Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) (TV Series 2000–2001) Poster

(2000–2001)

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8/10
Vic & Bob ( Deceased )
ShadeGrenade16 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
In the autumn of 1991, B.B.C-2 enjoyed surprising ratings success with networked repeats of Gerry Anderson's 'Thunderbirds'. They followed this up with 'Stingray' and 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.', as well as several shows from the I.T.C. stable, including 'U.F.O.', 'The Champions' and 'Randall & Hopkirk ( Deceased ). It was to tap into this vogue for retro action telly that inspired 'Fast Show' creator Charlie Higson to revive the latter. He made several changes, such as turning Jeannie into Marty's girlfriend instead of his wife, and giving a ghostly world for Hopkirk to inhabit, presided over by the all-wise spirit mentor 'Wyvern' ( Tom Baker ).

When I heard that Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer had been cast as the leads, my blood ran cold. To make matters worse, they had ( so I felt ) been given the wrong roles - Reeves would have made a superb 'Jeff', while Mortimer should have been 'Marty'. I was not really looking forward to the show. But I changed my mind after viewing the first episode. 'Drop Dead' was loosely based on 'My Late Lamented Friend & Partner', but had more humour. Vic and Bob were better than expected, though not actors as such. The gorgeous Emilia Fox set the television alight as 'Jeannie' though. Guest-stars in the series included Sir Derek Jacobi, Charles Dance, Gareth Thomas, David Tennant, Hugh Laurie, and Jessica Stevenson. Thanks to the miracle of modern technology, the late Mike Pratt made a cameo in one episode!

I think what Higson really wanted to do was to essentially remake 'The Avengers'. It explains why his version of 'Randall & Hopkirk ( Deceased ) had the the same quirky surrealism as Steed and Mrs.Peel's adventures combined with a dose of supernatural fantasy.

After an excellent first series, 'R & H ( Dec ) returned a year later, but the stories were less amusing and inventive. Viewers lost interest quickly. However, it can now be seen as having paved the way for Russell T. Davies' successful 2005 revival of 'Dr.Who'.
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8/10
Stimulating and enjoyable.
BritanniaRules1 January 2009
"Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)" is a fine remake of the original late 60's/early 70's supernatural show. Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer do very well in their roles of private detectives Jeff Randall and Marty Hopkirk.

The special effects are brilliant. The story lines are original and captivating. This remake is every bit as enjoyable and thrilling as the original series.

I believe that the high point of this series is Tom Baker as Prof. Wyvern, who helps Marty Hopkirk adjust to his new situation as a ghost. As always, Tom Baker is an asset to any show. He brings his own particular brand of eccentric humour to all of his comedic roles.

If you like supernatural story lines mixed with a hearty dose of humour, you'll love this show.
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7/10
A curate-s egg of a programme
david4thelord3 August 2006
When I heard that Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) was going to be remade for the 21st century with modern special effects, I couldn't wait. Then I read that Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer would be in it, I was salivating with anticipation. Then I saw it. Ah. Yes, some of it was very good (the special effects were as good as I'd anticipated) and having Tom Baker to act as Marty's spirit tutor was a clever move. But the scripts were rather, how do I put it politely, dull. This is as near as a Curate's Egg of a show as makes no odds. To sum up, if you want to escape with a GOOD drama, I can only recommend the original series with the fine Mike Pratt and the hugely under-rated Kenneth Cope.
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The funniest show I've seen in years!
Jinty-213 April 2000
Having just seen the fourth episode of this new series I feel I can now safely say that it's the funniest show I've seen in years! Not being a Reeves & Mortimer fan (until now that is) I've never seen any of their comedy stuff, so I had no idea what to expect when it was announced they were doing a remake of Randall & Hopkirk. I am an avid fan of the original R&H series however and would be first to yell out if I thought they were making a mess of it. But they're not. It's a fantastic updated version of what was a fantastic 'cult' show; it's NOT a remake, more of a homage. It's fantasy, it's fun, and that's the whole point of the show! I can't wait for the second series. Nice one Vic and Bob.
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9/10
What a shame we only had two Series. I loved it.
Sleepin_Dragon8 February 2016
I was a huge fan of this series, I love the original too, but the new version felt like a totally different entity altogether. It was hugely entertaining, crazy, wonderfully unique, it boasted zany special effects and a host of wonderful guest stars.

