HawkMan

Sam goes into the barn, Carrot follows. S " I thought you had more sense than to choose a place like that" Ct " what are you going to do Sam?" S " I'm going to make sure no one else can get up there" Ct "do you have to do it now?" S " well you heard your Dad, now where did I put that plank" Sam leaves barn, Carrot is about to follow when he hears croaking, Touchwood? Ct " Touchwood?" C" boy" Ct " Catweazle, what are you doing here?" C " I've come to avenge Touchwood, where is the young snake ?" Ct " helping Dad, his mum's in the kitchen getting breakfast " C " tis well" Catweazle hand Carrot a milk bottle with a brownish liquid in it. C " see" Ct " what is it?" C " the wisdom of Solomon " Ct ( sniffing)" pongs a bit" C " tis as thou wished, thy father shall see them as they are. Give them a drink of this and they will speak from their black hearts " Ct " it's not poisonous?" C " nay, it will draw out their poison, now I shall return to my castle " Ct " no you can't, you can never go back" C " never go back!?" Ct " you couldn't get up there, Sam's fixing the ladder so no one can get up" C ( exasperated) " nothing works! Where can I go" Ct " the hayloft is about the only place, it's a bit risky but we'll have to chance it" The sound of the returning tractor is heard Carrot runs out. Carrot hides the bottle behind his back as George and Arthur return, and get down off the tractor. Ct "Dad?" G " just showing Arthur around " Ct " can I help" G " no, and stop moping about, go and give Mrs Skinner a hand with breakfast, we'll be about 5 minutes " In the kitchen Mrs Skinner is beating eggs in a bowl when Carrot walks up to her. Sk " what do you want? Don't stand there staring, I can't bear it" Ct " I've come to help you Mrs Skinner " Sk " that's a change, where's Arthur " Ct " he's helping Dad" Sk " is he indeed, your father expects a lot from us I must say....well go on, lay the table." Carrot gets cutlery out of drawer and opens fridge and takes out bottle of orange juice. In the dining room he pours juice into each glass. Then picks up Catweazle's potion in the milk bottle. From the kitchen Mrs Skinner calls out, Sk " by the way Edward, you know that turtle of yours" Ct " it's not a turtle it's a tortoise " Sk " well whatever it is, it's not very hygienic keeping it in your bedroom, I've put it in the cellar " Carrot pours potion in the glass meant for Mrs Skinner but before he pours some for Arthur, Mrs Skinner comes in, Carrot quickly hides bottle. Sk " it's ready, go and call them in" Carrot goes into yard , Ct " Dad Arthur breakfast ready"

Arthur and George next morning are on the tractor, Carrot looking miserable as sin, Arthur a smirk on his face. Sam in his old banger of a car drives into yard for another days work. S " morning Mr Bennett " G " morning Sam" S " morning Carrot " No response, S " what's up with him?" G " he's in disgrace, know where he's been going?" S " no where?" G " up in the old water tank" S " he ain't!?" A " Arthur caught him up there last night" S " well it ain't safe, you ought to thank your lucky stars it didn't come down around your head" G " exactly, apparently he's been using it as a hideout all summer" S " I tell you what , I've got a 6 foot plank, I'll lash it to the bottom, stop anyone going up there" G " good idea, come on Arthur let's go." The tractor sets off , George turns to Carrot. G " as far as you're concerned the woods are out of bounds"

Outside in farmyard Arthur is hiding behind wall, as Carrot comes out of house. Carrot opens his school satchel, Touchwood is inside, he gets on his bike and pedals off. Mrs Skinner enters living room, Sk " Mr Bennett can I have a word , that is if you're not busy of course " G " no Mrs Skinner what is it?" Sk " I don't want anymore unpleasantness you see, and I don't think we can stay on if there's going to be anymore trouble . I don't think my nerves could stand it" G " Mrs Skinner, Carrot's a good boy really " Sk " I've had rather a lot of trouble in my life, with my husband going off and all" G " please Mrs Skinner it'll be all straightened out" Inside Castle Saburac, Catweazle's water tank home he is agitated as he searches for Touchwood. C " oh Touchwood where art thou, thy crawling belly ache." Carrot descends ladder, C " ah, tis the boy" Catweazle opens his book of spells and nonchalantly hums, pretending not to have missed Carrot, who places Touchwood on the opened book. Ct " here" C ( delighted) " Touchwood!" Ct " he was at the farm. You owe me ten bob and a telescope " C( to Tw) " scallion, why did thou stray" Ct " if he's going to wander off, (laughs) you better get him a lead" C " where has thou been " Ct " schools started again " C " has thou brought more firesticks?" Ct " you never listen do you, I said school started again. And we've got the Skinners " C " tis a plague?" Ct " I'll say, I wish I knew how to get rid of it " C " has thou no cure" Ct " it's people Catweazle " C " oh....there's no cure for people " Ct "Dad's new housekeeper and their son, a couple of creeps" C " they creep!?" Ct " I'd just like Dad to hear what they say behind his back, he'd soon chuck them out " C " let us plague them with demons " Ct " I think the demons would get the worst of it , well I better get back" C " thou has changed my brother " Ct " school uniform yeah, it's just that the holidays are over " C " nay , the days of holly are yet to come " Ct " I'll try and get here tomorrow " C " thou will not forget the firesticks " Ct " if I can make it" C " thou will bring bananas?" Suddenly a noise is heard, someone is climbing up ladder into tank. Ct " quick hide!" Arthur climbs down into tank, A "said I'd find you didn't I " Arthur looks disgustingly at surroundings , Catweazle hidden from view. A " what a dump, what d'you want to come up here for? I'm going to tell your Dad about this right now. This is the end of your little hideout mate "

