Diddy or Didn't He? Quiz | Professions on TV

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. "Here's what happened: My wife Trudy was killed, and I became, let's just say I'm very clean, and I notice tiny details, which is a gift, and a curse. Don't listen to Captain Stottlemeyer when he says I'm afraid of milk, germs, rabbits "and everything else". Just answer me this: who's the guy?

Answer: Adrian Monk

Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) on USA Network's popular TV show "Monk" (2002-2009) was a San Francisco Police homicide detective emotionally crushed when his wife Trudy was killed by a car bomb. He became a recluse with severe obsessive-compulsive and other disorders. With the help of an aide (Sharona and later Natalie), Adrian used his hypersensitive mind to solve murders. Adrian liked to say, "Here's what happened", "He's the guy" and "I could be wrong.

But I'm not". He called his abilities, "A gift. And a curse." Endearing, funny, pitiable and gifted, "Monk" was rated one of the highest-rated series in cable history.

2. A dangerous, deceptive kickboxer in an assortment of outfits that knocked your socks off, Sydney Bristow, not her real name, was the secret agent in which hit show?

Answer: Alias

Did you get the hint, "not her real name"? Alias! Jennifer Garner starred in the powerhouse series "Alias" (2001-2006) as the stunning and accomplished CIA agent Sydney Bristow. Bristow assumed a new alias each week to carry out a secret mission. "Alias" won many awards and nominations, as did Garner.

3. "Calling Agent 99! Would you answer the phone! Hello? What is wrong with this shoe? I must have clogged it with mud again". Agent 86 is making a phone call with his shoe in what hit comedy series?

Answer: Get Smart

"Get Smart" (1965-1970) was a comedy satire, revived briefly in 1995. Created by the hilarious Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, the show featured the bungling and daft Secret Agent 86, Maxwell Smart (Don Adams), as well as Agent 99 (Barbara Feldon) and Chief (Edward Platt).

They all work for CONTROL, a secret intelligence agency, fighting crime and world threats. Agent 86 has special gadgets, not at all like those of James Bond, such as a telephone in the sole of his shoe.

4. "I'm a forensic anthropologist, fascinated with the tales told by phalanges, maxilla and trapezium. I'm fascinated with Agent Seeley Booth, also, but that's much less logical. What's my appellation?"

Answer: Bones

"Bones" premiered on the USA Fox channel in 2005, running its tenth season in 2014. Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) is the no-nonsense forensic anthropologist, affectionately called "Bones", who works with FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) and other excellent forensic specialists.

They trace identity, cause of death and killer, from human remains. Brennan tends to be awkward in relationships and overly concrete, which lends a comic touch to the gruesome but fascinating crime show. Appellation is a word Bones would use, meaning name.

5. "While you may be a criminal of the lowest kind, you feel entirely calm. You're sleepy, relaxed, and you look here in my eyes. Did you murder my wife and children? Yes, he did it, Lisbon, no one needs to be a psychic to see that". Who has Patrick Jane finally found?

Answer: Red John

In "The Mentalist" (premiered 2008) Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) teams with the CBI (California Bureau of Investigation) to help them bring in criminals, but with his own agenda, to hunt down the man who killed his family, Red John. Jane grew up in carnival, then became a con man psychic, pretending to speak with the dead. Jane is arrogant, eccentric and haunted by his loss, yet he's dedicated to the team, likes to have fun, and uses his former carney skills--keen observation, charm, and hypnosis--to bring criminals around.

6. "You rang? Baby Girl genius here, Boss man. You need a list of all white, yuppie-aged creeps in the state of Ohio, married, recently fired? I'm on it! One Mr Sneaky scumbag list coming right up". Which buxom blonde wearing garish eyeglasses works lightning fast data base magic for the Behavioral Analysis FBI team?

Answer: Penelope Garcia

Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) is technical analyst on the popular CBS show "Criminal Minds" (2005). Initially a world class computer hacker wanted by the FBI, Garcia was hired by the CIA. She is funky, unique, appalled by the serial murderers they investigate, and the most emotionally alive team member, calling crimes "Icky".

She's also scary intelligent, able to instantly hack access to almost anything on anyone via data base. Garcia has a platonic and sweetly flirtatious connection with Special Agent Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore).

When police tell the team that records and paperwork will be need to requisitioned, the FBI profilers reply, "We don't need paperwork. We have Garcia".

7. "I am a ruggedly handsome mystery writer, author of the hot detective Nikki Heat. Because of my keen comprehension of the criminal mind, I work with Detective Becket to track down thugs. I wear a bulletproof jacket that says, "WRITER". What's my name?"

Answer: Castle

Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion)is a mystery novelist who shadows New York Police Department's Detective Kate Becket (Stana Katic) on ABC's series "Castle" (2009). While the cops wear a bulletproof vest that says "POLICE" Castle's says "WRITER". When Becket has a theory about a criminal, Castle often says, "That's not how I would write it".

