Bulman

Created and primarily written by Murray Smith, Bulman is a spin-off of Strangers (1978–1982), which itself stemmed from The XYY Man (1976–1977), originally adapted from Kenneth Royce’s novels. At the heart of all three series is Don Henderson’s portrayal of George Kitchener Bulman, a softly spoken, deeply eccentric, and fiercely intelligent detective who has steadily built a cult following.

In Bulman, Henderson reprises his role as the titular character, now a retired Detective Chief Inspector. Supposedly stepping away from the world of crime, Bulman spends his time fixing old clocks in a cluttered antiques shop in south-west London. But the façade of retirement is soon pierced by the arrival of Lucy McGinty, played by Siobhan Redmond in her first major television drama role. McGinty, a former Medieval Studies student and daughter of a former colleague, abandons academia to join Bulman in his unorthodox investigative work. The chemistry between the seasoned, idiosyncratic detective and his bright, inquisitive assistant forms the core of the series.

What sets Bulman apart is its unique tonal blend: the show straddles domestic detective work and covert intelligence operations, often veering into the world of espionage via the involvement of security chief William Dugdale (Thorley Walters). Bulman also finds himself drawn back into police work at times, under the direction of former superior Jack Lambie (Mark McManus), and occasionally reunited with past partner Derek Willis (Dennis Blanch).

Free from the constraints of official police procedure, Bulman operates in the margins, a man of contradictions who presents as scruffy and disorganised, yet is intellectually sharp and classically educated. He is known for his peculiar style: tatty string gloves, a Vicks inhaler, a scarf (partly concealing cancer surgery scars), and a plastic carrier bag that, in reality, contained Henderson’s personal belongings. These quirks became key aspects of the character, many introduced by chance rather than design.

The stories in Bulman range from murder mysteries to espionage plots, including undercover operations and high-stakes confrontations. The series often sees Bulman using his low-key, unthreatening demeanour to disarm enemies, an approach reminiscent of Columbo, while also drawing comparisons with the more introspective Callan or later episodes of Foyle’s War. Episodes are driven more by character and atmosphere than by conventional police procedural tropes.

Don Henderson’s performance is central to the show’s appeal. A former police officer turned actor, Henderson brings a grounded realism and quiet gravitas to Bulman, making him one of British television’s more unusual detectives. His background as a real-life CID detective adds weight to the role, and his late start in professional acting lends a unique depth to his portrayal.

Siobhan Redmond’s Lucy provides an excellent foil: determined, curious, and increasingly capable, she tempers Bulman’s eccentricities and brings a youthful energy to the series. Their partnership is not romantic but is filled with mutual respect and a shared fascination with human behaviour and crime.

The guest cast across the two series is impressive, including appearances from Alun Armstrong, Sheila Hancock, George Sewell, Peter Wyngarde, and others, lending star power and variety to individual stories.

Though Bulman might not have reached the mainstream heights of contemporaries like Morse, it remains a compelling and thoughtful series. Its blend of quirky character work, subdued humour, and thoughtful plotting makes it a compelling choice for those who prefer detective stories with a touch of the unconventional.

Across its 20 one-hour episodes, Bulman offers a rich, character-driven alternative to flashier crime dramas. For those drawn to more cerebral sleuths, or who appreciate the moody texture of 1980s British television, it’s a gem worth revisiting.