The Jonathan Creek Podcast

This special update episode marks ten years since we published Episode One of the Columbo Podcast – Murder by the Book. In this episode, Gerry and Iain look back on ten years of podcasting together and announce their plans for the Columbo Podcast in 2025. You can find all of the shows discussed on the episode here: Sledgecast – A Sledge Hammer! Podcast The Jonathan Creek Podcast The Blackadder Podcast The Fawlty Towers Podcast Fascinating – A Star Trek Podcast The Leap Home – A Quantum Leap Podcast Coffee Talk Apolitical Podcast Drawn Out Podcast The Poker Face Podcast on The Columbo Podcast If you have thoughts on the Columbo Podcast please share them below, or find us on Bluesky, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. The Columbo Podcast is widely available – on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pocket Casts or pretty much wherever you choose to receive and manage your podcasts. If you enjoy the show it would be greatly appreciated if you consider leaving ratings and reviews on these sites – particularly iTunes – as that can make a big difference to growing the podcast’s audience.The post The Columbo Podcast – Ten Year Update Special first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

After 34 podcasts covering 31 stories we’ve reached the final show. In this podcast Gerry and Iain look at some of the overarching themes and messages from Jonathan Creek‘s run, along with their favourite moments, characters and episodes across the entire series.     Jonathan Creek by David Renwick is available on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes, released by the BBC.The post Series Review – Episode 35 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