His mystery writer insights often help her solve a case. Castle lives with his daughter (Molly Quinn) and his mother (Susan Sullivan) both of whom offer him valuable insights on crime, writing, and love.

The show was voted "Favorite TV Crime Drama" in 2012 (People's Choice Awards), and awarded "Favorite Couple" three years running. ABC and Hyperion Books released a series of mysteries written by "Richard Castle".

These made the New York Times Best Seller list.

8. "I can never catch a break with this meth freak, the fat head so-called Heisenberg. I'm RIGHT on his ugly tail but somehow the creepy snake crawls right out of my trap. Lucky break, I got this genius scientist brother-in-law I can ask about it. Then I find out what! It's Walter White been busting my chops. Is my name dirt, or what?"

Answer: Hank Schrader

Henry "Hank" Schrader (Dean Norris) was a loud, fierce Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent on the hit show "Breaking Bad". Hank is brother-in-law to Walter White (Bryan Cranston), unaware Walter is the meth dealer and murderer Hank is looking for. Hank even asks Walter for his insights on the case. Hank is a devoted if crabby husband to Marie (Betsy Brandt), and loving uncle to Walter's kids.

Initially the character was not embraced by viewers, being a sort of swaggering Archie Bunker, but over time Hank's emotional depth, courage and intelligence won them over.

The show won ten Primetime Emmy Awards, and was remade in Spanish, set in Colombia.

9. "What we have here is phosphorous, thermocouple, a vacuum bomb. We're going to have to defuse that thing, nice and slow. Do you have any neon signs around? A sharping stone? A dental swab? Low fat milk? Here we go..." Which secret agent is a master at using everyday items to solve a problem?

Answer: MacGyver

The ABC action TV series "MacGyver" ran for seven seasons (1985-1992). Secret agent Angus MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) was a low key and resourceful troubleshooter, using his vast knowledge of chemistry, technology and physics to solve problems with everyday items on hand, like gum, oven cleaner and his ever-present Swiss Army knife.

The show was unique in that MacGyver was capable with weapons, but rarely used them. The word "macgyver" became a household word, meaning to quickly fix a solution with whatever is available.

The show was revived in 2012, and also made into a successful comic book, film, and various toys.

10. "Scully, can't you believe the aliens took my sister! That Smoking Man is involved somehow. Skinner doesn't believe me. I need YOU to." In which FBI office does Fox Mulder work, also the name of this show?

Answer: The X-Files

FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) works in an office called the X-Files, also the name of the science fiction TV series (1993-2002). "The X-Files" pitted Mulder and his skeptical partner Agent Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) against both extraterrestrials bent on destroying the human race, and The Smoking Man (William B. Davis) who is a key member of a government conspiracy to hide the existence of the aliens.

The show garnered 16 Emmy Awards and 62 nominations, for graphic design, makeup, and music. "The X-Files" won 5 Golden Globe Awards, and many others.

11. She's trying to be a great mother, love her husband, and understand the ghosts and visions that appear with cryptic messages. What show featured the special gifts of Allison DuBois?

Answer: Medium

"Medium" (2005-2011) starring Allison DuBois (Patricia Arquette) is based on real life medium Allison DuBois (born 1972). Allison is a sweet and loving wife and mother who is visited by dead people, most of whom want a mystery resolved, and it's up to Allison to piece it all together. Allison consults for the often disbelieving police to help solve crimes, while her husband Joe (British actor Jake Weber) does his best to cope with her visions and help rear their three daughters.

The love in the family is palpable, and a powerful part of this hit show.

12. "You want something done right you have to force someone else to do it for you, I always say. No, no, no, it's NOT lupus. Remember this about patients: everybody lies". Which program stars a drug-addicted, cynical, self-centered and genius MD?

Answer: House

"House, M.D." also known as "House" is a medical drama (2004-2012), starring Dr. Gregory House (British comedian Hugh Laurie). He and his diagnostics team are responsible for investigation and diagnosis of difficult cases. A running joke is that if they don't know what it is, it must be lupus. While they aren't law enforcement agents, they sleuth out the lifestyle, recent activities and lies of the patients they encounter, hoping to save their lives.

House: "You want me to intimidate him into not being afraid?"

13. "My name is Mike. I had a job I loved, until some sorry losers put me on a burn list. Now I use my training and skill to track down your average dirty lowlife for whoever will hire me. But all I want is my old job back". What did he do before he got burned?

Answer: Spy

Michael Weston (Jeffrey Donovan) is a former CIA spy who got a "Burn Notice" (2007-2013). Once you get burned, you are identified as a dangerous or rogue agent, so you can't use your credit, or travel, or contact your old colleagues. Mike makes a living by hiring out his spy skills to "whoever will hire me", while searching for who burned him, and why. He uses voice-over to explain how spies work and what they know.

