The Guardians

Miniseries

1971 · 13 episodes · 13h 0m in all

In a near-future 1980s, England is under autocratic rule by a government that uses a paramilitary force known as The Guardians to maintain control, while a fragmented resistance group tries to provoke the state into revealing its true brutality.

Episodes

1. 1

   1. The State of England

   10 Jul 1971 · 60 min

   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.

2. 2

   2. Pursuit

   17 Jul 1971 · 60 min

   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.

3. 3

   3. Head of State

   24 Jul 1971 · 60 min

   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.

4. 4

   4. The Logical Approach

   31 Jul 1971 · 60 min

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

5. 5

   5. Quarmby

   7 Aug 1971 · 60 min

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

6. 6

   6. Appearances

   14 Aug 1971 · 60 min

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

7. 7

   7. This Is Quarmby

   21 Aug 1971 · 60 min

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

8. 8

   8. The Dirtiest Man in the World

   28 Aug 1971 · 60 min

   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.

9. 9

   9. I Want You to Understand Me

   4 Sept 1971 · 60 min

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

10. 10

    10. The Nature of the Beast

    11 Sept 1971 · 60 min

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

11. 11

    11. The Roman Empire

    18 Sept 1971 · 60 min

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

12. 12

    12. The Killing Trade

    24 Sept 1971 · 60 min

    Tom is now in a coma at Benedict's apartment. Quarmby wants to get rid of him before The Guardians discover his location.

13. 13

    13. End in Dust

    1 Oct 1971 · 60 min

    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.