Daemon’s Roost was the final episode of Jonathan Creek’s run (so far). A mysterious Gothic mansion conceals a number of disturbing secrets. In this podcast Gerry and Iain wonder how you would casually burn some guy to death with no repercussions.     Mysteries of the distant and recent past, along with present concerns, occupy Jonathan’s attention in the most recent Jonathan Creek special. With assistance from the Rev. Wendell Wilkie (Warwick Davis), Jonathan probes the case of a young woman named Alison Belkin (Georgie Lord) whose mother and sisters died without explanation in a home famed for the unsolved deaths of many men a century earlier. She is newly married to Stephen Belkin (Emun Elliott), who previously made Jonathan’s acquaintance when accused of murdering his first wife, Imelda (Nicole Cooper).   Also on the scene are Mr Ryman (Jason Barnett), a security camera installer; Phillipa Teller (Rosalind March), carer for the proprietor; and the proprietor himself, filmmaker Nathan Clore (Ken Bones). Meanwhile Jonathan is being pursued by Patrick Tyree (Ryan Oliva) – a man he put in jail – with Polly and her friend Nina (Jo Martin) preoccupied by a local scarecrow competition. DS Alben Barkley (Chris Forbes) offers advice at a critical stage.   Daemon’s Roost was written by David Renwick and directed by the returning Sandy Johnson. Rosemary McGowan continued as producer.   Daemon’s Roost was released in 2016. It is 89 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is available on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes, released by the BBC.The post Daemon’s Roost – Episode 34 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Curse of the Bronze Lamp was the final episode of Jonathan Creek’s fifth season. An unexpected death helps Jonathan figure out a high profile kidnapping case. In this podcast Gerry and Iain tie knots in their undergarments to send the listeners a message.     When Lindsey Isherwood (Elizabeth Conboy), the wife of a politician, is kidnapped and the Creeks’ cleaner Denise (Josie Lawrence) finds herself with a body to dispose of, it stands to reason that Jonathan’s involvement will ultimately see the two problems intersect.   Meanwhile the return of a blast from Jonathan’s past in the form of Daisy Shand (Melanie Gray) is tough for Polly to cope with; Denise’s husband Dean (Mark Flitton) gets a shock; and just what are Heidi and Laurel (both June Whitfield) conspiring about?   The Curse of the Bronze Lamp was written by David Renwick and directed by David Sant in his final stint behind the Creek cameras. Rosemary McGowan continued as producer.   The Curse of the Bronze Lamp was released in 2014. It is 58 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is available on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Curse of the Bronze Lamp – Episode 33 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Sinner and the Sandman was the second episode of Jonathan Creek’s fifth season. A seemingly impossible prediction from a much-maligned magician has the whole village stumped. In this podcast Gerry and Iain consider scavenging for lottery tickets.     In a multi-threaded episode, Jonathan must ascertain how former magician Eric Ipswich (David Gant) has produced a prediction of seemingly random lottery-winning numbers decades before the event, won by local businessman Sir Leonard Corbyn (Michael Troughton). A family quirk leads him to Salvation Army Captain Ian Amery-Cooper (John Voce) and an apparent solution.   Elsewhere, Rev. Hugh Chater (James Bachman) and his wife Alison (Selina Griffiths) are concerned at the dissemination of local secrets in the parish newsletter produced by Horace Greeley (John Bird) and a recurring nightmare triggers a painful memory for Polly.   The Sinner and the Sandman was written by David Renwick and directed by David Sant. Rosemary McGowan continued as producer.   The Sinner and the Sandman was released in 2014. It is 58 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is available on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Sinner and the Sandman – Episode 32 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Letters of Septimus Noone was the first episode of Jonathan Creek’s fifth season. When a musical theatre star falls gravely ill in impossible circumstances, can Jonathan avoid being sucked into the investigation? In this podcast Gerry and Iain consider appointing a vigorous young sidekick with all the wrong ideas.     When West End diva Juno Pirelli (Ali Bastian) is stabbed by a colleague’s jealous girlfriend (Alice O’Connell), her decision to cover up the crime with the help of make-up genius Darryl (Rhydian Jones) leads to an inexplicable situation as theatre impresario Zelda Niedlespascher (Marianne Borgo) finds her in a locked room having apparently recently sustained the near-mortal blow.   Meanwhile, the death of Polly’s father leads to the discovery of some concerning letters and a lot of explaining to do for her late mother’s friend Hazel (Paula Wilcox). Speaking of friends, a visit to see Sharon (Raquel Cassidy) and her imaginative child Ripley (Liberty Nichols-O’Connell) leads to more drama and Jonathan acquires an assistant in the shape of Ripley’s older brother Ridley (Kieran Hodgson).   The Letters of Septimus Noone was written by David Renwick and directed by series newcomer David Sant. Rosemary McGowan continued as producer.   The Letters of Septimus Noone was released in 2014. It is 59 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is available on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Letters of Septimus Noone – Episode 31 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Clue of the Savant’s Thumb was the last of three Jonathan Creek specials between the fourth and fifth seasons. Life has changed for Jonathan, but can Joey persuade him to solve one more mystery when a friend dies in bizarre circumstances. In this podcast Gerry and Iain contemplate giving up podcasting to wear suits and work in an office on tasks completely divorced from our known skills.     Rosalind Tartikoff (Joanna Lumley) has more than one death to concern herself with as she comes to terms with both a childhood trauma and the inexplicable disappearance of her husband Franklin’s dead body (Nigel Planer) from a locked room.   The Tartikoff’s adopted daughter Fariba (Hasina Haque) and her partner Brad (Mark Frost) play their part in prolonging the mystery, while family GP Peter Churchill (Michael Lumsden) has much to regret. This episode is perhaps best remembered as the one in which Jonathan’s new wife Polly (Sarah Alexander) is introduced.   The Clue of the Savant’s Thumb was written by David Renwick and he made his third and (so far) final visit to the director’s chair, along with a brief cameo as a TV interviewer. Rosemary McGowan continued as producer.   The Clue of the Savant’s Thumb was released in 2013. It is 90 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is missing from the collection on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, however the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Clue of the Savant’s Thumb – Episode 30 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Judas Tree was the second of three Jonathan Creek specials between the fourth and fifth seasons. When a young woman’s sanity comes under threat, Jonathan and Joey must separate truth from fiction. In this podcast Gerry and Iain contemplate forming a band comprised entirely of dog whistles.     Hugo and Harriet Doré (Paul McGann and Sasha Behar) have vengeance on their minds when Emily (Natalie Walter) comes to work at their home. Despite the guidance of Mrs Gantry (Doreen Mantle), Emily begins to fear the memory of a previous occupant of her bedroom, the murderer Selima El Sharad (Sofia Hayat). There is a supporting role for the great Ian McNeice as the tragic Father Roderick Alberic.   The Judas Tree was written by David Renwick and he continued in the director’s chair. Rosemary McGowan began an as-yet-unbroken stint as producer in this episode.   The Judas Tree was released in 2010. It is 94 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is available in an edited format on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Judas Tree – Episode 29 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Grinning Man was the first of three Jonathan Creek specials between the fourth and fifth seasons. In the second half of the episode a woman is murdered before Joey’s eyes and a dead bird gives Jonathan a vital clue. In this podcast Gerry and Iain conclude their look at a classic episode.     In the second half of this episode Jenna Harrison’s Elodie meets a gruesome end at the hands of Lance Gessler (Nicholas Boulton); Delia Gunning (Julia Ford) doesn’t get the happy ending she anticipated; and Candy Mountains (Jemma Walker) has a surprise in store for Adam.   The Grinning Man was written by David Renwick and he also made his debut as director. Following the death of Verity Lambert, this special was produced by Nerys Evans.   The Grinning Man was released in 2009. It is 120 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is available in an edited format on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Grinning Man (2) – Episode 28 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Grinning Man was the first of three Jonathan Creek specials between the fourth and fifth seasons. When a girl disappears from a supposedly haunted attic, Jonathan must identify an fifty-year-old death trap. In this podcast Gerry and Iain discuss the underrated genius of hanging disturbing art in guest accommodations.     This episode introduces the brilliant Sheridan Smith as new sidekick Joey Ross as she travels with her friend Mina (Naomi Bentley) to a party. Following a breakdown they are rescued by Glen (Ciarán McMenamin) and taken to the home of Lance Gessler (Nicholas Boulton) and his mother Constance (Judy Parfitt) where they learn about a haunted attic that has claimed the lives of multiple guests since the time Constance’s father Jacques Futrelle (Jon Campling) owned the property. When Mina disappears after spending the night in the room Joey begins to investigate and Constance calls on Jonathan for aid.   The Grinning Man was written by David Renwick and he also made his debut as director. Following the death of Verity Lambert, this special was produced by Nerys Evans.   The Grinning Man was released in 2009. It is 120 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is available in an edited format on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Grinning Man (1) – Episode 27 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

