The Sweeney (1975–1978) User Reviews

The anachronisms fall away and leave...

[dajwilkinson · 9/10 · 11 June 2007]

On promotional material for 70s US cop series Starsky and Hutch when it was remade, Paul Michael Glaser commented that that series worked because it was first about men, second about cops. The same applies for The Sweeney. Regan and Carter are not perfect, they are not saints, they are not superheroes. They do not solve every crime perfectly. That is why we can relate to them. We watch them and see men like ourselves.

The setting is firmly in the Seventies, with all its period detail. But as with Starsky and Hutch, we see the relationship between men engaged in battle. The dated backdrops fall away and we see the same spirit behind it - an appeal to heroism in an age when this is lacking.

The series is over 30 years old but talks to men today. Therein lies its continued appeal - and success.

Gritty, violent and addictive- everything that makes a 70s TV show so compelling!

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 24 April 2009]

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

The most iconic police drama of them all.

[granty-95171 · 9/10 · 11 November 2019]

Absolutely love The Sweeney for it's grittiness, realism (the police didn't always win), classic theme tune, and above all the sparkling, razor sharp dialogue - other cop shows would die for the kind of lines The Sweeney came up with week after week.

John Thaw is an absolute tour de force as Regan (superior to his portrayal of Morse in my opinion), and Dennis Waterman makes the perfect foil - their effortlessly natural chemistry was the same off screen apparently. Another excellent character is the dry, world weary Haskins, brilliantly played by Garfield Morgan, and the supporting cast throughout its 4 year run reads like a who's who of 1960s/70s British talent.

Detective dramas come & go, some are great and some mediocre, but none has come close to equalling the impact and enduring status of The Sweeney.

Much imitated but never equalled

[rainbird131162 · 15 August 2005]

**This comment contains spoilers**

The Sweeney is not well known outside the UK but on the list of great British TV series it's up there alongside I, Claudius, Fawlty Towers and The Avengers. Mention The Sweeney to almost anyone in Britain and you will probably be greeted by a reply of 'Shut it!' or 'Get yer trousers on, you're nicked!' Both are lines from the show and have long since become much quoted catchphrases. Quite an accomplishment for a series that ended over 25 years ago.

So why is The Sweeney so great? Well, for a start it features two marvellous characters. The late John Thaw (of Inspector Morse fame) stars as Detective Inspector Jack Regan of Scotland Yard's famed 'Flying Squad' (so called because of their use of high performance squad cars to get them to the scene of major crimes). Routinely mixing with violent criminals, gangsters, informers, strippers and prostitutes in those parts of London tourists never get to see, Regan is a 24/7 copper with an ex-wife and an 8 yr old daughter he rarely sees. And he's nothing like Inspector Morse. At all.

Jack Regan is as hard as they come. He displays no hesitation in beating up villains, threatening suspects, or even, in the episode 'Queen's Pawn', organising a kidnapping(!) so as to put pressure on a suspect. For UK viewers accustomed to the traditional saintly image of the English policeman, Regan was a truly startling creation and Thaw's performance remains utterly convincing not least because, with his craggy features and gruff manner, Thaw never looks like some pretty-boy poseur trying to 'act hard'.

Of course every great star has to have a loyal sidekick with whom to share the good times and the bad and Regan's best mate also happens to be his second-in-command - Detective Sergeant George Carter, superbly played by Dennis Waterman. Although ready to use his fists when required Carter is initially a bit more reluctant to use Regan style methods (although the tragic death of his wife in the sensational second series episode 'Hit and Run' brings him closer to Regan) and the pair spend much of their time exchanging insults, chasing birds and smoking like chimneys whilst trying to drink every pub in the London area dry. The delightful on screen chemistry between Regan and Carter, (one that was mirrored off screen by Thaw and Waterman) is one of the main reasons viewers adore the show. For Regan and Carter feel like real working people caught up in the stresses and strains of increasing bureaucracy, long hours, an unsympathetic boss and a shrinking home life. Like all great popular drama, regardless of setting or era, Regan and Carter's attitude to life connected directly with the millions of viewers who tuned in every week to watch them.

The other key to the success of The Sweeney was the extraordinarily high standard of writing and direction on the show. The crew were much influenced by The French Connection and Dirty Harry and, in a revolutionary approach to TV production they used that documentary style; shooting entirely on location in and around the London suburb of Hammersmith using lightweight 16mm cameras and radio mikes on the actors for a raw documentary feel. Dialogue scenes were kept short and pace, action and humour emphasised. Even more boldly, the villains sometimes got away scott-free. The team also pushed the envelope in the depiction of violence. Excitingly choreographed fight scenes were a hallmark of The Sweeney right from the start and more than 25 years after it finished the brutality still has the power to take your breath away.

