Dempsey and Makepeace (1985)
Dempsey and Makepeace is a British crime series that first aired in 1985 and is regarded as one of the most memorable cop-action shows in British television history. The production is one of the pioneering examples that brought th…
Overview
Dempsey and Makepeace is a British crime series that first aired in 1985 and is regarded as one of the most memorable cop-action shows in British television history. The production is one of the pioneering examples that brought the "buddy cop" formula, one of the most popular concepts of its era, to British television, centering on the partnership between two detectives from vastly different worlds. Built around the accidental pairing of the tough American detective James Dempsey and the disciplined, aristocratic British detective Harriet Makepeace, the series managed to capture audience interest both through its action sequences and the chemistry-filled dialogue between its two leads.
Given the production standards of the time, the series reflects the classic 1980s action sensibility with its chase sequences through the streets of London, car pursuits, and its focus on battling criminal organizations. The extensive cast, which also included character actors like Christopher Saul, helped bring the world of British policing to the screen in a convincing manner. The show's signature theme music and opening titles became widely recognizable among television audiences of the era.
Plot
At the center of the series is the forced partnership between James Dempsey, a tough-natured detective exiled to London from the New York police force due to disciplinary action, and Harriet Makepeace, an intelligent and determined detective from an upper-class family serving at Scotland Yard. Initially completely incompatible, these two characters frequently clash due to their different working methods, cultural differences, and personal friction. Over time, however, thanks to their complementary skills, they become an effective team in tackling organized crime syndicates, drug traffickers, and dangerous criminal networks across the British capital.
While each episode tackles a different criminal case, the series' real appeal lies in the evolution of the relationship between its two leads. Dempsey, with his tough, direct, and sometimes rule-breaking methods, is in constant friction with the systematic, analytical, and protocol-abiding Makepeace; yet this contrast also produces the show's most entertaining and tense moments. Operations across London's various districts, covert surveillance, and dangerous encounters are portrayed in keeping with the crime storytelling traditions of the era.
Why Should You Watch It?
Dempsey and Makepeace is an important reference point for those curious about the television action-drama sensibility of the 1980s. The series explores the "partnership of opposites" theme through a formula that many later productions would draw inspiration from. The chemistry between the two leads is one of the strongest elements that sets it apart from other crime productions of its era, offering viewers not just the thrill of crime-solving but also a narrative focused on character development.
The show's visual style also carries nostalgic value in how vividly it captures London of that period. The car chases in the action sequences are quite ambitious given the standards of the time, and one senses that a substantial budget was allocated for the television production. Fans of classic crime dramas can experience an authentic 1980s atmosphere through the era's characteristic music, costumes, and mood.
Who Is It For?
This series is ideal especially for viewers interested in retro television productions, who enjoy the classic crime-action genre, and who are curious about the origins of the "buddy cop" formula. It also offers an enjoyable viewing experience for those curious about British television history and eager to explore the production approaches and pop culture elements of the era. Viewers who enjoy intense action sequences but also value storytelling driven by character interaction and tension can find the balance they're looking for in this production.
For viewers accustomed to today's fast-paced, high-budget productions, some scenes in the series may feel dated; however, for those approaching it with a nostalgic perspective, this will not be a drawback but rather an added appeal.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. The strong chemistry and contrast-driven relationship dynamic between the two lead characters is the series' most compelling element.
2. The authentic atmosphere and use of locations reflecting the London of the era offer viewers a nostalgic experience.
3. The action sequences are quite ambitious and satisfying by the television standards of the time.
Cons:
1. The narrative structure and pacing of some episodes may feel slow to today's viewers.
2. The period production techniques and visual effects may feel dated when compared to modern productions.
Genre and Tone
The series has a tone that blends crime and action genres with elements of romantic tension. The humorous dialogue built around the partnership of opposite characters is balanced by hard-hitting action sequences. The overall atmosphere carries the lightly dramatic yet entertaining structure typical of television series of the period. While the criminal elements are handled with seriousness, the interactions between characters are presented in a lighter, more enjoyable tone.
Runtime and Viewing Experience
Each episode has a standard length in keeping with the classic television series format, and the self-contained story structures give viewers flexibility. While the connection between episodes generally progresses through character development, each episode contains a complete crime story in itself. This structure allows viewers to watch the series intermittently without feeling obligated to follow a specific order. Still, for those who want to follow the development of the relationship between the characters, chronological viewing is recommended.
Similar Productions
- Hart to Hart (1979)
- Bergerac (1981)
- Starsky and Hutch (1975)
Final Assessment
Dempsey and Makepeace is an enjoyable production representing the crime-action television sensibility of the 1980s, built around its character dynamics. Considering the standards of its time, this series, which captivates viewers through both its action sequences and the chemistry between its lead characters, still offers a valuable viewing experience for classic television fans. It is a solid production recommendable to those wishing to embark on a nostalgic journey and explore the roots of period crime dramas.