Gorgons Wood was the final episode of Jonathan Creek‘s fourth season. After a mystical ancient statuette goes missing Jonathan and Carla must navigate a toxic case of sibling rivalry. In this podcast Gerry and Iain consider the naming conventions for wooded areas in the United Kingdom.     Brother and sister Owen Glendower (Michael Cochrane) and Thelma Bailer (Celia Imrie) feud over a missing piece of porcelain which leads Thelma’s daughter Gillian (Alice Patten) down a dark, ultimately fatal, path. There were cameos for Brenda Cowling as a litigant claiming Adam Klaus hypnotised her through the television and for Bamber Gascoigne, ostensibly as himself. This was the final appearance of Julia Sawalha in the role of Carla Borrego.   Gorgons Wood was written by David Renwick and Sandy Johnson returned as director. Verity Lambert produced her final episode of the show, sadly passing away at the age of 71 before Creek returned from its hiatus.   Gorgons Wood was released in 2004. It is 60 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is available in an edited format on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post Gorgons Wood – Episode 26 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Chequered Box was the penultimate episode of Jonathan Creek‘s fourth season. When a top police officer is witnessed at the scene of a gruesome murder, Jonathan and Carla search for an alternative explanation. In this podcast Gerry and Iain ponder the dynamics of mobile toileting.     Inspector Fell (Colin McFarlane) and his colleague Herbie Bryant (Steve Speirs) are hot on the heels of justice after the unexplained death of a bookmaker, with Carla in tow filming a fly-on-the-wall documentary. Fell’s swift thinking impresses Carla as he explains this death effortlessly, but things take a sinister turn when journalist Hattie Baron (Myra McFadyen) witnesses him at the scene of a brutal murder.   The Chequered Box was written by David Renwick and the ubiquitous Sandy Johnson remained in the director’s chair (along with a brief cameo appearance as an A&E doctor). Verity Lambert remained as producer.   The Chequered Box was released in 2004. It is 60 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is available in an edited format on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Chequered Box – Episode 25 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Seer of the Sands was the fourth episode of Jonathan Creek‘s fourth season. After the death of her partner, an American executive struggles to interpret his messages from beyond the grave. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at the sound thinking behind sending a fake psychic to help win you major business contracts.     Executive Geraldine Vaccara (Lorelei King) mourns the loss of her skeptic partner Justin Mallory (Gary Cady) in a boating accident while a fraudulent ‘psychic’ (Eve Polycarpou) tries to convince her that messages are being sent from the afterlife. Meanwhile, creepy Ashley (Catherine Cusack) has a dark secret and Phylicia (Nicola Hughes) tries to influence Adam’s workplace practices.   The Seer of the Sands was written by David Renwick and Creek veteran Sandy Johnson returned to the director’s chair. Verity Lambert remained as producer.   The Seer of the Sands was released in 2004. It is 60 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is available in an edited format on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Seer of the Sands – Episode 24 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Tailor’s Dummy was the third episode of Jonathan Creek‘s fourth season. When the head of a major fashion house appears to commit suicide, Jonathan and Carla must uncover some family tensions to find the truth. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at creepy hoteliers and the value of a good safety chain.     This episode featured the brilliant Maureen Lipman as Louise Bergman, Nicholas Jones as her vengeful brother Claude and Jill Baker as odious conservative columnist Donna Henry. Bill Bailey reprised his role as Kenny Starkiss, Victoria Shalet played young Carrie Bergman and the victim, Marco Bergman, was briefly portrayed by Jeffrey Segal.   The Tailor’s Dummy was written by David Renwick and Christine Gernon helmed the last of her three Creeks. Verity Lambert remained as producer.   The Tailor’s Dummy was released in 2003. It is 60 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is available in an edited format on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Tailor’s Dummy – Episode 23 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

