The Sweeney: Trust Red (ITV 28 Sep 1978, with John Ronane)

In Trust Red safe cracker Red, in his mid-forties, feels that he is getting too old. He feels responsible for the death of one his fellow gang members in their last job. He wants out but doesn’t know how to get out.

It’s another downbeat episode, the series has been lacking in something of it’s earlier fun spirit this season and feels tougher, Regan has even taken to wearing a leather jacket. The boys are clearly getting older, and feeling it too.

Under rated actor John Ronane is chief guest star as Red, he, like Regan, is starting to feel his age. Ronane was appearing fellow crime drama Strangers around this time too.

Sara Clee, who plays Red’s much younger and pregnant girlfriend Jo, was for once playing to her age. She was best known for her role in teen drama The Siege of Golden Hill.

This episode also sees the first appearance this season of Haskins, even then it’s little more than a cameo. Haskins is back, albeit briefly.

production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Thursday 28 September 1978 at 9.00pm

Writer: Richard Harris / Director: Ted Childs

Series: The Sweeney Season 4 Episode 4

cast
John Thaw as Jack Regan
Dennis Waterman as George Carter
Garfield Morgan as Frank Haskins
John Ronane as Red
John J. Carney as Eric
Sara Clee as Jo
John Alkin as Daniels
Gretchen Franklyn as Charlady
Nigel Humphreys as Con
Hilary Crane as Jean
Anthony O’Donnell as Maurice
Tim Thomas as Billy Boy
Alec Linstead as Optician