Details
Cast (374)
Sezonlar
Gelince haber ver
1985 
1985 
1986 Sezon 1 · 10 bölüm
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Armed and Extremely Dangerous
· 11.01.1985
· 93 dk
This feature-length episode starts with a gun being held by Leiutenant James Dempsey of the New York Police Department. He is sitting in his apartment waiting f…
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The Squeeze
· 18.01.1985
· 48 dk
A heavy duty transit van carrying half a million pounds in used notes is high jacked, drivers and all, and SI 10 is tasked with finding it. Meanwhile, Spikings …
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Lucky Streak
· 25.01.1985
· 48 dk
Dempsey happens to be present at a casino when it is robbed and a security guard murdered. Spikings tells him to wake up Makepeace in the middle of the night an…
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Given to Acts of Violence
· 01.02.1985
· 48 dk
Dempsey and Makepeace are shadowing Frank Egan, who has just got off Scott free on a murder charge. His next big job seems to involve 'a bird man' and 'haggis'.…
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Hors De Combat
· 08.02.1985
· 46 dk
Frank Price is sprung out of jail, only to be killed by his accomplices. Spikings suspects Price's boss Jack Lang, but when Lang's granddaughter Debbie is kidna…
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Nowhere to Run
· 15.02.1985
· 48 dk
A truck carrying studio equipment is hijacked. Then it turns out the contents were actually automatic guns meant for a group of Arab terrorists.
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Make Peace, Not War
· 22.02.1985
· 44 dk
Dempsey takes the place of American hit-man Schwartz to infiltrate a gang of drug dealers who are lacing T-shirts with heroin. Little does he suspect that their…
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Blind Eye
· 01.03.1985
· 46 dk
Jailbird Charlie Wilson wants to speak to Gordon Spikings alone concerning an urgent matter. But he shuts up tight after his little boy is kidnapped in the park…
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Cry God for Harry
· 08.03.1985
· 48 dk
A priceless collection of jade artifacts has been stolen from Makepeace's ancestral home, Winfield Hall. When she and Dempsey join her father's other guest for …
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Judgement
· 15.03.1985
· 47 dk
Makepeace has been asked by her best friend, Sarah Hackett, to be the matron of honour at Sarah's wedding. Makepeace accepts. Makepeace is giving Sarah a lift t…
Sezon 2 · 10 bölüm
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Silver Dollar
· 31.08.1985
· 48 dk
While trying to stop a extremist group who are trying to overthrow the British government by flooding the country with counterfeit money, Dempsey and Makepeace …
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Wheelman
· 07.09.1985
· 49 dk
Makepeace poses as reporter Debby Smith to get close to hoodlum 'Marocco' Jack and ends up saving his life from a rival gang. Dempsey joins Marocco's gang by po…
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Love You to Death
· 14.09.1985
· 51 dk
Dempsey is stalked by a homicidal woman who obsesses over him, and who hates Makepeace for being with him.
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No Surrender
· 21.09.1985
· 47 dk
Makepeace gets injured while pursuing jewelry thieves with Dempsey. On her first day out of hospital, they run straight into a bank robbery and hijacking - and …
-
Tequila Sunrise
· 28.09.1985
· 47 dk
Dempsey and Makepeace investigate a jewel thief who has masterminded a series of robberies but his life is also under threat by his underworld rivals.
-
Blood Money
· 05.10.1985
· 45 dk
An antique dealer is murdered and priceless Egyptian artefacts are stolen. While the crooks try to find a buyer, Dempsey and Makepeace go undercover and find se…
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Set a Thief
· 12.10.1985
· 48 dk
Dempsey and Makepeace witness a young woman being run down on the street. She turns out to have been a model with connections to drug trafficking and members of…
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The Hit
· 19.10.1985
· 45 dk
A police informant suffers a near-fatal beating and due to this Dempsey and Makepeace go on the trail of a vicious gang leader.
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In the Dark
· 26.10.1985
· 44 dk
Once again, Dempsey and Makepeace are witness to a fellow policeman being shot. In this case it's one of Makepeace's former partners, Tom Bishop, who's dying wo…
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The Bogeyman
· 02.11.1985
· 48 dk
A boxer turned murderer who escapes a police stakeout has Dempsey on his trail trying to catch him.
Sezon 3 · 10 bölüm
-
The Burning (1)
· 30.08.1986
· 50 dk
Dempsey goes undercover and infiltrates a gang after discovering a link between the London underworld and the New York police department.
-
The Burning (2)
· 06.09.1986
· 49 dk
While working undercover, Dempsey comes across a former nemesis from New York City.
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Jericho Scam
· 13.09.1986
· 48 dk
When Dempsey is framed by another cop for something he didn't do, Makepeace risks her career to prove his innocence.
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The Prizefighter
· 20.09.1986
· 50 dk
While investigating a death of a boxers, Dempsey and Makepeace discover a counterfeit money laundering scheme.
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Extreme Prejudice
· 27.09.1986
· 47 dk
Dempsey and Makepeace go undercover as Middle East terrorists to find an arms dealer supplying several terrorist groups in Britain, Can they find the dealer and…
-
Bird of Prey
· 04.10.1986
· 45 dk
When the main witness of a trail of a drug dealer threatens to withdraw her statement when her daughter is kidnapped, Dempsey goes to the Bogeyman for help.
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Out of Darkness
· 11.10.1986
· 47 dk
A murderer who is obsessed with Makepeace threatens to kill his hostage within 24 hours if Makepeace will not meet with him.
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The Cortez Connection
· 18.10.1986
· 44 dk
When an old girlfriend of Dempsey's shows up it causes problems as Dempsey is in pursuit of a cocaine dealer.
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Mantrap
· 25.10.1986
· 46 dk
Dempsey and Makepeace are targeted into a deadly trap which involves both jewels and bank robbers who set the trap, to even the sides Dempsey get help from a bo…
-
Guardian Angel
· 01.11.1986
· 50 dk
When Dempsey is nearly killed during an investigation, Makepeace resigns for good from the police force.
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