"Cracker" (1993) TV series 1993-1996

Creator:

Jimmy McGovern

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Release Date:

27 September 1993 (UK)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

Plot:

An abrasively eccentric forensic psychologist aids in the solving of difficult police cases.

Plot Keywords:

Psychological Drama

Awards:

16 wins & 7 nominations

Cast

Robbie Coltrane	...	Dr. Eddie 'Fitz' Fitzgerald (24 episodes, 1993-1996)
Geraldine Somerville	...	DS Jane 'Panhandle' Penhaligon (23 episodes, 1993-1995)
Kieran O'Brien	...	Mark Fitzgerald (21 episodes, 1993-1995)
Barbara Flynn	...	Judith Fitzgerald (20 episodes, 1993-1995)
Lorcan Cranitch	...	DS Jimmy Beck (19 episodes, 1993-1995)
Ricky Tomlinson	...	D.C.I. Charlie Wise / ... (15 episodes, 1994-1996)
Tess Thomson	...	Kate 'Katie' Fitzgerald (12 episodes, 1993-1995)
Christopher Eccleston	...	DCI David Bilborough (10 episodes, 1993-1994)
Wil Johnson	...	D.C. Skelton (10 episodes, 1994-1995)

Runtime:

Germany:90 min (9 episodes) | UK:60 min (22 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

New Zealand:R16 (seasons 1-3) | Australia:MA (DVD rating) | UK:18 (DVD rating)

Filming Locations:

Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, UK

Company:

A&E Television Networks

Trivia:

Fitz is never seen driving and is always driven by others. The reason is never explained in the series. But in the book "Cracker: The Truth Behind the Fiction", it says that "He's never trusted himself behind the wheel of a car - its just too tempting to put your foot down and close your eyes and gamble that you won't hit anything before you've counted to twenty".

Quotes:

[on two Skinheads' urinary habits]
Fitz: You're the artistic kind - it goes everywhere. You're the Luke Skywalker type - straight like a lazer beam. I can't help but take a look - people usually find it disgusting ...
Skinhead: You looking for a broken nose, pal?
Fitz: Yeah, You know someone who can give me one, pal?

Movie Connections:

Featured in The 100 Greatest Scary Moments (2003) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Summertime

Excellent crime drama provides insight... and some laughs

Unlike the U.S. version, the U.K. version of Cracker is smart, witty, funny, insightful, and often touching. Robbie Coltrane is excellent as Fitz, the criminal psychologist, and the entire cast works together very well. This TV series is worthy of the big screen. I'm hoping they will make more episodes!