In the popular British sitcom The Thin Blue Line, Kevin Allen, who portrayed the character of D.C. Robert Kray, did not return for the second series of the show. His character was written out, leading to a significant cast change.
Character Transition in The Thin Blue Line
Kevin Allen's departure necessitated the introduction of a new character to fill the void within Gasforth Police Station's CID unit.
The Departure of D.C. Robert Kray
D.C. Robert Kray was a part of the original ensemble cast in the first series of The Thin Blue Line, often playing off the antics of Inspector Fowler and the other station members. His absence in the subsequent series marked a notable shift in the show's dynamic.
Introduction of D.C. Gary Boyle
Following Kevin Allen's exit, the role of the CID detective was taken over by Mark Addy, who joined the cast as the new character, D.C. Gary Boyle. This change brought a fresh comedic presence to the series, with Boyle often portrayed as a more jovial and less competent counterpart to D.I. Grim.
The table below summarizes this key cast and character transition:
| Character | Actor | Series Appears In | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| D.C. Robert Kray | Kevin Allen | Series 1 | Did not return |
| D.C. Gary Boyle | Mark Addy | Series 2 | New character introduced |
Impact on the Series' Credits
This cast change was also reflected in a minor but noticeable update to the show's presentation. The second series of The Thin Blue Line featured a new closing credits sequence. Unlike the previous series, where the credits might have rolled over a static background or a generic sequence, the updated credits showed each cast member having their photo taken, providing a more personal touch to the end of each episode.
For more details on the production and behind-the-scenes facts of The Thin Blue Line, you can refer to its trivia section on IMDb.
