SPECIAL BRANCH

Full Name:	Special Branch
Nationality:	British
Organization:	Special Branch
Occupation	Agency

Creator:	George Markstein
Time Span:	1969 - 1974

ABOUT THE SERIES

Special Branch is a British intelligence agency.

It is defined on Wikipedia as "a unit in the Metropolitan Police in London, formed as a counter-terrorism unit in 1883". It was initially established to counter the growing issue of Irish republican terrorists. As time went on, its duties were expanded and began work closely with the Security Service (MI5) in the investigation of enemies of the state, including anarchists and nihilists on the one hand and fascists and communists on the other. Since it was first and foremost a part of the Met and thus had the power to arrest and restrain and MI5 did not, the two organizations quickly became interconnected

The adventures which are presented in this series show the gamut that the officers of that organizations have to run. Bombings, assaults, burglaries, murders, arson, bank heists, and sabotage are all part and partial to the troubles that the 'enemy' can take part in, not to mention clandestine meetings and plottings and buying and selling of classified information. The agents who work the 'the Branch' are not really given any chance to specialize as they are obliged to go up against all of them.

In the run of the 53 recorded episodes we are able to follow of the men and women of this organization, we will have in essence two sets, or teams.

The first set (27 stories) finds the lead investigator/spy-hunter to be Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Jordan. While it is certain Jordan had a first name, what it is remains unknown to me and considering Jordan, I am not surprised no one felt at liberty or ease to use it. This experienced officer in quickly nearing his mid-30s in age has a look to him that would make most people unwilling to antagonize him; he does not look particular mean, per se, but more likely to go a bit unhinged. This ability to produce a charming, devilish smile and then turn it into something foreboding had to have been an asset during interrogations. However he looks, though, he was one very good copper. He was assisted by a Sergeant Mills and answered to Detective Superintendent Eden for a while and then Det. Supt. Inman.

The second set (26 stories) of adventures had its team led by DCI Alan Craven, a man a good decade older than the previous Jordan, and one who had an infectious smile coupled with a rugged, well-worn face and a demeanor that just shouted calm authority. If met on a street by a stranger, he would likely be thought a policeman from the get-go. People dealing with Craven would instinctively know that they challenged him at their peril; he would seldom resort to violence but the implication of it was always there along with a confidence that when it took place, he would win. He was aided for some time by DS North.

Regardless of which team was doing the investigations, the stories were interesting and captivating and often thrilling.

TELEVISION


Number of Episodes:	54
First Appearance:	1969
Last Appearance:	1974
Network:	ITV

REGULAR CAST


1	Troika Episode S1-1, first aired 09/17/1969 Director: Mike Vardy Writer: George Markstein At 3.55 am in London John Morrissey gets into a taxi to Scotland Yard. He is rushing to join a meeting about the planned arrest of three people who have broken the Official Secrets Act by selling information. The codename for this operation is Troika. Before the raid by Special Branch at 6 am, Greenaway sends a coded message to Moscow. When Cowley is arrested he tells Jordan that he has valuable information to tell him. After the raid they have arrested both Cowley and Morris but the third, Greenaway, has escaped, dressed as a woman, with a fake passport. Special Branch is then told by American Intelligence that Greenaway is really Major Igor Alexandrov, a KGB sleeper agent.

2	Smokescreen Episode S1-2, first aired 09/24/1969 Director: Jim Goddard Writer: George Markstein Cowley commits suicide shortly after an unproductive round of questioning by Eden in jail, which leads to an embarrassing public coroner's inquest. Jordan investigates a scientist being vetted for a sensitive position, and all agree he is politically too far left for further consideration, yet he still succeeds.

3	The Promised Land Episode S1-3, first aired 10/01/1969 Director: Dennis Vance Writer: Trevor Preston A small boat arrives at a beach in Kent where illegal aliens are unloaded, but the police bag the smugglers and all bar one of the Pakistanis, now quite ill, who seeks refuge with an immigrant rights activist.