The fears and perceptions of crime harboured by the British public and the problems endemic in the police service were all superbly dramatised by a tight-knit group of some of Britain's top scriptwriters. These stories included police brutality ('Big Brother'), know nothing career climbers ('Taste of Fear'), personal involvement with villains ('Lady Luck'), European terrorism ('Faces'), police corruption ('Bad Apple') and hi-tech crime ('Tomorrow Man'). That all of these concerns are still major problems in British policing just goes to show how little the series has dated.

The Sweeney ultimately ran for four seasons, 53 episodes in all with two feature film spin offs, Sweeney! (1976) and Sweeney 2 (1978). A definitive DVD presentation of the show (immaculate digital restoration from the original film elements, commentaries, exhaustive extras, etc, etc) has recently been released in the UK and stands as testament to the show's continued popularity among viewers of all ages.

Birds, booze and blags - shut it you slag!!!

[andy-1047 · 10/10 · 11 May 2005]

After a hard day at work, I like nothing better than to pour myself a large Scotch, settle down on the sofa, switch on the DVD player and tell the bird to shut it as I watch those diamond geezers from the flying squad getting all tooled up for another blag. This series is without a doubt an absolute classic and if you remember the seventies - this was essential viewing. John Thaw's Regan and Dennis Waterman's Carter were no nonsense coppers who went up against a London full of well dodgy villains. Sawn-off shotguns, pick axe handles, car chases, fights, flared trousers and sideburns galore as our heros battle and bring to justice the various blaggers operating on their manor while at the same time drowning themselves in booze, smoking like chimneys and chatting up the birds. Gloriously politically incorrect this was a series which we will sadly never see the like again. In a word, magnificent!

Best slice of British TV ever!

[CosmicDwellings · 10/10 · 12 May 2006]

"The Sweeney" is one of the best, if not THE best, British Television crime drama ever made.

The scripts, directors, producers and not forgetting the actors are all of the highest calibre especially Messrs. Thaw & Waterman with their great characterisations of Regan & Carter.

"The Sweeney" portrayed the real 'Flying Squad' as it apparently was in real life, and thus caused the controversy that it did in the mid-70's. The guys didn't always catch the villains either, so it never held that fantasy element like every other series of the time.

It was the seventies equipped with flared trousers, kipper ties, dodgy hairdos and moustaches along with Ford Cortinas and all. But, it is the most entertaining hour from the seventies produced in the most hard-hitting way.

There's A Pilot feature entitled "Regan", Four glorious TV series and 2 Award-Winning Feature Films - ENJOY!!!

Morse and Jerrie!

[candidcamel · 10/10 · 5 February 2014]

American here. I have just finished watching NEW TRICKS all episodes for the 3rd time. Around Christmas for the past 3 years I treat myself. This year I went looking for older things that the cast may have appeared in and I had never seen. I found The Sweeney with Dennis Waterman in it. I began watching and to my delight I had failed to reference John Thaw as a lead character. I could not believe my Good Fortune. I am now in the second season and really enjoying this series. I am glad that I had seen Morse and New Tricks first. These two for the most part are playing the same characters with similar mannerisms. Morse is a wee bit less disgruntled in this series and Jerry/Carter is more subdued as a character. It always takes me a few episodes to really get into the rhythm of a UK show. This series took longer because of the rhyming phrases sprinkled everywhere within the shows. I have had to look up a few phrases more than usual. Being an Artist and a Hippie Chick from The Sixties, I have to admit that I adore The Fashion of the show. I have made my daughter come into see outfits that are simply so lavish and charming I wax nostalgic. My nic-name in college was Velvet, because I wore lots of it and lots of plush wide Wales corduroy to boots! Love it, love it, love it. Amazing are the Velvet Jackets worn to work during the day. You just had to be there. I also miss hair, long beautiful hair, here hair, there hair, everywhere HAIR. I am pleased that I have found this series to indulge my long cold winter here in the Midwest of the US. I am a big Mystery Buff and kudos to you UK Folkes for creating SMART characters and series for the rest of the world. My Favourite Crime/Mystery Series New Tricks, Dalziel & Pascoe, Lewis, Morse, Frost, Midsomer Murders, Lynley, Hetty Wainthrope, Marple (Margaret being the best!) The Last Detective Waking The Dead Jonathan Creek, Hamish Macbeth, Pie In The Sky, Rosemary & Thyme, Poirot Sherlock, Wallander and wish I could get the new Father Brown series!