Vic and Bob did a fantastic job with this, they were so funny, their timing was great, still my favourite show from the duo. Having Tom Baker as Wyvern was a genius move, his zaniness fitted in so well, the show was as crazy and eccentric as he was. Emilia Fox showed what an incredibly diverse and talented actress she was throughout this series, she was brilliant in episode 'Whatever possessed you,' showing she has a funny side too.

It boasted some great guest performances, among the most memorable being Elizabeth Spriggs, George Baker and David Tennant's, with my favourites coming from Eleanor Bron and John Michie in the utterly awesome finale 'Two can play that game.'

It had a totally brilliant theme, the song by Nina Persson was great, and who could forget the lager bubbles on the opening credits.

When I'm asked what series ended before its time, this would be in my top three. Definitely deserved a third series. A forgotten gem, 9/10.
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3/10
A pale imitation
Flippitygibbit15 February 2008
I refused to watch this when it originally aired, treasuring the memory of the late, lamented 1960s series with Mike Pratt and Kenneth Cope, but I can never resist a challenge. I should have known better. Not quite a remake, and more of a parody than a homage, this show didn't quite know how to play it, and plumped with infantile comedy and cartoon plots and characters. The three main characters were little more than caricatures of the actors, and only Emilia Fox could act (Bob Mortimer is painful in a straight role). The supporting cast were merely comedian-acquaintances of Vic and Bob's wanting to be part of the in-joke, and far too aware of the situation to be convincing. And the CGI, though the effects couldn't help be an improvement on those available 30 years earlier, merely dazzled the viewer with lights and camera work, and did little to mask the poor quality of the scripts and dialogue. All style and no substance. (And whereas the 1960s show is mocked for being very much of its time, this 'update' is now also very dated, with 'Matrix'-style fashions, obligatory 'girl power' scenes, and less than subtle tension between the two living leads.)
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I may be biased, but in my humble opinion this is great!
bossy12312 August 2001
Dear sirs,

I may be biased because I absolutely love Reeves and Mortimer (absolute geniuses, and I challenge anyone to contradict me!). This series is thoroughly enjoyable, and am delighted that it will soon be given a second run, and I'm always in stitches by the cameo appearances of Charlie Higson, Hitchcock-style, although not quite as hidden.

I'm not declaring it a perfect series, totally void of all annoyances (because, granted, Bob does look quite uncomfortable, and is evidently itching to start making an idiot of himself), however, it is very well written, even though I'm far too young to even know about the original series. The acting, I'm sure, will be improved upon in the second run, as this was their first proper go at something that needs, well, to be blunt, concentration, but it's all done with good humour and what I believe to be the pinnacle of great digital effects (or at least the pinnacle they could claim on their budget).

If you've never witnessed the first series, make some effort to watch the second, and if you don't have one smile in the entire episode, by all means, prove me wrong.
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Smart, funny and very modern
barry-9520 April 2000
Thank goodness someone producing British TV realises that some people out here have intelligence and understand sophisticated wit. Charlie Higson is one of those people. I never saw more than three episodes of the original show, but because this series stands on its own, we can disregard it.

All of the episodes so far have been well-constructed and work with the characters to develop them (the relationship between Jeff and Jeannie is very well done) but also manage to stand as entertaining on their own with Higson's directing of 'Paranoia' probably being the best yet. The editing and effects are superb, and whilst they are necessary they never intrude of the show itself, simply complimenting the writing. As for the acting...I never really found Reeves and Mortimor funny before, but in this they are both likeable and very good at being real characters as well. The casting of Tom Baker as Wyvern was just another masterstroke and Emilia Fox brings a heart to the show with Jeannie. The guest stars are always in the spirit of the show but never dominate.