4	A Date with Leonidas Episode S1-4, first aired 10/08/1969 Director: Dennis Vance Writer: Scott Forbes A teenager's vow of vengeance leads to Inspector Jordan interrupting a wedding and Superintendent Eden accepting a parcel that contains death. Before the day is over both men have cause for concern.

5	The Kazmirov Affair Episode S1-5, first aired 10/15/1969 Director: Mike Vardy Writer: Emanuel Litvinoff Informed that the manuscript of a Russian author's novel which has been smuggled into Britain is a forgery and could discredit the Goverment, Inspector Jordan goes against orders and investigates the claim.

6	A New Face Episode S1-6, first aired 10/22/1969 Director: Peter Duguid Writers: Roy Bottomley, Tom Brennand The son of a trusted officer of the special branch has become radicalised while away at university, trying to join a gang of riot-minded militant socialist students. This threatens to break up his family, and his father's position.

7	You Don't Exist Episode S1-7, first aired 10/29/1969 Director: Dennis Vance Writer: Anthony Skene A girl lands at Heathrow from Rhodesia, but owing to Britian's break of diplomatic relations, she has no valid passport. A young officer is supposed to mind her until she can be sent back, but takes her for a tour instead.

8	The Children of Delight Episode S1-8, first aired 11/05/1969 Director: Peter Duguid Writer: Adele Rose Is there something sinister going on behind the facade of 'The Children of Delight' - a group of hippies who have arrived on Eden's patch. Detective Sergeants Webb and Gifford go undercover to investigate.

9	Reliable Sources Episode S1-9, first aired 11/12/1969 Director: Dennis Vance Writers: Roy Bottomley, Tom Brennand Superintendent Eden is on the spot. The Security Commission has met to consider the leak that tipped a spy during the Troika affair. The detective is cleared - but told that he cannot continue his role as Special Branch controller.

10	Short Change Episode S1-10, first aired 11/19/1969 Director: William G. Stewart Writer: George Markstein A girl being held for giving official secret documents to the Russians faces a long gaol term, but an exchange offer for a Briton arrested in Moscow is offered. The officers suspect she's far more than she seems to be.

11	Exit a Diplomat Episode S1-11, first aired 11/26/1969 Director: Voytek Writer: Scott Forbes When a member of a foreign embassy is caught shoplifting in London, but tries to hide her status by willingly accepting arrest, Superintendent Inman takes an interest in her employers.

12	Care of Her Majesty Episode S1-12, first aired 12/03/1969 Director: Jonathan Alwyn Writer: Robert Banks Stewart A British embassy in Eastern Europe receives a coded message from London to say that Jordan of Special Branch would be visiting. This is mainly (so he's told) to check why ten thousand pounds in cash has gone missing. The cover story is that it was royalties for a published novel, but Jordan is told the truth that it was money to bribe the local enemy agents. While searching the embassy Jordan finds a large picture that would cover the safe from the security cameras when it was broken into. Jordan is then told the real truth in that the money has not been stolen but top secret files have gone missing instead. The thief is later caught by Jordan and it turns out to be Sarah Landring.

13	Visitor from Moscow Episode S1-13, first aired 12/10/1969 Director: Dennis Vance Writer: Paul Wheeler When a KGB officer is sent to London to coordinate security measures with the SB team for the forthcoming visit a Russian VIP, Inman instructs Jordan to help him - with disastrous results.

14	Time Bomb Episode S1-14, first aired 12/17/1969 Director: Voytek Writer: David Gordon Sent to investigate the death of the son of a pro-British oil sheikh in a bomb plot, Superintendent Inman finds a hotbed of intrigue and a dangerous international situation about to explode in his face.

15	Inside Episode S2-1, first aired 08/11/1970 Director: Guy Verney Writer: Trevor Preston Jordan finds himself in Wormwood Scrubs. What's he up to? No one is saying - least of all Supt Inman, who believes that time is running out in a situation that could place his department in danger.

