Customer Reviews

A Touch of Frost - Season 1

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A Touch of Frost is an outstanding British mystery series, and it is high time it was released on DVD. This set contains the entire first series--three 100-minute episodes entitled "Care and Protection", "Not with Kindness", and "Conclusions." At the time of writing, series two is also available (for preordering), and I only hope that the video company will see fit to release the entire series.

David Jason (Only Fools and Horses, The Darling Buds of May, Open All Hours, Micawber), who personally is one of my favourite British actors, stars as Jack Frost, a dedicated, single-minded detective inspector with a nose for ferretting out criminals. Frost is a bit like a dog with a bone when he sets his mind on something, and he doesn't worry too much about letting little things like rules, procedures, tactfulness, or even legality get in the way of finding out the truth--if he can get away with it, that is. This is a man whose loathing for the criminal element--for those who hurt or destroy the lives of others--verges on the personal. At the very least, his dedication to duty is more than just a job for him, it's his whole life--his raison d'etre. Certainly, his personal life suffers greatly from his dedication--indeed obsession--with his work.

The series opens with Frost's wife on her deathbed. Even in such a situation (perhaps, indeed, because of it--for Frost does not handle personal tragedy well), he is unable to spend the time at his wife's side that is expected. While this may sound rather morbid and depressing, I must emphasize that overall the series is not. Certainly, the crimes that are committed are serious and tragic, but like the Inspector Morse series (a series with which this one compares well), the episodes are punctuated by quite a healthy dose of humour, and like Morse it is primarily character humour. In other words, it arises out of the idiosyncrasies in the inspector's character, which become more apparent as we become more familiar with the character. In Frost's case, apart from his questionable tactics, he's extremely disorderly, and his dedication to his work is matched only by his loathing for paperwork--a trait which often has him at odds with his punctilious boss, Superintendent Mullett. Indeed, Frost is perennially ducking into doorways or skipping out of the office in attempts to avoid the unwelcome confrontations. One thing Frost does not have, unlike Inspector Morse, is a regular "Sergeant Lewis" in tow; rather, he has a different sergeant assigned to him for almost every episode.

One aspect which, in my opinion, makes A Touch of Frost such a good series is the powerful punch of irony that usually occurs at the end of each episode. Often one can really sympathise with the killer or at the very least understand his or her motivation. Sometimes we find that it's one trifling incident--someone in the wrong place at the wrong time--or a petty misunderstanding that sets the wheels in motion for a tragic outcome. Often it seems that the bringing of the criminal to justice is the greatest injustice.

In conclusion, this is a well-acted and an extremely well-written mystery series--one with quite hard-hitting stories, thus making the comic relief all the more welcome. It is a series which I recommend very highly to fans of British mysteries in particular--if you enjoy shows like Inspector Morse, for example, or have enjoyed PBS's erstwhile Mystery! series, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one. I would, however, go so far as to recommend this series to anyone looking for a superior quality mystery series, British or otherwise. Personally, I've always wondered why it was never made a part of PBS's Mystery! series, for it was certainly worthy of inclusion.

I am a huge fan of English cozy mysteries but am fast running out of shows. So, I decided to try something a little more serious and "A Touch of Frost" sounded interesting so I took a chance.

What first struck me when watching it was how real everything looked. David Jason, in the title role, looks like a real cop, the town looks like a real town and the people act like real people. The situations are dramatic but you always believe in the characters.

Frost is a sloppy, intelligent, gruff and thoroughly likable character in spite of, or maybe because of, his rough edges. The mysteries are literate and manage to get their point across without being horrifically graphic. (Though there is violence and some innuendo and a very brief glimpse of a breast, I can't recommend this show for children)

"Care and Protection"- When the young daughter of a local woman goes missing, Frost is called in. Relieved, since he is dealing with a terminally ill wife, Frost sets to work. But when a decades old corpse with a severed arm and a suitcase attached is discovered during the search for the girl, Frost finds himself dealing with two cases at once. In this episode, he is teamed up with the fairly amiable but spoiled nephew of the superintendant. Very good episode that deals with the triple drain on Frost's emotions, his dying wife, a cold case he didn't want and the missing child whose chances for survival decrease as time passes.

"Not With Kindness"- Following the death of his wife, Frost is at odds with her Americanized sister. Meanwhile, a papergirl's body is discovered in a graveyard and she may or may not be a victim of rape. The subplot deals with an affluent couple who are being harassed by phonecalls and and deadly practical jokes. Frost is partnered with an even sloppier career cop who has an irritatingly happy family life. A rather sad episode that deals with the dangers of grief.

"Conclusions"- A fatal hit-and-run leads Frost to the spoiled rotten son of a mamber of parliament. Meanwhile, there has been a robbery at a local casino and an armed and dangerous fugitive is loose in the area. When a patrolman is brutally murdered, the manhunt is on. Frost is partnered with a surley new transfer who has a perfectly rotten homelife and a brooding manner. He's almost too surly for Frost!

