112 Maggie from Queensland: While watching a repeat about a year ago of an early Taggart episode I told my 20-something daughter that I used to have a crush on James Macpherson. Her response was "Isn't he a bit young for you?" Now his character would be but back in the early 90's he wasn't. The fact I was married with 3 small children in neither here nor there! I've enjoyed watching some of the repeats especially as I missed so many first time around. After Mark McManus died I didn't realize they continued to make the series and didn't watch again till early noughties. I was pleased to see it still going with Mike Jardine and Jackie Reid and with the addition of Stuart Fraser and Robbie Ross both of which I hadn't seen before. I did find it a bit strange that the series was still called Taggart even though the title character was no longer there. I've never seen the episode where Mike Jardine was killed but I was sorry when I heard about it later. I hope they show some more repeat episodes especially as the series seems to have been axed. I'd love to see some closure for the remaining characters so who knows if maybe they'll do a special or even a spin off series. Wouldn't that be great!
111 Barbara Paton from Australia: Loved every episode of Taggart from the first until the last. Watched them in UK before coming to Australia and am watching them again, what a cheeky character Taggart was but the newer episodes were good too. Because it ran so long it's funny to look back and see how the actors have changed in all those years and the hair styles most of all. Wonder what hey think when they look back at themselves
110 Barbara Paton from Australia: I must admit I can't wait for the repeats I always find theres something in the content that I think I missed It always makes me think of my husband who was Scottish born in Glasgow saying to me'"What did they say can't understand "Funny thing is I am English and I had to translate loved doing that.Watched one last night Murder Season great
109 Scot from Glasgow: My late uncle Tom Watson played Supt Murray in Taggart - so I loved the show. RIP Uncle Tommy. Sleep tight.
108 Sarah-Louise D'Alton from Scotland: The best show on the television and James Macpherson as DCI Michael Jardine was good....i actually thought he was quite hot in the role...
107 yvonne from staffordshire: Mike Jardine was the most iconic character from the series until he was no longer there and then you realised that Blythe Duff's character was like all females in real life - she could survive and even is solely independent and needs no male reference but she misses him as we all do.
106 Claire Davidson from Glasgow: The best show ever on tv. All the cast are great but I have to say John Michie is absolutely brilliant (and gorgeous). Because I'm from Glasgow I also like the locations.
105 caz from irvine, scotland: i think that Taggart is the best show on TV at the moment. i was really upset that James Macpherson left the show in 2002. i have all the DVD's so i can go back and watch the old episodes. :) but the new episodes just work the same for me. Taggart is the best!!!!
104 simone from manchester: i really love taggart, glad they are doing some new episodes. My favourite character is jackie reid very honest and is a good actor xxx
103 Amanda from Guernsey: I thought of this Taggart word poem as I love this brilliant TV series and I have been a devoted fan for many years but I only found this website this week! I'd love to hear from other Taggart fans. Hope you all like my word poem (sorry, it doesn't rhyme).
T = TALENTED (all the actors & actresses, past & present!)
A = AMAZING (such an entertaining and ingeniously written series!)
G = GORGEOUS (Michael Jardine / James Macpherson, very very sadly missed!!)
G = GREAT (my favourite TV programme!)
A = ACHIEVEMENTS (the longest running police drama - 25 yrs in 2008!)
R = REMARKABLE (storylines & characters, past & present!)
T = TERRIFIC (this word sums up the series, need I say more?!)
TAGGART RULES, HERE'S TO THE NEXT 25 YEARS!
102 Katie from Michigan: Hey, I am great friends with the MacPhersons, they used to be my next door neighbors, I'm not lying.
101 Scot from Glasgow: I absolutely love Taggart - it's set in my home city - and it shows the city as I know it. My favourite charcater is Jackie - a feisty, sexy girl. I loved the dancing scene between Jackie and Robbie although I'd have taken his place if I could.
100 rod alexander from glasgow: I am a native to glasgow and regularly give tours to people who want to find scenes and locations of taggart episodes. if you are interested in a future tour or information on seeing taggarts glasgow. please give me an email.
99 Mathilde Conradsen from Denmark: I saw Taggart when it showed for the first time in danish television in the late eighties...
I" fell in love" with Mark Mcmnaus´ Jim Taggart and stayed up late even though I was only about 11 years old back then.
Now - and thank God for that, they run the show again from the very beginning every weekday and I´m IN HEAVEN!!!!!!! I´d be glued to the screen for the next couple of months. I love Jim Taggart, he´s my favorite. I must admit.... James Macpherson is HOT!!!!!
98 paul metcalfe from barrow-in-furness: i thought after the death of mark mcmanus i wouldnt be able to watch it again how wrong i was, one thing that puzzled me though was when mark died no one said what happened to taggart when the series started again with out him
97 Jan from Prague, Czech republic: The TAGGART series has kept its high standard upto date and it really makes me happy. I have been following this series since I was a small boy in the 80s (even the communist censors allowed several stories to be shown on our TV at that time) and I´m glad, that it still continues. Our national TV shows from time to time several episodes in a weekly interval. Currently they started showing the ones made in 2002-3 for the first time. There shall be one even tonight. The only thing I couldn´t discover and everybody says it´s particular about Taggart are the dialogues held in scottish accent. Czech TV shows the episodes dubbed, but luckily enough the dubbing is of high quality done by good professional actors, so it doesn´t spoil the movie.