Angel Hair was the second episode of Jonathan Creek‘s fourth season. A famous composer and his pop star wife are shocked by a woman’s ability to re-grow her hair in just 48 hours. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at the challenges of combining hostage-taking with time travel and what to do with a 12-foot tall ventriloquist’s dummy.     The principal guests in this episode were Jack Dee as love rat Dudley Houseman and Sophie Thompson as his PA, Dorothy. They were supported by Caroline Carver as Dudley’s wife Sally Ellen Oakley, Trevor Peacock as Dudley’s father and dummy-maker Henry Houseman and Tamsin Greig as Pam, a make-up artist and stylist who Jonathan spends some time with during the show. David Renwick makes a cameo appearance during the kidnapping scene.   Angel Hair was written by Renwick and Christine Gernon once more directed, while Verity Lambert remained as producer.   Angel Hair was released in 2003. It is 60 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is available in an edited format on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post Angel Hair – Episode 22 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Coonskin Cap was the first episode of Jonathan Creek‘s fourth season. Jonathan and Carla are reacquainted over an apparent serial killer with a flair for the dramatic. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at deceptive appearances and working with your ex.     The episode re-introduced Julia Sawalah’s Carla Borrego as she and her new husband Brendan Baxter (Adrian Edmondson) work to produce a Crimewatch competitor TV show.   Inspector Ted Parnevik (Terence Hillyer) and his apparent love interest Sergeant Heather Davey (Anna Wilson-Jones) lead the police team trying to snare the perpetrator, while Moira Jane Rowe (Veronica Leer) makes a partial confession. Tina Martin also appears as the tragic Velma, who sadly dies on a night out with Adam Klaus.   The Coonskin Cap was written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Christine Gernon directed, while Verity Lambert remained as producer.   The Coonskin Cap was released in 2003. It is 60 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is available on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Coonskin Cap – Episode 21 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

Satan’s Chimney was the 2001 Christmas Special episode of Jonathan Creek. The special featured a curious vindictive religious zealot and a tragically complicated mother-son relationship. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at the second half of the episode and a mystery unravelled.     Jonathan and Carla (Julia Sawalha) face up to the death of Alan Kalanak (Jay Benedict) on top of that of Vivian Brodie (Mary Tamm). Meanwhile Tom (Elliot Cowan) comes to terms with his role in Viv’s death and his place in the world.   Director Herman Grole (Steven Berkoff), actors Jodee Tressky (Lisa Stökke) and Bronson Peterman (Matt Rippy) and Raymond (Raymond Griffiths) keep their secrets, while Bill Bailey and James Saxon remain involved as Kenny Starkiss and Inspector Bullstrode respectively.   Satan’s Chimney was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Sandy Johnson made a pleasing return as director while Verity Lambert remained as producer.   Satan’s Chimney was released in 2001. It is 120 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is strangely missing from Netflix in the UK and Ireland, but the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post Satan’s Chimney (2) – Episode 20 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

Satan’s Chimney was the 2001 Christmas Special episode of Jonathan Creek. The special featured a mysterious castle and a seemingly-impossible locked room murder. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at the first half of the episode and some unchivalrous behaviour from Jonathan.     While Jonathan negotiates with Carla Borrego (Julia Sawalha) for extra rehearsal time with her client Alan Kalanak (Jay Benedict), Kalanak’s ex-wife Vivian Brodie (Mary Tamm) struggles with a challenging co-star, Bronson Peterman (Matt Rippy), on the set of her latest movie.   Director Herman Grole (Steven Berkoff), co-star Jodee Tressky (Lisa Stökke) and the mysterious Raymond (Raymond Griffiths) play key roles on-set, while there are also roles for Bill Ward as Vernon Spools; Bill Bailey as the remarkable Kenny Starkiss; and James Saxon as the rotund Inspector Bullstrode. Penny Smith and Sonya Saul cameo-ed as versions of themselves.   Satan’s Chimney was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Sandy Johnson made a pleasing return as director while Verity Lambert remained as producer.   Satan’s Chimney was released in 2001. It is 120 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode is strangely missing from Netflix in the UK and Ireland, but the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post Satan’s Chimney (1) – Episode 19 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Three Gamblers was the final episode of Jonathan Creek’s third season. This episode featured a corpse attempting to escape from a locked room. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at one last adventure for a favourite character.     When nefarious villain Frank Geiger (John Bennett) invites Floyd Goodman (Harry Peacock) and Joe Wheeler (Cliff Barry) for a meeting ahead of a major drugs deal, the last thing he expects is for undercover police officer Karen Blaine (Nina Sosanya) to tag along. Meanwhile, her boss DI Gallo (John Bird) is looking for results.   Hattie Hayridge (Lizzie Gillespie), Cavan Clerkin (Sidney Australia), Lee Ingleby (Derek Spratley) and Jonathan Ross (himself, a cameo) also appeared.   The Three Gamblers was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Richard Holthouse directed the last of his three episodes while Verity Lambert remained as producer.   The Three Gamblers was released in 2000. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Three Gamblers – Episode 18 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

