In Retribution Bulman, Willis and Bennett are back in London working with Detective Chief Suprintendent Lambie as a new team called The Inter City Squad with cart blanche to work with any police force in the country.
The team’s first case is a dangerous one involving a gang suppliing firearms for various high grade robberies. The ante is upped when someone is murdered.
With new titles and a new jazz tinged version of the theme tune this third season is also all shot on film as opposed to the video/film mix of seasons 1 and 2.
This is the season where Strangers really steps up a gear, the formation of the Inter City Squad allowing the team full reign over the whole country.
There is a nice appearance from the team’s old Northern boss Singer, now Detective Inspector, paying a quick visit and establishing himself as the team’s northern contact. There is also an appearance from a pre- Auf Wiedersehen Pet Kevin Whateley attempting quite the dodgy upperclass accent.
Shirley Stelfox makes her second appearance in the series, she also appeared in season one’s second episode Duty Roster as another blonde who casts her eyes at Bulman. The pair were long time partners in real life too.
production details
UK / ITV – Granada / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Tuesday 14 October 1980 at 9.00pm
Writer: Murray Smith / Production Design: Tim Wilding / Director: Carol Wilks
Series: Strangers Season 3 Episode 1
cast
Don Henderson as Bulman
Dennis Blanch as Willis
Fiona Mollison as Bennett
Mark McManus as Lambie
John Ronane as Singer
Kevin Whately as Michael Hobb
Sarah Neville as Cressida Lacey
Malcolm Tierney as Orlando Lacey
David Millet as First Detective
Johnny Mulcahy as Second Detective
Ron Bain as Ferris
Bruce Bould as Detective Inspector Casey
Steve Barratt as Villain in Car
Brian Bovell as Youth
Geoffrey Hutchings as Stanley Roberts
Oliver Smith as Police Mechanic
Antony Baird as Prison warder
Shirley Stelfox as Blonde
Andrew de la Tour as James Gabriel