I must say, that even though the characters have changed over the years, the stories are still exciting, interesting and what is the best about them - they seem to be almost real. I hope the creators will have many good ideas even in the future and casting will remain as good as it has always been!
96 john cane from scotland: whats happen to it thers not
enough on tv .any single taggart fans out there contact me at gerswallace@yahoo.[35-40]xx
95 Theresa from Manchester: I lovely all the taggart prommage my best one is call the death trap. sorry about the spelling
94 Derek from Glasgow: There is no great moment in any one episode. They all rock !!!
93 louise brady from glasgow: Taggart is just brilliant!!!!! The storylines are fab and the acting is class. With the good looks of John Michie (DI Robbie Ross) why wouldn't it be great.
92 Robyn from Brisbane, Australia: Hi Leah, James Macpherson doesn't have a fan club but he does now have an unofficial website at:
www.jamesmacpherson.com so for all the latest news (thats possible to get out of Scotland!) check it out!!! Last heard of he was at a book reading of Ian Rankin books at the Edinburgh Book Festival last month. I do wish he would pop up on our screens again, really miss the Michael Jardine character but still love the show!
91 leah massey from herts: Time James MacPherson had a fan club !!!
90 tracey kane from belfast: I just love the storylines in taggart, the great acting from all the cast especially jame macpherson(yum yum). it took me a while to get used to Alex Norton, but i keep thinking James will pop up on the screen, i know he was not very well i hope he has made a full recovery & get back on our screen again. Wish you all the luck James in your new endevours.
89 shane from derbyshire: Every episode with Mark McManus in it was sheer class. Jardine was ok on his own, but it wasnay the same. PS: the Mark McManus tribute had me in tears!
88 Richard Sharpe from Sheffield: Taggart is just simply great! The Stories are still as good. Even though Mark McManus has been dead for 10 years they have found 2 good replacements for him in James MacPherson and Alex Norton. Grim Jim would be proud of Miserable Mike and Miserable Matt. Also I think Jackie Reid aka Blythe Duff is gorgeous.
87 Susan Riordan from CORK, IRELAND: Taggart is such a lovely show - I am mad about James Macpherson - I think he is a lovely gentle and handsome man - it's a shame he's gone from it now!
86 Gary from Somerset: Oh yeah, definately! Even his hardman attitude alongside DCI Burke (Alex Norton)is bloody good!! The last programme 'Atonement' is one of my favourites!!!
85 Jackie Pope from Dover,Kent: Hi all,I can't believe no one has commented on DI Robbie Ross (John Michie). Wouldnt you agree that his cheeky smile and dodgy little ways have added new dimensions to the programme?
84 Fiona Campbell from Thurso: Whilst watching "Atonement", we couldn't help but notice actress Meg Fraser's accent. Could you please put us out of our misery and tell us where she was born? She sounded as if she comes from our part of Scotland.
Loved the ending - would back-up arrive on time or not? My daughter recorded it and I wish you could have seen her reaction!!!!
83 Callum from Glasgow: My favourite episode has to be Fatal Inheritance. Absolutely nail biting to the end! Well done to taggart for lasting 20 years. I hope it continues for a good while yet.
82 Martin from Dublin: Best episode was "The Killing Philosophy". The bowman one. Lethal!
81 Robyn from Brisbane, Australia: Would just like to say this 40 something person also thinks James Macpherson (aka Michael Jardine) is just about the cutest thing on 2 legs.....spent 4 days in Glasgow recently with eyes pealed for any sight of him, no luck unfortunately but very interesting to actually see some of the places I have seen on the episodes particularly the bridge and Armadillo in the opening scene. Word of advice, anyone visiting Glasgow go to the Science Centre just across the river from the Armadillo, best fun I've had in years and the Planetarium there is fantastic. Also gives you an excuse to walk across that famous bridge!
80 Karen from Suffolk: Actually, Helen, I have to admit to backing "Jardines Lookout" when I was at Newbury races last year purely because of the Taggart connection. My boyfriend, who had been studying form all afternoon, said the horse had no chance and thought it very amusing/sad. However, he wasn't laughing when I was collecting my winnings at 25-1 whilst his fancied horse came in last!
79 Helen from Australia: Fans of the Michael Jardine character may be interested to know that a horse called 'Jardines Lookout' just came third in the Melbourne Cup - Australia's biggest horse race. I don't think the naming of the horse had anything to do with Taggart but it was a good enough reason for this Taggart fan to pick as the horse to support.
78 Helen from Australia: .. and another thirty something would like to agree with Nancy - Jardine is absolutely a cutey.
77 Caroline and Emma from London: If two thirty-something professionals can run the risk of sounding like adolescent schoolgirls, we'd just like to say that we think Robbie Ross (John Michie) is SOOOOO sexy!! We know it's not very original, but our favourite episode is "Falling in Love" - we want to be in Jackie's place on that dancefloor! Congrats to everyone involved on a consistently brilliant show for 20 years.
