Return of the Saint

Leslie Charteris’s Saint novels offer far more than just the escapist adventure found on television. In the books, you’ll encounter the original, unfiltered Simon Templar—crafted with razor-sharp wit, complex morals, and dazzling cleverness. Each story delves into the grey areas of justice and crime, where the Saint’s unique brand of vigilantism truly shines. Reading the source material grants you access to Charteris’s remarkable writing style, filled with sly humor and dynamic narrative flair. These novels take you deeper into the Saint’s world, allowing for a richer exploration of his motivations and his colorful circle of friends and foes. The literary Simon is more nuanced and charismatic than his on-screen counterpart. By choosing to read the Saint novels, you’re immersing yourself in the very roots of a legendary character—discovering intricate plots and witty repartees frequently softened or omitted in adaptation. If you want to understand what made the Saint an enduring icon, start with the pages rather than the broadcast.

The television adaptation, 'Return of the Saint,' while inspired by Leslie Charteris's original novels, updates the setting to the late 1970s, introducing contemporary gadgets, fashion, and sensibilities that set it apart from the early- to mid-20th-century world of the books. The tone and style are modernized to appeal to audiences of the era, sometimes sacrificing the subtlety and sophistication of the literary Simon Templar. One of the most notable differences is in the depiction of Simon Templar himself. In the novels, Templar is portrayed as a complex anti-hero—sometimes operating on the wrong side of the law, making morally ambiguous choices. In the TV series, he is softened and depicted more as a straightforward hero, with his criminal edges and philosophical musings less frequently highlighted. The novels are rich with recurring secondary characters, ongoing rivalries, and a sense of continuity that is absent in the episodic television structure. The television series tends to focus on self-contained plots with minimal reference to the Saint’s literary network of allies and enemies, leading to a less layered world. Finally, while Charteris’s books immerse readers in clever dialogue, intricate schemes, and richly described locales, the television series emphasizes visual action and spectacle. The essence of the Saint’s intellect is often overshadowed by car chases and glamorous locations, altering the balance between psychological intrigue and physical adventure that was so carefully maintained in the source material.