The Sweeney: Series 2 – Review
By Sarah Morgan
You ain’t interested in The Sweeney? Shut it!
Few TV series have made as big an impact as the crime drama starring John Thaw and Dennis Waterman did back in the 1970s. It’s fair to say it revolutionised small-screen coppers and still packs a punch today, even if some of the fashions raise a smile.
Just don’t try to keep up with the drinking habits of DI Jack Regan and DS George Carter, the officers played by Thaw and Waterman, because you’ll be sozzled by the time you get to the commercial break. And as for the cigarette-smoking – blimey guv’nor, I felt as if I was developing a cough just watching them…
“Packed with guest stars”
The first series established the characters as hard-bitten, determined and dedicated crime-fighters, and it’s fair to say they don’t develop much throughout the second run, although we do see a softer side of Carter during scenes involving his wife Alison, shortly before she’s murdered in a case of mistaken identity.
It’s also an episode packed with guest stars, including Patrick Troughton, while Gary Waldhorn and Liz Smith, later to appear alongside each other in The Vicar of Dibley, share a brief scene.
Alison’s death is one of the most memorable moments in the season; the episode’s writer, Roger Marshall, is interviewed among the special features, discussing how killing Alison off was his first task after joining the show’s pool of writers; it seems the agent of the actress who played her was asking for too much money, so the decision was taken to axe her altogether!
“Thrilled”
Marshall was also responsible for writing two episodes featuring Australian conmen Ray and Col, played by the very non-Antipodean George Layton and Patrick Mower. They got away scot-free during their first appearance, but as villains can never be seen as being rewarded for their crimes, they were brought back in the season finale to get their just deserts.
Both Layton and Mower deliver their views on their characters, while other guest stars, including Linda Bellingham, Gwen Taylor and James Booth, offer introductions to the episodes in which they feature.
Those interviewed all have amazing anecdotes to tell, but as many of them have since passed away (including Bellingham and Booth), you may have already guessed that these intros were filmed for a previous release. However, what is new is the quality of the picture and the sound – each episode appears as if it was shot yesterday rather than half a century ago.
If you love the show, you will definitely be thrilled by the Blu-ray version – here’s hoping we won’t be waiting too long for the remaining two series to be made available, otherwise we might have to send the boys round to sort it…
Sarah Morgan studied film journalism at post-graduate level with the BFI and has been writing about TV and film for PA Media’s newspaper, magazine and new media customers since 1996. She’s also written for a wide range of other publications, both online and in print, including the book Offbeat and Intermission magazine, and is a regular contributor to the Talking Pictures TV podcast. When she isn’t watching movies, she’s collecting and reading vintage crime and horror paperback books or, for her sins, watching her beloved Sheffield Wednesday.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Sweeney – Series 2 (Blu-ray)
What’s the tone of Series 2?
Still hard-edged and pacey: 1970s London crime-fighting with blunt humour, heavy drinking/smoking and on-location action that retains its punch.
Do Regan and Carter develop this series?
They largely continue as tough, determined detectives, though a softer side of Carter emerges around his wife Alison.
Which episode is most memorable?
The episode in which Alison is killed in a case of mistaken identity. Writer Roger Marshall explains the decision in the special features.
Who are the standout guest stars?
Patrick Troughton, Gary Waldhorn, Liz Smith; with introductions from Linda Bellingham, Gwen Taylor and James Booth on select episodes.
Who are Ray and Col?
Australian conmen (played by George Layton and Patrick Mower). They slip away first time but return in the finale to face consequences.
How does the Blu-ray look and sound?
Significantly upgraded picture and audio; episodes appear fresh despite their age, while preserving the period’s gritty palette.
What extras are included?
Interviews and episode introductions (some archival), including Roger Marshall on the Alison storyline and cast reflections on their roles.
Is it dated?
Yes—fashions and attitudes are of their time—but that period authenticity is part of the show’s enduring appeal.
Will more series follow on Blu-ray?
The review hopes Series 3 and 4 will arrive soon—fans are ready for the full run in remastered form.
BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Option to view episodes in original Mono, 5.1 surround sound, or isolated music tracks
- Wild Boys – featurette with guest stars Patrick Mower, George Layton, Lynda Bellingham and writer Roger Marshall
- Interview with stunt arranger Peter Brayham
- Interview with writer Roger Marshall
- Introduction to Supersnout by Bill Maynard
- Introduction to Big Brother by Gwen Taylor
- Introduction to Poppy by James Booth
- Introduction to Stay Lucky, Eh? by Ken Hutchison
- Introduction to Trojan Bus by Lynda Bellingham
- Audio Commentary on Hit and Run with Dennis Waterman and Garfield Morgan
- Audio Commentary on Chalk and Cheese with authors of "The Sweeney – The Official Companion" Robert Fairclough & Mike Kenwood
- Sweeney! – 1977 film trailer with introduction by Lynda Bellingham
- Booklet
The Sweeney – Series Two is released on Blu-ray by Old Gold Media
