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The Sweeney Unofficial Podcast – Episode 3: Thin Ice

Has The Sweeney gone soft? Just three episodes into the legendary 1970s police drama, Jack Regan finds himself tangled up in a bizarre case involving a ruthless gangster, a pampered pooch and a decidedly dodgy dog-napping plot.

Shane, Lee and John return to review Thin Ice, written by Troy Kennedy Martin, directed by Tom Clegg and first broadcast on 16 January 1975.

Alfred Marks stars as gangland boss Gerald Bishop, who has escaped to the French Riviera, leaving Regan furious and Superintendent Pringle of the Fraud Squad firmly in his sights. But Bishop has one weakness: his beloved dog, Archimedes. And Jack Regan knows exactly how to exploit it.

It's an unusually light-hearted outing for The Sweeney, featuring a terrific supporting cast including Brian Glover as the hapless Moose, Margaret Nolan, Peter Jeffrey, Brian Wilde and Bill Dean.

In this episode, the lads discuss:

• Why was Thin Ice reportedly chosen to introduce The Sweeney to the press?
• Is Alfred Marks a convincing gangland villain, or more Carry On than Flying Squad?
• Brian Glover's scene-stealing performance as Moose.
• The ingenious filming locations that transformed Berkshire into the French Riviera, plus a surprising appearance by HMS Belfast.
• Regan's continuing battle with the top brass and the increasingly bureaucratic world of policing.
• The fabulous 1970s motors, fashions, incidental music and forgotten London landmarks.
• Does the episode's sudden turn towards violence rescue an otherwise lightweight story?
• The Villains Draft: The lads continue building their ultimate criminal firms from The Sweeney's rogues' gallery. Does anyone from Bishop's outfit deserve a place in the squad?

And then comes the verdict...

The lads are sharply divided on Thin Ice, with one particularly savage rating that might raise a few eyebrows. Is this an underrated comedy gem or one of The Sweeney's weakest outings?

We want to hear your verdict!

Join the conversation in our Facebook group, share your memories of The Sweeney and tell us how you'd rate Thin Ice out of five. https://www.facebook.com/groups/4621267468108808

Join the Flying Squad:

Website and Facebook community: https://www.thesweeneypodcast.com

Explore the real filming locations of The Sweeney with John: https://www.sweeneytours.com

The Sweeney Unofficial Podcast is an independent celebration of one of British television's greatest crime dramas.

Welcome to the first episode of The Unofficial Sweeney Podcast — a fan-based podcast celebrating one of British television’s greatest crime dramas.

Hosts Shane Whaley, Lee Tyers and John Allam kick things off with “Ringer”, the first episode of The Sweeney, originally broadcast in January 1975.

The trio share how they first discovered the show and what has kept them coming back to it over the years — from the gritty realism, unforgettable characters and razor-sharp dialogue to the cars, music, villains and the streets of 1970s London.

Then it’s time to get stuck into “Ringer”. They discuss Brian Blessed’s memorable performance as Frank Kemble, Ian Hendry and Alan Lake as Brooker and Merrick, the relationship between Regan and Haskins, the episode’s locations, music, action sequences and some of its standout dialogue.

There’s also the first Unofficial Sweeney Podcast villain draft, as Shane, Lee and John begin assembling their own fantasy criminal firms from the villains they encounter throughout the series.

Made by fans, for fans, this is an affectionate celebration of The Sweeney and the people, places and stories that made it such an enduring part of British television.

Join the conversation on our Facebook Group and at thesweeneypodcast.com and let us know: who from “Ringer” would make it into your firm and what score you would give Ringer.

We will of course cover the pilot episode in due course.

The Flying Pod (Lee, John and Shane) are back for Episode 2 of The Unofficial Sweeney Podcast as they revisit “Jackpot”.

The Flying Squad appear to have successfully foiled a wages snatch — but there’s one rather large problem: £35,000 has disappeared.

Where did the money go? Did one of the blaggers manage to stash it during the chaos, or could somebody inside the police have helped themselves to the jackpot?

Shane, Lee and John dig into an episode that puts suspicion firmly on Regan and the squad. They discuss Biggleswade and his unexpected motivation, the mysterious Tony Wirral, the filmed wages raid, Regan’s uncomfortable relationship with his superiors, and Carter’s increasingly Regan-like approach to police work.

There’s also plenty of classic Sweeney territory along the way, including the brutal opening arrest, memorable dialogue, Thorpey being sent down the drains, the squad office at Colet Court, and some fantastic 1970s London locations.

The team also gets into the cars of “Jackpot”, including the now-iconic bronze Ford Consul GT, and explores some of the episode’s supporting characters, humour and behind-the-scenes connections.

And, of course, the villain draft continues. Does Biggleswade have what it takes to make the firm? Could Big Tel provide the muscle? And would anyone be brave enough to trust Tony Wirral with the money?

Made by Sweeney fans, for Sweeney fans, The Unofficial Sweeney Podcast is our affectionate homage to Regan, Carter and one of British television’s greatest crime dramas.

Join the conversation in our Facebook Group at thesweeneypodcast.com and let us know what you make of “Jackpot” — and who, if anyone, would make it into your firm.