Target: Shipment (BBC-1 9 Sep 1977, with Jon Laurimore)

In Shipment Hackett and his team are convinced that a major robbery is about to be pulled off at the docks. Acting on a tip off from Hackett’s main snout a major operation is mounted only for the robbery to not happen. Hackett’s is sure that something is going on and his suspicions are confirmed when he discovers that a cruise ship is about to get a delivery of 100,000 pounds worth of foreign currency.

A supremely strong opening episode, even before the credits roll you know this is not going to be family viewing as Hackett’s snout is killed in cold blooded fashion. Hackett too is very quickly shown to be a very strong character, willing to take huge risks if it gets results and in true maverick cop style always going his own way.

Hackett is also clearly something of a ladies man despite not having much luck in this opener when the girl he calls around to see already has someone else there.

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast 9 September 1977

Writers: David Wickes, Philip Hinchcliffe / Director: David Wickes

Series: Target Season 1 Episode 1

cast
PATRICK MOWER as Det. Supt. Hackett
PHILIP MADOC as Det. Chief Sup. Tate
BRENDAN PRICE as Det. Sgt. Bonney
VIVIEN HEILBRON as Det. Sgt. Louise Colbert
CARL RIGG as Det. Con. Dukes
ANIA MARSON as Ros
PETER GODFREY as Van der Linden
JON LAURIMORE as Maynard
KEITH JAMES as Purser
JACK MAY as Chief Officer
ALLAN MITCHELL as Security Chief
DEL BACKER as Panata
VERNA HARVEY as Judy Knight
HAL JEAYES as Ted Knight
JAMES GREENE as Det. Insp. Wilson
BERNARD KAY as Forensic Officer
MALCOLM HUGHES as Tim Harris
EAMONN BOYCE as Neighbour
NEIL KENNEDY as 1st Det. Con.
ALAN HAINES as 2nd Det. Con.
WENDY BRIERLEY as Shop Assistant
HESSEL SAKS as Crane Cab Driver
MARK BRACKENBURY as Ship’s Captain
PETER MACARTE as Waiter
KATHARINE PAGE as Mrs Knight