Arthur enters dining room, G " hello Arthur " A " Mr Bennett " G " glad school is over for the week?" A " oh yes" G " where's Carrot?" A " don't know Mr Bennett, I told him it was tea time and everybody would be waiting " Sk " such a good boy" A " I tried to make him come with me but he just ran off" G " did he?" The smirking lying sod sits down! Mrs Skinner gets the food for her Arthur as Carrot walks in. Ct " sorry I'm late" ( he sits) A grimacing Mrs Skinner has to get up to get Carrot's food, which she bangs down in front of him. A " where d'you put him Eddie?" Ct " that's my business " G " put what?" A " Eddie found a frog by the gate" Ct ( shouts) " stop calling it a FROG, IT'S A TOAD " G " you'll have to do something about your temper my lad" Sk " temper temper " A " I found him really but Eddie's given me his telescope for it, and ten bob" G " for a toad! Whatever for?" A " just didn't want me to have it did you Eddie " Carrot grabs Arthur by the lapel with one hand while clenching fist with the other. G " CARROT THAT'S ENOUGH. Go to your room" Carrot leaves glaring at Arthur. Sk " are you alright dear" A " yes I think so" Sk " I can't have your son bullying Arthur like that, you know he isn't strong " G " he won't Mrs Skinner I'll see to that " Arthur gets up, G " where are you going Arthur?" A " to see Eddie " G " I'd leave him alone for a while if I were you" A " well I'd like to find out why I've upset him" G " got more patience than I have." The smirking Arthur enters Carrot's room. A " I've come for my telescope and the ten bob" Carrot hands them over, Ct" get out of my room" A " what are you going to do with it Eddie?" Ct " what?" A " the frog" Ct " that's my business " A " take it to your hideout?" Ct " what d'you mean" A " in the woods somewhere isn't it " Ct " I haven't got a hideout " A " yes you have, Sam said you have, says you're always going off somewhere in the holidays. Said you'd take me along" Ct " look you've got the telescope, now get out" A " alright I can take a hint, you think you're so high and mighty, but I'll show you, you see if I don't "

In the barn, Ct " look Arthur I'll buy him off you" A " no dice, it's not for sale, it's my frog" Ct " ten bob" A " how much ?" Ct " ten bob" A " you ain't got ten bob, Mum said you Bennetts have got nothing except for the farm, and that's falling to bits" Ct " then why did you come here then" A " wasn't for choice I'll tell you that. You're stuck up you are, and so is your Dad" Arthur a seemingly nasty boy, picks Touchwood up by the back legs and bounces him up and down in the air. Ct " don't do that!" A " frogs can't feel anything, they're cold blooded " Ct " how about my telescope " A " what d'you mean?" Ct "you can have it if you give me Touchw...the toad, and ten bob" A " you're barmy " Ct " I mean it, well?" A " done...here " Carrot takes Touchwood and runs off. Freddie Foote is Arthur. In the farmhouse kitchen, George is at the dining table and his new housekeeper Mrs Skinner plonks a plate of food down in front of him. She is a rather severe looking woman. G " thank you Mrs Skinner, yes it's just what Carrot's needed, someone of his own age living on the farm." Sk " you'll find Arthur is such a helpful boy, ever so conscientious " G " how's he getting on at school?" Sk " hard to say after one week, he's so shy , takes after me of course. All very sensitive in our family, especially my brother although we don't get to see poor Sid that often" George isn't eating the food in front of him. Sk " do you like black pudding?" G " erm...yes very nice" George tentatively starts the meal. Patricia Hayes is Mrs Skinner.

S1 E12 - THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON Catweazle is alone in the woods picking berries, he stops, a sad look on his face. C " 9 days Touchwood and still the young sorcerer comes not, I choke in this unknown world. A fish out of water Touchwood (looking)...Touchwood...Touchwood where art thou?" Geoffrey Bayldon is Catweazle. Touchwood, Catweazle's toad is on the ground at Hexwood Farm, in the middle of the yard. A schoolboy in uniform on bike rides into the yard, not Carrot, but a kid named Arthur. He sees toad and picks it up. Carrot also in school uniform rides in. A " hey look at this bloody great frog" Ct " frog?...that's a toad " Carrot recognises it and tries to pick it up, Arthur grabs it pushing Carrot over, and runs towards the barn. Ct ( shouts) " what d'you think you're doing " Carrot enters barn, Arthur is sitting on bale of hay with Touchwood. Ct " come on hand it over" A " not likely, I saw it first" Ct " please" A " no I want him" Ct " what for?" A ( grinning) " experiments " Robin Davies is Carrot. George Bennett and Sam are at the other end of the yard, Sam attending to Lulu the tractor. G " boys should be back soon, I wonder if teas ready." S " boss I know it's none of my business, but are they going to be here for long?" G " well now it's term time, I've got to have someone to look after the house. You just have to grab who you can get these days. You don't like her do you?" S " well it's not just the way she talks to me, that's just plain ignorant. But I reckon she's got a funny look about her. My mum's cousin had a horse that looked liked that, we had to shoot it!" Bud Tingwell is George, Neil McCarthy is Sam.