76 Nancy from France: Yes, Sandrine, French TV has finally decided to broadcast recent episods. Great! JARDINE is still a cuty, though a little bit overweighted. We want more!!!
Still the same (cold)humour.
75 ali from england,gtr manchester: i'm trying to find a property used outside glasgow somewhere near crief,my wife fell in love with the scenery and we would like to visit the area,as its our 25th wedding anniversary in December.
74 cheryl york from south africa: I only found out that mark died this weekend and i was so upset as he was a wonderful actor would you be kind enough to send me more about his acting career as i never miss a chance to see taggart when it is on dstv.Regards cheryl york.
73 Sandrine from France: French TV has finally decided to broadcast recent episods : last week, we saw one made in 1999 (Taggart send to Jardine messages for one of his investigations). It's very good. As I said before, we just saw the first ones with M. McManus. I really appreciate M. Jardine. He is sensitive, open-minded. PERFECT...
72 viviane goris from belgium: I enjoyed alot the episodes off taggart hope i can see more in future
viviane
71 Hannah from England: I've just learned that taggart will be shown again in early october. I can't wait!!!!!!!!!
Hannah
xxxxxx
70 Mascha Geuze from the Netherlands: My favorite moment is also the ballscene with Jacqui and Robbie. Unfortunately the stories of Taggart ended it our country. The latest one I saw was the one Mike Jardine dies. So you might understand I'm very disappointed, because I wanna know what's happening next. Can we buy the movies in Holland? Kind regards, Mascha
69 david bapty from leeds: one of the best moments is when jim says to some people in a pub you did one of my coppers in,then he says outside now,just his style the late mark,great
68 Patricia from Isle of wight: I like the tango scene from Falling in Love. Robbie and Jacqui both look SO embarrassed.
67 Helen from Australia: Hi Elizabeth. I haven't been able to find anywhere in Australia to buy Taggart videos. Thought the ABC shop was the most likely option, given that they've screened 'Taggart' most often (despite channel 9 having the rights for a while), but I wrote to them and they advised they they didn't and couldn't. I've bought Taggart videos from the UK via the internet and have had only good service. Try www.clearvision.co.uk or
www.choicesdirect.co.uk - I've used both. You are doing well to find a video library which stocks even two of the episodes - it may be the only video shop in the entire Southern Hemishere to do so!!!
66 Elizabeth from Perth Australia: Robyn,
Do you know of any were in Australia that you can buy the Taggart videos? I would really love to get my hands on some of the episodes. I know of one video library in the whole of Perth that has 2 episodes......there is only so many time you can watch even Taggart.
Thanks
65 Helen from Australia: Karen. You are so right about the staircase scenes. I'd never really thought about it until I read your post but it is true. A lot of the crucial interactions do take place on those stairs! Well spotted. (And do keep your eyes peeled for Michael, Jackie, Robbie and Stuart equivalents around you also! )
64 Sandrine from France: I'd like to receive email about Taggart. I sent you my comments about this drama sery.
I first discovered Taggart at the begining of 90’s with Mark Mcmanus. Unfortunatly, our TV channels only broadcasted drama series with this actor (we watch more american and french films than british ones, even if the quality of the two first ones aren’t always good) and so I can’t speak about the recent ones. That’s why I’d like to speak about the first drama series.
I saw them again from January to August. It was a real pleasure to rediscover stories which are close to the reality, without motor-race in the cities, guns, scenes with stunt men... I think Taggart is very good : actors try to do all the investigations a real policeman has to do for his job, they express their feelings and their doubts, make sometimes mistake… ; they look like you and me. And I appreciate another thing : even if murders are cruel and sometimes horrible, there are very few scenes of violence.
I really appreciate Mark Mcmanus in Taggart. He tries to be as perfect as possible, and he is very hard to please with his colleagues and himself ; he doesn’t stop working until he finds murder(s)… I know that his character isn’t easy, but to my point of view, I’m not sure these drama series wouldn’t be successful if he wasn’t severe.
I have some questions about the first series, and about Mark Mcmanus :
- why were the relationships so difficult between Sergent Peter Livingstone and Jim Taggart since the beginning of the first film ? Was it only for the (scripts), or between the actors ? to tell you the truth, I prefer J. Macpherson. Sergent Livingstone seemed to work only for his career. I think Sergent Jardine’s caracter was better to work with Taggart. He looks like the son Taggart did’nt have. At the same time, there’s a real friendship thanks to a mutual respect.
- Did Mark Mcmanus write some scripts of Taggart ?
If you have any other details about this actor, please, send them to me. Excuse me for my bad english. I don’t use it since 1993.
