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Series / Red Cap

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Red Cap is a British TV series that first ran from 2003 to 2004. It focuses on the cases a unit of the Special Investigative Branch (military police) of the British Army, based in Germany. Ostensibly the main character was Sergeant Jo McDonough (Tamzin Outhwaite), but a strong ensemble cast ensured several characters had prominence. There are two seasons of six episodes each, as well as a feature length pilot.

Not to be confused with Redcap, a 1960s TV series starring John Thaw based around a similar premise, or with murderous gnomes.


This show provides examples of:

  • Action Girl: Jo.
  • British Brevity: The show had just 2 seasons of six episodes each.
  • Cowboy Cop: Hippy can be a bit like this.
  • Da Chief: Sergeant Major Burns tried to keep a tight leash on his unit.
  • Job Title: 'Red cap' is British army slang for a military police officer.
  • Officer and a Gentleman: Lt. Giles Vicary and Captain Gavin Howard.
  • Oblivious to Love: Sergeant Bruce Hornsby takes quite a while to figure out Corporal Angie Ogden is interested in him.
  • Only Known by Their Nickname: Staff Sergeant Phillip "Hippy" Roper, thanks to his unruly hair.
  • Corps Nickname: The Royal Military Police are known as Redcaps due to the red peaked caps or berets they wear.
  • The Squadette: Jo and Staff Sergeants Neve Kirland (season 1) and Harriet Frost (season 2)
  • Token German: Despite being set in Germany for the most part, the only German character to appear regularly was Det. Thomas Strauss, who served as a liaison between the military police unit and the local civilian police forces.
  • Unresolved Sexual Tension: Jo and Hippy.

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