Dick Van Dyke. The name itself conjures up images of affable charm and a perpetually ‘good guy’ persona. This is perhaps no better exemplified than in his role as Dr. Mark Sloan in Diagnosis Murder. For many, the Diagnosis Murder movie collection, and the series itself, holds a special place, not just as a crime drama, but as a source of consistent, often unintentional, comedy. Like a more approachable Quincy, Dr. Sloan dedicates himself to justice, embodying all that is righteous and wonderful. Yet, unlike the sometimes-stern Quincy, Sloan possesses a lighter touch, making his do-gooding escapades endlessly watchable.
For many viewers, particularly in places like the UK where it has gained a cult following, the enduring appeal of Diagnosis Murder lies in its comedic value. While ostensibly a drama, the show often plays out as a delightful comedy of errors, episode after episode. A key source of this humor is the character of Sgt. Steve Sloan, played by Barry Van Dyke. His often wooden delivery of lines, frequently echoing dialogue from previous weeks, is a recurring source of amusement. It’s become a running joke how reliably Sgt. Steve and the police department arrive just in the nick of time to resolve each episode’s mystery, often thanks to Dr. Sloan’s seemingly boundless ability to solve crimes while juggling his medical career.
The dynamic between father and son on screen is another layer of the show’s comedic charm. In each episode, Sgt. Steve, the son, is consistently outshone by his father, Dr. Sloan. The good doctor effortlessly manages both his demanding hospital job and solving intricate murders, often while his son looks on, seemingly bewildered. This consistent dynamic, far from being a flaw, is a core part of the show’s lighthearted appeal. And let’s not forget the iconic hair – Dick Van Dyke’s perfectly coiffed hairstyle is a character in itself, adding to the overall memorable and slightly absurd nature of the show.
Dick Van Dyke himself is undeniably the star, embodying his signature ‘do good at all costs, all the time’ approach. He delivers this persona with such unwavering commitment that it’s easy to believe he lives by these principles both on and off screen. While at times the show can veer into overly saccharine territory, with its unwavering morality and unfailingly righteous main characters, this is part of its charm. The ‘bad guys’ never really stand a chance against Dr. Sloan’s relentless pursuit of justice.
The premise itself, reminiscent of Quincy, where a medical professional is inexplicably allowed to spend the vast majority of their time away from their actual job solving crimes, is inherently amusing. Dr. Sloan’s boss seemingly understands and accepts that his best doctor will be absent from the hospital for 80% of his working hours, as he flits between garden parties and crime scenes, piecing together clues. This slightly absurd setup is, paradoxically, part of what makes Diagnosis Murder, and by extension the Diagnosis Murder movie collection, so enduringly watchable.
The fact that Diagnosis Murder ran for eight seasons is a testament to its unexpected appeal. The show managed to stretch what was essentially a very similar storyline across numerous episodes, and arguably, this predictability was part of its comfort-food-like charm. While some might have been disappointed when the series concluded, for many, the disappointment stemmed from losing a reliable source of unintentional hilarity. Once you accept the formula – episodes starting and ending in a predictably similar fashion, with the plot details in the middle being almost secondary – the show’s comedic essence truly shines.
Finally, a special mention must be made of the music, particularly from series 4 onwards. In a way that mirrors the show itself, the music is wonderfully, and perhaps unintentionally, humorous, adding another layer to the overall enjoyable absurdity. Long live Dick Van Dyke and the enduringly entertaining world of Diagnosis Murder and its movie collection, a testament to feel-good, if slightly cheesy, television.
