A Touch of Frost - Review

A Touch of Frost was a popular television program in the UK, starring David Jason as Detective Inspector William “Jack” Frost. A Touch of Frost, based upon a series of novels by R. D. Wingfield, first aired in December 1992 and had a highly successful run through the last episode in 2005.

A Touch of Frost depicts the ordinary and the simple occurrences in life, the chaos and whimsy, in a remarkable and realistic portrayal of genuine feelings and emotions. David Jason delivers a superb performance in A Touch of Frost as the aging Inspector Frost, a somewhat cantankerous character, with a mind of his own. David Jason plays the part of an experienced and dedicated detective who is frequently at odds with his superior, Superintendent Norman “Hornrimmed Harry” Mullet, played by Bruce Alexander. Heedless of paperwork and department procedures, Jason is confident in his sleuthing ability and is fiercely determined to do his job. He aggressively forges ahead, barging through seemingly immovable obstacles, throwing caution to the wind. Mullet, on the other hand, is a perfectionist, detailed and fussy to a fault, yet somehow quite effective in bringing out the best in Frost. Following the often conflicting, yet amusing, interaction between David Jason and Bruce Alexander in A Touch of Frost, we soon realize and understand the mutual respect they have for each other.

There is, however, another side to Inspector Frost, which David Jason so artfully reveals. Despite his somewhat obtuse behavior and shabby appearance, Frost is really a “softie” inside, possessing considerable empathy for the people around him, including the care and concern for his terminally ill wife. While Jason, as Inspector “Jack” Frost, is busy confronting and coping with his job, we watch as he exhibits warmth and compassion for the victims and their families. David Jason brings to us both sadness and irony, along with undeniable humor, in the role of Inspector Frost.

"The unique appeal of A Touch of Frost lies in a new and different story for each episode and a new partner or sidekick for Inspector Frost."

David Jason leads a wonderful cast in a variety of characters in A Touch of Frost. Every member of the cast has an important part to play in the overall theme and charming appeal of A Touch of Frost. The scenes and the people of the town of Denton are as familiar as those in our own hometown. The actors and actresses are well cast in recurring and supporting roles. Some of the recurring roles that appear in each episode include Detective Sergeant George Toolan as Frost’s closest confidant and colleague, played by John Lyons, and Detective Constable Clive Barnard, nephew of the Chief Constable, played by Matt Bardock. Barnard is one of several younger detectives who hold Inspector Frost in high esteem. Among the many other supporting cast members are Bill Stewart as Sandy Longford, the somewhat pesky editor of the Denton Evening News, and David Gooderson as Derek Simpkins, the pathologist for the Denton police department.

The unique appeal of A Touch of Frost lies in a new and different story for each episode and a new partner or sidekick for Inspector Frost. David Jason is brilliant in his role as “Jack” Frost, a shrewd detective, possessing an uncanny ability to adapt to each new situation and partner. Each episode represents a challenge to Inspector Frost, not only to solve the crime, but also to effectively cope with interfering supervisors and untrained subordinates, as well as with the sometimes adverse attitudes of his current sidekicks.

A Touch of Frost is a crime drama that is clever and refreshing, skillfully acted by David Jason and a memorable cast. Repeats of A Touch of Frost are run by ITV in the UK and are available on VHS videos.