It seems incredible that the only other contributor to this site (at the time of writing) is from Canada.
This was a blindingly good series that had a comparatively brief run in the early 1990's.
Jimmy Nail - regular from the earlier and perhaps more popular 'Auf Weidersien, Pet' - played the starring role as 'Spender', the detective grudgingly rediscovering his roots. Nail also made substantial contributions to its script and production. I gather it was he who was also largely instrumental in bringing its life to a somewhat premature close. The program was extremely well rounded, with non of the needlessly graphic gloss of shoot 'em ups and pyrotechnics, yet still retaining a very earthy and believable grit. It also came with a simple but haunting little theme tune that suited the character and his circumstances to perfection, and seemed to act as a frame for each episode.
I personally like the concept of short runs like this. The ideas and characters never outstay their welcome or become stale. Much better, I think, to leave you wanting more, rather than saying 'Oh, is that still on?' Some of the most iconic British TV programs have been also the briefest: 'The Prisoner', 'Fawlty Towers', 'Blackadder Goes Forth'. And to these I would certainly add the crime drama 'Spender'.
It was also a refreshing change to have a star who wasn't what one might call good-looking in that typically simpering boy-band fashion. Actually, Jimmy Nail was voted ugliest man on television in some sort of European poll. But that hardly excuses the lack of interest and support from the home front. You Anglo-telly-philes ought to be ashamed of yourselves. If ever a series deserves pages of praise this one surely does. I never missed an episode.
Highly recommended - on both sides of the Altantic.
This was a blindingly good series that had a comparatively brief run in the early 1990's.
Jimmy Nail - regular from the earlier and perhaps more popular 'Auf Weidersien, Pet' - played the starring role as 'Spender', the detective grudgingly rediscovering his roots. Nail also made substantial contributions to its script and production. I gather it was he who was also largely instrumental in bringing its life to a somewhat premature close. The program was extremely well rounded, with non of the needlessly graphic gloss of shoot 'em ups and pyrotechnics, yet still retaining a very earthy and believable grit. It also came with a simple but haunting little theme tune that suited the character and his circumstances to perfection, and seemed to act as a frame for each episode.
I personally like the concept of short runs like this. The ideas and characters never outstay their welcome or become stale. Much better, I think, to leave you wanting more, rather than saying 'Oh, is that still on?' Some of the most iconic British TV programs have been also the briefest: 'The Prisoner', 'Fawlty Towers', 'Blackadder Goes Forth'. And to these I would certainly add the crime drama 'Spender'.
It was also a refreshing change to have a star who wasn't what one might call good-looking in that typically simpering boy-band fashion. Actually, Jimmy Nail was voted ugliest man on television in some sort of European poll. But that hardly excuses the lack of interest and support from the home front. You Anglo-telly-philes ought to be ashamed of yourselves. If ever a series deserves pages of praise this one surely does. I never missed an episode.
Highly recommended - on both sides of the Altantic.