16	Dinner Date Episode S2-2, first aired 08/18/1970 Director: William G. Stewart Writer: George Markstein Jordan flies to Frankfurt to escort a British subject, Selby, back to England. Selby had disappeared three years earlier in East Germany and the British Government are anxious to learn what he's been up to - but the Russian KGB hide in the shadows.

17	Depart in Peace Episode S2-3, first aired 08/25/1970 Director: Mike Vardy Writer: Alun Falconer An ex-colonial policeman is pressured to return to Africa to testify at the trial of a onetime Mau-Mau warlord, but he adamantly refuses.

18	Miss International Episode S2-4, first aired 09/01/1970 Director: Jim Goddard Writers: Roy Bottomley, Tom Brennand What appeared to be a straightforward case - protecting the wife of a foreign VIP, who has entered a beauty competition in the cause of female emancipation for her own country - turns into a nightmare situation for DCI Jordan.

19	Warrant for a Phoenix Episode S2-5, first aired 09/08/1970 Director: Jim Goddard Writer: Stewart Farrar An accusation of theft against a highly respected Greek historian sets the Special Branch team a problem. Interpol have requested his extradition from England - but Inman isn't satisfied with the facts of the case.

20	The Pleasure of Your Company Episode S2-6, first aired 09/16/1970 Director: William G. Stewart Writer: George Markstein Inman meets the CIA's new man in London. Jordan meets an old friend from Moscow. All perfectly legal - until the two are seen together at intervals and the Special Branch team become involved in international politics.

21	Not to Be Trusted Episode S2-7, first aired 09/23/1970 Director: Guy Verney Writers: George Markstein, Martin Worth Is an eminent scientist, on lone to a top-secret research establishment, a security risk? That's the question facing Inman and his team. The research establishment is suddenly prone to 'leaks'. Has the man been got at?

22	Borderline Case Episode S2-8, first aired 09/30/1970 Director: Tom Clegg Writer: Lewis Greifer While a member of the SB team keeps watch on Karl Peters' flat, Inman and his team scan though his charge sheet. They believe he will attempt to incite London dockworkers into taking industrial action against their employers.

23	Love from Doris Episode S2-9, first aired 10/07/1970 Director: John Russell Writer: Scott Forbes When military security intercepts a letter written to a lonely serviceman by his foreign 'penpal' Rita, which contains casual references to secret information, Supt Inman sends DCI Jordan to investigate.

24	Sorry Is Just a Word Episode S2-10, first aired 10/14/1970 Director: Jim Goddard Writer: Michael Chapman When a Czech au-pair goes missing in London and her father is one of the most powerful men in the country, Inman and Jordan must find out what's happened to her. But their enquiries lead to a dead end.

25	Error of Judgement Episode S2-11, first aired 10/21/1970 Director: Guy Verney Writer: Peter Hill When Inman discovers that ""The Guardians"" are taking a more-than-usual interest in a group of pro-germ-warfare people and finds that their leader is a pretty girl, he decides to send Jordan along to question her.

26	Reported Missing Episode S2-12, first aired 10/28/1970 Director: Dennis Vance Writer: Louis Marks An attractive Russian ballerina from a visiting ballet company goes missing. Jordan has doubts about the report's authenticity, but Inman goes out on a limb to champion the girl's cause - with disastrous results.

27	Fool's Mate Episode S2-13, first aired 11/04/1970 Director: Dennis Vance Writer: George Markstein When Britain's top code and cypher breaker is forced to mingle with Communist players during a chess tournament, Inman goes along to keep an eye on him. Moxon, meanwhile, is playing a dangerous game of his own: the pawn being Jordan.

28	A Copper Called Craven Episode S3-1, first aired 04/04/1973 Director: William Brayne Writer: Roger Marshall DCI Alan Craven is accused of taking bribes. Things go from bad to worse as an internal investigation uncovers a questionable deposit in his bank account. Suspended from duty, Craven must clear his name or face criminal charges.