I highly recommend this series to all fans of cozies who are ready to try something a little more serious and to any mystery fan, especially if you want something a little more realistsic than is offered in this country.

A British detective series,with Frost playing the role of an
unpolished Morse,who is smart and streetwise.Like Morse,he
doesn't care for paperwork.In the first 2 episodes,his "sidekick"
changes.Each episode is about 100 minutes,so there is good amount
of material for the price. The photography is excellent,and one
gets to see "real" people. Frost Season 2 is to appear shortly.a

This series is thoroughly enjoyable! Frost is cranky, disorganized, competent, irreverent, and completely lovable. I've enjoyed this series completely and can't wait to order each of the others. If you like good detective stories with a twist, you will get a kick out of A Touch Of Frost--and don't be surprised if you think you have each story figured out and find yourself wrong! Though Frost has his own way with detective work, he always gets the job done.

I have already gone on record with the judgment that Foyle's War is the premier British detective series. It is not really fair to call Frost a close second, because the tone, atmospherics and intent are quite different. Frost is superb. A Detective Inspector in the fictional town of Denton (we know that it is in the Thames Valley), Jack Frost faces the grittier realities of modern Britain. A crusty widower, who is alienated from the 'new' ways and the managerial superintendent who embodies them, Frost is a classic noir hero. Tough but with a core of sweetness, he expresses his love carefully, metering it out like a coin-fed British heater. He is always eating and never seems to suffer from his comfort-food excesses. Sir David Jason nails the performance. Though he never represented the Frost envisioned by the character's creator, his performances are consistently excellent. Across the series, he utilizes a series of assistants, all of whom contribute to the general effect, with George, his Detective Sergeant, appearing regularly. The series is very British in its culture, but that culture is the culture of the street, not that of theme-park Britain. The writing, the direction, the plot arcs and the performances are always of a very high order. This is great entertainment; it is also entertainment that regularly approaches serious drama and serious art. Don't miss it.

The Brits do these things so much better than us Yanks.
Here's why: In British crime shows, the lead character is typically not (1) handsome; (2) heroic; (3) handy with his fists; (4) sophisticated; (5) physically fit; (6) debonair; (7) materially successful, i.e., someone with posh clothes, home, car, etc.. (8) happily married.

American programmers, always trend followers, worshippers of escapism, and, most importantly, terribly fearful of low ratings, feel compelled to load their shows with incredibly handsome supermen and beautiful women with perfect bodies and hair, who always look cool and drive fabulous cars, and live in huge, airy, magnificently furnished homes and flats.

The idea of David Jason starring in an American TV show is ludicrous. He is a short, drab, homely, balding, portly, rumpled, middle-aged man, seemingly the antithesis of "sexy". William "Billy" "Jack" Frost probably couldn't do one pushup. I doubt he'd pass a police shooting test. He's probably impotent. Doesn't really care much or know much about what's going on outside his own little world. He's a moody sort and most of the time his moods are black. All in all, not a real nice guy.

But when it comes to police work, he's aces. Has an uncanny knack for sniffing out rats. These shows are simply fabulous. The characters and acting are just top-notch all the way. Topical. Hard-hitting. Believable. And funny! That's another thing that is so great about the show: the cynicism, sarcasm and wicked irony are razor-sharp. You have to really pay attention to catch it all. I'm not sure if I'd hold up too well in the bitter, biting cold and slashing rain of England's midlands, which are displayed often here. A sunny, optimistic series this is not!

It's not surprising this show lasted seven years. One of the best ever Brit cop programs. Truly unique.

When at the library, I'm always looking for a decent TV series on DVD or video tape to watch when I have a second to sit down. (I'd recommend that to anyone - you don't always have to BUY these DVDs or videos, do save yourself some bucks and check your local library first. Amazon is great for getting ideas about what you might be able to find and reserve at the library). At any rate, I was not disappointed when I picked up "A Touch of Frost." I'm very pleased to see this show was on for quite a number of years, so it will take me awhile to work my way through them. Right now I'm only viewing the second season, so I'm hoping the series develops well.

I agree with the other reviewers that this is a top notch Englsh polcier and worthy of 5 stars. However I wonder if there is not a show missing. I recall that Frost got his head wound and his George medal in the first season. But that one is not included here. Can any reviewer enlighten us all as to when and where the shootout resulting in his medal, occurred?

The world of detectives abounds with sharp minds, fast fists, clever perceptions, and organized method. Jack Frost doesn't posses any of these. But he is believable and likable. Following him on his exploits is a sheer joy. It is gritty, funny, and cleverly plotted. David Reynolds is the perfect Jack Frost!

This is similar in vein to the better American police television dramas. A detective is confronted with several cases that intertwine, along with clues that at first tend to mislead, but later, when better interpreted, bring loose ends together. The acting, character development, pace and story development hold attention most of the time. If you enjoy detective dramas with a British twist, add this one to your list.