Miracle in Crooked Lane was the fifth episode of Jonathan Creek’s third season. This episode featured a woman spotted alive and well just hours after an ultimately fatal accident. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at the risks of becoming too obsessed with Jonathan Creek.     Vincent Rees (Nicholas Ball) and his inscrutable house guest Kathleen Gilmore (Dinah Sheridan) are at the centre of events as Jacqui Clifford-Wright (Hetty Baynes) appears to Kathleen hours after her apparent death at the home she shared with her husband Rupert (Benjamin Whitrow). Jonathan and Maddy are drawn into the mystery by Creek superfan Jeff (Tom Goodman-Hill) and his partner Christine (Emma Kennedy).   Frances Low (Daphne), William Vanderpuye (DCI Horner) and Ben Craze (Creek fan Colin) also appeared.   Miracle in Crooked Lane was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Richard Holthouse directed the second of his three episodes while Verity Lambert remained as producer.   Miracle in Crooked Lane was released in 1999. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post Miracle in Crooked Lane – Episode 17 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

Ghosts Forge was the fourth episode of Jonathan Creek’s third season. This episode featured a novelist, a shrine and a bad case of amnesia. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at the ethics of tricking a person with no memory into living a life you’ve created for them.     When Jonathan and Maddy’s mutual acquaintance Mimi Tranter (Lysette Anthony) shares the tale of her married lover Robin Priest (Mark Aiken) and the mysterious tale of Ghosts Forge it isn’t long before the pair begin to investigate. Robin’s wife Shirley (Sara Stephens) and Shirley’s Uncle Bill (Nicholas Amer) form critical parts of a very unusual story.   Gina Bellman and Jim Bowen also appeared as part of the Adam Klaus B-plot.   Ghosts Forge was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Richard Holthouse directed the first of his three episodes while Verity Lambert remained as producer.   Ghosts Forge was released in 1999. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post Ghosts Forge – Episode 16 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Omega Man was the third episode of Jonathan Creek’s third season. This episode featured aliens from another dimension, US Military overreach and some serious ethical questions. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at truth and whether it’s out there, or all around. (Wait, is that truth, or love?)     When Maddy receives an intriguing invitation to meet a stranger in an abandoned warehouse she inevitably cannot resist and comes face to face with Professor Lance Graumann (John Shrapnel) and his assistant Phillipa Farell (Jane Booker). Before she knows what is really going on a delegation of US Military officers led by Cpt. Frank Candy (Michael Brandon) arrive to take possession of what appears to be an alien corpse.   There was a small role for future EastEnders stalwart Charlie Brooks as Trudi, a Jonathan Creek fangirl.   The Omega Man was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Keith Washington directed once more while Verity Lambert remained as producer.   The Omega Man was released in 1999. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Omega Man – Episode 15 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Eyes of Tiresias was the second episode of Jonathan Creek’s third season. The episode featured premonitions, goldfish and bizarre case of mistaken identity. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at the power of dreams and late twentieth century recording devices.     The victim (and, as it turns out, the perpetrator), Andre Masson, was played by Terrence Hardiman and his wife, Delia, by another familiar face to British TV viewers, Diana Weston. James Gaddas played Craig Downey, who Masson tried to frame for his apparent murder. Elsewhere, Jonathan became acquainted with Heidi (Rebecca Front) and her aunt Audrey (Margery Mason) who kept seeing murders in her sleep. Paul Blackthorne and Damien Goodwin appeared as two men Maddy managed to mix up for one on a night out near the start of the episode.   There were small roles for Terry Bird as a security guard determined to keep Maddy away from Downey, Peter Blake as Otto Danziger and Claire Malcomson as Becky Philips, the second fatality foreseen by Audrey.   The Eyes of Tiresias was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Keith Washington directed once more while Verity Lambert remained as producer.   The Eyes of Tiresias was released in 1999. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Eyes of Tiresias – Episode 14 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Curious Tale of Mr. Spearfish was the first episode of Jonathan Creek’s third season. The episode featured a dark contract and some dark deeds. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at why money cannot solve all ills.     Andrew Tiernan featured as the titular Mr. Lenny Spearfish, a man whose luck turns on a dime when he signs his soul away to a mysterious man in a curiosity shop. His troubled wife, Alice, is portrayed by Rachel Power while there are significant cameos for Adjoa Andoh as a guardian angel type figure and for Griff Rhys Jones as a prosecutor as Adam Klaus goes to trial in the episode’s B-plot.   There is a small role for a young Maxine Peake as a hotel cleaner exposed for blackmailing high profile guests, while Debbie Arnold and Brett Fancy also appear.   The Curious Tale of Mr. Spearfish was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Keith Washington directed while Verity Lambert remained as producer.   The Curious Tale of Mr. Spearfish was released in 1999. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.The post The Curious Tale of Mr. Spearfish – Episode 13 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

