The revived Bergerac has arrived on BBC iPlayer, and fans say they are glued to the box. The rebooted crime drama stars Damien Molony as DCI James "Jim" Bergerac and also features Zoë Wanamaker and Philip Glenister.
Original and reboot
The original Bergerac first aired on BBC1 on 18 October 1981 and ran for more than ten years, ending on 26 December 1991. The series synopsis read: "Set in Jersey, it stars John Nettles as the title character Jim Bergerac. He is initially a detective sergeant in Le Bureau des Étrangers ("The Foreigners' Office", a fictional department dealing with non-Jersey residents), within the States of Jersey Police, but later leaves the force and becomes a private investigator."
Westward Studios has now released its reboot. Its synopsis reads: "Police detective Jim Bergerac solves crimes in Jersey. In the first series, while battling demons from his past and family issues, he is assigned to solve the murder of Cate, a female member of a wealthy family."
Fan reaction
On IMDb, one viewer wrote: "I have now viewed both seasons. What impresses me the most is the consistent quality exhibited by the leads. The location is unique, the plots keep you guessing, and the production quality is very strong. This, like the updates of Maigret and Lynley, has really been a pleasant surprise I hope continues."
Another said they were "glued to the box," adding: "Let me say at the outset, I have never seen the original Bergerac, so I'm coming to this series from a fresh, unbiased viewpoint. Apart from the first (overlong) twenty minutes or so, which was endeavouring to show the depth to which Bergerac had sunk, I really enjoyed the series. I'm glad I stayed with it."
A third commented: "have fond memories of the original with the gorgeous John Nettles (before he moved to Midsomer), so there is always a bit of anxiety regarding a remake. However, this Bergerac, with the mesmerising Damien Moloney, is a different deal altogether. The general feel is much darker and less of a glossy travelogue for Jersey. Making Charlie into mother-in-law instead of father-in-law also works well and gives an interesting layered relationship. Philip Glenister is, as always, terrific; he exudes menace in a solid performance, showing the dark side of the super-rich and the corruption they take for granted. (Then again, I have never seen a bad performance from him!) Have just binged this and can't wait for the next season!"
Bergerac is now streaming on BBC iPlayer.
