The Guardians

1h

The Guardians is a television drama series of 13x60 minute episodes made by London Weekend Television and broadcast in the UK on the ITV network between July 10, 1971 and October 2, 1971. The opening titles and closing credits included a memorable theme tune composed by Wilfred Josephs.

Episodes

Cast

The State of England

1. The State of England

1h

10th Jul 1971

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

2. Pursuit

1h

17th Jul 1971

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

3. Head of State

1h

24th Jul 1971

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

4. The Logical Approach

1h

31st Jul 1971

Sir Timothy finally uses his brains and God given skills to become an effective Prime Minister.

Quarmby

5. Quarmby

1h

7th Aug 1971

The Prime Minister conducts an investigation into the shooting of Sam Wilson who was in custody for killing Hollis.

Appearances

6. Appearances

1h

14th Aug 1971

Benedict kills a detective and then returns his attention to disrupting The Guardians.

This Is Quarmby

7. This Is Quarmby

1h

21st Aug 1971

Quarmby takes a new approach to disrupting the government by taking their campaign to the general public.

The Dirtiest Man in the World

8. The Dirtiest Man in the World

1h

28th Aug 1971

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

9. I Want You to Understand Me

1h

4th Sep 1971

The resistance grows as the government steps up its repressive policies.

The Nature of the Beast

10. The Nature of the Beast

1h

11th Sep 1971

Clare turns to Benedict for help in finding Tom. Benedict still has plans to use Tom as a scapegoat.

The Roman Empire

11. The Roman Empire

1h

18th Sep 1971

The government is continuing to battle public unrest and now must deal with plots from within the Cabinet itself.

The Killing Trade

12. The Killing Trade

1h

24th Sep 1971

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

13. End in Dust

1h

1st Oct 1971

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.

First air date

10th Jul 1971

Last air date

1st Oct 1971

Status

Ended

Type

Miniseries

Original language

en

Networks