode reaches its climax, Jeff and Marty find themselves entangled in a dangerous confrontation that exposes shocking revelations and unexpected alliances. The truth they uncover not only changes the course of the case but also challenges their perception of trust and loyalty.

"My Late Lamenated Friend and Partner" sets the stage for the engaging and adventurous tone of Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased). With its blend of detective noir, supernatural elements, and a touch of humor, this episode serves as an enthralling introduction to the captivating world of Jeff Randall and his spectral partner, Marty Hopkirk. Viewers are left eagerly anticipating future episodes filled with more thrilling cases, ghostly encounters, and the enduring bond between a living detective and his late lamenated friend.