I bought the full series on dvd and wasn't too keen on the first episode. However, the series has grown on me and each episode is quite unique - some episodes are zany and quite brilliant. The scenery is wonderful, there are some superb cameo roles and some small touches are very very funny.
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nm1694 November 2019I worked in the Highlands as a cop. Beautiful area, crazy people :). Although this is a TV show, it reminds me of some of the must things that happened. Haven't read the book so I can't comment but this is pretty much what it's like being posted to a single-manned station in the middle of nowhere.
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tabby-7533818 October 2021Haven't read the books but like this series for all the reasons others gave, just started watching. From what I've seen & heard most people are disappointed if they see film versions after reading the book.
For the reviewer who had a question about the oxen, they are Scottish Highlands breed. -
whidbeydanielg31 August 2020The main "star" of this series is the people who live in the town. They are all so much fun, and decent. We just end up wanting to live there.
The Constable, Hamish Macbeth, is sort of like Andy Griffith. The show doesn't revolve around him even though ostensibly he is the main character.
The writing is superb. Understated, wise, and funny. Macbeth maintains "law and order" in a wise, but unusual fashion. He doesn't sweat the small stuff.
Apparently the series does not follow the books very well, but we can't think of a reason why that should matter. Maybe the books were great.
But the series is nothing short of delightful. -
This show is a really amazing performance by all actors and with a reassuring plot for each episode the scenery is simply fantastic I was saddened when I realised there was only 20 episodes. But they did well in all of them.
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JohnRozich20 January 2008I wholeheartedly recommend this series of the small town constable Hamish MacBeth. It does remind me a lot of Northern Exposure, but without the constant whining of Rob Morrow as Dr. Joel Fleishman. This series is so well written that it always makes you feel like you're a member of the village of Lochdubh. The scenery is gorgeous, the background music is perfect and the story lines are actually pretty simple with the focus on the people and their day to day lives. It is so refreshing to view a series that does not depend on outrageous situations to get by like ABC's Desperate Housewives....the Brits are light years ahead of anything that Hollywood can put out...and have been for decades. Both of my daughters ( ages 20 and 24) LOVE this series. I am sad they only made 3 seasons worth, but, each and every episode is first rate quality....even if I can't understand a lot of their dialog...their Scottish accent is accurate and hasn't been dumbed down for us Americans. A true first rate series that I will recommend to anyone.
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It's a bit weird. And it's a lot Scottish. And it's a bit all over the place. Disembodied spirits. Crimes. Not crimes. Drama. And lil of the old slap and tickle. I can't believe it took us 26 years after the fact to discover this BBC Scotland gem! It's touching, it's funny at times, it's cute. It's inspiring. It's a who dunit. But mostly it's just Scottish. Really really Scottish. So glad we found this. I will DEFINITELY be buying the DVD's. I'd put this right up there with the best American televised cop shows. It's Jim Rockford meets Barney Miller. With westies! Give it a chance. You won't regret it.
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tiffanycameron1 June 2022The village, scenery and people are just so likeable. You want to be part of their community. I love the simple stories, the humour and the taste of the Scottish Highlands in each episode... I also love the Westie, Wee Jock.
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mafdenver11 April 2020It's filmed where the imaginary town of Lochdubh is located, there's a town policeman called Hamish Macbeth, and that's all that's similar to the book series. Robert Carlyle (plays Hamish) is a short blond man; our book Hamish is a tall redhead. None of the other characters bear even a passing resemblance to our favorites in the book - not even the dog's name! What's the point - beyond trading on a popular author and her popular characters. That aside - if you haven't read the books, you'll enjoy the series because it's entertaining and the scenery authentic. If you've read the books, you'll be disappointed.
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tilli7923 July 2005As someone already noted, this show has some similarities with my all time favorite TV-show, Northern Exposure. At first I thought that it was going to be just another British cop-drama, such as Wycliffe or Heartbeat, but soon I realized that it was so much more.
The people of Lochdubh are a tight group with eccentric personalities, (just like in NE) and they take the extraordinary and peculiar incidents as an everyday life. The main character, is of course the local police officer, Hamish McBeth, but the rest of the cast aren't out shined by him. Hamish tries not to draw too much attention to himself as the local law enforcer so he won't be promoted and forced to leave the town he loves. This is the reason for the low arrest rates in Lochdubh. Usually the town it self acts as the judge, the jury and in very rare cases as the executioner.
It is very difficult to decide in to which category put the series. Drama, comedy, fantasy...? It has all of those qualities and more. They are showing the shows re-runs here in Finland and when it ends once more, I'll be missing the people of Lochdubh. -
dancingdebra24 November 2013I agree with other reviewers that this is a charming programme showing the absolutely beautiful scenery found in Scotland. It stands on it's own as a TV show "based" on the characters from MC Beaton's novels. Hamish Macbeth is played beautifully and Shirley Henderson also stands out as the great actors they have both since proved to be, in numerous films and on TV.