63 Robyn from Brisbane Australia: Hi Hannah, Death Trap and Fire Burn have not been released commercially yet. They were only screened in 2002 so I suspect they will not be available for retail sale until next year at the earliest. And to Anne - no passion between Jackie and Michael? From Death Comes Softly where Jackie 'pretends' to be his fiance to protect him from a teenage crush and neither will let go hands, to Gingerbread where Jackie tries to pick up the pieces of his broken heart, to Berserker where Michael punches out another detective who makes salicious comments about Jackie, to Dead Reckoning where Michael jumps into the raging river to save Jackie and the look on her face when she can't get the real words out and only thanks him could only be described as passion, smouldering, unacknowledged passion. And if there was no passion between them explain the scene in Wavelength - the stunned look on everyone's face when Jackie announces her engagement while standing beside Michael, all eyes are on Michael until Jackie says 'to Brian'.
62 Karen from Antwerp, Belgium: Hello everyone, I'm 23 old and I study ethnical art at the university in Gent, Belgium. Just want to say that I really love the show, and I thought it would be funny to share with you that our professor who teaches music theory looks exactly like Alex Norton! When I saw him on the last episode they showed here, I thought my professor was in Taggart! And it gets even better, cause my father's boss resembles Brian, Jackie's husband..Maybe I come across the whole Taggart team? I regret though that our course is less exciting than the series :) I hope belgian tv will continue the series..(and im not gonna say that robbie is gorgeous, cause everyone seems to think that..although who can deny it?:))My favourite scenes are simply the ones on the staircases, where the team or members of the team have discussions about the cases and personal things..Actually the more I think about it, the more I can't choose between favourite scenes or characters..greetz to all of you
61 Robyn from Brisbane, Australia: Hi Hannah, I agree wholeheartedly with Helen. Burke's comment in Fire Burn 'anyone would think you were his widow instead of his sergeant' tells it all!! Yes Jackie and Robbie seem interested but for the full story you really need to go back as far as Death Comes Softly (1990) when Jackie first appeared on the scene and the sparks flew between her and Michael. Taggart quickly put a stop to it but it has simmered in the background ever since. In an article where Blythe Duff was quoted about her 'onscreen wedding' and the departure of James Macpherson's character even she admitted that the dynamic between Jackie and Michael was more 'interesting' than between Jackie and Robbie. You really need to get hold of the earlier episodes even if you just get the ones from 'Few Bad Man'(1998) when Robbie first appeared, the three way dynamics with Jackie, Michael (dog guarding a bone that another dog wants) and Robbie (anything in a skirt will do!) with Stuart watching on with amusement from the sidelines is a must for any true Taggart fan.
60 Anne from Norfolk: Hannah, I agree with you. Robbie Ross is, without doubt, absolutely gorgeous and it's about time Jackie woke up to the fact that he's the man for her. The best episode ever is "Falling in Love" when they dance the tango just before she gets married to Brian. Personally I don't think she ever felt that way about Michael. No passion there as there is with Robbie. I've got Robbie Ross on my screensaver so I can gaze at him all day whilst pretending to work!!
59 hannah sibley from England: To Helen - I really want to see those two episodes, but I don`t know how to get hold of them. I`ve tried all my local stores, and none of them seem to have them.
58 Helen from Australia: Hi Hannah. You must watch a number of the earlier episodes also. Although Robbie and Jackie get along well, it was really Michael and Jackie who were 'made for each other'. Also, the episode in which Michael is killed ('Deathtrap') and the one after his funeral ('Fire Burn') will show you how Jackie felt about Michael.
57 Hannah Sibley from England: I LOVE ROBBIE ROSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
56 hannah sibley from Ashford: I really liked "An Eye For An Eye" It was a really good episode - not the best, but very good. I liked the part at the end, where Stewart was held hostage by a man who knew who the killer was.
55 hannah sibley from England: I haven`t watched any of the earlier episodes of taggart - i`ve only been watching it for a year, but already it`s my favourite programme ever!!!! My mum and I both sit there watching it, gazing at Robbie, who we find absolutely gorgeous!!!!! I hope to God another series comes out, as it hasn`t been on British tv for absolutely ages!!!!!!!! I`m going mad!!!!!
54 hannah sibley from England: I think that Jackie and Robbie should go out - they are meant for each other!!!! Anyone can see that they love each other!!!!!
53 Caroline Van den Bossche from Belgium: As usual, English (and Scottish (!)) detective series have superb quality. Just as we were getting used to this one (new on Belgium tv), Jardine dies. A very good though very sad episod.
52 caroline & lilly from belgium: we watch taggart every saturdayevening... and last saturday we didn't like the show! you want to know why? because Jardine died.. he was the favorite at home... now we still watch the show but with pain in our heart..
ps: the show is still good :)
51 trui lievens from belgium: Taggart is/was new on the Belgium television. My husband and I, and the children love it! We were all shocked by the dead of Mike Jardine and - if the Belgium tv buyes more of the serial - we have to find out if we still love to see more of it. Can't believe it will be as good without Mike!
50 august charrin from belgium: It is allways great to hear Jacky pronounce the words : "its murder" with her warm Scottish accent; and afterwards listen to Stephen the pathologist and his almost Oxfordean pronounciation.
49 stefanie de leeuw from belgium: Like Ineke, I finally know why the programme is called Taggart. In Belgium they started showing Taggart when Michael Jardine is already chief inspector. It's a great show! When I was reading the other messages I was very sad to see that Jardine is going to die in one of the episodes. He's a great actor and he's so gorgeous. I'll really miss him.
