It was Scottish television’s longest-running crime drama and had one of the most memorable catchphrases in television history. On its 30th anniversary, Jack McKeown looks back at the best of Taggart.
There’s been a murder. For anyone over the age of 30 (and many younger viewers, thanks to repeats on digital) it is impossible to read those four words without the gruff voice of Mark McManus resonating in your mind.
The series, following Maryhill CID as they investigate gruesome murders against a bleak Glasgow backdrop, went on to become one of the longest-running crime dramas in television history.
DCI Jim Taggart was introduced to the world on September 6, 1983, when the pilot episode “Killer” was broadcast.
An estimated 7.6 million viewers tuned in and the episode won a Scottish Bafta.
Taggart, a hard-bitten, experienced detective who had worked his way through the ranks, was supported by DS Peter Livingstone, played by Neil Duncan. As a young graduate representing a new breed in the force, he suffered a difficult relationship with his less than understanding boss.
In 1987, the character of Mike Jardine (James MacPherson) was introduced, and two years later DC Jackie Reid, played by Blythe Duff, replaced Livingstone as Taggart’s sidekick.
DI Robbie Ross (John Michie) joined the cast in 1998 and DCI Matt Burke (Alex Norton) joined the show in 2002, garnering acclaim as the first credible successor to Mark McManus.
While its subject matter was grim, the show had an endearing sense of humour about it, with a running joke on popular Scottish snacks.
In the pilot, Taggart’s boss was Superintendent Robert Murray, known as “the Mint,” after the well-known sweet. He was replaced by Superintendent Jack “the Biscuit” McVitie
Mark McManus died in June, 1994, after contracting pneumonia. His death came part-way through the filming of an episode and his absence was explained with the claim that he was tied up in endless meetings with the Chief Constable.
The 1995 episode Black Orchid opened with Taggart’s funeral.
Unusually, the show continued to flourish without its titular character. Following the death of McManus, Jardine was promoted to detective inspector and took over the lead role.
Today marks the 30th anniversary of the first episode being broadcast and STV are celebrating the occasion with a documentary and screening of one of the most popular classic episodes.
The half-hour documentary features some of the best Taggart moments and looks at some of the show’s most popular characters.
It will reveal Scotland’s favourite Taggart moment, as voted for by fans on stv.tv from a list of six clips, selected by Blythe Duff, who was a fixture of the series for more than two decades.
She said: “I’m really looking forward to taking a trip down memory lane. It will be a wonderful opportunity to share my favourite moments from the series. It was extremely difficult to choose just six but now it’s over to the viewers, and I can’t wait to see which clip the many Taggart fans have picked. I’m sure it will bring back many fond memories of Jackie Reid’s 21 years with Strathclyde’s finest!”
The most recent new series of Taggart was aired in 2011 and since then no more episodes have been filmed. In a previous interview with The Courier, Alex Norton said he would love to return to his role as DCI Matt Burke.
However, it appears that while the show is down it is not completely out. An STV spokeswoman said: “We recognise the continuing popularity of this long-running series and while there are no imminent opportunities to bring back Taggart it’s certainly not something we would rule out.”
30 Years of Taggart is on STV tonight at 8.30pm, followed by the classic episode The Ends of Justice at 9pm.