This is on every Saturday night on ITV4, and I never miss it! Why? Because I genuinely love this series, and I am 16. Sure, some episodes are better than others. My one complaint of the show, is that they overdo it slightly with the violence, but being not a huge fan of violence anyway, I guess that is just me. The story lines are intriguing, it looks good(though by today's standards, a little dated)and the acting is top notch. The late John Thaw was one of the greatest TV actors on screen, creating a complex but truly in-depth character in the name of Morse, a decade or so after this, but he is equally brilliant here. You would think though he is out of character, because whereas Regan is foul-mouthed, violent and quite aggressive, Thaw was in real life shy, generous and a real family man, according to those who worked with him. But that's the thing with Thaw, he gives you sides to his character that you either don't know he has, or overlook, considering him in-versatile.(when he isn't)He isn't as overrated as people say. Just because Inspector Morse, Kavanagh and Sweeney is on on a regular basis, doesn't mean at all that Thaw was overrated. He was an exceptional actor, who acted in some of the gems of British drama, who will be sorely missed by all his fans. Back on target, Dennis Waterman matches him perfectly as George Carter, and when they're on screen, there is a partnership that has only been surpassed properly by Thaw and Whately in Morse. The title music by Harry South is catchy and very jazzy. The Sweeney, when commissioned, was accused of giving the police force a bad name, but now it is considered by many as a conventional and highly entertaining show. Perhaps because Regan and Carter never go by the book, but even Morse and The Bill do that. The dialogue, like "We're the Sweeney, and we haven't any dinner" and "Get yer trousers on you're nicked" aren't funny really, but they are very witty, adding to the sense of grit needed for this sort of show. The delivery of the dialogue by the two stars, is be praised by fans, honestly it should, as that contributes to the sheer entertainment involved here. I am glad, like Morse, that it ended very well, as Regan , I believe retires from the force. In some shows, you're left to wonder what's happened to the characters. About the films, I haven't seen the first movie, but the second while dated, is better than people give credit for. In conclusion, a highly entertaining and compelling show, that no matter how much you love it or hate it, is so addictive, you can't help watching it. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Review of The Sweeney
The Sweeney
(1975–1978)
Gritty, violent and addictive- everything that makes a 70s TV show so compelling!
24 April 2009