Payne (TV series) though set in this version at an ambiguous location on the coast of California, as opposed to Torquay, England, in "Fawlty Towers". The action takes place at the Whispering Pines Inn, owned and operated by Royal Payne and his wife, Constance. Royal was always trying to improve the quality of his hotel and eventually franchise the place, in search of immortal legendary status as a hotelier, like Hilton or Waldorf. The pilot episode, "Pacific Ocean Duck" (which actually aired fifth in sequence), merged the plots of the "Fawlty Towers" episodes "Gourmet Night" and "The Hotel Inspectors". Payne (TV series) Payne
Cracker (UK TV series) stablemate crime drama "Prime Suspect", the spoof starred Coltrane and "Prime Suspect" lead Helen Mirren as their characters from the respective series, sending up both shows. In 1997 a 16-part US version of "Cracker" — directed by Stephen Cragg and Michael Fields — was made, starring Robert Pastorelli in Coltrane's role. The original UK story lines were transferred to Los Angeles. The series finished after the first season. It was broadcast in the UK, retitled "Fitz". Cracker (UK TV series) Cracker is a British crime drama series produced by Granada Television for ITV, created and principally written by Jimmy McGovern.