Raffles

The series follows the adventures of A.J. Raffles, a gentleman thief and amateur cricketer living in late Victorian London. Known as the "Cricket Pad Burglar," Raffles uses his charm, intelligence, and athleticism to pull off daring heists while maintaining his respectable social facade. Each episode typically involves him investigating a crime or a suspicious character, often leading to a confrontation where his true criminal nature is revealed.

Raffles was a well-received television adaptation that captured the spirit of E.W. Hornung's original stories. Critics praised Rupert Everett's suave and charismatic portrayal of the titular character, noting his ability to balance the charm of a gentleman with the cunning of a thief. The show was lauded for its period detail, engaging storylines, and faithfulness to the source material, making it a popular choice for fans of classic detective and crime dramas.

• Rupert Everett is perfectly cast as the charming gentleman thief.

• Faithful adaptation of E.W. Hornung's classic stories.

• Engaging mysteries with strong period atmosphere.

Google audience: Audience reception for the 1985 series is not widely documented through specific Google user reviews. However, the series is generally remembered fondly by fans of classic crime dramas for its stylish portrayal and clever plots.

The character of A.J. Raffles was one of the earliest examples of an anti-hero in detective fiction, predating characters like Sherlock Holmes's later rivals and contemporaries.