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Glenn777
Reviews
The Sweeney: Jigsaw (1975)
Regan in fine form
'Jigsaw' is an episode which sees Jack Regan at his most persistent and self-sufficient. Disregarding advice and/or instructions, and even keeping colleagues out of the loop to some extent.
Regan's handling of the Eddie Boyse case is characteristic of his tendency to keep plugging away, but also of his ability to approach a job on more than one level. His grasp of psychology and human nature allows him to apply pressure. A case of knowing which buttons to press with people, as it were. This is all allied to ordinary detective work. Even if the material evidence does not fully emerge, other avenues may produce a result.
The plot is interesting, and actually not that outlandish, in terms of the carrying out of the robbery itself. The one false note for me was struck by the involvement of Boyse's MP ; I don't think that those scenes really worked.
Thaw and Waterman are on fine form as always, and there are solid performances from Del Henney and Sheila Gish.
This is also an illuminating episode from the point of view of the relationship between Regan and Carter. The sergeant is cast in a very much subordinate role here. He harbours, and occasionally expresses, doubts about some of Regan's methods, but ultimately respects his superior's nous, determination and capacity to produce results.
Although it has one or two flaws, this is a good episode.
The Sweeney: Jackpot (1975)
An intriguing and watchable episode
Some of The Sweeney's reputation for innovation and grittiness no doubt stemmed from this episode. The camera work, and some of the content, must have seemed ground-breaking and unusual in the mid-1970s.
This is one of those stories which finds Regan under a cloud and under pressure from the powers-that-be. Regan has to use his ingenuity and his instincts to extricate himself from the situation. Others may feel that he is simply acting like a good, diligent detective.
There is a certain wistfulness for me in watching some early episodes of The Sweeney. That period is the first of which I have any clear memories, and I can identify with what life was like back then. 'Jackpot', in its own way, evokes some of these feelings.
Regan is to the fore, navigating the corridors of police politics. It is noticeable how, despite the pressure he is under, he remains composed, calm and focused, perhaps a sign of his confidence that matters would eventually be resolved to his satisfaction.
Carter is less prominent, but Dennis Waterman's innate likeability and fluid talent ensure that his contributions are important to the episode's overall quality. The interrogation scenes are particularly noteworthy in this respect, with Ed Devereaux also excelling here.
It is nice to see some of the other members of the squad (Matthews, Thorpe) heavily involved, too.
The story-line is quite novel and refreshing, and gives the viewer some food for thought once the truth is known. The ending is also telling and eloquent, in a quiet way.
The imaginative camera angles, especially in the outdoor sequences, lead to some elegant and "artistic" moments. These are not always done for symbolism or metaphor, but they add to the charm and the interest.
Not a perfect episode, but a highly watchable and fluent production, which holds the attention.
The Sweeney: Ringer (1975)
A strong start to the series
In many ways 'Ringer', the first episode proper of 'The Sweeney', was not substantially improved on.in subsequent ones.
It introduces us to many 'Sweeney' trademarks, with its colourful assortment of villains and the 'networking' which was an integral part of life for those on both sides of the fence, We also gain some insight into how these activities impacted other people.
I really like the gritty feel of 'Ringer',enhanced by the camera-work, the settings and the visuals generally.
Ian Hendry, Brian Blessed and Alan Lake make for an intriguing trio of villains, all very different from each other but without descending into cliche. There is some great banter between the three of them.
Regan's relations with his superiors are also put under the spotlight, although his exchanges with Haskins seem harsher and more abrasive than they would generally be in subsequent episodes.
The acting is primarily of a high quality, and there are some entertaining and impactful performances by those in minor roles, such as June Brown and Ray Mort. There is also plenty of humour in between the darker and more menacing moments.
In terms of atmosphere, the building of suspense and so forth, this is possibly one of the stronger episodes of the show. Snappy dialogue and editing contribute to this.
So, all in all, a fine episode which set the standard for later ones to follow.