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"Taggart"'s pilot episode, "Killer", was a one-off shown in 1983. Penned by Glenn Chandler, it had all the hallmarks of an excellent drama series.
In 1985, the series returned with its now-familiar format. Mark McManus as Detective Chief Inspector James Taggart and Neil Duncam playing his partner-in-crime, graduate Sergeant Peter Livingstone. In 1987 (The Killing Philosophy), a new partner emerged, James MacPherson took on the tole of Detective Sergeant Michael Jardine, naive, innocent son of a man who had also once been Taggart's sergeant.
In 1990 (Rogue's Gallery), Blythe Duff joined the team as Detective Constable Jackie Reid.
After the sad death of Mark McManus in 1994, Jardine took over the team, and he and Jackie were joined by Colin McCredie (Black Orchid) playing DC Stuart Fraser. Finally, along with Jardine's promotion to DCI in 1998, John Michie joined them playing DI Robbie Ross (A Few Bad Men).
The series is still running after 20 years, and it still has that magical touch that has kept it one of the most imaginative drama series on television today.
In 2002, James McPherson left the show due to health reasons and wanting to broaden his TV horizons after being on Taggart for so long. He's since appeared in The Bill as the wonderful Ex-DCI Peter Marsden (click for a pic , thanks to Xeneh !), in Watercolour Challenge as a judge (another pic here thanks to Xeneh ) and should be appearing soon on Doctors.
We wish him every happiness in his future career, and meanwhile Taggart goes on with Matthew Burke at the helm. It's going to be a very different series, but everything changes
Chief Inspector Michael Jardine
1961 - 2002On Monday 14th January 2002, 'Death Trap' was shown in the UK.
During the episode, the character of Michael Jardine was murdered.He was a wonderful character who will be sorely missed.
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