S2 E11 THE INQUEST by Robert Holmes. A quick look at this episode in more depth. Always a joy to find another Robert Holmes written episode of any series, because it's usually pretty good. The Dr Who and Blake's 7 writer here comes up trumps with this Doomwatch script. Watched this last evening and it was gripping, but not in the usual Robert Holmes way. Story- A little girl has died of rabies and Doomwatch's Geoff Hardcastle is sent to the village to investigate. His enquiries lead to an animal research laboratory and a Dr Fane who runs the place. A local " battleaxe' Ms Lincoln convinced a rabid tsetse fly has escaped from the lab and infected the girl and insists that none of the dogs at her residence and kennels are responsible. Dr Fane tells Geoff the lady has conducted a campaign against his lab, and when someone fires a gun through the window hitting Geoff suspicions fall on Ms Lincoln. Colin Bradley is despatched by Doomwatch to carry on investigating and to speak at the Inquest on Doomwatch's behalf. It's actually nice to see Bradley played by Joby Blanshard get an episode where he has a fair bit to do. He is usually seen in the Doomwatch lab in a white coat being all sciency. Most of the rest of the episode deals with the Inquest, a lot of chat which Robert Holmes makes exceedingly interesting as Ms Lincoln protects her dogs from accusations regarding rabies ,which Bradley says is the likely source of the rabies, even though Dr Fane's experimentation on tsetse flies is uncovered it is dismissed as far fetched to say the cause of the rabies is from a mutation of DNA. We get a long and interesting rundown of how tsetse flies may indeed develop rabies or a similar disease from a biological process called ' passage" pronounced ' per- sarge'. The authorities round up dogs in the neighbourhood that are strays and when one is found to be rabid the case seems closed. Unfortunately the dog in question escaped from Ms Lincoln's kennels and when Bradley suggests all dogs within 5 miles are shot as a precaution all hell breaks loose. When Dr Quist , head of Doomwatch arrives to collect Geoff Hardcastle from hospital and see how Colin is getting on at the Inquest the story takes a twist. The little lad who is the son of the publican has a bite mark on his arm and a Continental vodka unavailable in Britain found in the pub run by the boys father leads to the truth, which I'll not reveal here. Recommended viewing for Robert Holmes diehards.

3.12 SEX AND VIOLENCE- this episode originally due to be transmitted 5th but was pulled by the BBC. This episode has never been aired and ironically does still exist and is included in the dvd boxset. Two possible reasons for its non transmission, 1) graphic Nigerian executions from newsreel shown, 2) two of the characters are thinly disguised versions of real people, Mary Whitehouse and Cliff Richard Conservative housewives across the country are united in calling for a return to 'decency', rallying against the sex and violence inherent in society's media. When a commission headed by Lord Purvis is set up to decide if the current laws concerning these matters need tightening up, the minister appoints Anne as one of the members of the enquiry. However, when she attends a performance of the controversial new play 'Do It' as part of her research, Anne is attacked by an angry mob. Just what motivates the people who are so consumed by hostile attitudes towards sex and violence in society's culture, and why is multimillionaire Arthur Ballantyne funding them? More about the above episode and its non transmission, from archivetvmusings.blog There’s a clear irony in the fact that Sex & Violence, a story which concerned itself with the question of censorship, was pulled from the schedules and was never transmitted. Given the very depleted nature of season three Doomwatch episodes it’s odd, but welcome nonetheless, that an episode which didn’t even make it to the screen somehow managed to survive the archive purges (logic would have suggested it would have been the first to go). One suggestion for the reason why the BBC got cold feet concerns the use of real-life Nigerian executions. It’s certainly shocking – but this footage had already been transmitted on several occasions prior to this, so it’s reasonable to assume that for viewers at the time the shock value wouldn’t have been too great. And had this really been a cause of concern it would have been easy to excise the section without damaging the narrative flow too greatly (we could have cut away from the clip before the shooting and simply shown the reaction of the watching committee). It seems much more likely that the episode was pulled since several characters were thinly disguised caricatures of real people. Both Mrs Catchpole (June Brown) and Mrs Cressy (Noel Dyson) have more than a touch of Mary Whitehouse about them. This is made very obvious in the pre-credits sequence, which sees Mrs Catchpole holding forth at a public meeting – held in a church – and railing about the filth thrown at people like her (her audience is comprised of middle-aged, middle-class women) by the intellectual media elite. Unlike Mrs Whitehouse, Mrs Catchpole isn’t a national figure, therefore she tends to exist around the fringes of the plot. So Mrs Cressy also acts as a Whitehouse substitute – she’s less of a rabble-rouser, but is equally vehement about stamping out sex and violence. Mrs Cressy is a member of the Purvis sub-committee, who have been charged with investigating all aspects of pornography and violence in the media. Quist is also asked to look into the same question, which he’s less than keen about. Pollution in the air or the sea he can understand, but moral pollution? It’s not his thing at all. But as we’ve seen several times before, Quist starts off doubtful but eventually gets more interested as the story progresses. It’s just a pity that yet again he’s operating on the periphery of the plot. Dr Tarrant is seconded to the sub-committee, which means she’s as an active participant, leaving Quist as a fairly passive onlooker. The other members are Professor Fairbairn (Brian Wilde) and Steven Grainger (Bernard Horsfall) who tend to lean towards the permissive end of the spectrum. Mrs Cressy and the Rev Charles Garrison (Llewellyn Reees) take the opposing view, which means that Dick Burns (Christopher Chittell) is a valuable floating voter, since he holds no firm opinions either way. Burns, a pop star, is another clear analogue to a real public figure (at the time Cliff Richard had been asked to sit on a very similar committee). Although Burns is a much less straight-laced figure than Richard, the parallel seems clear. Sex & Violence is a dense, talky episode – a great deal of it revolves around the committee’s debates – which really comes alive thanks to the first-rate guest cast. Brian Wilde and Bernard Horsfall are always a pleasure to watch, whilst June Brown (a decade or more away from achieving national fame in EastEnders) has some sharply written comic scenes. It’s fair to say that Mrs Catchpole isn’t a subtle character though, and it’s no doubt this less than veiled attack on Mrs Whitehouse which sealed the story’s fate. The Doctor Who fan in me was quietly delighted to see Llewellyn Rees and Bernard Horsfall in the same scene (a few years later they’d both appear in The Deadly Assassin). There’s no stunning revelations here. For example, Anne is attacked by Mrs Hastings (Angela Crow) as she attempts to buy a ticket for an Oh Calcutta type play. Although Anne’s hurt and bruised, she’s much more interested why a law-abiding person like Mrs Hastings would be incited to violence. The answer seems to be that she’s always been fairly repressed about sex (since her parents didn’t talk about it at all) which it probably didn’t take a psychiatrist to work out! It’s also worth mentioning the décor of Mrs Hastings’ flat, which has the most garish early seventies wallpaper you could possibly imagine. When Quist later wonders exactly why Doomwatch is involved, it’s easy to agree with him. It’s an interesting enough story, but it’s also yet another example of how far the series changed from the early Pedler/Davis ecological tub-thumping. Possibly the most interesting part of the plot revolves around the character of Arthur Ballantyne (Nicholas Selby). He’s a political figure who’s made considerable capital out of the sex and violence debate (he’s revealed to have financed a number of pressure groups, including Mrs Catchpole’s). It’s easy enough to look around today and find politicians who have risen to prominence on the coat-tails of controversial debates – which is a final demonstration that Doomwatch, even forty years later, can continue to hold a mirror up to our society. Note: not mentioned in the above article but I read somewhere that the Lord Purvis character had a whiff of the Lord Longford about him.