However, I think if you have read and enjoyed the books, this programme is a bit of a mystery as it has a whole host of totally different characters. I'm unsure why when the ones in the books carried the novels along just fine in both the plot for each individual book and back stories running in the background.
I'm not surprised they couldn't run with a murder each week as there would quite literally be no- one left to murder and if it's always the "incomer", then half the guessing is a bit too easy. But I wish there was a little more of the humour and village stories kept on the TV show. -
TheLittleSongbird27 March 2011I came across this show by chance while recovering from a major back operation, and got engrossed in it very quickly. Whether it was like the books or not makes little difference to me, all that mattered to me was that Hamish Macbeth was a quirky and interesting show, and it was.
The story lines are simple but always paced very well and engaging, the characters are easy to relate to and the writing is consistently excellent being intelligent and quirky. The acting is also top-drawer, Robert Carlyle is perfect as Hamish having a perfect balance of being somewhat adorable and intense but always likable.
What made Hamish Macbeth so watchable though was the gorgeous scenery and how well the photography did to give this wonderful scenery justice, and also the atmospheric, beautiful and haunting background music.
Overall, a great show and very easy to get into if given a chance. 10/10 Bethany Cix -
nywer9 October 2012I listened to the books on CD before seeing this series. If you also have read/listened to the books then don't expect to find any similarities in this show. "Hamish Macbeth", "Lochdubh", and his police land-rover are about the only similarities to the actual book. People who have not read the books first may enjoy this series but I don't know why they needed to redo everything just for TV. I really looked forward to seeing Priscilla, Elspeth, Dr. and Angela Brodie, Angus the Seer, and all of the other wacky and lovable characters from the books. The most obviously missing are Superintendent Daviot, Jimmy, and the infamous DCI Blair!! I think this series would have done brilliantly in a sort of "midsomer murders" style and keeping the original characters and plot lines.
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iwprice9 August 2006Neither is James Bond these days.
And for those who find the plots far-fetched, I can assure them they're not. I grew up in the 1960s in a village just a short way up the coast from Plockton where the series were filmed, and stuff like this really did happen. One of the reasons I enjoy the series so much is that I can put a real name to every one of the major characters - they are so true to my first-hand experience.
A gold medal series, for sure, and Carlyle certainly captured the essence of the highland bobby who walked a fine line between upholding the Law and being an accepted member of the community - an accomplishment my own father was unable to achieve, I've been told! -
bawanda22 October 2014I first watched these DVD's on loan from our local library. After checking them out a couple of times, I finally bought the series. I don't usually buy DVD's as I don't re-watch them, but this was worth the purchase. I always pick up something new and by owning them I get to share them with friends. All the characters ring true and develop as the series continues. Often topical subjects theme the episodes, but other times they just reflect small town life in Scotland.
Hardly playing second fiddle is Hamish's dog - a Westie with a huge personality. There is enough drama, comedy, and romance to be entertaining without any hints of overacting or playing to the camera. As an aside, if you are a reader of the MC Beaton books about Hamish Macbeth, you will not recognize the character. He is almost the exact opposite of his character in the books and yet, I think I like the video version better. -
countessemily6 November 2022While Robert Carlyle did guest star appearances on tv shows in the early/ mid 90s, Hamish Macbeth was his first leading role on a tv show . He would go on to have 3 other tv shows so far (as of 2022) as a main character: Stargate Universe, Once upon a time, and Cobra. Of all of those, I've only seen Once upon a time, and while that show exposed me to his acting, by far its weaker than Hamish.
Hamish Macbeth is based on books by MC Beaton, and while it may upset some people it doesn't follow the books (I have not read them) separately, it's great. Hamish is a laid back guy who loves westerns, his dog Jock, and hanging out with the local townsfolk.
The town of Lochdubh is a little bit eccentric but that is the full charm! Add in the fact NO ACTOR- waters down their Scottish accent and you've got one brilliant program! What's even cooler is that at the 2019 Belfast film festival Carlyle, during a Q&A, admitted that he had some creative control on the series and every actor from his Raindog theater company guest starred on the show, meaning he got to act/ work with his friends. This includes his final girlfriend before his wife, Caroline Paterson (who guest starred in season 3).
My favorite episodes are: West Coast story (season 1) which uses music from West side story, A bit of an epic- set on a trekking of the highlands (season 1 finale) and No man is an Island (season 2), in which Hamish helps a woman who stepped on a landmine.
The only thing is the show is 20 episodes and way too quick of a watch!
Would love it if a follow up was made set in the present day, with Hamish, Isobel and their kids- it would be really fun! -
yaelz1021 April 2008In my country, Israel, there are few people who remember Haimish Macbeth series, which was on TV in about 1997. I admit I fell in love with him. I wish our channels will buy the series again, not just because of its great actor, but because of the story of the simple ones, like me. The simple people who strangle in life, each one has his own, their relationships, habits, friends, moral, love and work. Even in the Internet era, in the virtual relationships and friends in which the detached and cold atmosphere rules, we are all human beings eventually, who handle with beauty or charm, talent or life wisdom, effort and concentration, calm and smiles or all these above - our life, as Haimish. I thank you a lot for enlightening my eyes, because I didn't remember the are books this series is based on. I'll purchase and read. Thank You !