All together superb. There is intelligent life in the world of 'Dateline: Jerusalem' and 'Whatever You Want' and it's responsible for this show.
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Lots of fun
Marwood-422 April 2000
Don't watch this if you're expecting to see the 60's version of Randall and Hopkirk, with prettier effects. Randall and Hopkirk 2000 (as I shall call it), is nothing of the kind. It is the same TV series in name alone and that's the way it should be.

Gone are the seedy back-street meetings of a TV series that seemed to be almost embarrassed to feature this fantasy element - which only arose because creator Dennis Spooner wanted to write a series about a ghost. The original Randall and Hopkirk was almost apologetic about the fact that one if its main characters was dead.

Thankfully Randall and Hopkirk 2000 revels in it. The plots are a little predictable, but if you want heavy detective drama go watch Cracker. Writer Charlie Higson did what they daren't in the 60's. He had fun.

The only real flaws are Reeves and Mortimer. Whoever told Vic and Bob that they can act should be shot through the lungs. That said, there has been a very clear improvement in the quality of their acting as the series has progressed.

And don't even get me started on Tom Baker. The man is a genius!

Roll on series two!
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Two Detectives: One's Alive and One's Not
moleskij22 July 2004
I've only seen three episodes of *Randall and Hopkirk, Deceased* on BBCAmerica, but so far I ***love*** it. This is a VERY funny show, yet the humor (unlike most comedies, these days) comes from the situation--not at the expense of the characters. These characters are LIKABLE--Jeff Randall is sweet, and lovable, and very much someone you'd like to see happy and successful. But Jeff has a problem--he's an INCOMPETENT detective, who's partner is now dead, and haunts him as a ghost. As ghoulish as the concept sounds, it's actually a very funny series--one sympathises a lot with Jeff.

Marty, Jeff's now dead partner brings a great deal of energy to his part--he's a ghost who needs training wheels, since he hasn't quite got the hang of things yet. Tom Baker plays, Wyrvnn (and I know that's probably spelled wrong)--a spirit who is trying to teach Marty the ropes of being a ghost.

Then there's Jeannie--Marty's fiancée (Marty died on their wedding day). Jeff's falling in love with her; but neither wants to betray Marty's memory.

Jeannie cannot see Marty--only Jeff can. Jeannie has also maneuvered her way into Jeff's business, becoming his new detective-partner. (Jeannie is, at least, much more competent at detective work than either Jeff or Marty).