3.5 Without The Bomb ( missing episode) A revolutionary new lipstick goes on sale, containing pheromones designed to act as an aphrodisiac in order to make the wearer more attractive and desirable to men. This prompts Quist and Bradley to begin an investigation into the effects that pheromones have on people, and how they can alter the illusion of free will... 3.6 Hair Trigger Doomwatch's attention falls on the Weatheroak Hall Medical Research Unit, where mentally ill patients are being given computer treatments as a way of improving their conditions. When Anne Tarrant investigates, she discovers that there are side effects to the process, and that an apparently well-balanced patient can respond violently to a single phrase, and soon a manhunt for a 'rehabilitated' multiple murderer begins... 3.7 Deadly Dangerous Tomorrow ( missing episode) Ridge continues his ecological crusade by warning against the dangerous side-effects upon the world's developing countries of the chemical insecticide known as DDT. He stages a publicity stunt by flying in an Indian family and setting them up in a tent in the middle of London's St. James's Park. However, the prank backfires when it is discovered that one of them is suffering from malaria... 3.8 Enquiry ( missing episode) Doomwatch is alerted to a laboratory where a new toxic gas is being developed for military use, available in a 'handy' aerosol can for easy application during conflict. But Quist and Anne's enquiry soon leads them to doubt that the scientists' safety measures concerning the storage of the gas may not be as secure as they think... 3.9 Flood (missing episode) Quist is concerned by the fact that, approximately every one hundred years, certain extreme weather conditions arise which lead to an increase in the water level of the River Thames —and just one inch higher would result in the whole of London flooding. Even more disturbing is the fact that this increase is imminent... 3.10 Cause Of Death ( missing episode) Doomwatch is alerted to a laboratory where a new toxic gas is being developed for military use, available in a 'handy' aerosol can for easy application during conflict. But Quist and Anne's enquiry soon leads them to doubt that the scientists' safety measures concerning the storage of the gas may not be as secure as they think. 3.11 The Killer Dolphins (missing episode) Dolphins have long been established as highly intelligent creatures, and the United States Navy has now begun using them in their new program. They are training the dolphins to act as underwater saboteurs, able to attach magnetic explosive devices to the undersides of enemy ships. Quist investigates the matter, and discovers that these apparently docile creatures are capable of becoming deadly killers - something that he experiences firsthand...

SERIES 3 Sadly most of series 3 doesn't exist anymore, only 3 episodes survive, so there's very little pictorial record left. The three episodes I've seen suggests that series 3 was the weakest by far, so if we've got to lose episodes it could be worse! 3.1.Fire and Brimstone ( Missing Episode) John Ridge apparently suffers a breakdown from the pressure, and decides that, due to the excessive threat of pollution on the environment, drastic steps should be taken. He steals some phials of the deadly bacteria anthrax, and holds the government to ransom: unless his anti-pollution terms are met, he will destroy humanity by releasing the virus in a number of major cities. A race against time begins - can Ridge be tracked down before it is too late...? 3.2 High Mountain (missing episode) An inquiry into Doomwatch is begun following the events surrounding Ridge's breakdown. Meanwhile, Quist is summoned to a large country estate in Scotland, where he finds himself offered a new position with both power and wealth in the private sector, but only if he will curtail his investigations into a new drug called disocyanate. Back in London, the Minister decides that it is time to place his own man within Doomwatch, and so despatches Commander Neil Stafford to join the team... 3.3 Say Knife, Fat Man ( missing episode) Many years ago, Quist worked on the Manhattan Project, which was instrumental in the designing of the atomic bomb codenamed 'Fat Man', used to obliterate the port of Nagasaki during the Second World War. This involvement has continued to weigh heavily on Quist's conscience ever since. Hearing the phrase "Say knife", he recognises a potential threat—one that is tied into a break-in at a plutonium base. A group of young student activists have stolen several radioactive fuel rods, and are planning to construct their very own atomic device... 3.4 Waiting For A Knighthood Ridge begins to recover from his breakdown, but it is felt that he should not return to duty at Doomwatch. When tins of paint are found stored in his garage, Bradley suspects that toxic fumes from the lead in the paint may have affected Ridge's mind, and therefore been responsible for his erratic behaviour. A debate into the effects of dangerous chemical processes begins, and oil baron Richard Massingham finds himself personally involved when his son Stephen is kidnapped by someone displaying similar symptoms of poisoning...

