![The Thin Blue Line. Image shows from L to R: D.I. Grim (David Haig), P.C. Habib (Mina Anwar), Inspector Fowler (Rowan Atkinson), P.C. Goody (James Dreyfus), D.C. Boyle (Mark Addy), Sergeant Dawkins (Serena Evans), P.C. Gladstone (Rudolph Walker). Copyright: Tiger Aspect Productions The Thin Blue Line. Image shows from L to R: D.I. Grim (David Haig), P.C. Habib (Mina Anwar), Inspector Fowler (Rowan Atkinson), P.C. Goody (James Dreyfus), D.C. Boyle (Mark Addy), Sergeant Dawkins (Serena Evans), P.C. Gladstone (Rudolph Walker). Copyright: Tiger Aspect Productions](https://cdn.comedy.co.uk/images/library/comedies/300x200/t/the_thin_blue_line_s2.jpg)
The Thin Blue Line
- TV sitcom
- BBC One
- 1995 - 1996
- 14 episodes (2 series)
Police sitcom about fastidious Inspector Raymond Fowler, his array of uniformed officers, and the oafish CID Inspector Grim. Stars Rowan Atkinson, David Haig, Serena Evans, James Dreyfus, Mina Anwar and more.
Episode menu
Series 1, Episode 1 - The Queen's Birthday Present
Further details
It's the 10th anniversary of Inspector Fowler and Patricia Dawkins's relationship, but Raymond has completely forgotten. He is far too busy with matters such as pickpockets and arranging a present for the Queen's Official Birthday.
Grim on the other hand is busy trying to bring CID into the 21st century by investing in computers for the department, who are trying to trace stolen credit cards (except Kray who is busy ordering pizzas and kebabs). Goody, meanwhile, is trying to impress Habib whilst they're on the beat. His eagerness results in him stopping a man from jay walking, arresting a man for helping his Gran with her shopping and nicking a lollipop man for standing outside a school.
Fowler loses his credit cards to a pickpocket and then can't get through to report it whilst Grim receives an early Christmas present when he discovers that Fowler's card has been used in a drug deal.
Goody tries to make up with Habib by buying her champagne and choccies only to hear that she hates it when a bloke thinks champagne and choccies make up for being an arse.
In the meantime, Fowler has been told about his anniversary and in an attempt to get himself and Goody off the hook he swaps the gifts each has bought - the only problem being he forgets to take Goody's "Dear Maggie (spelt Magy), sorry about arresting the lollipop man. Any chance of a bunk up? Love Kevin" label off the champagne. Both men get a slap!
Broadcast details
- Date
- Monday 13th November 1995
- Time
- 8:30pm
- Channel
- BBC One
- Length
- 30 minutes
Upcoming repeats
- Monday 2nd September 2024 at 8:20pm on Gold
Cast & crew
Rowan Atkinson | Inspector Fowler |
David Haig | D.I. Grim |
Serena Evans | Sergeant Dawkins |
James Dreyfus | P.C. Goody |
Mina Anwar | P.C. Habib |
Rudolph Walker | P.C. Gladstone |
Kevin Allen | D.C. Kray |
Joy Brook | D.C. Crockett |
Stephen Moore | Ron (Burglary Victim) |
Edwina Day | Grocery Shopper |
Bo Poraj (as Bohdan Poraj) | Grandson |
George Raistrick | 'R. Sole' (Drunk) |
Ben Elton | Writer |
John Birkin | Director |
Geoffrey Perkins | Producer |
Ben Elton | Producer |
Peter Bennett-Jones | Executive Producer |
Graham Hutchings | Editor |
James Dillon | Production Designer |
Howard Goodall | Composer |