48 Helen from Australia: I've been watching the new videos and have found a few moments that I loved in 'Fearful Lightning'. Late in the episode there's a scene with Michael and Jackie at sunset up on the roof, friends again after an earlier tiff. Michael telling Jackie how nice she looked, Jackie avoiding telling him exactly what she's dressed up for. The very next scene shows Jackie arriving at Robbie's place for (pre-arranged) dinner only to find him obviously occupied with another woman. Big message there, girl!!!
47 Helen from Australia: Jacqui, I can only agree with you. 'Deathtrap' can't be my favourite either - it's just TOO, too sad. I've watched it several times since it was screened and it still makes me cry every time. I've bought some of the videos which have been released this year so I can remember Michael - he's still my favourite.
46 Jacqui Westland from Aberdeen: This is not my favourite memory of taggart but definitly the most memorable. It was when Mike Jardine was so tragically thrown to his death in to the clyde. I cried for ages after (i have a bit of a soft spot for him) he is a great actor and he shouldnt have left the series.
45 Ineke from The Netherlands: I was surprised to read that the series started some years ago. I just got into it because they are now showing it on Belgium tv. And in that series Jardine is already the boss. I wondered why it was called Taggart. Now I understand. I hope to see the whole series at some time. Great show. Already looking forward to the next episode.
44 Anne from Norfolk: I've been a devotee of Taggart for ten years now and have to agree that Alex Norton has done a great job as DCI Burke in filling the void left by Mike Jardine. My favourite character is Robbie Ross (John Michie is absolutely gorgeous) and my favourite moment also was when he danced the tango with Jackie in "Falling in Love". Now that the writers have seen fit to split Jackie and Brian up let's hope those two finally get it together.
43 Robyn from Brisbane Australia: Hi Eva, great to hear from someone who was actually in Taggart! I watched Dead Reckoning only last week and agree with Helen you did a great job, suspected you right to the end! The numbering system that Clear Vision have used is very cockeyed, they have missed altogether some great episodes such as Angel Eyes and Dead Man's Chest. Thanks for the snippet of news on the sad loss of Iain Anders, most web sites give no information about his departure and the Taggart producers never seem to answer those 'hanging' questions, an example is the unanswered questions from James Macpherson's last episode, Death Trap, too many things left hanging...not very satisfactory for us devotees. Hope your career is ever onwards and upwards post Taggart!
42 Robyn from Brisbane Australia: Hi Joanne, just to let you know that although Helen and I both regret the departure of James Macpherson from Taggart we are both still fans of the show and still watch it regularly. I agree that Alex Norton took on a big role replacing James and has carried it off very creditably but please allow us our 'period of mourning' for the loss of the Michael Jardine character! As with the loss of any major character it is hard to adjust to anyone new and let's face it Burke is one hell of a different character to Michael Jardine, as Jackie, Robbie and Stuart continually find out. I still love the show and will watch it as long as it graces our screens and am looking forward to next year's efforts when they go back to the 90 minute format. And to Stephanie, I also think Colin McCredie does a great job as Stuart and have always thought his character was cute and funny and have been glad to see lately that he has been allowed to stretch his wings a little even if it meant getting suspended!
41 Stephanie from Leeds: Nobody has made a mention of Colin McCredie yet! I think he is a great actor, and he plays the part of Det Cons Stuart Fraser brilliantly! He's cute and funny and down to earth.
40 Joanne from Perth, Australia: Firstly I would like to disagree with Robyn and Sue. It was sad when Jardine died but I think that Burke is doing a tremendous job. Taking over from James Macpherson was a big feat and I think that Alex Norton has been fantastic. He works well with the existing cast members (Blythe Duff, Colin McCredie and John Michie who are all incredible actors). I have watched Taggart for a great many years and I think that it just keeps on getting better. So a HUGE thank you to every one who helps make up the Taggart team.
39 Helen from Australia: Hello Eva. Watched you just recently in the video of 'Dead Reckoning'. You were great. Can't say I liked your character very much - I guess we weren't meant to - but you did a great job. You are right about the numbering of the videos. Some episodes, such as 'Secrets' and 'Legends', seem to have disappeared, while a few other more recent episodes, 'A Few Bad Men' and 'Long time Dead'(a great episode)were released on video without the current numbering system. I have no idea why. One of those great mysteries....
38 Eva Prentice from London: I was in Taggart 40 - Dead Reckoning. I played Heather Robbie who for the most part was in cahoots with Colonel Falkirk, the chief suspect in a murder enquiry. I notice that Dead Reckoning is coming out in the box set in the film version as Taggart 33. Did you miss some out in transferring them to video? I checked it out on the "Original Episode Guide" on your website and didn't find it there. I wondered if anyone remembered it. It was a sad one as Iain Anders, who plays McVitie died whilst we were filming it. The main cast were very close as were the crew. I think that's why the show has remained popular. Anyway, carry on watching and enjoying the show, as far flung as Russia and let me know your theories on the episode numbering. Eva
37 Valerie from Emsworth: My favourite Taggart moment is also when John Michie danced the tango with Blythe Duff at ‘Eckie’s’ in the ‘Falling in Love’ episode. It was utterly electrifying! I cannot understand why the attraction between Ross and Reid has not been developed further. It was such a good storyline!!
