Bulman is a 1985–87 police procedural created and principally written by Murray Smith. Produced by Granada Television for ITV, it is the second and final spin-off from The XYY Man (1976–78), and following Strangers (1978–82).
Don Henderson reprises his iconic role as former DCI George Bulman, ostensibly retired from and repairing old clocks but active as a private investigator, with Lucy McGinty as his assistant. The duo are frequently drawn into the clandestine world of the secret service through the machinations of security chief Bill Dugdale or Bulman's former superior Jack Lambie.
Winds of Change (Episode 1)
Writer: Murray Smith
Air date: 1985-06-05
Runtime: 49 min
Overview: Bulman's fresh start is shadowed by murder, and the arrival of a new business partner and the daughter of an old colleague called Lucy McGinty won't let old habits die.
The Daughter Was a Dancer (Episode 2)
Writer: Murray Smith
Air date: 1985-06-12
Runtime: 52 min
Overview: A trendy businessman needs a bodyguard, but Bulman is too late. His murder investigation leads to a pretty dancer.
Pandora's Many Boxes (Episode 3)
Writer: Murray Smith
Air date: 1985-06-19
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: High flyer Dylan Chadwick wants to know why he's failed security clearance for an executive post. Can he stand investigation to clear his name? And whatever happened to his wife?
Death of a Hitman (Episode 4)
Writer: Murray Smith
Air date: 1985-06-26
Runtime: 49 min
Overview: An underground 'godmother' hires Bulman to learn the truth about her son's death. Dugdale is interested too — and Bulman is 'recruited' by the Russians.
The Name of the Game (Episode 5)
Writer: Murray Smith
Air date: 1985-07-03
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: A criminal's widow wants revenge on the policeman who killed him. Bulman joins forces with organised crime to prevent a war.
One of Our Pigeons Is Missing (Episode 6)
Writer: Murray Smith
Air date: 1985-07-10
Runtime: 52 min
Overview: Bulman turns tramp to solve the murder of a old dosser friend who knew too much about pigeons passing secrets over the Iron Curtain.
Sins of Omission (Episode 7)
Writer: Murray Smith
Air date: 1985-07-17
Runtime: 51 min
Overview: A beautiful Russian assassin kills in London. Lucy disappears on a job with British intelligence. Bulman must find the link and a KGB ally in old friend Pushkin.
Another Part of the Jungle (Episode 8)
Writer: Henry Livings
Air date: 1985-07-24
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: A church clock needs mending in a quiet Yorkshire village, but the vicar may not be as he seems. There is a ghost on the loose and a professional killer on the prowl.
Born Into the Purple (Episode 9)
Writer: Paul Wheeler
Air date: 1985-07-31
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: A thief preys on an aristocratic family. Bulman and Lucy join the upper crust, where the latter finds a suitor and a new role as a singer.
A Cup for the Winner (Episode 10)
Writer: Murray Smith
Air date: 1985-08-07
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: An American diplomat wants to trace a family heirloom stolen in 1746. Finding it seems too good to be true.
I Met a Man Who Wasn't There (Episode 11)
Writer: Henry Livings
Air date: 1985-08-14
Runtime: 52 min
Overview: When a deported villain returns from exile to settle an old debt, Bulman and Lucy slide into a seedy world of strippers and peep shows.
A Moveable Feast (Episode 12)
Writer: Paul Wheeler
Air date: 1985-08-21
Runtime: 51 min
Overview: Bulman faces fatality from a plate of lamb. A young couple want to know who's sabotaging their takeaway food business.
A Man of Conviction (Episode 13)
Writer: Murray Smith
Air date: 1985-08-28
Runtime: 51 min
Overview: Bulman goes undercover in prison to trap a gangland leader, but when his life is threatened, it's up to Lucy to save him.