Black Canary was the Christmas Special of Jonathan Creek in 1998, between the show’s second and third seasons. The episode featured a seemingly impossible twice-executed suicide. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at family dramas and the extinguishing of an old flame.     Hannah Gordon took centre stage as both Marella Carney and her twin Beryl, one the victim of a gruesome buzzsaw stunt gone wrong, the other dead at her own hand prior to manservant Lionel Prekopp’s (Murray Melvin) inventive intervention.   Marella and Beryl each had one daughter, Charlotte (Kate Isitt) and Hannah (Suzanna Hamilton), whose reactions to the latest death are made all the more complex when it is revealed one twin had been living the other’s life for many years. Francis Matthews appeared as Marella’s husband Jerry Bellinitus, while Vincent Wong (as Hannah’s fellow con-artist Pan Duc Lao), Dave Haskell (as Sgt. Richie of apparently undefined gender) and Sanjeev Bhaskar (as a typically hilarious doctor, tormenting Adam Klaus) also appeared.   The most significant guest star, however, was the late, great Rik Mayall as D.I. Gideon Pryke. Pryke presented as a formidable foil to Jonathan throughout the episode and is doubtless one of the most memorable characters in Creek‘s history.   Black Canary was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Sandy Johnson returned behind the camera, while Verity Lambert remained as producer.   Black Canary was released in 1998. It is 89 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.  The post Black Canary – Episode 12 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

Mother Redcap was the sixth and final episode of Jonathan Creek’s second season and featured both an impossible murder and a fascinating historical mystery. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at table manners and sisterly vengeance.     The undoubted highlight of this episode was the performance of Brian Murphy as Ken Speed, a veteran police officer. Victim Judge Forrest Sweetland and his wife Gwynneth were played by Leonard Kavanagh and Georgine Anderson respectively, while Nicola Walker portrayed the salad-licking PC Fay Radnor.   Supporting performances came from Barbara Horne as Dr Climpson, Marcus Gilbert as Jason Tippet and both Scarlett O’Neal and Hilary Sesta as the younger and present-day versions of the Mother Redcap accomplice-turned-bag lady.   Mother Redcap was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Keith Washington continued behind the camera, while Verity Lambert remained as producer.   Mother Redcap was released in 1998. It is 49 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.  The post Mother Redcap – Episode 11 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Problem at Gallows Gate Part II was the fifth episode of Jonathan Creek’s second season and featured a shocking twist with some typically Creekian lateral thinking. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at a treacherous friend.     This episode was the second of a two parter and, like Part I, featured Alistair Petrie; Annabel Mullion; Jessica Lloyd; Stephen Billington; Clarke Peters; Stanley Townsend; and Jennifer Piercey.   The Problem at Gallows Gate Part II was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Keith Washington continued behind the camera, while Verity Lambert remained as producer.   The Problem at Gallows Gate Part II was released in 1998. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.  The post The Problem at Gallows Gate (Part 2) – Episode 10 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Problem at Gallows Gate Part I was the fourth episode of Jonathan Creek’s second season and featured a dramatic suicide, followed by the dead man apparently committing an horrific murder. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at the ethics of pretending to be blind.     This episode was the first of a two parter and featured Rogue One and The Night Manager star Alistair Petrie as birthday boy Duncan Proctor; Annabel Mullion as Felicity, the ill-fated object of his affections; Jessica Lloyd as Felicity’s osteopathic housemate Clare; Stephen Billington as Neville, the wrench in Duncan’s works; Clarke Peters as not-as-blind-as-he-looks musician Hewie Harper; Stanley Townsend as sarcastic police inspector Barrison; and Jennifer Piercey as Adam Klaus’ sister Kitty.   Supporting roles were played by Calum MacPherson and Andrew Barrow as Proctor’s army pals Buster and Ben; Georgie Glen as Mrs Kilby; Akemi Otani as Kiko and Amanda Holden as Adam’s latest beau, Petra.   The Problem at Gallows Gate Part I was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Keith Washington made his directorial debut on the show, while Verity Lambert continued as producer.   The Problem at Gallows Gate Part I was released in 1998. It is 49 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. The episode can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the entire series is available on DVD in the UK and other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.  The post The Problem at Gallows Gate (Part 1) – Episode 9 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Scented Room was the third episode of Jonathan Creek’s second season and featured an impossible theft from a locked, empty room. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at the essentials of good parenting and the appearance of a national treasure.     This episode featured veteran comic Bob Monkhouse as Sylvester Le Flay, a newspaper critic with no love for Adam Klaus (Stuart Milligan) and Jonathan’s magic show, with Christine Kavanagh as his wife, Lady Theresa Cutler and Sam Bradley as their son, Benjamin. Peter Copley and Valerie Colgan played Eric and Martha, staff at the stately home where the family live.   Supporting the main cast were Caroline Harris and Jemma Churchill as Maddy’s therpist and a colleague, Sophie Langham as Melissa, the mastermind nanny behind the crime, and John Hudson as a man who thinks works for the police, not the gas board.   The Scented Room was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Sandy Johnson remained in charge behind the camera, while Verity Lambert continued as producer.   The Scented Room was released in 1998. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. A version of the episode can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the original cuts are available on DVD in other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.  The post The Scented Room – Episode 8 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

