Bergerac - Season 1

The Bergerac remake features notable differences compared to the original. In the early 1980s, the series Bergerac (1981) was incredibly popular. The series with John Nettles (Midsomer Murders) lasted for ten years and nine seasons for a reason. Notably, Bergerac was, just like now, a recovering alcoholic. In the 1980s series, Bergerac was divorced, but now he is a widower. This had a significant impact on him, leading him to turn to alcohol.

In the old version, the ex-father-in-law played a big role, but in the current version, Charlie Hungerford (Zoë Wanamaker) is a woman. What remains the same, besides the alcoholism, is that Bergerac is unconventional but still a very good detective.



In the current version, Bergerac (Damien Molony) is drawn into a case that touches him personally. The convicted suspect of his greatest success as a detective appears to be involved in a new kidnapping and murder. Due to his fanaticism, Bergerac seems to suffer from tunnel vision. Moreover, Bergerac isn't very good at playing second fiddle, something that his colleague leading the investigation does not accept. Within this atmosphere of rivalry and competition, it is not easy for Bergerac to solve the case. When his private life becomes involved in this case, the challenge becomes even greater. The allure of alcohol is never far away.

Bergerac in its current form is a successful first step towards potentially more seasons.

Bergerac has become a typical British crime series. Most of the updates to the current time, in my opinion, are not distracting. Without having re-watched the original series, the old Bergerac seemed more like a tough dandy, and the current Bergerac is a solitary man shaped by circumstances. He only begins to thrive again when he can focus on the murder case. The demons in his life, however, continue to play a noticeable role, making Bergerac somewhat more fragile than the role John Nettles played. This gives Damian's role a bit more depth, especially in relation to his daughter (Chloe Sweetlove) and mother-in-law.



Another difference, at least in my memory, is that the island of Jersey, where this series takes place, is less prominently featured. In the original Bergerac, the island itself was also a main character. The community and the way people interacted were influenced by living together on a relatively small island. I don't get that island feeling with this series. The story could have taken place anywhere.

Bergerac has become a typical British crime series.

Bergerac in its current form is a successful first step towards potentially more seasons. Fine acting, beautiful cinematography, and a good story. There are a few improvements to be made that could elevate the series. Leaning more into the beautiful landscape and community of Jersey, for example. Moreover, Bergerac's weakness, alcohol, could be played out a bit better. He sometimes relapses, but there are also long periods where it's not noticeable that he is a recovering alcoholic. The explanation that this is because he is focused on the case is a bit weak. Anyone who has dealt with alcoholism knows it's not that simple.

These are minor points of attention for an otherwise solid and easy-to-follow series. The story is well put together. The plot twist at the end is nicely crafted. For fans of British crime series, Bergerac is definitely worth watching.