If any production team member reads this – PLEASE bring back the two-hourly Taggarts. The latest runs of episodes have been quite AWFUL; disjointed and soulless with (mostly) weak storylines, boring scripts and poor direction. Taggart deserves better than this. Of course James Macpherson will be missed, as is Mark McManus, but the cast still continues to be great and there’s plenty of life left in the series yet.
With the 20th anniversary approaching this September, let’s have some quality productions again – before it’s too late!!
36 Robyn from Brisbane, Australia: I agree with Sue! The new episodes are not the same and lets face it without James Macpherson it will never be as good. Here's hoping that he keeps us up to date with his career via this site, as with his previous message, as we Aussies would love to know when he will pop up on our screens again! I will be visiting Glasgow in September so I am looking forward to walking 'the mean streets' and seeing all those familiar sights!
35 Sue from Katoomba, Australia: I have watched Taggart from the very beginning. Michael Jardine was absolutely my favourite character and I cried 'buckets' when he was killed. I continue to watch the show but its not the same. I am not keen on the shorter format, or on the newer characters. Jackie reid is the only thing keeping me.
34 Rochelle Macredie from Sydney, Australia: The moment I liked best was when John Michie danced the Tango with Blyth Duff in the episode when she got married.
33 Elizabeth from Australia: The Gingerbread house ......... as the blood seep down from the top storey on the gingerbread house that had been made .........AWESOME!!!
32 Chris Harvey from Wigan, Lancs, UK: Classic, consistent quality, television - what more can you say?! I could go on for ages (and maybe I will in my next post) but for now I just want to say that I'm one of TAGGART's biggest fans. I have 99% of all the episodes on video (but where the hell has KNIFE EDGE disappeared to? Not yet released on video, and one of the best stories as I remember it. Have they lost the master tapes or something??! Can anyone enlighten me?). I've even had the creator and writer of the show, Glenn Chandler, visit my house and I've interviewed him in my living room; and a very nice, down-to-earth bloke he is (I also wrote to him for a while).
I do however agree with Irene from Wiltshire when she says that the one hour stories aren't as good - they can't POSSIBLY be (though, of course, I still watch them all and they are still good TV) Nothing wrong with the cast, who I think are all great, but the whole point of TAGGART was its complexity and depth of plot and that could only be achieved over TIME and therefore those juicy three-parters and cliffhangers and mounting body counts - wondering whodunnit and where the plot would twist-off to next... ONE hour simply isn't long enough to develop the same depth of plot. A great pity; but supposedly the viewing public (so we are told) are so fickle (and there are so many competing TV channels nowadays) that they are no longer willing to tune in every week these days to follow a single story. How so, SO sad :-( Also - PLEASE, PLEASE bring back the original theme tune and let's have the FULL closing theme song, sung by the wonderful Maggie Bell (what a voice!), over the closing credits - INSTEAD of them lasting about 2 seconds with a voice over of "stay-tuned for what's on next! A CRIME!!!) Oh, I wish... Alas, I suspect my wishes will remain but a dream. It's also been a while since Glenn Chandler himself wrote one of the stories and his plots (though other writers HAVE been good too: Stuart Hepburn, to name but one) were always the best - the most complex and quirky! So come on Glenn - write us another!!!
It was also good to see a post from James McPherson on here too: he was a vital part of the TAGGART magic and he is missed (good to see him in The Bill recently though). "Hello James", if you're reading this! Look forward to seeing you on the box again soon!
If any of you want to drop me a line, then please feel free - I'd love to hear from any other TAGGART fans! If I'm allowed to add it, my email is: cha7235521@aol.com and my website (I'm a writer) is: http://hometown.aol.co.uk/cha7235521/myhomepage/writing.html
31 Malika from Almaty, Kazakhstan: 20 years of success! 20 years of acting art! 20 years of giving the viewers an evidence and hope that the justice, good and true friendship exist and, whenever it do not, one can always find a way using the sense of humour and faith for a better part of human being.
Once I watched "Taggart", and now it became a part of my life, a part of my heart. There are some things in this world that can bring you knowledge, good positive emotions and a bright light to your life, even little one, as I do believe "TAGGART" is one of them, for me it is so. And for all of us here in Kazakhstan, for all fans of "Taggart" - Mr. Mark McManus is in our hearts forever. To all cast of "Taggart": Thank you very much! You cannot imagine what you give to the viewers, your fans. Thank you for your professionalism, outstanding acting work, faithfulness and everything you do. God bless you all!
30 Leah from Herts: I became a big Taggart fan about 5 years ago - the complexity of the plots, the scottish scenery, both grim and beautiful, the characters and of course yummy Jardine kept me hooked. I now have 34 videos to keep me happy. When asked if I have any regrets in life, people laugh when I answer -"well not taping a Taggart show in September 2001..."
