Taggart’s Unsung Heroes: Bringing the Dead Back to Life
Picture this: a gloomy Glasgow flat, a lifeless body, and a seasoned Scottish detective uttering the familiar phrase, “There’s been a murder.” You’d recognize this scene from the iconic Scottish crime series Taggart. But what if I told you that the ones lying motionless on the set deserve a round of applause too? A unique research project is on the hunt for these unsung heroes who played the part of the lifeless bodies, hoping to honor their contribution to one of the most cherished crime series of our time.
For the very first time, researchers are reaching out to anyone who had a hand in Taggart’s 28-year run – extras, advisors, and even the “corpses.” They’re building an archive to capture the show’s impact on crime fiction. These ‘witnesses’ are expected to come forward with their stories, and maybe even some souvenirs from their time on the set, to create a comprehensive history of the series.
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has joined forces with Dr. Blythe Duff, a Taggart star and honorary graduate, to kick off this quest for the show’s unsung champions. The plan is simple: they’re hosting three days of drop-in sessions to gather these accounts from September 6-8 at GCU’s Sir Alex Ferguson Library.
The heart of Taggart was its team of sharp Scottish detectives, including DC Stuart Fraser, DCI Matt Burke, DI Robbie Ross, and DS Jackie Reid. Yes, Taggart’s no-nonsense policing style and his famous ‘murder’ catchphrase made him an icon, but behind the scenes, it was the combined effort that made the show what it was.
Dr. Duff, who portrayed the character Jackie Reid for two decades, is excited to hear the anecdotes of those who played various roles, from advisors to extras and yes, even the fake corpses. She’s well aware of how many people have a “Taggart story,” from filming in their aunt’s house to inspiring them to pursue careers in directing, writing, or law enforcement.
From location shoots to providing props, every piece of the puzzle mattered. The authenticity of the show even earned the admiration of real police officers. Dr. Duff humorously points out that these souvenirs and tales will be “corroborated” before being enshrined in the archive. It’s all in the name of celebrating Taggart’s influence on crime fiction and showcasing the splendid city of Glasgow to the world.
So, as Taggart’s 40th anniversary approaches, the stage is set for the unsung heroes to step forward and add their voices to the saga. The legacy of the show lives on, reminding us that even the ‘lifeless’ roles played a vibrant part in its success. As they say, the show must go on – and so must the stories.
Taggart, once a pilot called “Killer,” premiered on September 6, 1983, starring Mark McManus as DCI Jim Taggart. The show’s gritty crime drama continued until November 2010, leaving a lasting imprint even after its curtain call.
This isn’t just about a TV series; it’s about a legacy, a city, and the people who made it all happen. So, if you’ve got a Taggart tale to tell, don’t be shy. Your story could help us better understand the magic behind this iconic crime drama, one ‘murder’ at a time.