29	Round the Clock Episode S3-2, first aired 04/11/1973 Director: Douglas Camfield Writers: Roy Bottomley, Tom Brennand Tensions mount as Craven and Haggerty are on a stakeout. Haggerty believes Craven is hunting for a dead suspect while Craven sees his new colleague as the source of bitter setbacks in his career and life.

30	Inquisition Episode S3-3, first aired 04/18/1973 Director: Mike Vardy Writer: Trevor Preston Craven busts a fraudster for carrying an unlicensed firearm and forged passport. But while his fellow officers question his holding the cooperative suspect without charges, the detective increases the pressure to get the information he's really seeking.

31	Assault Episode S3-4, first aired 04/25/1973 Director: Douglas Camfield Writers: Roy Bottomley, Tom Brennand Haggerty's father is beaten into a coma in the latest of a series of attacks on travelers. At first the case falls outside of Special Branch's jurisdiction, but when sensitive government documents are stolen from the next victim, the team launch a manhunt

32	Polonaise Episode S3-5, first aired 05/02/1973 Director: Mike Vardy Writers: Allan Scott, Crhis Bryant Special Branch officers North and Craven are asked to protect a former Nazi collaborator. Although they have contempt for the man and their assignment, they must shield him from those who remember his old war crimes.

33	Red Herring Episode S3-6, first aired 05/08/1973 Director: Mike Vardy Writer: Peter Hill A group of London youths are linked to several deadly bombing attempts. With connections to the IRA, the Communist Party and anarchist elements, the group continues their plot, while the Special Branch works with an explosives-disposal expert to stop them

34	Death by Drowning Episode S3-7, first aired 05/16/1973 Director: Dennis Vance Writer: John Kershaw A junior defense minister's missing husband turns up dead. Highly placed people push for immediate investigation of the case, as growing evidence indicates a suspicious cause of death. Special Branch must learn if it was an accident, suicide, or murder.

35	All the King's Men Episode S3-8, first aired 05/23/1973 Director: Dennis Vance Writer: Trevor Preston When a psychotic ex-CID officer barricades himself and a hostage in an office building, lacing it with multiple bombs, Craven and the Special Branch team are called in. Time ticks down as negotiation fails and the man threatens to set off the detonator.

36	Threat Episode S3-9, first aired 06/06/1973 Director: William Brayne Writers: Roy Bottomley, Tom Brennand An outspoken Hollywood actress born in the U.K. comes to star in a London play. Acting on a warning from the FBI, the Special Branch officers attempt to protect her from a highly credible murder threat by a group of right-wing extremists.

37	The Other Man Episode S3-10, first aired 06/13/1973 Director: Dennis Vance Writer: Roger Marshall A physician is under surveillance as a possible security risk. Despite accusations of the doctor leaking politically sensitive trade secrets from a former Special Branch officer's business, Craven grows increasingly uncertain that the man is a traitor.

38	You Won't Remember Me Episode S3-11, first aired 06/20/1973 Director: John Robins Writer: Anthony Skene A recently engaged couple is placed under heavy surveillance due to the groom-to-be's international ties. While Craven is skeptical of their guilt, he doggedly purses the case nonetheless.

39	Hostage Episode S3-12, first aired 06/27/1973 Director: David Wickes Writer: John Kershaw A German diplomat's daughter is kidnapped by a Middle Eastern terrorist group. Craven and Haggerty must rescue her before she is killed. But time works against the detectives, and events build to an explosive conclusion.

40	Blueprint for Murder Episode S3-13, first aired 07/04/1973 Director: William Brayne Writers: Peter Hill, Ian Black A South African diplomat visits London, and the men of Special Branch are assigned to protect him from an anticipated assassination attempt. But DCI Craven worries about Sgt. North's effectiveness and doesn't find the diplomat's attitude helpful.