29 FREDRIK from sweden: hello everybody!
i can tell you that we here in scandinavia have missed some episodes since taggart himself left the series. but then again our TV-networks have been misserable on sending taggart. for most of the time i´ve been forced to follow taggart on danish TV and they haven´t either been especially good in keeping up to date.
my best memory from taggart is an early episode in which taggart faces a gang of bikers who try to threathen him (fat chance!) taggart simply replies with this wonderful line: "if you don´t stop/quit (?) i´ll take your balls and stuff them up so high so you can wear them as earrings!"
nothing more heard from those bikers in a while i guess!
28 Irina from Russia: Taggart is very good film. My favourite character is Mike. His image was real. James Macpherson is very talented actor. I miss him. I hope, I’ll see him in new films.
27 Irene Kirk from Wiltshire: I have watched Taggart since it started. I remember that back then the stories were spread over three weeks, an hour per episode, and it was great trying to come up with who did it. At the end of each episode of course there was another murder and more red herrings thrown into the plot. I am not sure that I ever got it right. Over the years the characters have come and some sadly gone but I have always welcomed the sense of humour running through the stories from Jim arguing over Aunt Hettie to banter between Robbie and Stuart. I think it makes the stories more enjoyable whilst still concentrating on some evil plot! Whilst I will continue to watch Taggart regardless, it must be said that the one hour stories are too short. I agree with Anna from St Andrews about no time for character building and also not much time for any other activites from our heroes other then purely solving the crime. It has to be said that the last special 2 hour episode from the recent series was the most enjoyable.
Kind regards to all Taggart fans and stars and lets look forward to another series.
There are not enough repeats!
26 Helen from Australia: I can highly recommend the 'Rebus' audiobooks read by James Macpherson. He does a fabulous job with distinct voices for all the different characters. Makes the stories come alive! Great to know that we may also get to hear him singing some time in the future. (Almost makes up for missing Michael)
25 Robyn from Brisbane Australia: I agree wholeheartedly with Helen! The audio tapes are great. The tantalising glimpses of him in The Bill recently have whetted the appetite for more so here's hoping that he will show up in more TV that's shows Down Under. Also looking forward to the CD mentioned in his message!
24 tracey kane from northern ireland: it has not been the same since james macpherson left.
23 James Macpherson from Scotland: Dear All,
I would like to thank everyone for their wonderful letters about my 15 years in Taggart. Just to let you all know that I'm at present rehearsing "ART" in Edinburgh and have just finnished recording two more Rebus books for Orion so I hope you enjoy them! I've also been recording some songs with Tommy Cunningham (ex Wet Wet Wet) and Greg Kane (ex Hue and Cry) so watch this space!!!!
Yours Aye
James
22 Robyn from Brisbane Australia: Yes James Macpherson has audio taped several Inspector Rebus novels. Check out any of the UK web sites like Amazon or Choices Direct as they are readily available and make for great listening!! His voice is just gorgeous and his talent with the characterisations is fantastic.
21 Miko from Iceland: WHY? Why did he have to die? He should be brought back! Even if it would be really ... silly ... He was the show!
Did James McPherson audiotaped Rebus? How frickin cool!
And, eh, will the series continue? Who will be the main then? Jackie? Or Robbie? That's just weird.
Please tell me!
20 anna from st. andrews: One hour is hopeless for the series, no character building, it's like they are acting in shorthand!
19 Marianna from Slovakia: There are Taggart´s fans in Slovakia, too, even this is my first visit to this page. And I´m pretty surprised, how many women beside me have been capted by Jardin´s/McPhersons charm. Younger or older: he´s my beloved detective. (and I wouldn´t say no even in reality). After shocking finding in Clyde´s mood I´ve hoped in his ressurrection. And I´m able tolerate even a stupidity in Dallas style.
18 Isobel from Glasgow, Scotland: I've always loved Taggart and Mike Jardine was always my favourite. I was so upset when he died and even when I watch it back now I still get upset. I hope the series goes from strength to strength but now they've cut it to an hour an episode I don't know.
I also think John Michie's gorgeous but my heart will always belong to James Macpherson.
17 Robyn from Brisbane Aus: I agree with all who would believe any story that brings back Michael Jardine. For those that love James Macpherson's voice check out the Inspector Rebus books he has audio taped, to just close your eyes and listen to that voice is just heaven on a stick. Maybe we should start up a bring back Michael club?
16 Karen from Belfast, Northern Ireland: I cried my eyes out when that scumbag threw Mike Jardine in the Clyde - I felt like I'd lost my best friend and/or soulmate! I know it's only fiction, but I've watched Taggart for years and always had more than a small soft-spot for James McPherson's character. And for James McPherson himself. Taggart's not the same without him, but I do continue to enjoy it - Blythe Duff rules. James was supposed to be on Doctors on BBC1 but as yet he hasn't been...anyone with any info? Lovely to see him on The Bill a few weeks ago though!
