Tom Chandler
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Thomas Chandler | |
|---|---|
 Steven Hartley as Superintendent Tom Chandler |
|
| First appearance | On The Hook (Part 1) (03/11/2000) |
| Last appearance | Episode # 53 (16/10/2002) |
| Cause/Reason | Suicide |
| Information | |
| Title | Superintendent |
| Relationships | DS Debbie McAllister |
| Portrayed by | Steven Hartley |
Superintendent Thomas "Tom" William Chandler served as Sun Hill's Superintendent from 2000-2002 in the popular long-running drama "The Bill". Chandler was the third boss in the show's history, after Chief Superintendent Charles Brownlow and Acting Superintendent Derek Conway. He replaced the long-serving and original character Chief Superintendent Charles Brownlow. His callsign was 52. Tom Chandler was played by Steven Hartley.
Chandler was brought in as a "new broom" to "sweep away the cobwebs of corruption" after the Don Beech Scandal and the consqeuent removal of nearly the entire CID team and his predecessor.
During his two years as Superintendent Chandler proved one of the most corrupt bosses in the show's history. He removed various members of the team which he personally disliked including the popular Sergeant Bob Cryer (a move which the fans struggled to accept) and PC Dale Smith (who has since returned as a Sergeant). One of the people which Chandler could not remove though was the officer just beneath him in the chain of command - DCI Jack Meadows. Meadows, as DS Don Beech's boss, had been directly in the firing line along with DI Chris Deakin and Chief Superintendent Brownlow. However unlike the other two men, Meadows survived thanks to his connections with Scotland Yard.
Chandler tried to bring him down, but Meadows fought back with the help of DC Mickey Webb and started to uncover scandals about his boss including an allegation of rape. Ultimately facing imprisonment, humilation and ruin Chandler realised he had no alternative but to take his own life. He left behind a widow, DS Debbie McAllister, and their son who was conceived during a liaison in the restroom at a funeral. He was succeeded as Superintendent by Superintendent Adam Okaro.
[edit] Trivia
- Reference to Tom Chandler's history is first mentioned in 2001 (Liquid City). PC Des Taviner has a confrontation with Chandler and mention a harassment incident at Hendon on one of their colleagues. Chandler scoffs at this but is clearly frustrated by Taviner's words. This is related to the rape of Louise Marsden, which would not become a plotline for over 18 months following this scene.
| Preceded by Charles Brownlow |
Superintendent 2000-2002 |
Succeeded by Adam Okaro |
