The first of a trilogy of police procedurals produced in the 1960s by Granada TV, linked by the presence of pompous but increasingly genial police Chief Inspector Charles Rose, The Odd Man initially dealt with the investigations of theatrical-agent-cum-detective Steve Gardiner, and his encounters with the police in the form of Chief Inspector Gordon and DS Swift. By season three, Rose takes Gardiner's place.

Edwin Richfieldas Steve Gardiner
William Mervynas Chief Insp. Charles Rose
Keith Barronas Det. Sgt. Swift
Geoffrey Tooneas Steve Gardiner
Sarah Lawsonas Anne Braithwaite
Jan Holdenas Judy Gardiner
Lisa Gastonias Dorothy Berridge