If you’re a fan of M.C. Beaton‘s Hamish Macbeth Mystery Series in book format, you’ll be surprised at all the differences the production team/writers have made. The differences are in the characters, definitely not the Cozy setting! Usually I don’t like it when television series take liberties with an author’s characters/settings – but in the case, I very much enjoyed the differences.
The show’s Hamish (the terrific Robert Carlyle) is not at all uncoordinated/lanky, rather a very accomplished outdoors-man. As I watch the shows, I see a Hamish that is smart, thoughtful, and very athletic. There is never any doubt that this police constable will solve the week’s mystery – quite a difference from the Hamish in books. (Yes, I know Hamish solves the mysteries, but the depiction of Hamish sometimes leaves you wondering if he will!)
The series takes place in the coziest of cozy villages in Scotland. It’s the type of place where everyone knows all the other people, even their respective pets!
The Hamish Macbeth TV series is sprinkled with mystical elements. “TVJohn” (played by Ralph Riach) is a clairvoyant whose visions have gotten Hamish out of trouble a few times. The series also includes M.C. Beaton’s books’s love triangle. Isobel (played by the multi-talented Shirley Henderson) and a beautiful author Alexandra (Valerie Gogan) both love Hamish and he can’t quite decide between them … or can he?
Lochdubh has plenty of eccentric characters: a father and son duo who seem to spend most of their time planning small criminal schemes to make them money, a grocery store owner and his secret love (which isn’t a secret to the rest of the village inhabitants), the totally out-of-place doctor who always wears a kilt, and of course, Wee Jock (Hamish’s dog).
The Hamish Macbeth TV mystery series has three seasons (1995-1997) but unfortunately each season only has about six episodes (eight in the third season). This is yet another time I find myself wishing that our (USA) television series would make only six episodes a year and series in New Zealand (Brokenwood), Australia (Miss Fisher Mysteries), Scotland (Hamish Macbeth), and England (Miss Marple, Poirot, Sherlock Holmes, many others) would make as many episodes as they do here!
I don’t want to tell you about any spoilers – but I do want to recommend this show to you. My husband and I are enjoying this show immensely – and it’s the second time for both of us!
P.S. This show is available on the Acorn Channel (I’m watching it through Amazon), at least as of the time of this post.
Linda says
We love this series so much. You described the quirky characters very well.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, thanks! I’m glad that other people have seen this great series.
NancyM says
I really enjoy your posts. It inspires me to read authors I have never heard before. Thank you very much. and I print the list of movies every month and share that with my neighbor who is not computer savvy. Also I love to read your information on different authors.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Nancy, thank you! I’m glad that I’ve inspired you to pick up new authors, and I’m also glad that my movies lists come in handy for you and your neighbor.
Karen says
I’ve read all the Hamish books, and seen the episodes, but now you make me want to watch them again. Yes, there are differences, as with many other tv series, but like the Agatha Raisin series, but it gives a different perspective on them and I don’t mind too much.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Karen, I definitely agree. I think it’s important to remember that what works well in one medium sometimes needs to be adjusted to fit properly in another.
Libby says
I own the set on DVD. I love it. Then I read all of the books. I loved them too. Even though they are very different from the show.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Libby, I might have to pick up the DVDs if it leaves the streaming services I have! I could definitely see myself rewatching it again in a few more years.
Debra says
Agree 100% with you! My young adult son and I recently found Hamish on Amazon and decided to try it since we had gone through all the other cozy British we could easily find. We love the quirky characters, the setting and, of course, Wee Jock.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Debra, it’s definitely a great series! I’m glad to hear from other people who have already picked it up.
Kitty says
There is also an Agatha Raisin series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kitty, so there is. I might write about that one too some day.
Kitty says
I introduced my new husband to M.C. Beaton. We listen to audiobooks, and he has spent the last three years perfecting his Scottish ad English accents. He did some work with a man from London, he’s a jokester, and really poured on the sccents. The Englishman invited us to stay with him in London if we ever cross the pond. I don’t think Great Briton is ready for my husband.
Bek says
OOOOOOOOH! And I have Amazon! I’ll look for it!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Bek, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
Vicki says
I love this series so much I bought it on dvds. Robert Carlyle is terrific! If you can, you have to check out the 90s movie, The Full Monty. It is wonderfully hilarious!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Vicki, I’m glad to hear that you’ve enjoyed this series!
Moira Shepard says
Hamish Macbeth is one of my favorite detectives, both on the page and on the TV screen. Thank you for sharing your joy in this marvelous series!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Moira, you’re very welcome!