Jonathan Creek - Series 1 and 2 Box Set [DVD] [1997]

The formula and shape of the show works everytime, the writing, directing and of course acting is always top notch and this is one drama the BBC will keep running for several years to come (the new series is in the process of being completed at the moment.) The only thing wrong with this drama is that it isn't on long enough- usually only three episodes in a series- therefore it makes sense to buy this dvd and watch the episodes over again so you can see all the little things you missed in trying to work out who really did the crime.

The DVD also features some intresting extras, the main one being a documentary which lasts for just under half an hour and offers an insight into the world of the magician and how it came about.

Overall this is one of my all time favourite dramas and therefore a must-buy DVD.

The first series is perhaps the most satisfying and complete of the 4 so far. This is partly due to the feature length opener that introduces the mainstays of the series in its characters, mystery plots and humour. The way it does this in a carefully paced, confident way which doesn’t rush the set up for the episode or indeed the next three series. The following episodes develop this theme with some detail being filled in about the characters, their respective love lives (such as they are) and their relationship. The obvious tension between the leads is nicely played out over the first 6 episodes with both skirting around the issues until the will-the-won’t they is nicely resolved (for this series at least) with an unfortunate episode with a heart monitor.

The strength of the puzzles in the first series is also worth mentioning. The standard is consistently high and they give substance to the show in its infancy before the characters themselves have developed as the main draws. Finally the humour of the show is pitch perfect drawing strongly on the main character’s traits as well as guess stars and unusual situations - for those who claim the series has become preposterous/gone down hill in later series the sounds of a genial ape using the toilet should remind them the show has always been keen to dwell on the unusual for its stories and humour.

Adam Klauss, Jonathan’s boss and old school magician, is perhaps the most obvious humorous relief. This role was played in the pilot episode by Anthony Head to writer David Renwick’s satisfaction (according to the commentary). However the role as portrayed by another actor has found a sure comic touch which touches on the arrogance of power and money that increasingly leads to humiliation. The dynamic between the quiet genius Jonathan and Adam creates a parallel odd couple relationship in the former’s work life to the one in his personal life (with Maddy). Although Jonathan is superficially subservient in both relationships this is often in direct contrast to where the actual power lies. Each however is based at some level on respect and indeed friendship of different kinds.

The second series develops both the humour of the programme the relationship between Maddy and Jonathan to a point where the mysteries take a back seat to some extent. This is fortunate because the pacing of the show starts to become inconsistent. This is best demonstrated by the Gallows Gate episodes. Here there is twice the time is given over to developing the story. The mystery part of this, although intriguing in parts, is underdeveloped with twists appearing from nowhere and various early bits of the plot dropping away without explanation. At the same time of this the humour is cranked up to 11 (in a good way) with a fully developed sub plot involving Adam, his sister Kitty and a jazz musician driving the plot forward. Compare this to the to tightly plotted last episode of the series which combines two mysteries, a maniac copper and a development of Maddy’s play ground style pursuit of Jonathan.

Overall this is excellent television which has outgrown its British Columbo ambitions by developing durable character relationships and consistently inventive humour.

A note on the DVD and extras. The quality of some of the episode transfers is disappointing and doesn’t live up to the effort put into filming them. Some of the second series looks like its in the wrong format (Gallows Gate 1). The fantastic Christmas special with Ric Mayell is much missed although will probably appear at a later date. The documentary is satisfactory introduction to the beginnings of the show (and Alan Davies’ acting career). The voice over on the pilot episode fills in Renwick’s early perspective on the show. A commentary on an episode from the second series would have nicely closed the circle by explaining how the approach to writing, producing and directing had changed.