Softly Softly: Task Force

Softly, Softly: Task Force is a police based drama series which ran on BBC 1 from 1969 to 1976. It was a revamp of Softly, Softly, itself a spin-off from Z-Cars. The change was made partly to coincide with the coming of colour broadcasting to the BBC's main channel BBC1. The programme was due to be called simply Task Force, but reluctant to sacrifice a much-loved brand the BBC compromised this so it became Softly, Softly: Task Force.

Episodes

Cast

Arrival

1. Arrival

20th Nov 1969

Things are about to change at Thamesford Constabulary when Detective Chief Superintendent Charles Barlow arrives to take over as new head of CID. Barlow's orders are to whip Thamesford Constabulary into shape and to ensure that operations run smoothly. He soon finds that it's going to be a major job to get the constabulary into shape as duties have been neglected. Things are getting tough for everybody that very first night when a young boy is reported missing. Before the night is over, Chief Superintendent Barlow will know who he can rely on at Thamesford ...

Exercise

2. Exercise

27th Nov 1969

Detective Chief Superitendent Barlow is in for a surprise as Chief Constable Cullen has some considerable staff changes in mind for Thamesford CID. Cullen wants to provide Charlie Barlow with the best team to assist him in setting up a highly efficient task force. However, soon the stabbing of a woman takes priority over personnel matters at Thamesford CID.

Diversion

3. Diversion

4th Dec 1969

While the task force officers are busy investigating a series of break-ins, an armed hold-up at a timber warehouse requires immediate attention and quick action. Will Thamesford CID be able to catch the robbers and still have time to deal with the burglaries? It's up to Detective Inspector Harry Hawkins and his fellow officers to prove to their superiors how efficient the task force team can work.

The Spoilt Ones

4. The Spoilt Ones

11th Dec 1969

To Protect the Innocent...

5. To Protect the Innocent...

18th Dec 1969

Any Other Night

6. Any Other Night

1st Jan 1970

The Aggro Boy

7. The Aggro Boy

8th Jan 1970

Standing Orders

8. Standing Orders

15th Jan 1970

Private Mischief

9. Private Mischief

22nd Jan 1970

Open and Shut

10. Open and Shut

29th Jan 1970

Sprats and Mackerals

11. Sprats and Mackerals

5th Feb 1970

A rumor causes Thamesford task force to investigate at Eastcote docks where someone allegedly brings illegal immigrants into the country. WP/DC Betty Donald goes undercover, posing as a juvenile delinquent, while Sergeant Jackson receives an undercover assignment at a nearby camping site. Soon the investigation turns into a run against time when a bunch of abandoned illegal immigrants need to be located before they end up dead.

Like Any Other Friday...

12. Like Any Other Friday...

12th Feb 1970

Power of the Press

13. Power of the Press

19th Feb 1970

Trust a Woman

14. Trust a Woman

26th Feb 1970

The Hermit

15. The Hermit

5th Mar 1970

Escort

16. Escort

12th Mar 1970

First air date

20th Nov 1969

Last air date

15th Dec 1976

Status

Ended

Type

Scripted

Original language

en

Networks