I say Jonathan Creek, providing he counts as a detective per se: pure f**king genius.
Honerable mention to Inspector Monkfish, played by John Actor:
Best fictional detectives?
Columbo for me, although I feel sure most of his cases would be thrown out in court due to badgering of a suspect.
And Monk's great as well. Although most of his cases would collapse too on account of how easy it would be to discredit him in court.
Columbo is a good choice.
Detective Sergeant Albert 'Charlie' Chisholm from Minder. Then Frost.
Harry Callahan. No question.
From books, I'd say Rebus. Definitely not on the box though. Monk and Jonathan Creek are good calls, and I'd add Morse, and Elliott from Law and Order SVU
Quote: Rob H @ July 15 2009, 10:46 AM BSTFrom books, I'd say Rebus. Definitely not on the box though. Monk and Jonathan Creek are good calls, and I'd add Morse, and Elliott from Law and Order SVU
Or Goran from law and Order Criminal Intent. He's great.
Quote: chipolata @ July 15 2009, 10:47 AM BSTOr Goran from law and Order Criminal Intent. He's great.
I used to think that, but now he just seems a bit of a diluted Monk.
Quote: Rob H @ July 15 2009, 10:48 AM BSTI used to think that, but now he just seems a bit of a diluted Monk.
I haven't seen it for a bit. So I might one day think like you, although don't quote me on that.
Also, Dutch from The Shield is pretty good, and in know way deserved the strike team leaving dog turds in his desk draws.
Quote: chipolata @ July 15 2009, 10:51 AM BSTAlso, Dutch from The Shield is pretty good, and in know way deserved the strike team leaving dog turds in his desk draws.
F**k! I was going to say almost exactly that. We already think alike... 
Poirot!
"You - fetch a body bag, you - find the murder weapon, and you - get your knickers on and get me a cup of tea!". - too good.
If talking movies, then Bogart as Sam Spade.
1: Columbo
2: Poirot (David Suchet's)
3: Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone's)
The Scooby-Doo team were always on the ball.
Although, not so much detectives, just pesky kids.