flipdezz Review of The Chinese Detective

The Chinese Detective (1981–1982)

Gritty realism, a brilliant cast and an intriguing narrative

[12 November 2023]

The Chinese Detective is among the best television series' I saw on British television during the fifteen years I resided in Briton. It was shot around the area of the abandoned London docks at the beginning of the 1980s and the production style is strictly "kitchen sink realism". The story doesn't hold back on the overt racism Detective Sergeant John Ho (played by David Yip) experiences from his police department colleagues and the narrative arc of Season One has a satisfying conclusion. This series captures an accurate and unglamorous view of the London criminal underworld of the early 1980s and David Yip's portrayal of the sympathetic main character is note perfect. It's a shame that the series only went to one more season.