Anyway--great series, lots of fun. Extremely funny, but with sympathetic characters. Definitely a winner! Oh, and it *is* a re-make of a late 60s/early 70s series--but I've never seen that version, so I can't comment on it.
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If you'll excuse me, I think I need to have a lie down
Han_Sola10 April 2000
Granted, the first episode was a bit of a mess, but from then on out it has only got better. It's a mad, mad world that R and H is set in, an eccentric mix of luxury, leather jackets and very fine-looking cars with more than a dash of 60s style. What other show can boast this? Vic and Bob have both settled into their roles well, Bob especially doing well in the scene where he was posessed by Marty. I admit the will-they-won't-they 'tension' between Jeff and Jeannie is way overplayed, but it's a laugh. The scripts are good enough by the standards of a sketch writer who I have no doubt will improve his plotting skills as the series goes on. Regarding the second series, it has already been commissioned on the strength of initial ratings, so let's sit back, relax and enjoy the madness while it lasts, and take it for what it is - a quirky, funny, often touching melodrama featuring a pair of very funny men acting their socks off, all topped off by the best effects since sliced bread.
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Great Effort For British Sci-Fi/Fantasy
simpleton200022 April 2000
Right i'll be the first to admit that this new version of R&H is not the best series ever (compared to the original i don't know having never seen it) but i think it is a great attempt to show that British-made Sci-Fi/Fantasy can have a place in prime-time saturday night viewing. It's enjoyable simply for the fun in spotting the vast numbers of famous TV and film faces (about 10 different actors each episode), such as the entire cast of the Fast Show and League of Gentlemen. Having now seen the entire first season (with the announcement that a second season has been commissioned) taking the production as a whole the program is superior to most home-made British series. The one criticism would be the acts of Vic and Bob themselves, which it is unclear as to whether they are 'under-acting' on purpose?? However having been a fan of their work for a long time this seems likely taken their sense of humour!! The o
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Wonderfully produced series all round
scramble28 September 2002
Stories are good, effects are great, I love the slightly over saturated colours (or is that just my old TV?) and great soundtrack all make this series feel totally unique. With Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer in the main roles you'd expect lots of humour and to the credit of everyone involved this isn't so evident as you might expect. There is humour but it's much lower key as to what you'd normally expect from these two. I've just got the DVD and will be watching it alot.
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Great television.
Patrick OConnor10 October 2001
The new Randall and Hopkirk(deceased) blows the original away. It is slick, stylish and cool in its retro way. Vic and Bob are perfect as Randall and Hopkirk, and the innovative story-lines hold the interest. With the superb special effects, good cinematography, and tight direction it is safe to say this series will go on for many years. I for one am glad of that.
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Sit down with a cup of tea and escape...
starblade4 April 2004
"Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)" (2000) is grossly under rated. Its extremely good TV you can't expect more. It is obvious that any comparisons to the original should not even occur. It is an original use of an old formula and the plot is completely new. I love Vic and Bob in this, it is interesting to see them play parts that do not require frying pans and doves from above. Is there anyone else who could have played Randall and Hopkirk, whilst keeping the same resonances that it does having Vic and Bob playing them? Their chemistry and close relationship is what makes this so good, with the introduction of Emilia Fox to add some extra spark. The special effects are very well done, and where it is lame I cannot help but think that they did it on purpose. They pay homage to so many things it is hard to tell. One thing that I find particularly fun is the fact that Charlie Higson plays someone different in nearly every episode. Its brilliant, you can sit down with a cup of tea and escape. If you are looking for something with good acting, blood and gritty story lines watch something else, there are plenty of things out there like that. "Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)" (2000) is unique, which is unusual for a remake.
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"Fantastic"
wiztwas17 April 2000
Vic and Bob are not really my cup of tea, yet this brings out the very best in them and is original yet following in the same tradition of the original series, of which, I was a fan.

They bring new life to a dead character and inject the original screenplay style with their own charm.

The sexy seductive sound-track and the chemistry of Jeff and Jeannie, and the cameo onslaught overwhelms the senses with admiration for the entire team that produces it.

Retaining so much of the seventies yet injecting it with so much of today it is a different series to the original, yet it respects the original at the same time as being satirical. It is truly a unique series and one which, for me, is un-missable.
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The show is fabulous, Vic and Bob are excellent non-actors!
roggi31 May 2000
I would just like to say that the remake of R&H is just as good as the original, and despite what other people say, Vic and Bob are really good in it, especially as they aren't actually actors. Charlie Higson has done an excellent job, and everyone deserves praise. (Except Emilia Fox, who is too pretty for her own good! - Joke!) Well done to all, and good luck for the next series!I love you all!
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Well, I liked it...
Quantrail6 December 2001
I think that this show, while not brilliant, is highly entertaining. I could quite happily spend the whole day just watching this funny and class show. Bob Mortimer, while looking uncomfortable in some scenes, is a brilliant Jeff Randall and Vic Reeves as Marty Hopkirk is an excellent choice. He has the right childish attitude to play the part of a bored ghost. I can't imagine Bob as Marty, even though that's how Vic and Bob thought it would be. Also the love triangle between Jeff, Marty and Jeannie (Marty's fiancée), is a brilliant sub-plot throughout the show. I can't wait to see the second series!
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Good fun
stephen saul24 October 2001
I think this update of an old favourite is surprisingly good!