Time Waits for Norman was the second episode of Jonathan Creek’s second season and featured some timey-wimey, two-places-at-once shenanigans. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at a life so rich two people want to live it at once.     This episode featured Dermot Crowley as the duplicitous Norman Strangerson and Deborah Grant as his wife Antonia. There were important supporting roles for Graham Bryan as burger chef Lewis French, Diane Witter as Bernice, Lorelei King as Justine Bailey and Edward Halsted as Norman’s almost-alter-ego Mel Porthropp.   Time Waits for Norman was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Sandy Johnson remained in charge behind the camera, while Verity Lambert continued as producer.   Time Waits for Norman was released in 1998. It is 49 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. An abridged edition can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the original cuts are available on DVD in other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.  The post Time Waits for Norman – Episode 7 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

Danse Macabre was the first episode of Jonathan Creek’s second season and once again the show featured a seemingly impossible escape from a locked room. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at a garage, some paint pots and a tell-tale pair of shoes.     Full Show Notes to follow.   Danse Macabre was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Sandy Johnson remained in charge behind the camera, while Verity Lambert took over as producer.   Danse Macabre was released in 1998. It is 50 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. An abridged edition can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the original cuts are available on DVD in other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.  The post Danse Macabre – Episode 6 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The House of Monkeys was the fifth and final episode of Jonathan Creek’s first season and presented another locked-room mystery with an apparently impossible escape. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at a friendly gorilla and some apparently telling body language.     When Dr Ingrid Strange (Annette Crosbie) returns home to find her husband Dr Elliot Strange (Charles Kay) locked in his study, dead, with no apparent method of escape possible it doesn’t take her long to call on family friend Jonathan Creek to discover the grisly truth.   Simon Day and Sara Markland also appear, as the Stranges’ son Jordan and his actress wife Cathy, while there is a charming cameo from an animatronic great ape as Samson the gorilla. Selina Cadell and Barnaby Kay appear as police officers.   The House of Monkeys was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. Sandy Johnson remained in charge behind the camera, while Susan Belbin continued as producer.   The House of Monkeys was released in 1997. It is 59 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. An abridged edition can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the original cuts are available on DVD in other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.  The post The House of Monkeys – Episode 5 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

No Trace of Tracy was the fourth episode of Jonathan Creek’s first season and featured a mysterious case of a girl who walked through a doorway and disappeared. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at tree-worshipping, ark building and faded rock stars.     Roy Pilgrim (Ralph Brown), the ageing front man of 70’s rock band Edwin Drood, returns from a run to find his patio doors ajar and his safe opened. Before he can appraise the situation he is knocked unconscious and wakes to find himself chained to his radiator, leading to a long wait for rescue. Meanwhile teenage fan Tracy Cook (Heather-Jay Jones) is on her way to Pilgrim’s home, believing he has agreed to meet her.   When Tracy disappears police attention is immediately focussed on Pilgrim, who maintains his seemingly implausible alibi which, if true, would mean he was staring at the patio door that witnesses saw Tracy enter before she vanished. Ray is offered support by members of a cult he financially contributes to, particularly their leaders Jacob and Polly Flowers (Mel Cobb and Christine Moore).   Jonathan and Maddy are aided (hindered?) in their efforts to figure the case out by Maddy’s friend Sheena (Caroline Loncq), who takes a bit of a shine to Jonathan, while real-life rockers Lou Sexty and Hank Wangford portray Ray Pilgrim’s former bandmates Jerry and Glenn. Rob Jarvis and James DeGazio also appear as Tex (a frustrated pizza-toting musician) and Toby Flowers (‘nephew’ of Jacob and Polly) respectively. Geraldine Alexander appears as Ray’s furious fiancée Francine.   No Trace of Tracy was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. There was a change of director with Sandy Johnson taking the helm, while Susan Belbin remained as producer.   No Trace of Tracy was released in 1997. It is 59 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. An abridged edition can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the original cuts are available on DVD in other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.  The post No Trace of Tracy – Episode 4 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Reconstituted Corpse was the third episode of Jonathan Creek’s first season and featured a seemingly impossible scenario involving a dead body and a locked wardrobe. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at the late-1990s equivalent of online dating and a nasty break-up.     When Zola Zbzewski (Kika Mirylees) is confronted by her former partner (and plastic surgeon) David Churchin (Ron Berglas) on Cleo Paterson’s (Hilary Lyon) chat show she reaches the unfortunate conclusion that he will never let her live in peace and permanent action is required. When she is arrested for his murder her daughter Victoria (Rebecca Johnson) and agent  Sam Brickman (Philip McGough) call for Maddy’s help and an alibi swiftly becomes apparent.   Meanwhile, Maddy engages in an awkward and inevitably doomed courtship with Shelford (Nigel Planer), a local professional whose dating profile featured a suspiciously out of date photograph. Ralf Beck (as Victoria and Zola’s shared boyfriend Rudi), Geoffrey McGivern (as Maddy’s agent Barry Opper) and Michael Mellinger (Mr Schmitz) played supporting roles in this episode.   The Reconstituted Corpse was again written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. The director was once more Marcus Mortimer in the last of his three episodes, while Susan Belbin remained as producer.   The Reconstituted Corpse was released in 1997. It is 59 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. An abridged edition can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the original cuts are available on DVD in other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.  The post The Reconstituted Corpse – Episode 3 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