Thaw and Waterman at their best

[ronbell-23984 · 10/10 · 10 August 2019]

Excellent British crime drama, very gritty. If you're looking for forensics and a modern subtle touch then avoid. Quality show, often ripped off but not yet equalled.

Three out of four ain't bad

[Pizzaowner · 6/10 · 3 September 2015]

Considering it's age and the prevailing temperament of police 'liberties' at the time it presents a fairly balanced view of both the rewards and the frustrations of being police. Sadly, like many other shows, the 4th season shows it's ragged edges in scripts that are little more than re-hashes of earlier stories and the 'action' scenes become more and more unrealistic with 5 or 6 officers equipped with guns being incapable of subduing 2 suspects they surprised in the act. All this so the episode could end with the bad guy escaping for re-use in the next episode. The first 3 seasons however, were quite entertaining with Dennis Waterman constantly and consistently outshining Mr Thaw.....no surprise there as the venom-filled dialogue of the latter rings inconsistent with him, far too often, ending up with the young bird.......AS IF! Reality aside the show has 3 good seasons in it and as long as you are prepared to re-hear old plot-lines you will be able to gag down the fourth.

Best British Cop show

[ijasonhyland · 10/10 · 18 July 2020]

Some say very much of it's time ..but it is a classic. Never equalled for hard hitting gritty dialogue, hard drinking, car chases and good old fashioned punch ups. Two spinoff movies were also excellent with the original bad boys Regan & Carter played by the John Thaw and Denis Waterman - not to be confused with the more recent shambles of a movie with Ray Winston .

Jaguars,cheese and cortina car keys

[browncal · 10/10 · 30 January 2006]

The Professionals, Starsky and Hutch and Knightrider. What do they have in common? They have all aged terribly! Have you also noticed that they are all cop shows? Well heres one that hasn't

The Sweeney! This show first hit our TV screens in 1975 and even tough it was launched more than 30 years ago is still widely talked about today. The famous scenes with the Jaguars and cortinas, the famous guest appearances, the gun play and gritty realism. But of course we all remember the SHUT IT! The realism all starts at the end of many of the episodes. Such as the episode entitled MAY where the villains get away and are not caught. John Thaw is here in one of his most memorable roles, along with Dennis Waterman. The show was pulled after 4 Series as John Thaw and Dennis Waterman both agreed that they should stop the show before people became less interested. A good idea as many programmes had once been popular but fell into the TV black hole as they were carried on too long.

Carry on Regan & Carter

[johnc-20076 · 5/10 · 11 September 2020]

I recently chanced upon a Sweeney season 1 dvd box set at a car boot sale for a pound so I thought i'd give Regan & Carter a revist after some 40 years or so... I know memories can play tricks but I seemed to remember some tough, gritty hard hitting 1970s TV that would be both nostalgic but also entertaining and quality.. all the things TV supposedly isn't these days... what a let down... my goodness time hasn't been kind.. I don't mean the politically incorrect dialog or the flares, kipper ties and the constant swilling of double scotches and nicotine stained fingers.. I mean the stories / plotlines and the constant stream of laughable incompetent bad guys... hard hitting? Some episodes are like a B grade comedy, 'thin ice' the one with Brian Glover & Alfred marks in is just plain embarrassing... 'night out' is illogical and very badly written... many of the others are poorly written with cardboard cut out characters and predictable telegraphed outcomes...

As a piece of 70s nostalgia the Sweeney is fine, it's interesting to see many familiar 1970s TV faces cropping up in the episodes with bit parts here and there and Thaw and Waterman play their parts well but lets be honest the actual scripts they have to work with are strictly amateur..

5/10

TV genius -- one of those shows that becomes part of your DNA.

[Pedro_H · 4 November 2005]

The rough, tough and downright dirty world of New Scotland Yard's heavy mob - The Sweeney.

So-called because the Cockney rhyming slang for Flying Squad is The Sweeney (Sweeney Todd -- famous murderous London barber -- Flying Squad). The term "flying" because they came on the scene quickly after bank robberies or other "serious" crimes.

