Inspector Thomson

Lore & Background

Inspector Thomson and his partner are portrayed as earnest but bumbling detectives. In *The Secret of the Unicorn*, they capture the Bird brothers, though Max Bird later escapes. In *Red Rackham's Treasure*, Thomson and Thompson are sent aboard the *Sirius* specifically to look out for the escaped Max Bird, though he never appears and they conclude he was discouraged by their presence. In *Tintin and the Picaros*, they are rescued by Tintin and Captain Haddock after being imprisoned, and later assist in freeing Bianca Castafiore and her entourage. Their persistence, despite their comedic confusion, often ensures villains are brought to justice.

In Their Own Story

Rain lashed against the cobblestones of London as the black cab screeched to a halt outside Marlinspike Hall. Inspector Thomson adjusted his bowler hat, checking his pocket watch while his twin fumbled with a notebook. They had been chasing leads for weeks, convinced this was the moment they would finally catch the culprit. Stepping out into the mist, they looked at each other and simultaneously asked who was supposed to knock on the door first.

Reader's Guide

Inspector Thomson first appears in *The Secret of the Unicorn*, where he and Thompson capture the Bird brothers. Their primary personality trait is good-hearted incompetence; they are eager to help Tintin but often confuse their own identities or names. This confusion provides much of the series' comic relief during police procedural moments. Over time, their relationship with Captain Haddock becomes central. While initially tasked with arresting him for drunkenness, they eventually become his protectors against greater threats like Rastapopoulos or the Carrel family. They remain loyal allies to Tintin throughout the globe-spanning adventures. By later albums such as *Destination Moon* and *The Red Sea Sharks*, their investigative skills show slight improvement, though they retain their signature forgetfulness. They are known for constantly correcting one another regarding who is which inspector. Despite their bumbling nature, they frequently arrive at critical moments to assist the hero or secure a villain's capture.

Did You Know?

• Inspector Thomson and his partner are not from Scotland Yard but are detectives from an international police force.
• In *Red Rackham's Treasure*, Thomson and Thompson are sent aboard the *Sirius* specifically to look out for the escaped Max Bird.
• In *Tintin and the Picaros*, Thomson and Thompson are rescued by Tintin and Captain Haddock and later assist in freeing Bianca Castafiore and her entourage.
• The Bird brothers were captured by Thomson and Thompson in *The Secret of the Unicorn*, though Max Bird later escaped.