McCallum: The Complete Series

 

 

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If you're a John Hannah fan, like me, you will like this series even better than the original Rebus because either he's taken eloqution lessons or he's droppd his Glasgow accent. The viewer can eaily understand him. Still the stoic Scot, McCallum is amazingly human in this series. He makes a mistake in the first story and he's peanalized for it throughout until he finally quits.

McCallum is a competent, if unorthodox, pathologist who cruises up to the death scene on his black motorcycle and immediately gives up-to-date info to help the brusk cop, Bracken, who wants 'the facts and nothing but the facts'. I love Brit movies because we're spared the Hollywood blood and gore of the pathology lab while providing enough body parts to make it authentic.

The subplot lies in McCallum who loses 'girl' due to his dedication to his job and eventually gains new 'girl' due to his dedication to his job.
You'll adore "Fuzzy" the man with the magic machines that helps Hannah find poisons and other mysterious 'bugs' especially in the episode where he's being poisoned by an unknown enemy. In Disc four McCallum finds out due to the error in his first story none of the team (except the long-haired, honest, see-more-than-you'd-think, lab assistant) support him so he quits. Of course he is vindicated and it turns out that his alcoholic boss is the culprit.

I don't know why McCallum quit after four discs of 2 one hour movies each to be replaced by the actor who later becomes Inspector Lynley. It's easy to see why the series ended. It's impossible to like McCallum's replacement and his second-in-command is even worse. Skip the last disc unless you want to watch a pathologist/profiler who's given the thankless role of saviour, victim and all around jerk. No one could live up to all those aspects of any role.

McCallum us likeable as the all-too-human, honest, pathologist who knows his job and his limits and who has a sorta love life which is constantly interrupted by late night calls to a crime scene. John Hannah at his best with excellent 'detective stories' more than mysteries which he always helps Bracken solve expecially when Branken thinks McCallum is the suspect -- the pressure is on big time!

For the first four discs (8 stories) this set is well worth it. The last disc explains why the series folded.

I have been waiting for this series to get to this side of the Atlantic. This predates the Mummy and Rebus and showed off the verry sexy John Hannah and what those piercing baby blues and great writing and storyline will do. He's a Dr in this short series a Pathologist I think who has a hectic career, a love of whisky and a problematic love life. I great series to add to your collection. I highly reccommend it.

The most refreshing aspect of this series is the unique story lines. Every one is unusual and demands everything of the pathologists. John Hannah is perfectly cast a McCallum and the supporting casting is equally perfect (or maybe it's their performances that are perfect). Something else particularly noteworthy is that these characters are all presented as real people and parts of each of their lives is expanded on and intertwined with their 'work' stories. It presents a much more human picture and makes the storytelling all the more compelling. They all have strengths and flaws, splashed across the screen for the audience to relate to. It makes for very satisfying viewing.(Seeing Hannah on his black motorbike regularly is pretty easy on the eyes too).
As mentioned in another review, the last disc stinks. Nathaniel Parker is a pathetic attempt to replace John Hannah. His stiff, unsympathetic performance sucked the life right out of the series - no wonder it died! Such a shame too! I would gladly have watched another 9 episodes of Hannah and the original cast. This series is TOTALLY worth purchasing!

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5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Series ever.
I have seen most of the British mystery series and this one by far is superior in its story line. My first desk also did not work. Amazon sent me a new set with no cost to me.

Published 20 months ago by E. McDonald

3.0 out of 5 stars chuckles
My wife and I love the McCallum eries, however the 1st disc of this package would not load on my dvd player. Read more

Published on Jan 17 2010 by Buford The Book

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic series to revisit
I remember watching this series on TVO back in the late 90s - I loved it then and I love it now. Terrific forensic drama and great acting from both stars and supporting players... Read more

Published on Jan 26 2008 by B. Jones

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth Watching Twice, Thrice ....
This is a very good series, remenecent of "Inspector Lynley" and "Rosemary and Thyme".

Once again UK TV outshines American TV. Read more

Published on Jan 17 2008 by Bonnie & Her Daughter

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