It doesn't get much better than this. It really doesn't. Around 1975 we didn't have video recorders so you made sure that you were sat down with your coffee for the ITV 9pm showing! The show's genus is in the acting and script -- as well as the real locations of South London. Tatty high rises, breakers yards (ideal for fighting!), smoky clubs/pubs and "the factory" the office that they worked from with its grey walls, round dial phones and worn out office equipment.

(This was actually modelled on the real Flying Squad office!)

Occasionally this would contrast with the middle class splendour of the super villain or mastermind who planned the central crime like a chess game.

John Thaw (as Jack Regan) was a genius of an actor, but always a tough guy at heart. Even when he put on a posh accent. In his younger days he was a bit of a bully and a tearaway, being a kind of "king of the teds" character. How he ever got in to acting is a long and unlikely story.

(I won't bore you with it.)

Dennis Waterman (as George Carter) was originally going to be only an occasional character and the whole show was going to focus on Regan - but the writers noticed that they made a team and the script was changed. The final line in the triangle was the (mostly) office bound Garfield Morgan (as Chief Insp. Frank Haskins) ) who was the voice of the reason that generally wanted "to go by the book."

(Regan never wanted to go by the book -- he "wanted results" any way he could get them!)

As the series progressed it got more adventurous and sometimes things went badly wrong. There was sometimes odd-ball comedy episodes. Unlike any other cop show before or since it was suggested that some of the criminals were behind bars for things they didn't do -- and the methods of Regan himself were bound to get him in to serious trouble (with the "brass") sooner rather than later.

Naturally The Sweeney did have its limits. Regan rarely was on the wrong track (even when evidence pointed another way - he always "had a hunch") and rarely did the cons lay down their weapons readily. Which I am sure they would in real life -- especially when the police had attack dogs and guns. It wasn't a show that was in full flight from a cheap thrill.

This show went all around Europe (I saw one episode in Spanish) but I doubt it would do well in America. Too sour and not enough happy endings.Happy memories which were not bountiful in the 1970's.

"You're nicked, son!"

[ShadeGrenade · 10/10 · 6 October 2009]

It was a night to squirm in your armchair - in 2005, B.B.C.-4 put out 'Television On Trial', a series in which programmes from a particular decade were shown to 'experts' who would then debate their merits. One week, the '70's was under the microscope. The dice seemed loaded against the era from the start, as 'Love Thy Neighbour' was included ( some seem to think it was the only I.T.V. sitcom made then ). Other shows included 'That's Life!' and 'The Sweeney'. The 'experts' were the late Alan Coren and Sarfraz Manzoor. Coren defended the shows as much as he could ( only to do an astonishing U-turn at the end ), while Manzoor grumbled and griped like one of the brats from 'Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory'. This guy, born in 1971, obviously had a bad childhood and blames it on the television of the time. When 'The Sweeney' came on, I thought 'he's got to change his tune. The show is a classic' but no, he put the boot into that too.

Created by Ian Kennedy Martin, 'The Sweeney' started life as a one-off play for the I.T.V. network called 'Regan', broadcast in June 1974. It presented a tougher police character than had been seen on television before, in fact at times it was hard to distinguish his actions from those of the criminals he was chasing. John Thaw gave a brilliant performance, supported by Dennis Waterman as 'D.S. George Carter', and Garfield Morgan as their no-nonsense superior 'Haskins'. 'The Sweeney' appeared a year later, and quickly established itself as a ratings hit. In 1976, it formed part of a strong Monday night line-up, along with 'Coronation Street' and 'George & Mildred'.

The groundwork had been done by the third and fourth seasons of 'Special Branch', a Euston Films production starring George Sewell and Patrick Mower. Despite a number of good episodes, 'Branch' failed to gel, hence its eventual replacement by 'The Sweeney'. The show derived its title from the Cockney rhyming slang for 'Flying Squad' - 'Sweeney Todd'. It should be noted that the B.B.C.'s 'Dixon Of Dock Green' was still on air when Regan and Carter began their battle with the London underworld, and the contrast between the shows could not have been greater. Whereas Dixon greeted audiences with a friendly 'evenin' all', 'The Sweeney' were more likely to knee you in the groin and exclaim: "You're nicked, son!". It set new standards for violence, bad language and nudity. It was compulsory viewing for us strapping lads, albeit embarrassing if viewed in parents' company.

