mckmurphy After viewing all six series it did not disappoint. I lamented the departures of Phyllis Logan and Chris Jury but thought Diane Parish added a lot to the final series (.(I wish she had had a larger role).Caroline Langrishe was fine but a tad too combative, the character of Lady Felsham was a better fit. Lovejoy and Tinker are marvelous characters.Their characters are fully developed and complement one another. There was a bit of confusion regarding Lovejoy's daughter. At first she was Kate and later became Vicky. I wonder why the change? I wish they would do one or two specials (even though the characters arequite a bit older).

philharve This highly popular series filmed over 8 years is probably unique in the annals of television history. I think of it as a comedy-crime drama with a pinch of documentary when Lovejoy occasionally turns to camera and makes some personal remark as if talking to an invisible friend. The viewer feels involved and reassured that despite whatever else is happening in the plot, it's all make believe.Lovejoy, who likes to be called just 'Lovejoy', drop the Mr. - whose ever heard of 'Mr. Rembrandt' or 'Mr. Matisse' - is a Divi, an art expert but as the series develops is evidently an expect in many branches of the antique trade. He spent 4 years in prison which it is assumed he deserved because his business is clearly to make as much money as possible by any method he can, including manufacturing antiques by 'stressing' a modern piece and making it look much older. Despite this he genuinely loves and appreciates the real thing.He has two colleagues (Major) Tinker Dill who wears outrageous chequered suits and a distinctive black flat cap. 'Tink' also shares Lovejoy's love for real art & antiques and he is highly knowledgeable in both fields and the antique trade in general. Tinker is Lovejoy's 'barker' and in fairground parlance is the equivalent of the man who shouts 'Roll up, roll up, come and see ...' to attract an audience. I suppose he's Lovejoy's advertising agent.The other workmate is Eric Catchpole who loves motorcycles and works for Lovejoy as a kind of understudy. He is much less of expert than Lovejoy and Tinker and doesn't seem to share their love for antiquity. He does it to get money for women and motorcycles but not necessarily in that order.The third regular is Lady Jane Felsham who sponsors (provides the money) Lovejoy in many of his money-making schemes. She both admires Lovejoy and loves him but she never forgets he likes to use women for his own ends; a kind of lovable rogue; a 'bit of rough'.Lovejoy ought to be a millionaire with his talent but what money he 'earns' is soon lost. He seems to be constantly on the point of bankruptcy but Lady Jane is always on hand to bail him out.Other noteworthy characters are the less-than-honest antique traders, for example, Charlie Gimbert who drives a Rolls Royce and to whom, it is assumed, Lovejoy would like to aspire. Lots of money, a big house, a Roller and a harem of female acquaintances. But Lovejoy isn't the marrying kind. If he ever did, it would probably be for the money.

E. Adam Thomas (boritom) I have to credit my Ex-Girlfriend, Wendy for one thing... She broke up with me and forced me to move back in with my mother for a time just in time to catch this series on A&E back in 1995! Ian McShane is possibly one of the finest character actors ever to have a lead in a series, and the writing for this show certainly didn't hurt. Of course, it didn't stay on A&E very long, as they seem to prefer British series based on famous literary sleuths (Holmes, Marple, Poirot, etc.). Nonetheless, for an estranged Doctor Who fan (The local PBS station had just announced it's demise and their intent to cease carrying the series) that was jonesing for a fix of cleverly written British comedic drama, this show was a godsend. The stories were rich and enthralling, the supporting cast was wonderful, and McShane's characterization was brilliant. An honorable rogue with more than his share of brushes with Murphy's law made him so enchanting... More Rockford than Rockford, more Magnum than Magnum, and a gentleman to boot. My only regret is that i have no idea how to acquire NTSC copies of the show. I can only hope they start showing it again on PBS or BBC America some time.

UmpireUK I have all the episodes but not in the right order. ( Yes Sad I know)This is a great series about a roguish but lovable antique dealer, a role that Ian McShane was born to play. Apart from Lovejoy my favourite has to be Tinker...What a character. The rest of the regular cast, especially Phyllis Logan is excellent