Customer Reviews

The Sweeney Series Four

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If you don't know your Mockney slang (Cockney rhyming slang), you might have some difficulty following one of the grittiest cop shows on either side of the Atlantic. Long before NYPD Blue was catching the attention of the FCC censors, the Sweeney (Scotland Yard's Flying Squad of plain clothes detectives) was thrust upon UK viewers in the early to mid 70's, with some harsh language, occasional topless girls, and the over the top violent antics of the fiercest cops in England.

John Thaw, as Detective Inspector Jack Regan, perfectly fills what is possibly his best known role, apart from Inspector Morse. Dennis Waterman, as Regan's partner, Sergeant George Carter, is equally talented in fisticuffs, which would come in handy in Waterman's next series Minder, playing bodyguard for hire Terry McCann, which would be his best known role.

Regan often twisted the rules of the law to apprehend his criminals, usually convincing the apprehensive Carter to help. Regan was often in trouble with his superiors, and was constantly under scrutiny from internal affairs. The show lasted 4 seasons, and ended with Regan actually getting ... well, I won't give it away!

Apart from the double disc set of the 2 late 70's Sweeney big screen films, which is avaiable on Amazon, the 4 seasons of the show have not been available in the US. All 4 sets are available in the UK, with some great extras. If you have the capability to play region 2 PAL discs, don't hesitate to pick up a season of one of the best cop shows in TV history (any country).

Classic cult mold breaking awesome British cop show from the 70's. Harsh, gritty, realistic and engaging. THOROUGHLY recommend it to anyone who likes 'cop shows'.