It did go over the top at times. One early episode had the Sweeney receiving a tip-off that a bank was due to be robbed, so they staked out a pub across the road. Within minutes of arriving at the scene, Regan was in bed with the landlady, and directing police operations by phone from her bedroom! Another story involved a craze for homemade handguns. When two men got into a scrap, one of these 'cowboy' guns went off accidentally, resulting in their horrific disembowelling. Patrick Mower and George Layton played a pair of Australian con-men in two enjoyable Roger Marshall-scripted episodes. John Hurt guested in 'Tomorrow Man' as a computer expert seeking revenge on the man who cheated him out of a fortune ( George Cole ). And who can forget 'Hearts & Minds' which guested no less than Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise?

'The Sweeney' was so popular it spawned two cinema films. The B.B.C. tried to cash in with their series 'Target' starring Patrick Mower which was, if anything, even more violent ( and which seems to have been virtually forgotten ). More recently, 'Life On Mars' was a superb tribute to the show's greatness, with Philip Glenister's 'Gene Hunt' and John Simm's 'Sam Tyler' doing perfect justice to the memories of Regan and Carter.

Violent cop dramas are commonplace now, but in 1975 'The Sweeney' came as a breath of fresh air - it was closer to reality than anything seen before on British television - a fact Sarfraz Manzoor should bear in mind the next time he attempts to watch an episode. Interestingly, when the 'Television On Trial' audience cast its votes as to which decade was the best for television, the '70's won by a landslide! Hard luck, Mr.Manzoor!

Classic Police Drama

[m-ozfirat · 10/10 · 17 December 2017]

During the 1970s Police Series were the trend and Phenomena with mystery drama's such as Kojak and Columbo that were sober and in their own right classics. But The Sweeney is far the best Police series ever done at its height and certainly more so then the overrated and juvenile Starsky and Hutch that was targeted specifically for image and not quality and heres the Sweeney is better: -

1. The action and scripts are based more on harsh reality and the challenges facing law enforcement.

2. The scripts on which the scenario of crime is based is realistic and packed with action and within the genre of thriller making it entertaining and enjoyable. The stories also go beyond conventional crime exploring other subjects without loosing its original purpose

3. The series is not cheesy or corny and begins refreshed with new episode that does not drag.

4. The car a 1970s Ford Granada is attractive with sport appeal and mature. the chemistry between the main characters also works with exciting music.

in conclusion the Sweeney is the best Police Drama / Thriller as it is genuine and does not drag and is focused on trend and quality

Uncommonly good TV writing....

[storyjack · 9/10 · 29 December 2021]

I have just watched one of the season 1 episodes "the Placer" and was astonished by the sheer quality of the writing. The episode covers an undercover mission by Jack Reagan, seeking to infiltrate a gang of armed robbers. What is amazing is the depth of moral uncertainty the writers infuse across almost every story beat. The cops are bending the rules to bring down the bad guys - but they aren't immune from the negative impacts of that rule-bending - even down to innocent people losing their jobs etc. I have seen many feature films (and read many scripts) which don't come close to the moral complexity and sheer speed of plotting evidenced in this episode. Minor characters are well drawn, with a strong sense of their reality extending beyond the boundaries of the episode - something almost never encountered on modern TV. Even the final denouement is shot with panache, putting most other TV cop shows to shame. The likes of Line of Duty (in the UK) pale into insignificance compared to this. I remembered the Sweeney from my childhood (my father was in a similar job to Jack Regan and so there are huge resonances) but having spent many years working as a screenwriter, the sheer quality of this piece enthralled me. Well worth a watch, if you can track it down.

Still better than any Cop show

[martin-lynch-713-581715 · 10/10 · 26 April 2021]

As I write this it's 2021 and just watched the series again. It was and should be the mark that Cop shows of today strive for. Yes it is vulgar, it's violent but, it is still an honest look at life in the 70s.

A great cast, great stories and from the stories available about the Flying Squad and the Villains back in the day, it's more realistic than you think.

Not for everyone, especially if you are easily offended but, life then vs. Now..... give me reruns of this show over almost anything available in the last 20 years.

Classic John thaw

[youngkaren-25330 · 10/10 · 2 December 2019]

Before there was inspector Morse there was detective inspector jack Reagan the leader of the police unit the flying squad

The Hit of the 1970s.

[benjamingobey · 10/10 · 19 May 2021]

From 'Regan' the Pilot, to 'Ringer' with the villainous Frank Kemble (Brian Blessed) to Series 2s 'Golden Fleece' and 'Trojan Bus' with the cocky Australian duo Colin McGruder (Patrick Mower) and Ray Stackpole (George Layton) is what makes the series a hit.

