One of my all-time favorite shows is Lovejoy.  It’s all about Lovejoy (no Mr., just Lovejoy).  He’s an antiques dealer, who has been plying his trade a long time and is what you call an expert.  He’s also a divvy, which means he can suss out a real antique from a fake.  Sometimes, he’s been known to use that gift in the rest of his life, but it doesn’t always work.

He is a bit of a lady’s man.  Has a thing for “crumpet” as they say.  He has been led astray or certainly distracted more times than he should.

His best friend and long time partner is Tinker Dill.  He also serves as Lovejoy’s “barker.”  That is a person who bids for him at auctions and catches the sent of exciting antiques that might be floating around.  The barker, they say is often, “a broken down alcoholic.”  In the early days of the series, Tinker often was drunk and teetering, as the series went on though, he just became ready for a drink most of the time.

Also on Lovejoy’s team (for at least part of the series) is Eric Catchpole.  Eric’s dad sent him and a load of fresh meat from his butcher’s shop, to Lovejoy to keep Eric out of trouble.  Eric thinks Lovejoy needs to be more “fiscally responsible” and prefers to listen to rock music under his headphones.  But Lovejoy and Tinker continue to try to each him the trade.

Another good friend of Lovejoy’s is Lady Jane Felsham. She says you’re more likely to find her in “wellies” than in an evening gown.  She is a decorator, working for wealthy homeowners and businesses in the small English town where she and Lovejoy live. Jane knows a lot about antiques and fancies spending time with Lovejoy since her husband is usually out of town on business. Though they do like each other a lot, it’s only sexual tension between them, as they remain just good friends.  Lady Jane is often bailing out Lovejoy when he gets in over his head.  She’s been known to put up her money for some scheme Lovejoy is working and almost always picks up the tab for drinks or food.

Even though Lovejoy has this second sight and years of experience, he is often without money.  If he needs something, (like school fees for his daughter’s boarding school or money to buy a special antique) he can usually get it by selling something, buying something else, turning it over and selling it for more money, buying something else and selling it.  Lovejoy has been known to be a bit “dodgy” in his business dealings.  He may say it looks like it’s Spode, when in fact, it isn’t.  He’ll pass it off to some “punter,” a regular person buying antiques; not someone who knows much.

Despite his roguish nature and constant lack of money, he’s also quite refined and knows a good wine, fine food, etc.  And he is always charming.  His knowledge of antiques is extensive, but he can’t know everything.  When he doesn’t, Lovejoy always knows who to ask. There is a cast of characters who come and go that serve as experts where Lovejoy is lacking.

The stories are based on a series of books by Jonathan Gash.  But the TV series had lots of writers, which kept the episodes fresh.  And the ensemble cast shifted and changed a bit over the years.

The episodes are often around a mystery, though I wouldn’t call it a mystery.  There was usually something Lovejoy had to solve or fix or save.  They are all delightful stories that always leave me smiling and saying, “That was wonderful!”  The acting is exceptionally good and the stories keep you entranced.  Unlike some series, it always feels fresh to me – no matter how many times I’ve seen it.  They are lively, tight stories, with interesting characters, great actors, and beautiful antiques.  We learn a lot from Lovejoy’s knowledge, too.  A bit of romance, a some  intrigue, and a lot of fun!

I believe there are 6 seasons of Lovejoy available on DVD.