Edwin Porterhouse is a bungling private eye who would struggle to find a footprint even if he fell over it. He is 'helped' in his assignments by his judo loving daughter, Daffodil, who has no real interest in her father's profession and so even simple cases prove too complicated for the duo.

In this pilot episode, the Porterhouse's services are called upon by Sir Gregory Bowles Bart. Having acquired Emperor Napoleon's very own bedside snuff box as a wedding gift for his soon-to-be son-in-law, the aristocratic antiques' dealer fears he is being followed by thieves determined to steal the delicate item. All Edwin and Daffodil need do is keep it safe until the wedding party...