Same Triumph, New Tricks: ‘Bergerac’ Reboot Blends Nostalgia and Modern Grit
Forget the fingerprint dust; the most crucial piece of forensic evidence in UKTV’s “Bergerac” reboot might just be the license plate. That’s right, Damien Molony isn’t just inheriting John Nettles’ detective mantle; he’s sliding behind the wheel of the exact same Triumph Roadster that graced screens in the 80s classic. Talk about a hand-me-down with horsepower.
But don’t expect a simple nostalgia trip. This 2025 update, hitting U and U&DRAMA, is trading episodic sunshine for a season-long storm of murder, family secrets, and personal demons. Molony’s Bergerac isn’t just solving crimes; he’s battling grief, addiction, and the lingering ghost of his late wife. And while the iconic roadster might evoke memories of simpler times, this Bergerac is travelling a far more treacherous landscape.
The case itself? A wealthy businessman’s daughter-in-law turns up dead, plunging Bergerac into a world of privilege, lies, and simmering resentments. Zoë Wanamaker (“My Family”), as Bergerac’s ever-watchful mother-in-law, and Philip Glenister (“Life on Mars”), as the grieving patriarch, add their own brand of dramatic gasoline to the fire.
The decision to embrace a serialized format—a departure from the original’s episodic structure—is a shrewd one. It allows for the kind of complicated character development and intricate plotting that defines today’s top-tier crime dramas, like “Mare of Easttown” and “The Undoing.” By shifting gears from standalone cases to a season-long narrative, UKTV is aiming for “must-watch” status, not just a nostalgic rewatch.
So, can a vintage Triumph and a modern twist ignite a new generation’s passion for “Bergerac”? UKTV is betting the farm—and the car—on it.
