Whatever Happened to Crime Traveller (1997): A Look Back at the Short-Lived Sci-Fi Series

Crime Traveller was a British science fiction television series that aired in 1997, starring Michael French and Chloë Annett. The show followed the adventures of Jeff Slade, a detective with the Metropolitan Police’s scientific support unit, and Holly Turner, a time traveler from the 22nd century. Together, they used a time machine called the “SID” to solve crimes.

Despite its promising premise and decent ratings, Crime Traveller was cancelled after just one season. Fans of the show have been left wondering whatever happened to it and why it was cancelled. Some speculate that the show was too complicated for audiences to follow, while others believe that it simply didn’t have enough viewers to justify its production costs.

Despite its short run, Crime Traveller has developed a cult following over the years, with many fans still hoping for a revival. The show’s unique blend of science fiction and police procedural elements made it stand out from other shows of its time, and its use of time travel as a storytelling device was ahead of its time. In this article, we will take a closer look at the show and explore why it was cancelled, as well as what its legacy has been in the years since it aired.

Overview of Crime Traveller

Crime Traveller is a British science fiction television series that aired for one season in 1997. The show was created by Anthony Horowitz, who is known for his work on other successful TV series such as Foyle’s War and Midsomer Murders. Crime Traveller follows two detectives, Jeff Slade and Holly Turner, as they solve crimes using a time machine.

Premise

The premise of the show is that Jeff and Holly use a time machine to travel back in time to the scene of a crime. They then use their knowledge of the future to solve the crime before it happens. The time machine is called the “Time Machine” and is housed in a secret laboratory beneath London’s St. Pancras Station.

Cast and Crew

The show starred Michael French as Jeff Slade and Chloë Annett as Holly Turner. French is best known for his role as David Wicks in the long-running British soap opera EastEnders. Annett is best known for her role as Kristine Kochanski in the science fiction comedy series Red Dwarf.

The show was created by Anthony Horowitz, who also wrote several episodes. Other writers on the show included Terry Nation, who is known for creating the Daleks in Doctor Who, and Robert Banks Stewart, who created the popular detective series Bergerac.

Reception

The show received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some praised the show’s unique premise and strong performances, while others criticized the show’s writing and pacing. Despite this, the show has developed a cult following in the years since its cancellation.

Overall, Crime Traveller was an ambitious and innovative show that blended science fiction and crime drama in a unique way. While it may not have been a commercial success at the time, it has since become a beloved cult classic among fans of both genres.

Cancellation and Legacy

Reasons for Cancellation

Despite the show’s initial success, Crime Traveller was cancelled after only one season. There were several reasons for this decision, including low ratings, high production costs, and creative differences between the show’s creators and the network.

The show’s time-traveling premise was also seen as a potential obstacle to its longevity, as it limited the types of stories that could be told and made it difficult for viewers to invest in the characters’ relationships and development.

Fanbase and Cult Following

Despite its short run, Crime Traveller developed a dedicated fanbase and has since gained a cult following. Fans have praised the show’s unique premise, witty writing, and strong performances from its cast.

The show’s legacy has also been kept alive through various fan sites, social media groups, and online discussions, as well as DVD and digital releases.

Possible Revival

Over the years, there have been occasional rumors and discussions about a possible revival of Crime Traveller. However, nothing concrete has materialized, and it remains uncertain whether the show will ever return to the small screen.

Despite this, the show’s legacy and influence continue to be felt in the sci-fi and crime genres, and it remains a beloved cult classic among its fans.

Episodes

Crime Traveller aired for only one season, consisting of eight episodes. Each episode followed the adventures of Jeff Slade and Holly Turner as they traveled through time to solve crimes. Here is a brief overview of each episode:

• Pilot: In the pilot episode, Jeff and Holly travel back in time to solve the murder of a young woman. They discover that the killer is someone close to the victim.
• Fashion Shoot: Jeff and Holly travel back to the 1980s to solve the murder of a fashion model. They find themselves in the middle of a fashion shoot and must navigate the world of high fashion to catch the killer.
• Death Minister: Jeff and Holly travel back to the 1970s to solve the murder of a minister. They discover that the minister was involved in a cult and that his death may have been a ritual sacrifice.
• A Death in the Family: Jeff and Holly travel back to the 1950s to solve the murder of a wealthy businessman. They discover that the victim’s family has a dark secret.
• The Lottery Curse: Jeff and Holly travel back to the 1930s to solve the murder of a lottery winner. They discover that the victim’s family is cursed and that the killer may be a member of the family.
• The Revenge of the Chronology Protection Hypothesis: Jeff and Holly travel back to the 19th century to solve the murder of a scientist. They discover that the victim was working on a time machine and that his death may have been related to his research.
• The Broken Crystal: Jeff and Holly travel back to the 1960s to solve the murder of a scientist. They discover that the victim was working on a top-secret project and that his death may have been related to his work.
• The Last Word: In the final episode, Jeff and Holly travel back to the 1920s to solve the murder of a writer. They discover that the victim’s death may be related to his latest book.

Overall, Crime Traveller was a unique and interesting show that combined science fiction and crime drama. While it only lasted for one season, it left a lasting impression on those who watched it.