The Last Detective

Did You Know?

• The character previously appeared in a TV movie first broadcast on 4 January 1981, starring Bernard Cribbins.
• The dog in the series was a Landseer in early episodes and later a St Bernard.

Background

The series follows Detective Constable "Dangerous" Davies, who becomes a pariah among his colleagues after uncovering a crime committed by a fellow officer at the start of the series. His humane and committed approach to police work leads other officers to view him as soft, though local criminals show him grudging respect. The title reflects his superiors' initial assessment that he would be the last detective considered for a major case. Davies typically solves the minor crimes assigned to him, often uncovering more complex associated crimes, while younger detectives in his unit repeatedly target him with practical jokes. Over time, his superior DI Aspinall comes to recognize Davies' intelligence and fair but determined methods, and a strained mutual respect develops between them. Davies' private life centers on his estranged wife Julie, played by Emma Amos, and his attempts to repair their marriage after his career stalled. He shares custody of a dog with her, occasionally serves as her chauffeur, and performs household maintenance at the family home. Davies resides for a period at the Bali-Hai Guest House, run by the romantic daydreaming landlady Mrs Fulljames.