Jack in the Box was the second episode of Jonathan Creek’s first season and featured a classic ‘locked room’ mystery with a twist. Or was it a flush? In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at a seemingly impossible challenge for Jonathan.     The ‘Jack’ referred to in the episode’s title was, of course, Jack Holiday, portrayed by John Bluthal. His wife, Kirsten (Maureen O’Brien), refuses to accept his death was the seemingly apparent suicide his killer made it out to be and accepts Jonathan’s help in solving the puzzle. Meanwhile, Maddy celebrates overturning a miscarriage of justice having helped set Alan Rokesmith (Robin Soans) free after many years in prison.   There were important supporting appearances for June Watson as Alan’s sister Rachel, Bernard Kay as Kirsten and Jack’s butler-cum-assistant Oliver and Colin Stinton as Scott Resiner, a producer at the film company who produced Jack’s final TV advert.   This episode was also written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. The director was again Marcus Mortimer in the second of his three Creek episodes behind the camera, while Susan Belbin continued as producer.   Jack in the Box was released in 1997. It is 59 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. An abridged edition can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the original cuts are available on DVD in other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016, released by the BBC.  The post Jack in the Box – Episode 2 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

The Wrestler’s Tomb was the first episode of Jonathan Creek’s inaugural season and introduced audiences to Alan Davies in the title role, alongside Caroline Quentin as the show’s co-lead. In this podcast Gerry and Iain take a look at the plot, characters, actors and others involved in the creation of The Wrestler’s Tomb.     Besides Davies and Quentin’s protagonists, this episode featured a number of other important characters. Former Doctor Who Colin Baker appeared as the victim, Hedley Shale, with Saskia Mulder (now a leading agent at The Artists Partnership) as his killer, Francesca Boutron. There were important roles, too, for Anthony Head as Creek’s employer Adam Klaus, Sheila Gish as the abruptly widowed Serena Shale and Jane Hazelgrove as the victim’s lover Katrina Toplis.   Supporting the main cast were Lloyd McGuire as DS Davey, Mem Ferda as an engaging drunk, John Marquez as a frazzled supermarket manager whose tills have been taken to task by Jonathan’s mental arithmetic and Rebecca Charles as a swiftly-disposed-of love interest of Klaus early in the show.   Like all of the others to come, this episode was written by the show’s creator, David Renwick. The director was Marcus Mortimer in the first of his three Creek episodes behind the camera, while Susan Belbin produced the episode.   The Wrestler’s Tomb was released in 1997. It is 89 minutes long and originally aired on the BBC. An abridged edition can be viewed on Netflix in the UK and Ireland and the original cuts are available on DVD in other countries, including a comprehensive box set of all the episodes up until Christmas 2016 released by the BBC.  The post The Wrestler’s Tomb – Episode 1 first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.

From the team behind the Columbo Podcast and the Blackadder Podcast comes the Jonathan Creek podcast, an affectionate retrospective of the popular BBC drama series. The show will look at each series and special of Jonathan Creek beginning with the show’s initial episode, The Wrestler’s Tomb. You can hear a short introductory episode below:     The podcast will launch on Wednesday 10th May 2017, the 20th anniversary of Jonathan Creek‘s first appearance.  The post Welcome to the Jonathan Creek Podcast first appeared on Jonathan Creek Podcast.