In a near-future 1980s, England is under autocratic rule by a government that uses a paramilitary force known as The Guardians to maintain control, while a fragmented resistance group tries to provoke the state into revealing its true brutality.
The Guardians (Season 1)
The State of England (Episode 1)
Writer: Vincent Tilsley
Air date: 1971-07-10
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: After a period of mass unemployment, chaos and a complete failure of the government, law and order has been restored in England. However the price of this new order is personal liberty. Dissenters soon appear, dedicated to the overthrow of the new regime.
Pursuit (Episode 2)
Writer: Hugh Whitemore
Air date: 1971-07-17
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: An attempt has been made on the Prime Minister’s life, and an agent planted to root out communists within The Guardians is shot dead.
Head of State (Episode 3)
Writer: John Bowen
Air date: 1971-07-24
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: The French President objects to Britain's participation in a united European defence force, and refuses to recognise the Prime Minister as head of state. Chris Hobson falls foul of the Guardians when he investigates the disappearance of one of their officers. Sir Tim decides to assert his authority over his cabinet.
The Logical Approach (Episode 4)
Writer: John Bowen
Air date: 1971-07-31
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Sir Timothy finally uses his brains and God given skills to become an effective Prime Minister.
Quarmby (Episode 5)
Writer: John Bowen
Air date: 1971-08-07
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: The Prime Minister conducts an investigation into the shooting of Sam Wilson who was in custody for killing Hollis.
Appearances (Episode 6)
Writer: Monty Poole
Air date: 1971-08-14
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Benedict kills a detective and then returns his attention to disrupting The Guardians.
This Is Quarmby (Episode 7)
Writer: Arden Winch
Air date: 1971-08-21
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Quarmby takes a new approach to disrupting the government by taking their campaign to the general public.
The Dirtiest Man in the World (Episode 8)
Writer: John Bowen
Air date: 1971-08-28
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Tom is still being held prisoner and trying to escape. Benedict wants to use him as a pawn so decides to help him with his escape plan.
I Want You to Understand Me (Episode 9)
Writer: John Bowen
Air date: 1971-09-04
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: The resistance grows as the government steps up its repressive policies.
The Nature of the Beast (Episode 10)
Writer: Jonathan Hales
Air date: 1971-09-11
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Clare turns to Benedict for help in finding Tom. Benedict still has plans to use Tom as a scapegoat.
The Roman Empire (Episode 11)
Writer: John Bowen
Air date: 1971-09-18
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: The government is continuing to battle public unrest and now must deal with plots from within the Cabinet itself.
The Killing Trade (Episode 12)
Writer: Jonathan Hales
Air date: 1971-09-24
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Tom is now in a coma at Benedict's apartment. Quarmby wants to get rid of him before The Guardians discover his location.
End in Dust (Episode 13)
Writer: John Bowen
Air date: 1971-10-01
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: The stage is set for the final showdown. Quarmby, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and The Guardians are all set for battle. Chris and Norman are now forced to choose sides as this series comes to its conclusion.
Seasons
Episodes 13