Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) (2000 TV series)

Did You Know?

• A tie-in book titled Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased): the files was released after the second series, written by Andy Lane with an introduction by Charlie Higson.
• Two novelisations were published: Ghosts from the Past by Graeme Grant and Ghost in the Machine by Andy Lane, both by Macmillan Publishers.

Background

Two series were made, the first in 1999 (broadcast in 2000) and the second in 2001. Charlie Higson produced the show and also directed some episodes. Writers included Gareth Roberts, Mark Gatiss, Jeremy Dyson, Paul Whitehouse, and Higson. When WTTV first obtained the rights, executive producer Simon Wright envisioned a straight thriller, but this changed after he suggested casting a comedian as Marty Hopkirk, with Robbie Coltrane and Rik Mayall initially considered.

After learning the rights had been bought, Reeves and Mortimer showed strong interest in the lead roles and, upon being offered them, suggested Charlie Higson as writer. Mortimer was initially to play Marty Hopkirk to echo the original actors' physical traits, but Higson changed this, feeling Reeves' manic energy better suited the character. Their connections helped draw many cameos and guest stars from comedy and beyond, including Hugh Laurie, Derek Jacobi, Simon Pegg, Mark Gatiss, Charles Dance, Matt Lucas, David Walliams, Reece Shearsmith, and Martin Clunes.

Higson appeared in every episode, twice as recurring characters: Gomez the Limbo barman in two episodes and civil servant Bulstrode in two others. Many episodes paid homage to the original series; the fifth episode of series one used a clip of Mike Pratt from the original episode The Smile Behind the Veil. Kenneth Cope, who played the original Marty Hopkirk, was asked to cameo but declined. Place names such as Spooner Drive and Berman Street (after creator Dennis Spooner and producer Monty Berman) appeared in the first episode, and the duo's office was in a building named Cope House after Kenneth Cope.

Soundtrack

A soundtrack album was released by Island Records in 2000. The opening theme, written by David Arnold, was not included on the album. Incidental music was composed by Murray Gold, who also wrote stings and pieces based on Arnold's theme. An original song, My Body May Die, was written by Pulp and featured The Swingle Singers, becoming associated with Marty's onscreen character. A vocal version of the theme sung by Nina Persson of The Cardigans was released in 2000 and appeared in the episode Revenge of the Bog People; it was originally written as a duet with Reeves. A bonus track of Reeves singing Ain't That a Kick in the Head? was included on the single, along with an extended instrumental of Arnold's theme as a B-side.