15 Karen from Belfast, Northern Ireland: Me again...A lot of people seem to be asking why Mike Jardine was killed off, so I thought I'd throw my insight onto it. James McPherson was pretty ill for some time prior to his departure (he had a collapsed lung) and it would seem that during this time he decided he wanted to pursue other TV projects. He was in Taggart for about 14 years! Not that that makes the loss any easier to deal with. Amanda S - how right you are. Mike Jardine was always gorgeous in my memory of him, but in January's episode he was to die for!!! And the voice...bring him back! Hopefully he'll change his mind. Then the producers can copy Dallas and bring him back pretending Jackie had dreamt his death or something. Far fetched? Who cares?! He'd be there and that's enough!
14 Miwa McCabe from Nagano Japan: I love the way Inspector Taggart (McManus) can seem cold but is yet so full of empathy. (I feel this possibly because I am aware of his charity as a private person.) Maybe (Jason) Frost and Thaw (Morse) watched him before developing their own characters.
Also, I think the show Taggart was still (IS still!) well done even after the passing of McManus. They were smart to change the film technique, which has resulted in a sort of reverence for the original series.
13 Anne Harris from Austin, Texas: My sister and I discovered Taggart when I was visting her a couple of years ago in Atlanta, Georgia. We love Mark McManus, he reminds us our our father; he even walked like our dad! Of course, we love James McPherson as well. We taped what episodes we could, I think they only ran about 8...I have been unable to find it since. But, watching Taggart prompted my sis and I to go to Glasgow on our trip to Scotland last year. It was something to treasure forever. I will always love Taggart and won't give up until I can find the videos or DVDs. My favorite episode was "Nest of Vipers".
12 Ross from Biggar: I love Taggart it is one of my favroute programmes. He used to live near me in Symington near Biggar.
11 Jennifer from NSW Australia: I am still getting over the sudden death of Michael Jardine. Why did they let James Macpherson go? He was fantastic. I hope he gets to read all these fabulous comments about him.
10 Robyn from from Brisbane: Boy was I disappointed whan Michael Jardine took a dive into the Clyde. I have watched the show for years and have always had a soft spot for 'that laddie' with the gorgeous voice! Hope he turns up in something we see here in Australia soon! Mind you, if they some how resurrect him for a few visits, i will be glued to the screen every moment!
9 Nic from Lincolnshire: I love Taggart because it's so funny and it doesn't drone on like other police dramas. The scripts are briliantly wrote and the cast are excellent. i particully think that John Michie{DI Robbie Ross} is gorgeous!
8 Mina Miryanova from Bulgaria: The most interesting thing when I first saw the show was the language. Well its English yes but the way its pronounced was new to me. And because I am a great fan of British movies, I started following it. Its a great show, and it has a sence of humor too. The actors are doing a great job.
7 daniela pilarova from czech republic: My favourite moment was when the dead body that had been bricked up in the wall fell out into the kitchen and gave everybody a shock. I can tell you that I won't have any building work done in the flat in a very long time!
6 Ross Yates from Australia: I've always liked Taggart.
But I was shocked when Michael Jardine died like that. Why did the series kill him off? I thought he was crucial to Taggart, being a link to the original. I must say I felt a bit sad when he plummeted into the Clyde. I couldn't quite believe it was happening. Anyway, Blythe Duff is still there - she is very good and provides a healthy emotion to Taggart. Don't kill her off...please! And, if you bring back Michael Jardine, that's OK with me. I can suspend belief and always imagine that the wrong body was found in the Clyde and that the real Jardine washed up unconscious downstream with memory loss!!!!
5 Sheryl from Melbourne Australia: I have watched Taggart for many years, my mum was a fan of Mark McManus while I of course favoured James McPherson. It has been interesting over the years to see Mike Jardine grow from a shy young officer in the early episodes to the gruff DCI Jardine in his last episodes. It was a real shock to us here in Australia when he was killed off as we had no notice in the media, he will be badly missed but from what I have seen in the new episodes DCI Matt Burke will still do the show proud. Good luck to James Macpherson we hope to see his new acting ventures here soon.
4 Darren from Dundee, Scotland: The actual story lines themselves have always been excellent, even when Mark McManus died they continued to improve. I think the acting and the realism has also made Taggart a great favourite of mine over the years.
3 Lynne from Australia: I realised when watching Taggart over the past few weeks, that Mark McManus plays the lead role. I had the pleasure of knowing Mark when he was acting in Australia in the 60's. He won Actor of the Year Award more than once for live theatre and was a wonderful and talented actor even then.
He starred in theatre as diverse as Becket to Half a Sixpence, as well as childrens shows and many more productions.
What a buzz to see him now as Taggart so many years later.
2 Helen from Melbourne: I can only agree completely with Amanda S. I, too, had only recently started watching Taggart seriously. And the biggest attraction for me also being the very lovely James (and that voice). It was a huge shock to have Michael die like that - the abc previews and newspaper reviews here certainly gave us no warning that it was to happen in that episode. Am going to have to chase up some Taggart videos. And track down some of the rebus audio books that James has narrated.
1 amanda s from Melbourne: I just started to get into the show last week for gorgeous James MacPherson and then he was killed off!
I like him better older than younger - some people look better with a little weight on them! Georgeous!!!