I’m no expert, and can’t remember the case, but I’m pretty sure there’s at least one scene where Watson and the regular Police come upon Holmes being attacked (I think choked) by a villain. While the battle hadn’t concluded, Holmes does mention that it’s a good thing Watson arrived when he did.
If we can stretch the definition of detective, my vote would be Jack Parlabane (aided by Tim Vale, who I always imagine looks like Tim Gunn). Yes, he’s a newspaper reporter, but he figures stuff out in the nick of time.
I’ll call them when I have lost, oh, a sales presentation in a cab, or suspect my coffee shop is being spied upon by a rival seeking my blueberry pancakes recipe. But violence shall be required in the circumstances of the OP.
You can’t argue with a 100% (AFAIK) success rate.
EDIT: I should read the whole thread before responding; the point has already been made.
My first thought: Bond, James Bond, but he was already taken above
Then 2nd thought: Jill Munroe, oooh la la but someone chose Charlie’s Angels.
Since no one took has mentioned Agent 99, I’ll go with her, since I had a crush on Barbara Feldon in my youth.
Honorable Mention goes to Dana Scully.
Master Li and Number Ten Ox.
Pete’s a pretty athletic guy. I’m sure that he can more than hold his own against the likes of B.A. Baracus and James Bond.
Andrew Vachss’s Burke. Not only would he find the madman (aided by the Mole & Max the Silent), but that is one kidnapper who would never see the light of day again.
You’ve gone mad again. I’ll send help.
Fitz from Cracker. He was always good at figuring out the minds of serial killers, plus, as with others mentioned upthread, a good evening in the pub beckons post-rescue.
Or if I get kidnapped in current location (near Venice) , Aurelio Zen has the smarts, knows the ways around the bureacracy to get information plus he has enough cynicism to break the rules to get the job done - the last thing I need when I’m in danger is an idealist.
Does anyone remember Hec Ramsey? that’s my guy.
Why, the Bloodhound Gang, of course!
Yeah. He was Paladin when he he got old and fat.
If he’s prepared.
Jason Todd was voted dead.
Emerson Cod. The previous murder would kick off their investigation, presumably, and if I died before resolution then Ned would bring me back to life for questioning. And I would run like hell. (Hopefully I’d be at least partially intact. Individuals in that universe don’t seem to suffer much from damage incurred during the process of death and afterward.)
Henning Mankell’s Kurt Wallender and daughter
Oh hell, no!
And because he happens to be in the area–Jack Reacher
or Harlan Coben’s Myron Bolitar and Joe Pike.
Fish, the Abe Vigoda character from Barney Miller 