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The Professionals, the working title for which was 'The A Squad', was devised by Brian Clements, one of the major influences on The Avengers, and later The New Avengers, and hit the screens on the 30th December 1977. A growing wave of violent crime needed to be stopped in the UK and in order to do this, the then head of MI5, Major George Cowley (affectionately known as the cow) suggests an all encompassing department to take on the job but not be bogged down with red tape. This department was to be known as CI5 - Criminal Intelligence 5 - and it's top agents were Bodie and Doyle, a tough mercenary SAS officer, and a recruit from the Drug Squad respectively. The series ran for a total of 57 episodes between 1977 and 1983 making stars of Martin Shaw and Lewis Collins (neither, incidentally, who were the first choices for the roles of Bodie and Doyle!). The series has proved to be an enduring one, and there have been numerous repeats, especially on satellite channels, however, these latter repeats tend to be cut to ribbons due to the violent nature of the show (and totally inappropriate scheduling!). There was even a new series made a few years ago and I hope to bring details of this just as soon as I can locate copies to watch.Series 1
The entire first series is now available on DVD from Contender. Containing 4 discs, this digipak is excellent value for money, and has a very neat and compact design (the recent UFO release from Carlton has the same number of discs but is twice the size!), comes with "an info at a glance" booklet and a car window sticker! If this was not enough to make you buy it, then the fact that all the shows are completely digitally remastered and uncut should have you reaching for the keys to the Capri and dashing down the shops to get one. This series comprises of 14 episodes, including the controversial Klansmen, along with a previously unseen promo for the States, mission briefs, a rundown of guest stars and details of the cars and fashions from the show. Having been a fan of the show since it was first broadcast, this is exactly what I have been waiting for, and Contender have to be congratulated on doing a sterling job. The only thing I am a little puzzled about is the number of episodes, as I was under the impression that there were only 13 in the first series! Rogue appears in my lists in the second series, but is included in the set - I am certianly not going to complain though.
Title B/cast Details Private Madness, Public Danger 30.12.77 Don't drink the water... Nesbitt is threatening to poison the capitals water supply, and this chemicals expert can do it too. Can Bodie and Doyle find him before he strikes? The Female Factor 6.1.78 Pillow Talk... The KGB have found a way into the British Political arean by exploiting a young girl's links to a future Prime Minister. Fortunately, CI5 are put onto the case by one of Doyle's old flames... Old Dog with New Tricks 13.1.78 You don't get a prisoner released without pressure...And the brother of a criminal has found a way to apply a lot of pressure. with the kidnapping of the Home Secretary intended as a bargaining chip, it is up to CI5 to stop him; an act that requires one of the team to put himself in very real danger... Killer with a Long Arm 21.1.78 Beware Greeks bearing gifts, especially when they are huge sniper rifles. CI5 become aware that an assassination attempt is about to take place somewhere in the UK, but who are the killers, and who is the target? Heroes 27.1.78 Careless talk costs lives, and this is none more evident than when the press print the names of witnesses to an assassination. It becomes a race against time to protect the innocent before the assassin strikes again. Where the Jungle Ends 3.2.78 The boys are back in town... A series of violent bank robberies heralds the return of and army squad to Britain whose skills are available to the highest bidder. Loyalties come into question when they are being tracked down, as Bodie is a former member of the group. Close Quarters 10.2.78 A dirty weekend... Following an encounter with desparate terrorists, a holidaying Bodie finds himself trapped in a country house, where he and his girlfriend must tru and raise help. Can Bodie summon Doyle, or will he and Julia die? Everest was Also Conquered 17.2.78 One bad apple spoils the barrel... Who is killing Police Officers,a nd what is the link between them? The link is a case 35 years old, when a witness was murdered by the very people supposed to protect her. When the Heat Cools Off 24.2.78 Having a heatwave...In 1971, Doyle put a man inside for murdering his partner, but now his daughter claims to have new evidence that changes everything. How clear can Doyle's mind be when the ghosts of the past and the girl of the present are haunting him? Stakeout 3.3.78 Some of us are in the gutter... Bodie and Doyle's presence in a bowling alley isn't the R 'n' R it might appear; the death of a CI5 agent has warned of a possible nuclear threat. Detailed to surveillance, the lads are going spare waiting for the villain to strike. Long Shot 10.3.78 In the line of fire...CI5s gruff leader, George Cowley, finds himself in the sights of an assassins gun. Against the backdrop of a conference, Bodie and Doyle must ensure that they can keep their boss alive... Look After Annie 17.3.78 A heart to heart... When a left-wing preacher's life if threatended, Cowley sends in Bodie and Doyle to protect her. To the CI5 agents it soon becomes clear that thier boss' involvement is somethign more than personal. Klansmen No UK Tx. Difference is only skin deep... Can the Klu Klux Klan really be acting in Britan? It seems so, after a lawyer trying to defend some black tenants is treatened. After Bodie is hospitalised during the investigation, Doyle is left to take on the risky undercover mission alone... Series 2
Title B/cast Details Hunter/Hunted 7.10.78 The Rack 14.10.78 First Night 21.10.78 Man without a Past 28.10.78 In the Public Interest 4.11.78 Rogue 11.11.78 A wolf in the fold... Who can be responsible when a trial witness is murdered and Cowley injured? Bodie and Doyle's pursuit uncovers a renegade CI5 agent; someone who knows every step they are going to take against him... Not a Very Civil Civil Servant 18.11.78 A Stirring of Dust 25.11.78 Blind Run 2.12.78 Fall Girl 9.12.78 Series 3
Title B/cast Details The Purging of CI5 27.10.79 Backtrack 3.11.79 Stopover 10.11.79 Dead Reckoning 17.11.79 The Madness of Mickey Hamilton 24.11.79 A Hiding to Nothing 1.12.79 Runner 8.12.79 Servant of Two Masters 15.12.79 Series 4
Title B/cast Details The Acorn Syndrome 7.9.80 Wild Justice 14.9.80 Fugitive 21.9.80 Involvement 29.9.80 Need to Know 5.10.80 Takeaway 12.10.80 Blackout 19.10.80 Blood Sports 26.10.80 Slush Fund 2.11.80 The Gun 9.11.80 Hijack 30.11.80 Mixed Doubles 7.12.80 Weekend in the Country 14.12.80 Kickback 20.12.80 It's Only a Beautiful Picture 27.12.80 Series 5
Title B/cast Details Foxhole on the Roof 7.11.82 Operation Susie 14.11.82 You'll be Alright 21.11.82 Lawson's Last Stand 28.11.82 Discovered in a Graveyard 5.12.82 Spy Probe 12.12.82 Cry Wolf 9.1.83 The Untouchables 16.1.83 The Ojuka Situation 23.1.83 A Man Called Quinn 30.1.83 No Stone 6.2.83
