Season 4 • Episode 8
Latest'Look, you've had £10,000 worth of publicity already. A murder arrest right in your back pocket. Cut your losses. They may be heavy,' - CI Rose. But will Gardiner take his advice?
The first of a trilogy of police procedurals produced in the 1960s by Granada TV, linked by the presence of pompous but increasingly genial police Chief Inspector Charles Rose, The Odd Man initially dealt with the investigations of theatrical-agent-cum-detective Steve Gardiner, and his encounters with the police in the form of Chief Inspector Gordon and DS Swift. By season three, Rose takes Gardiner's place.
Acting
William Mervyn's Rose: pompous perfection.
Production
Granada's Manchester sets: grimy authenticity.
Creator
Edward Boyd
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Granada's 'The Odd Man' trilogy pioneered the British TV detective franchise model, directly influencing 'The Sweeney' and 'Inspector Morse' decades later.
Edwin Richfield's Steve Gardiner was written out after two seasons when the actor demanded higher pay—Rose's promotion was literally a budget solution that accidentally created an iconic character.
GB