14. In which TV show is US Marine Nicholas Brody a prisoner of war turned double agent?

Answer: Homeland

Based on an Israeli show called "Hatufim" ("Prisoners of War"), "Homeland" premiered in 2011. It is a political thriller starring CIA Agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), a brilliant and gifted agent suffering from bipolar disorder. Nicholas Brody was a prisoner of war who was tortured and brainwashed into becoming an enemy agent, yet he struggles with his role as a returning "hero" marine soldier, and reuniting with his family.

He falls in love with Mathison, who understands his angst. Mandy Patinkin plays a compelling Saul Berenson, Carrie's wise mentor.

In its first seasons "Homeland" won Best Television Series, Best Actress, Best Actor, Outstanding Lead Actor, Outstanding Drama Series and a number of other awards.

15. "The Pink Panther Show" featured a police inspector based on Jacques Clouseau, a comical French police officer in the "Pink Panther" films. Who wrote the famous "Pink Panther Theme", the music used in both TV and film?

Answer: Henry Mancini

Henry Mancini wrote the much loved "Pink Panther Theme". On television the elegant and heroic pink panther appeared in "The Pink Panther Show", a series of cartoon shorts (1969-1976). There's an Inspector, an accident-prone detective based on Inspector Clouseau of the "Pink Panther" movies. Bernard Herrmann wrote the theme song for "The Twilight Zone". Pete Townshend wrote "Who Are You", the theme song for "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation".

16. "I don't know what all the fuss is about. I walked into the FBI headquarters, I very nicely told them I was there to be arrested, and I had only one little request, quite reasonable. I speak only to Agent Elizabeth Keen". What is my name on "The Blacklist"?

Answer: Raymond Reddington

Raymond Reddington (James Spader) of "The Blacklist" (premiered 2013) has long been wanted by the FBI, when he shows up out of blue, turns himself in, and has only one demand: to work only to the rookie FBI agent and profiler Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone). "Red" wants to help the FBI track down all the highly dangerous criminals on his "Blacklist", but clearly he has a hidden agenda regards Keen, as well. Sinister, brilliant, and disarmingly charming, Spader won Best Actor Golden Globe in 2014, while "The Blacklist" won People's Choice "Favorite New TV Drama".

17. This TV series advertised, "Some people lie and some people don't, and you figure out who is who". It stars a large, quirky, psychological detective who often leans over, tips his head and psyches out the criminal. What show is Goren on?

Answer: Law and Order: Criminal Intent

"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (2001-2011) was a popular spin-off from "Law & Order". The Major Case Squad in New York City featured detective Robert Goren and Alexandra Eames (Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe)chasing down high profile criminals. Then the quirky, smart and sometimes strange Goren built a verbal silky spider web for the killer to walk into, eliciting a confession.

18. In this TV show he's a recovering drug addict and former consultant to Scotland Yard, now assisting the New York City Police Department. The name is what, my dear?

Answer: Elementary

"Elementary" (2012) is a contemporary crime drama rendition of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, starring Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock, and Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson. Holmes moves to Manhattan after his drug addiction ruins his life in London, and he's forced to live with former surgeon Joan Watson, who irritates him no end.

They evolve into a crime-solving team. In Britain, meanwhile, the successful show "Sherlock" went on air two years earlier. "Elementary" producer Robert Doherty is required by copyright to make his version unique.

19. On "Perception" neuropsychiatrist Dr. Daniel Pierce talks to people who aren't there, and they talk back. Is Professor Pierce in fact schizophrenic?

Answer: Yes

On "Perception" (2012) neuropsychiatrist and professor Dr. Daniel Pierce (Eric McCormack) has schizophrenia. This quirky and smart TNT crime series features Pierce hallucinating people who aren't there, and otherwise struggling with the symptoms of his schizophrenia.

He uses the insights he gains from his odd perceptions and hallucinatory conversations to solve mysteries, assisting the FBI in cases too strange or complex for other detectives.

20. "I'm just a humble guy following orders, here in my bushy eyebrows and long rain coat. I just want to ask you a couple of things, nothing to worry about, sir. You see I was just wondering, can you help me clear up something? What is my name? I know I put it around here somewhere."

Answer: Columbo

Lieutenant Frank Columbo is the laid-back title character on "Columbo", with Peter Falk winning four Emmy Awards between 1968 and 2003. He was famous for his scruffy appearance, his ever present raincoat, and his distracted manner of asking questions, seeking to appear confused or incapable. In 1996 Falk was placed on "The Greatest TV Stars of All Time" list.

Columbo: "What are you gonna do, that's the job".

Source: Author Godwit

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor kyleisalive before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Diddy or Didn't He? Trivia Quiz

The television sleuth! Bumbling, crafty, debonaire or psychic, use your keen powers of observation and wit to deduce the right investigator. Primarily US shows, 1968 to 2014.

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