Sad to see this first-class series come to a close; I've really enjoyed this old-style police thriller with identifiable good guys, and bad guys whom Detective Chief Superintendent Cradock has eliminated one at a time whilst searching for the elusive mastermind behind the gold robbery. To be honest, I think most viewers would probably have guessed the identity of the head villain a couple of episodes ago and the final denouement was very low-key. However, in the middle there is a terrific car chase around the pre-development London Docklands, involving two British "muscle" cars. The crooks' Mark 2 Jaguar and Cradock's Rover 2000. The spectacular stunt-ending alone makes this episode worth watching. In between Cradock gets suspended from the case by political pressure on the Assistant Commissioner. But, being who he is, our man just carries on despite the pitfall of his girlfriend dumping him. At the end, although having cracked the case, Cradock simply drives away looking very disillusioned.
For its time, a realistic portrayal of the highs and lows (mainly lows) of police work.
For its time, a realistic portrayal of the highs and lows (mainly lows) of police work.