Campion

Campion is a captivating period detective drama series commissioned by BBC One that aired from 1989 to 1990. Inspired by Margery Allingham's novels, the series beautifully encapsulates the charm and peculiarity of Albert Campion's character, a gentleman sleuth residing in 1930s England. Campion is a suave, sophisticated, and seemingly harmless private investigator, however, beneath this mild-mannered front, partakes an indomitable intelligence and a knack for cracking the most complex cases that usually leave Scotland Yard bewildered. 



The TV series starts with a visibly eccentric Campion, portrayed brilliantly by Peter Davison, known for his roles in ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘All Creatures Great and Small’. Davison immerses himself genuinely in the character, exhibiting a delightful blend of childish innocence and top-notch intellect, which helps him solve the cases with rare finesse. He is accompanied by his loyal manservant, Magersfontein Lugg, played by Brian Glover, an ex-wrestler and a reformed criminal who brings comedy to the series and acts as an unconventional hand to Campion.

Each episode of Campion narrates a separate mystery, all following the cloak-and-dagger genre of the era in a charming English countryside backdrop. The plot threads often take unexpected turns, uncovering murder mysteries, treasure hunts, family secrets and political intrigues, all elegant, witty, and wildly entertaining. Further, the vehicle also showcases Campion's social life, involving upper-class society engagements and royal visits, providing a magnificent demonstration of the 1930s European era. It highlights the character’s subtle flair for communication with members of all societal strata – from aristocrats to scoundrels.

The series showcases impeccable attention to detail with respect to costume design, set design, and music. Due credit should go to the production team, who succeeded in creating an authentic atmosphere specific to the period that the narrative inhabits, complete with carefully chosen props, elaborate costumes, and old-world architecture. Complimenting the visual presentation, Nigel Hess’s original compositions beautifully accentuate the period mood, providing the perfect auditory background befitting the series.

Campion follows an exquisite narrative style, interspersed with unexpected humor, rich characters, and engaging dialogues. The narrative style keeps the audience hooked thanks to its episodic structure and the unfolding of grand mysteries in two parts, giving ample time to build suspense and intrigue that do not feel rushed. Moreover, the rapport between Campion and Lugg, their eccentricity, and the satirical takes on upper-crust society form some of the most memorable moments in the series. The series deftly combines humor, suspense, hinterland charm, and delightful characters to an absorbing effect.

Despite being a private investigator, Campion is not your stereotypical detective. He is more of an adventurer, solving mysteries not only with razor-sharp intelligence but also with an adventurous spirit. Unlike the usual image of a detective, he is not a brooding, anguished figure either. Instead, he embodies a bohemian charm and an almost child-like enthusiasm that make him quite an endearing character.

Margery Allingham, one of the queens of classic crime fiction, created the Albert Campion series, originally intended as a parody of Dorothy L. Sayers's character Lord Peter Wimsey. However, Campion developed his unique persona, eventually outliving his parody origins and becoming a beloved character in crime fiction. The TV series, Campion, successfully captures the essence of Allingham's novels while adapting it skilfully to a different medium. It introduces new layers to its mysteries through visual engagement and thus stand out as an excellent adaptation in its own right.

In conclusion, Campion is an engaging detective series that breaks away from the traditional mold and instantly captures the audience's attention with its wit, charm, and sophistication. The viewer is regaled not only by the intriguing cases solved by the unassuming detective but also by the rich depiction of 1930s England, and transported into an earlier era of complicated etiquette and charming simplicity. All in all, this detective series provides exceptional entertainment through its unique character portrayals and intricately woven mysteries. Be prepared for captivating adventures and gentle humor as Campion takes on challenging mysteries with his characteristic panache.