Reeves and Mortimer handle their roles well - this isn't 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (Deceased)'.

The second series has been assured, polished and confident. There's been plenty of genuinely inspired laughs. First series are always shakey as the various ingredients take time to gel. Second time around I think the cast and crew have got it just right...

And the amiably insane Tom Baker plays Tom Baker as brilliantly as he always does!
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Very entertaining comedy drama series
david patrick8 November 2001
This show takes the basic concept of the original series and not much else. The second series of the new show (which aired in 2001) is an improvement on the first and is deliberatly made to mirror the slightly weird world of the Avengers.

This show has gotten funnier and even manages some suspense and I very much recommend it. Reeves and Mortimer are not the best actors in the world, but they are perfectly acceptable in the role. Tom Baker as Wyvern is as usual over the top, and works very well in this setting. I'm very glad the BBC has stuck with this show as after producing a decent first series it has now grown into a superb second one.
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Spirited stuff
ADAM-5325 April 2000
This was simply the greatest surprise of the year so far on UK TV. I must confess to not liking Vic and Bob in anything else (like the Fast Show and League of Gentlemen, they are simply not funny) but in this they pulled the trick. They were helped by some great scripts, witty invention and good special effects. Only the last episode failed to stand up to scrutiny (too much fantasy not enough of the "detective" type bit). The ratings success of this has more than justified a second series, and the ratings for once aren't wrong. Witty, humorous and poignant, and with some great actors (Fox and Baker especially) in support. I look forward to a second season of something on TV for the first time in about a decade.
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Not a patch on the original
JohnOD9 December 2002
I loved the old Randall and Hopkirk, and while Vic does a pretty good job as cheeky dead Marty, Bob Mortimer simply cannot act, and this gets in the way of the story. The special effects tend to take over a bit, and Charlie Higson's cameo in every episode of the second series is superciliously annoying. In short, it's pretty and unchallenging eye-candy. It'll go down a storm in America, once they dub the voices, of course
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Abysmal update of the enjoyable 60's series
ajrfx2 April 2000
There's very little to say about this series that's not negative. It was a good idea, but Vic and Bob just can't pull it off when they're required to act, proving once again they are not Morecambe and Wise. Reeves seems to make no effort to act, he looks slightly drunk and bored, whilst Mortimer looks uncomfortable in the role of the straight man. A combination that's very dull and not funny. This isn't helped by the overall smug attitude of the production. They must assume simplistic plots, overacting and one dimensional characters are enjoyable Saturday evening viewing. The direction is flat, the dodgy camera work and pseudo-experimental editing are irritating and there was absolutely no need for all the flashy and poor digital effects work. The ghost world looks like Vic Reeves and Tom Baker in front of a blue screen and the vanishing/ appearing gag is totally overplayed. Most of all, however, it's neither funny or exciting, so what was Charlie Higson thinking of when he thought he could write all the episodes.Hopefully the BBC will learn that we viewers deserve better home grown Sci-fi comedy/drama and don't give this a second series.
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Take It As It Comes.
duncancmccann6 January 2020
I remember watching the original when I was a kid and enjoying it. A remake seemed a reasonable idea, then I saw who was starring in it and my heart sank. I had never been a fan of Reeves and Mortimer - I just didn't get their humour. This series casme as a bit of a revelation, I love it. Okay, okay, the two are not the greatest of actors, but they have charm and appeal in this. Entertaining, silly, quite dark at times, just don't look for great depth or meaning and you'll be fine. Well produced and some (I think) pretty good story lines. Sit back with a glass of something and just go with the flow.
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