The actor identifies the screen interpretation
Acorn identifies Carvel’s series as a 1970s-set adaptation of James’s books. UKTV identifies Shaw as Dalgliesh in Death in Holy Orders. These are production markers, not interchangeable spellings of one cast record.
When following a particular interpretation, preserve lead performer with title. A programme called only Dalgliesh in a search menu can conceal the version. Opening credits or the publisher’s cast information settle more than a generic image of an English detective.
One case can have multiple part structures
Acorn lists Death in Holy Orders as two parts in series 3 of Carvel’s production. UKTV separately offers its Shaw production as two episodes under the case title. Both can correctly divide the story while belonging to different adaptations.
Matching Part 1 and Part 2 is therefore necessary but not sufficient. Ensure that both parts come from the same production. Combining the beginning of one cast’s version with another’s ending does not reconstruct a complete intended adaptation.
The source novel is another ordering system
James’s official site identifies her Adam Dalgliesh books. Book order, a screen production’s season order and a distributor’s current display order answer different questions. A case appearing in a later screen season does not change its identity as an adaptation of that novel.
Choose whether the project is reading the books, following one television production or comparing adaptations. Keep separate records accordingly. A shared case title can serve as a comparison link without requiring the screen versions to share episode numbers.
Do not count production extras as cases
Acorn also labels Who Is Dalgliesh? and making-of material as bonuses. Those explain the programme but do not add fictional investigations to the season’s case count. The catalogue’s numbered placement does not override its explicit bonus label.
For a Canadian guide correction, name the intended actor, case and part. The primary records establish those production relationships and contents; they do not establish current Canadian distribution or the availability of every historical adaptation. This article uses the directly documented Shaw/Carvel comparison rather than assign unsupported details to other editions.
Sources and scope
Scope notes distinguish published documentation, supplied information and editorial methods. They do not report a hands-on service test.
- Acorn Dalgliesh — Carvel production,1970s premise, two-part case and bonus lists.
- UKTV Death in Holy Orders — Shaw as Dalgliesh, distinct two-episode adaptation.
- P.D.James official site — Source-author/book-family identity; not current screen access.