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oompaloompawoman29 July 2008Hamish Macbeth was a fantastic show, with drama and humour. I disagree with klkoegler-1's comment about is being an imitation of Monarch, not least because Hamish PRECEDED Monarch by five years. Also, Hamish did not dwindle over the years to caricatured characters in a series that ran too long. Duncan was the real character of interest in Monarch, whereas all the characters had a central and interesting role in Hamish. Where would we be without TV John's premonitions, Lachie Jr and Snr's business dealings and attempts to help that rarely succeeded? Isobel left to become a person in her own right before she returned to the town, and man she loved. Hamish was about quality of life and the choices you make determining it. Monarch was about an eccentric family and their monetary problems - after Katrina left, where was the interest? Hamish could park his slippers under my bed any day of the week, and if not under mine I am glad they are (in TV land) under Isobel's!
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Does anyone know what kind of oxen is shown in the opening credits? I searched the Internet and couldn't find the answer.
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paperglyphs8 September 2009I would have given it a 10 except for the few "esoteric" episodes and bits that I am not interested in which were a bit too mystical for me. But for the most part the mysteries were well written, delightful, simple and surprised me at times. The characters had excellent chemistry amongst themselves and now feel very familiar. The setting is fabulous,the scenery beautiful and the town charming. Rob Carlyle is GREAT and each character is believable. It left me wanting more; not in an unfinished way. But with a longing for deep connections, small town life and living on a rainy island. I am really going to miss my nightly visits to Scotland. My only regret is having watched the series too quickly.
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kkentuckywoman26 January 2008If you separate this series from your expectations from the charming series of books, you may still enjoy the TV shows. Not very mysterious and not connected except by name to what MC Beaton has achieved. It is great to see Robert Carlyle, as always, and Shirley Henderson, who plays the neurotic friend of Bridget Jones, is quite appealing here as Isobel. And the scenery is stunning. Still, I must agree with the opinion of another writer on this site that it IS a bit of washed out imitation of MONARCH. Still superior to most of what shows up on American telly, though, and worth it for the locales and the quirky villagers.
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steventemplar22 July 2002I have just started watching this show because it is offered on satelite here in Japan. I love it, and enjoy the small-town characters and situations. I am of Scotish ancestry and enjoy seeing something of the countryside and Scotish people. Also, the acting is great and the characters are fun. Hamish MacBeth is played by the very talented Robert Carlyle. Hamish is the small-town police officer who is inter-twined with the town. He is part of the town yet has to be the law as well, which puts him into situations on occasion. The townfolk are great and well played. I wish that the show had more seasons than it did, but I am glad to have what I can get! If you are a fan of Scotland or small towns and mysteries, then you'll enjoy this one!
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lichenu6 September 2006When I noticed that "Hamish Macbeth" was being broadcast in the United States, I was thrilled. I then had the misfortune to watch the darn thing. I adore M. C. Beaton's books about the wonderful Scottish Constable. The characters in the book are entertaining and very well-written. The powers that be who are responsible for this mish-mash apparently have never have read one of Beaton's books. Only the name "Hamish Macbeth" has anything to do with the series. Besides the lack of familiar characters, I find the whole show offensively loud. It seems that the actors feel they must shout their lines and scream at each other. If you love M. C. Beaton's adorable Hamish Macbeth don't waste your time on this rubbish.
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gandalf-2525 February 1999This program reminds me a great deal of "Northern Exposure", a compliment since N. E. was a particular favourite of mine. How could you not like a small community where the natives sit around the local pub reading philosophy and arguing the relative merits of existentialism vs. scientific determinism, or where the local constable poaches salmon and the doctor smokes questionable substances in his pipe. Too bad Robert Carlyle is becoming such a celebrity. I suspect we've seen the last new episodes of this charming show.
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noangelstephie14 January 2001Hamish Macbeth is a charming comedy/drama filled with excellent acting and engaging storylines. Robert Carlyle is excellent as the title character and constable of the town, who's managed to arrest very few people. Hamish has two women in his life, the beautiful novelist Alex and the plain local newswoman Isobel...my desire to see Hamish end up with a certain one of them kept me on the edge of my seat for months as I caught reruns on BBCAmerica.
One of the best episodes was a hilarious ode to Romeo and Juliet, in which the townspeople put on a production of West Side Story while the two lovers playing the leads struggled to be together and the same four men played both the Sharks and the Jets. By far my favorite episode is the two-part season finale "Destiny", featuring a complicated plot that involved the "Stone of Destiny" and a tryst in a cave...for those of you who love charming shows with twists and turns that can't ever be expected, watch Hamish Macbeth.