2.9 In The Dark An Irishman named O'Mullin dies from the effects of mustard gas after swimming off the south coast of Ireland. Ridge discovers that the mustard gas originates from February 1946, when a Royal Navy escort vessel sank under the command of Lyon McArthur, a former colleague of Quist at Oxford. Quist learns that McArthur is now increasingly being kept alive purely by machines, and soon he will lose all physical sensations, existing purely as a mind kept alive by mechanical means... 2.10 The Human Time Bomb At a tower block constructed by the Ampleforth Development Corporation, Fay is working on an environmental report into the conditions there. Property millionaire Sir Billy Langly foresees that by the year 2000 there will be eighty million people living in the country, which will result in a demand for new kinds of housing. He believes that tower blocks are the way forward, but this 'battery' idea of living can result in a particularly depressing urban neurosis - something that Fay is forced to experience firsthand... 2.11 The Inquest In the town of Sileby, a schoolgirl named Marion Duffy dies of rabies, but no-one is able to identify the source. The inquest into her death is highly controversial, but even more shocking is Colin Bradley's recommendation that every dog within a five-mile radius be destroyed... More details of this episode below. 2.12 The Logicians Thieves break into Beresford Pharmaceuticals in Hampshire and steal vital papers. The company's managing director, Jack Priestland is understandably concerned, particularly when the police are unable to find any clues as to how the culprits were able to penetrate the sophisticated electronic security system at the plant. But no-one has considered that Priestland's son Malcolm, a mathematical genius who has been taught by computers, may be the true perpetrator... 2.13 Public Enemy When a boy named Jimmy tries to retrieve his football from the roof of the Carlingham Alloys factory, he collapses and later dies in hospital. An inquest reveals that his lungs burnt out as a result of beryllium poisoning. The highly unusual circumstances of Jimmy's death leads to Doomwatch investigating the factory, where a new alloy process is being developed. Then one of the workers named Nicholls dies from a high fall after also getting beryllium poisoning. Quist then starts making health and safety recommendations for the factory costing many thousands of pounds, causing the International company to shut their Carlingham factory down and move production to their Leicester factory, much to the locals' disagreement and anger. Both management and the workforce become increasingly angry about the Doomwatch investigation, which they see as a threat to their profits, ambitions, expansion plans and jobs...

2.6 The Iron Doctor The intensive care unit at Parkway hospital is using a computer to monitor the patients, but the computer inexplicably allows a patient to die. Quist is warned by the hospital's Doctor Carson that the computer is a model 20/90 that has been modified by Doctor Whittaker, and that it is able to think for itself, making decisions based upon its observations. The only problem is the computer is deliberately killing the patients that it decides are beyond reasonable help... 2.7 Flight Into Yesterday Quist flies to Los Angeles in order to address an important ecological conference, but at the last minute, he is recalled by the Minister. After the long flight home, he suffers from extreme jet-lag, but this is misinterpreted as drunkenness. Believing Quist to be unable to fulfil his obligations, the Minister orders him to be replaced by Ridge, and the Minister decides to accompany Ridge to the conference. But then the Minister too falls victim to the rigours of excessive jet-lag in a scheme by rival businesses... 2.8 Web Of Fear What appears to be a yellow fever epidemic breaks out at an exclusive health clinic on one of the Isles Of Scilly. After the island is sealed off from visitors and any possible mosquitoes exterminated, Doomwatch is granted permission to investigate, but Quist's team soon discovers that the illness is actually a mutated new virus. It seems that an experiment into vaccines has gone wildly out of control, and hundreds of spiders are now carrying a deadly new disease...

2.3 The Islanders When the remote Pacific island of St. Simon begins to suffer from dangerous earth tremors, the British government evacuates the two hundred inhabitants and brings them to the safety of mainland Britain. Forced into the bustle of busy life on the mainland, the vast majority of the islanders soon find themselves unable to cope with the modern world, and become objects of curiosity and the butt of jokes. When one of them dies and others get ill, Quist has strong fears about their lack of resistance to common illness in mainland Britain. However, he later discovers that the food they ate on St. Simon causes early deaths, and the islanders are faced with a decision: should they try and stay in a world they don't understand, or should they face early death by returning to their island home? 2.4 No Room For Error Dr Fay Chantry contacts the team at Doomwatch, asking for their urgent assistance. She is extremely concerned about the work that her company has been carrying out on a new 'wonder-drug' known as Stellamycin. Several children have died, and it appears that their deaths are attributable to the new drug - the country could be on the verge of an epidemic.... 2.5 By The Pricking Of My Thumbs Sixteen-year-old Stephen Franklin stages a prank while in a school science class, but the joke goes wrong, and a classmate suffers horrible facial injuries. When Stephen is then expelled from the comprehensive school, his father, journalist Oscar Franklin, enquires as to why, and how does a scientist named Ensor know of Stephen's genetic past? Stephen suffers from an abnormality of his hands, and he has an obscure genetic defect: an extra Y chromosome. Doomwatch becomes involved when it seems that there may be a genetic explanation for violent and unpredictable behaviour...