Fast cars, police chases, shoot outs, 70s music, lots of drinking of scotch, tons of villain's and decent storylines.

Regan (John Thaw) and Carter (Dennis Waterman) are a great duo and couldn't have been casted better and the pair always have Chief Inspector Haskins (Garfield Morgan) at their side.

There were so many great Actors and Actresses that appeared in show over the 4 years it ran from Julian Glover to Billy Murray and more.

Blinding TV

[fiddle01 · 18 July 2005]

I was amazed recently when watching a television programme on a debate about good TV and The Sweeney was completely slated!! The content in those episodes is as fresh today as it were then and the violent feel throughout most instalments has some how become more menacing as time as moved on. You see this series is about real Brut swilling Coppers who new exactly how to wear their bell bottoms. This series was about as good as it gets and I would go as far to say that after this and The Proffesionals latter police style programmes look plain. Dated maybe but like a fine rolls Royce...never out of fashion for those who are lucky enough to see one.

Loved The Sweeney

[safenoe · 9/10 · 6 November 2021]

Pure British drama and action for sure. I have fond memories of watching The Sweeney, with the pulsating opening theme and lots of drama. This should be rebooted please with acclaimed British actor Danny Dyer in the lead role please.

We're the Sweeney and we haven't had our dinner.

[kindofblue-78221 · 8/10 · 28 March 2023]

I'm only giving this classic series 8 stars because of season 4. I've knocked 2 stars off because the final season is extremely poor quality.

Apparently JT and DW were both reluctant to do the final season as they thought the series was played out. And they were absolutely right.

So that's the bad. Now the 10 star stuff.

I watched this series when first shown and as a young boy I was blown away. Just as all the bad guys were.

Sure it's brutal and some of the comments will have the PC police weeping and running for their guardian newspapers.

You can't change our history. But you can rewrite and censor it. Those who wouid censor and rewrite also portray themselves as the defenders of freedom and democracy How incongruous.

John Thaw is magnificent. Dennis Waterman is equally good. When were either, ever less than good.

The writing is sharp. The action is brutal.

And for those who admire freedom and democracy, the dialogue is a scream.

A perfect series for 3 seasons.

If only they'd listened to the Sweeney and stopped when they were ahead.

Maybe then, they would have had their dinner.

Gripping 70's TV

[ple-may · 10/10 · 15 January 2023]

An excellent gritty crime series that's a world away from the cosy or fantasy television that had gone before. Thaw and Waterman are very natural and believable. The language is genuine and reflects the times perfectly. If you're easily offended, try Watch with Mother instead.

One thing - the opening credits. Series 1-3 have the iconic, artful sequence. Then someone thought they could improve it for season 4 with a Kaleidoscope effect and the actors freezing into action positions - not a freeze frame, just the actors standing still. Whoever signed this off should have never been allowed to work outside of children's TV again!

Classic police drama series

[grantss · 9/10 · 11 May 2023]

Detective Inspector Jack Regan and Detective Sergeant George Carter are members of the UK Metropolitan Police's elite Flying Squad - The Sweeney. They get to deal with the trickiest cases and toughest criminals. To succeed in this job Regan, Carter and their crew need to be ultra-tough themselves, and they are.

A classic police series from the 70s. A great mix of procedural police work, action scenes and intrigue with a decent amount of banter and humour thrown in. Highly original plots that are quite different from episode to episode.

Great work by John Thaw and Dennis Waterman as Regan and Carter respectively. One of the most iconic and enduring duos in TV history. Good supporting cast with Garfield Morgan as the dour DCI Haskins, their boss, to the fore.

Amazingly, the show got better and better as it went on. Season 4, the final season, was the peak with the banter and humour being dialled up to wonderful effect.

Rough and Tough 1970s British Policing: Ian Kennedy-Martin's Ultimate Brainchild

[alexkravchenko · 10/10 · 1 November 2023]

Move aside, Starsky and Hutch! The Sweeney will get the job done... their way! With their trousers on! Whether they've had any dinner or not!

When it comes to British cop shows, they don't come rougher, tougher, grittier, funkier, or swagger than this, this definitive 1970s exploration of London's Flying Squad.

At the top of the pile are the hardened, no-nonsense pair Detective Inspector Jack Regan (John Thaw) and Detective Sergeant George Carter (Dennis Waterman), who absolutely steal the show with their actions, methods, and words.

This is one of the shows that truly define 1970s Britain. A real gem of a cop show.