41	Double Exposure Episode S4-1, first aired 02/14/1974 Director: Don Leaver Writer: Michael J. Bird Craven and Haggerty investigates a handsome, successful photographer who takes intimate pictures of the famous. Their assignment: to discover if the man is a patriot - or a threat to national security.

42	Catherine the Great Episode S4-2, first aired 02/21/1974 Director: Douglas Camfield Writer: John Brason Informed that Rehfuss, a dangerous assassin, has slipped into the country, Craven is ordered to bring him in. A difficult task: the policeman has no idea what he looks like - or the name of his intended victim.

43	Jailbait Episode S4-3, first aired 02/28/1974 Director: William Brayne Writer: Michael Chapman Craven and Haggerty must find out who organised a jail break which allowed a dangerous traitor to escape. Was it the criminal underworld? Or the spy's foreign friends? A man's life depends on them reaching an answer quickly.

44	Stand and Deliver Episode S4-4, first aired 03/07/1974 Director: Tom Clegg Writer: Michael J. Bird The Special Branch team face an explosive situation when they are asked to find the thieves who stole a top-secret weapon fitted with a new laser device. The weapon is unstable - and could blow up at any time.

45	Something About a Soldier Episode S4-5, first aired 03/14/1974 Director: William Brayne Writer: Michael J. Bird When two children run riot in the luggage department at London Airport and cause a mix-up with passengers' baggage, it inadvertently results in the discovery of a sinister secret - which leads Craven to investigate two army officers.

46	Rendezvous Episode S4-6, first aired 03/21/1974 Director: Terry Green Writer: Tony Williamson Craven is put in charge of security for a vital debriefing exercise being held at a derelict mental institution. He has difficulty deciding which which of the group is mad - the interrogator, the KGB agent, or the woman being interrogated.

47	Sounds Sinister Episode S4-7, first aired 03/28/1974 Director: Terry Green Writer: David Butler It's blackmail with a difference. Key public figures are having dirty linen washed in public by a pirate radio station. Craven and Haggerty tune into the people behind the scheme and DS Ross becomes a DJ.

48	Entente Cordiale Episode S4-8, first aired 04/04/1974 Director: William Brayne Writer: John Kershaw Craven's personal problems intrude into his police activities. Opening his door to a midnight caller, he finds his ex-wife, Claudia. Within hours Craven finds himself suspected of being connected with his wife's terrorist activities.

49	Date of Birth Episode S4-9, first aired 04/11/1974 Director: Don Leaver Writer: Lewis Greifer A spy is killed in Canada and Craven must find out what connection he had with a young au-pair working in London. A girl he apparently never met, but whose welfare the dead man had watched from afar.

50	Intercept Episode S4-10, first aired 04/18/1974 Director: William Brayne Writer: Ian Kennedy Martin The Special Branch team face a quandary. Why should Morales, a foreign VIP whose help is vital to Britain, turn out to be as dubious as the thugs who relieve him of a fortune in diamonds? Craven is given the job of finding out.

51	Alien Episode S4-11, first aired 04/25/1974 Director: Douglas Camfield Writer: Ray Jenkins Gunter Hellman, a student revolutionary, is allowed into Britain with his wife Gisela to continue his studies. The condition of his entry permit states that he must not engage in political activities. Suspecting that he has, Craven and Haggerty pay him a call.

52	Diversion Episode S4-12, first aired 05/02/1974 Director: William Brayne Writer: Peter Hammond Why has Strand suddenly begun a relationship with a lady colleague and started to drink heavily? Has the pressure finally caught up with him? Or is he playing a solo game to unmask a villain.

53	Downwind of Angels Episode S4-13, first aired 05/09/1974 Director: Tom Clegg Writer: Peter Hill The media carries the news: Murder at Maison Igor's. Craven and his team must use their own approach to get a line in an unseen gunman now stalking the London streets intent on further killings.

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