If you separate this series from your expectations from the charming series of books, you may still enjoy the TV shows. Not very mysterious and not connected except by name to what MC Beaton has achieved. It is great to see Robert Carlyle, as always, and Shirley Henderson, who plays the neurotic friend of Bridget Jones, is quite appealing here as Isobel. And the scenery is stunning. Still, I must agree with the opinion of another writer on this site that it IS a bit of washed out imitation of MONARCH. Still superior to most of what shows up on American telly, though, and worth it for the locales and the quirky villagers.

When I noticed that "Hamish Macbeth" was being broadcast in the United States, I was thrilled. I then had the misfortune to watch the darn thing. I adore M. C. Beaton's books about the wonderful Scottish Constable. The characters in the book are entertaining and very well-written. The powers that be who are responsible for this mish-mash apparently have never have read one of Beaton's books. Only the name "Hamish Macbeth" has anything to do with the series. Besides the lack of familiar characters, I find the whole show offensively loud. It seems that the actors feel they must shout their lines and scream at each other. If you love M. C. Beaton's adorable Hamish Macbeth don't waste your time on this rubbish.

Just finished (I think its over) watching the last of the series on BBC America. I looked forward to every Monday night, even though they stupidly put it on at 11 pm making my Tuesdays at work a bit of a drag. I especially liked the pagan influences and the realistic portrayal of a psychic. Of course some would argue that it was not pagan, but what do they know - only us conscious observers who have studied our ancient ways will agree.The writing was very good, as was the scenery and filming. I don't know how to talk like a Hollywood pro but I enjoyed being captivated by the little village each week. The only sad thing that I picked up on were a few minute details. Whenever they shot scenes in the village there were always these pesky tourists in the background. As they were not also in character or native dress, they were a constant nuisance and check in to reality. The last show that I watched Isobel was not dressed properly for her hike. It bugged me, especially when she got caught in a snowstorm. I think she had a thin summer flannel jacket on. The problem was that her character was aware that there was going to be a storm and had time to prepare. Bad Costume Department person. Of course she could have taken some responsibility as an actress too.I doubt there will be more episodes because the UK is famous for doing novella type stories like the Spanish. Rather than us goofy Americans who need to drag out scripts for years and years until the actors are so bored stiff and their lines get really dumb.I agree with the earlier comment that this show has elements of Northern Exposure, but I think Hamish MacBeth was much better x10. I will take foreign exposure over Hollywood exposure any day of the week!!

Being of Scottish heritage, this series has been outstanding to watch. The country is everything I imagined. Coming from a small town I can relate to the residents of Lockdoo where if anything happens, within minutes everybody knows. This series has drama, humor, suspense and most of all it leaves the viewer wanting more. Well done BBC for showing this great show. Can't wait for the next series to start.