MovieChat Forums > Bergerac (1981) Discussion > New Series

New Series

posted 17 years ago by tonyhunt
21 replies | jump to latest

How about a campaign for a new series?

When John Nettles finishes his Midsomer Murder commitments, it would be great to have a new series of Bergerac, wherein he has retired but continues to get drawn into crime solving, encountering as many possible of his old associates. Barney, also retired, reluctantly dragged away from his model planes, get-togethers with past girlfriends for old times' sake, and dare we hope for a guest appearance of Charlie?

Maybe Jersey Tourism would sponsor it!

Other ideas?

[–] ajlewisdipponsmill 17 years ago

There is word that it might happen

I heard that Nettles wouldn't rule it out...but thats just speculation.

Perhaps another way of bringing him back is along the same sort of vein as BBC's "New Tricks" (starring Dennis Waterman) where retired cops are re-employed to solve certain cases?

Be perhaps too similar to "New Tricks" but hey ho we can dream - Bergerac was classic and Charlie Hungerford was a legend wasnt he!

[–] idiotproof-1 17 years ago

It won't be long in Midsomer when all the inhabitants will be killed off anyway.
Son of Bergerac perhaps... lol

[–] tonyhunt 16 years ago

With John Nettles' early departure from Midsomer coming up, prospects of a Bergerac revival are surely improving.

Having watched the old cast re-assembled on the "Cult of...Bergerac" and considering their commitments, I'm thinking that the prospect of re-assembling them for a new series is perhaps too much to hope for. But a one or (better) two-hour special, or a mini-series has to be a goer. Maybe some unsolved crime from the past re-surfacing, bringing all the characters back into contact.

Perhaps I should submit a screenplay to the BBC.... though I'd rather Robert Banks Stewart did it!

[–] skteosk 16 years ago

I remember someone asked John Nettles about the prospect of a Bergerac revival a few years back and he replied "Bergerac was a young, auburn haired chap who jumped off walls, beat up bad guys and had beautiful women swoon at his feet.I may be vain but I'm not that vain."

[–] tonyhunt 16 years ago

Yes, but we're talking about a retired Bergerac, Barney & Co here. Indeed, they could plead old age and retirement, before being dragged inexorably into the plot...

[–] skteosk 15 years ago

John Nettles again, sounding rather bemused:"There've been some wonderful plans to resurrect it.The latest one is 'Daughter of Bergerac'.They said 'You won't have to do much-you've become a boat builder and your daughter is now a detective chief inspector who occasionally comes to ask advice from you.'I'd be like an old seer sitting by the seaside!I don't think it'll work, frankly..."

Although if they got Lindsay Heath out of retirement for it, that'd be great...

[–] tonyhunt 15 years ago

I'd agree with John there - he's too young to be shoved onto the sidelines.

'New Tricks', with James Bolam, Dennis Waterman et al seems to be a big success, and Miss Marple had no problem finding herself involved in crime solving despite being retired...

[–] nathanjay 15 years ago

Unfortunately Terrence Alexander (Charlie Hungerford) died this year.

I'd love to see a return of Bergerac for a couple of series or few feature length specials.

I'm rewatching all the series and can't remember how it ends, but it'd be great for Philippa Vale to make a return to the island - and living happilly ever after with Jim.

[–] jamesbloke 12 years ago

I don't think John Nettles's departure from "Midsomer Murders" was "early". It was the opposite, in fact, Nettles being much older than police officers are usually allowed to serve.

[–] reggiethemutt 15 years ago

hmmmmm...................I'm thinking maybe we should start a campaign to stop everyone else from campaigning to make Mr Nettles work himself to death for our entertainment. Think about it folks - he's been doing this for near 30yrs now - the poor guy deserves a break. :-))
Oh and good luck getting Charlie back - unless of course u know of a way to invoke his long departed spirit. Pretty sure he'd happily stay lain to rest after a long and illustrious career. :-P

Bergerac was a great series but I personally feel that beating it to death with a comeback "probably" won't make it any better.

[–] gerbiltamer 15 years ago

Your reply is hilarious reggie - love it! I couldn't agree more, Bergerac was of its time and bringing the series back would be a huge mistake.

[–] Prismark10 13 years ago

I think Bergerac would be retired by now. This ship has long sailed.

Its that man again!!

[–] fitzysbuna 12 years ago

its being remade!

[–] tonyhunt 12 years ago

Well, it appears that my wish may be granted, albeit in an unexpected form:

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/bergerac-set-for-a-come-back-20-years-on-8578648.html

As you'll see, the plan is for a "Young Bergerac" in the style of young Morse in "Endeavour". No room for any of the old cast then, unfortunately, but it would be nice to have Jersey back on our screens

[–] nicky-682-764451 12 years ago

I don't see anything in the article that suggests it's a "young Bergerac" idea. All it says is that the original writer has given the go ahead for whatever they'd like it to be.

That could just as easily be a complete reboot.

[–] tonyhunt 12 years ago

You are right - I thought all newspapers had reported the press release in full, but apparently not. According to the Mail:
"It is more than 20 years since the original ratings hit was axed but the Corporation says a new version is in development, but with a younger Jim Bergerac.
BBC bosses are eager to copy the success of ITV's Endeavour, which follows the career of the young Inspector Morse."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2310996/Bergerac-BBC-remakes-1980s-crime-series-John-Nettles-unlikely-lead-role-famous.html

[–] tenement-funster 12 years ago

Yes, several of the news stories here on the IMDb mention the word "young". The producers want to appeal to a younger audience, apparently (doesn't everybody? Frankly it's getting boring). It baffles me though, as the last few series of Bergerac were really popular at my school, when I'd have been around 14-16. Are the producers going for Bergerac - Primary School Detective this time around?!

What's wrong with doing it the old way, and appealing to a wide range of ages? Jim can have younger sidekicks after all. Ben and Willy were always popular. Otherwise why bother calling him Bergerac?! The kids won't care, as they won't remember, and the fans of the original could well be put off. I suppose it could be set in the 60s or 70s, but that's unlikely if they're after a young audience. Son Of Bergerac maybe?

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[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]

[–] tenement-funster 12 years ago

They'd want somebody younger if they're really set on this "appealing to a younger audience" thing, though. The child of Jim Bergerac and Philippa Vale, maybe! Philippa always was more interesting than Danielle. In theory that's a child that could have been born any time.

Still rather baffled as to why they don't just create a new character if they're so anxious to get new viewers, though.

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http://www.46664.com/

[–] lilyrowan 11 years ago

I was very surprised that "Endeavour" turned out so well, so if new "Bergerac" is as good, then I'll be happy with it. The appealing to a younger audience bit makes me apprehensive, though.

As much as I would love to see John Nettles back, a new show with him in the title role would be sad without Charlie Hungerford. I wonder if Nettles could play Bergerac's father? I don't recall ever finding out what happened to his parents in the original series, so if someone knows, please let me know. Wasn't his Dad a fisherman?

[–] ewaf58 9 years ago

Still no sign of one although it would now have to be Bergerac's son.