SERIES 2 2.1 You Killed Toby Wren While attempting to defuse the bomb washed up at Byfield Regis pier, Toby Wren was killed. Quist finds himself wracked with guilt, and facing an investigating tribunal. Under pressure from the inquiry, and confronted by a furious Ridge - who holds Quist personally responsible for Toby's death - Quist turns to a psychiatrist for help. Geoff Hardcastle then arrives at the Doomwatch office, bringing with him disturbing news concerning horrific genetic experiments being conducted by Professor Hayland. Ridge decides to investigate, but becomes more involved than he was expecting to... 2.2 Invasion Whilst exploring in some caves, two boys go missing. Ridge and Hardcastle investigate, but when they visit a local building named Wensdale Grange they are strongly warned off by an army unit, which has taken over the entire area, killing any intruding animals and showing hostility to any human intruders. Doomwatch soon discovers that during the Second World War Wensdale Grange was used as a base for the development of bacterial warfare, and that the chemical weapons which were stored there have now somehow leaked into the local water supply...

1.7 The Devil's Sweets While on the way to work, secretary Pat Hunnisett takes a free promotional chocolate from a group of girls on the street. Meanwhile, at the Doomwatch office, Quist and his team are investigating the sudden increase in the country's smokers, and are surprised when Pat arrives and lights up a cigarette for the first time in five years. Quist suspects that there could be a link between the promotional chocolates and 'Checker Board' cigarettes, whose recent sales are doing unexpectedly well. Should subliminal advertising be allowed? 1.8 The Red Sky Quist takes a holiday, and stays at the Kent home of his friend Bernard Colley and his daughter Dana. He learns of the death of Captain Gort, who inexplicably threw himself off the nearby cliffs after writing the phrase 'the flames of hell' on the walls of his lighthouse home. Colley visits the lighthouse, and he too sees a vision of the sky turned a fiery red. Quist suspects that these strange events are caused by the testing of a prototype jet plane, and that the noise of the engine is being amplified by the structure of the lighthouse, causing sensory damage to anyone caught within its effects... 1.9 Spectre At The Feast ( Missing Episode) In order to decide on new proposals for dealing with the dangers of pollution on the environment, Quist assembles a conference amongst the world's top scientists. Several of the delegates soon become ill, apparently from food poisoning. However, Quist becomes suspicious, and suspects that the sickness may have been caused deliberately... 1.10 Train and De- Train When the Doomwatch team investigates the mass-destruction of wildlife in Somerset, Toby is dismayed to learn that the person seemingly responsible is his old tutor, Ellis. But closer examination uncovers the fact that Ellis is being slowly forced out of his job by American 'de-training' methods, and soon the finger of suspicion is pointed squarely at the company he works for, and his boss, Mitchell... 1.11 The Battery People Doomwatch hears that in south Wales, tough ex-miners have taken to drinking gin instead of their usual beer, and are unresponsive to their wives' sexual advances, instead preferring to attend secret ####-fighting tournaments. After Quist is asked by the minister to look into the situation, as it is happening within his constituency, he and his team trace the cause to the local fish farm, which is using a special chemical to dissolve the bones in the fish. Unfortunately, this has led to the workforce becoming sterile... 1.12 Hear No Evil (Missing Episode) In an effort to prevent unofficial strikes by its workforce, a company in the North of England decides to use the latest scientific discovery, and attempts to manipulate both the working and the private lives of its employees by bugging them with listening devices. However, when Quist hears of this underhanded practice he is furious, and decides that the only way to stop the unethical management is to turn their own method against them... 1.13 Survival Code ( missing episode) A military plane ditches into the sea whilst carrying three nuclear weapons on board. While the RAF mounts a search mission, an unidentified object is washed up on the shore near Byfield pier on the south coast of England. It is found by two men, Geoff Harker and Sam Billings, who decide that it must be a weather-detecting device, and so begin to strip it down for parts. Toby is sent to investigate the device, but he soon finds himself faced with the terrifying prospect of disarming a very live bomb...

1.5 Project Sahara Doomwatch is joined by Doctor Robson, sent to undertake tests on the new 'Sahara' spray which is apparently capable of destroying all plant life on the planet. But when Quist receives a phone call from the ministry, he is given orders to immediately suspend both Robson and Toby without any explanation. Closer investigation leads Quist and his team to discover that a new computerised security system run by Commander Keeping and Barker has become far too powerful, and is making its own decisions about government personnel... 1.6 Re-Entry Forbidden The first nuclear-powered rocket, Sunfire One, is sent into space with the first British astronaut, Dick Larch, on board. After the rocket enters Earth orbit, Larch enters an incorrect course alteration, and fails to see the error indicator, which results in Sunfire One splashing down in the sea. Quist is asked by Doctor Goldsworthy to determine whether Larch is suitable for any further missions, as another such mistake could result in the spacecraft becoming a nuclear bomb...

