Lovejoy

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.

score 10/10

philharve 21 September 2006

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1480444/