FORGOTTEN TV: DEMPSEY AND MAKEPEACE (1985-1986)

DEMPSEY AND MAKEPEACE was a British program that aired syndicated in the U.S. in the mid 80's.

The premise had New York cop James Dempsey (Michael Brandon) sent to London to work after killing his partner. There, he was partnered with Harriet Makepeace (Glynis Barber). Working under Chief Supt Spikings (Ray Smith), it was a typical cop show, with the addition of the culture clash between the two of them.

I used to love this show. It aired on usually Sunday afternoons on this little, very low budget channel. I don't know how many stations it aired on throughout the country. I believe it also aired on WPIX channel 11 out of New York.

Michael Brandon had his famous quote "Life is hard, then you die".

And then there was Glynis Barber.



Definitely one of the most beautiful actresses of the 1980's. Stateside, this is still what she is best known for.

There were three seasons, for a total of 29 episodes. All seasons have been released to DVD in the UK. But, none have made it to the US.

Here is the US version of the opening credits:



The show may be forgotten today. Recently, the premise seemed to be copied for another fun show, KEEN EDDIE (with Sienna Miller, almost as beautiful as Barber) and no one made the comparison between the shows.

The show's biggest impact seems to be on the lives of the stars.

In 1989, after the end of the show, Michael Brandon and Glynis Barber were married. They are still married today. I wasn't even aware of this fact until they were interviewed together on one of the British DVD extras.

So, at least they haven't forgotten it.