On this thread I'll put some episode guides of shows that IMO are worth watching. Most will be quite niche, but here goes. Early 70's BBC Sci Fi series about a government department investigating unusual problems or crimes involving science and keeping an eye on new science discoveries as a watchdog making sure it's all ethical. Here is the complete episode guide. 38 episodes were made, 14 are lost, so obviously more info is available on the 24 remaining ones which are available on a DVD boxset. 1.1 The Plastic Eaters While on a flight to San Pedro in South America, a passenger airliner crashes after all the plastic on board inexplicably melts. Later, scientist Tobias 'Toby' Wren applies for a job at Doomwatch, the governmental watchdog group run by Doctor Spencer Quist; he is immediately given the job, and promptly sent off to investigate the crash. Meanwhile, Quist's colleague Doctor John Ridge investigates at a laboratory in Beeston, and uncovers events surrounding a new experimental chemical. However, Toby soon finds himself on board another airliner, which has somehow become infected with the same plastic-eating virus—it seems his time at Doomwatch may be briefer than he first expected... 1.2 Friday's Child ( missing episode) Quist and Doomwatch become embroiled in an enquiry into the heart-transplanting practices of Doctor Patrick. Several uncomfortable questions are raised: what has he been doing to a newborn baby that has been placed in his care, and should genetic engineering be permitted in society? 1.3 Burial At Sea ( missing episode) When a lifeboat crew discovers a luxury cruiser adrift in the English Channel, they find on board a group of wealthy pop stars and their girlfriends—one of whom is dead. Doomwatch investigates, and discovers that the death was not from drug abuse as was previously suspected; instead they begin to uncover the facts behind the dumping of a deadly chemical warfare compound in a deep sea trench, which seems to be far from dormant... 1.4 Tomorrow The Rat Doomwatch are alerted to reports of a number of attacks on humans by rats. Toby and Bradley investigate the house of Mr and Mrs Chambers, victims of a recent attack; the two scientists lay traps in the kitchen, but the rodents display unusual intelligence by jamming the traps open using cutlery found on a worktop, and then viciously attack the men. Meanwhile, Ridge becomes involved with Doctor Mary Bryant, who has been conducting experiments on a group of rats in a room in her flat - but the rats have managed to escape, and have now turned carnivorous...

Charlie has entered the interview room and chatting with Sam. S " how long is this going on for Charlie " Ch " don't ask me" S " where's he gone" Ch " churchyard " S " is he always like this" Ch " what d'you mean, he's only been here for a few days" S " been here too long if you ask me, fellow is round the bend" The desk bell rings, Charlie goes to desk to see George Bennett. Ch " hello Mr Bennett " G " is Woodyard still here?" Ch " I'm afraid he is sir" G " this is ridiculous, what does your sergeant think he's playing at" Sgt Bottle comes back in, a silly grin on his face, he opens interview room door. SB " you can go Mr Woodyard, you can go" Sam leaves and sees George, S " hello boss" G " Sergeant Bottle....a word please " SB (grinning) " time gentleman please" G " what?" Sgt.Bottle starts singing and doing a little dance shuffle backwards into his office. (singing) "if you want to know the time ask a policeman , the proper city time, ask a policeman" Bottle retreats into interview room and closes door. G " I think he's ill" Suddenly a crashing noise is heard from inside room. The door is opened and everyone looks astonished as Bottle is standing on chair with a broom between his legs. What an earth did Catweazle do to him? At Castle Saburac, Ct " no more brooms promise Catweazle " C " I swear it, it is not the way, I am done with Rapkyn. He tried to fool me with false magic, but I will find a way" Ct " what d'you mean" C " I will get back to my own time, even if it takes to doomsday" Ct " you never give up do you? Anyway here's a present for you" Carrot hands him the harmonica, which Catweazle puts up to his mouth ,and at first sucks it. Ct " no no, you blow into it " Catweazle blows, and a tuneless racket is heard, enough for Touchwood the toad to immediately retreat into the wellington boot that is its home!! The End

Carrot and Catweazle are in churchyard opposite police station. Ct " through that open window " C " right my brother" Catweazle aims the arrow carefully and fires..... and misses....the arrow smashing glass as it goes through a closed window. Charlie Cooper jumps in surprise as arrow thuds into desk. He pulls it out and removes note attached to it. Sgt Bottle runs out of interview room. SB " what's happening " Ch " look sir" Bottle grabs note and reads it aloud. SB " Sam is innocent set him free, in the churchyard there I'll be. Signed touchwood, they're coming out into the open at last " Ch " who are sir?" SB " keep watch here, we've got 'em rattled Cooper, we've got them rattled!" Carrot and Catweazle await in churchyard, Ct " suppose he doesn't come, suppose it doesn't work " C " thy flap eared rabbit, I will not fail thee" Sgt Bottle walks into churchyard , Ct " he's coming, give it all you've got" Bottle and Catweazle meet face to face. SB " I have reason to believe I've just received a communication from you on an arrow" C " 'tis true" SB " I must warn you that if you are connected to the disappearance of approximately 30 brooms I must ask you to accompany me to the station " C " thy belted pudding!" SB " pardon" C " learn the mysteries" SB " here, what are you looking at me like that for" Catweazle points two fingers at Bottle and says words in Latin. Bottle falls asleep. In the station Sam sits uneasily in Sgt Bottle's office, meanwhile back in the cemetery; C " now wake, go follow what I have said" Bottle wakes up and walks back to police station.

Back at Castle Saburac, Catweazle throws his magic book away angrily. C " Rapkyn has deceived me" Ct " so how about it ?" C " drip drip drip, you will wear me away" Ct " well will you help me " C " nay" Carrot thinks for a moment and then takes a harmonica out of his pocket and plays instrument. Catweazle looks at awe as he hears Carrot playing tune. Catweazle goes to grab it, Carrot pulls it away, Ct " well..?" C( kneels) " master what must I do?" Sam still being interviewed by Bottle. S " I don't know anything about witchcraft, and I didn't take those brooms . I thought you wanted to see me about my car insurance " SB " you must think I'm stupid or something. You're staying here until I get to the bottom of this , I'm not having this going on in Westbourne " S " they're ain't nothing going on" SB " how many in the coven" S " how many what in the oven" SB " COVEN COVEN!! That's what you call it isn't it. 13 isn't it. I shudder to think what abominable practices you people are getting up to" S (angry)." NOW LOOK HERE!" SB " I only hope I've uncovered it in time" In Castle Saburac Catweazle has got his bow and hands arrow to Carrot who ties a letter he has written to arrow with elastic band. Ct " ready?" C " aye my brother " Ct " let's hope we don't get caught " C " guard well Touchwood " They both leave, climbing up ladder and out of water tank. Meanwhile Sgt Bottle takes out a notebook and pencil. SB " now Mr Woodyard where were you on the night of Friday the 13th?" S " in bed I should think " SB ( writing) " in bed I should think "

Sam arrives at the small village police station, one officer on desk duty. Ch " hello Sam" S " hi Charlie, how's your mother?" Ch " much better, she'll be out next week" S " what's this new sergeant like?" Ch " you'll find out ,(points) in there " Sam knocks on door of interview room and enters. John Tordoff is Charlie Cooper Sgt Bottle is sat behind desk. SB " sit down " Sam nervously sits at desk. SB " Mr Woodyard isn't it?" S " yeah that's right" SB " (points to broom propped up at desk) is this yours" S " erm.. don't know, could be....do you want to see my licence?" SB " that's enough impertinence from you. Could you identify it positively " S " what d'you mean, they all look alike don't they" SB " in more ways than one " Sam notices a load of brooms stacked against the wall. S " are you collecting them?" SB " have you lit the beltane fire?" S " (puzzled) " the which fire!?" SB " oh you admit it then?" S " eh?" SB " lighting the witch fire. Are you responsible for burning this broom ?" S " no crime in that is there " SB " not anymore alas, you're very lucky to be living nowadays Woodyard instead of 400 years ago" S " WHAT!!?" SB " how many of you are doing this" S " doing what?" SB " holding sabbats in the woods" S " holding what !?" SB " sabbats , sabbats, I've done my homework you know " In Castle Saburac Carrot is not happy with Catweazle. Ct " you took those brooms didn't you, why d'you want so many " C " to jump through the time fire" Ct " you're potty, it can't work" C " it shall, it must" Ct " no not even if you had a 100 broomsticks " C " can thy find 100 for me" Ct " NO, What about Sam?" C " Sam, Sam, sing a different song thy magpie " Ct " okay I'll tell them it was you, I'll give you away. " Catweazle has a witch knife around his neck called Adamcos, that he got Carrot to swear on soon after they first met, to pledge loyalty. C " no you won't you are my brother in magic, you have sworn on Adamcos " Ct " okay why don't you help me" Catweazle reaches for a banana to peel, Carrot grabs it and picks up a whole bunch. Ct " okay if you won't help, no more bananas or corned beef. In fact no more food at all" Catweazle picks up bow he's made. C " I will not starve" Ct " you couldn't even hit our barn with that " C " nay, my aim is true" Catweazle points and Carrot sees hanging up skins of dead rabbits that Catweazle has caught. The phone rings at the police station front desk, Charlie picks it up Ch " police station " G " George Bennett here, Hexwood farm, I'm ringing up about Mr Woodyard, is he still with you?" Ch " yes he is Mr Bennett " G " he's been there 2 hours, it's ridiculous, I've known the man for years" Ch " there's nothing I can do about it sir, he's still being interviewed " G " can I speak to sergeant Bottle?" Ch " I'm afraid not Mr Bennett I've been told not to disturb him" G " very well I'm coming down to sort this out, it's gone beyond a joke "

In the outhouse, Ct " hey, he's gone" S " good job too" Ct " here comes dad" George enters, G " er.... how's it going in here Sam" S " okay boss" Ct " dad, what did the policeman want?" G " well, it's a little difficult to explain....er Carrot would you take the empty crates to the barn" Ct " yes dad" Carrot leaves carrying crates, George turns to Sam as soon as Carrot is out of earshot. G " actually he wanted a word with you Sam" S " yeah I knew it" G " what?!" S " bound to catch me in the end" G " you mean you admit it!?" S " not much point in denying it " G " I don't know what to say, I didn't think that sort of thing went on anymore, at least not round here" S " there's thousands that they don't catch" G " yes but Sam, I can't imagine you, you seem so down to earth" S " don't worry Mr Bennett they won't shoot me" G " well he wants to see you at the station. You better leave the apples, and run along now" S " thanks boss " Sam leaves, and Carrot returns to see his father glum looking, head in hands. Ct " dad what's up?" G " Sam is in trouble, serious trouble, and he doesn't seem to realise it" Ct " about the car?" G " no I wish it was , you see a lot of brooms have been stolen and burnt, and apparently Sgt Bottle has got the idea it's to do with witchcraft " Alarm bells ring for Carrot. Ct " witchcraft !.....oh crumbs." Carrot dashes out. G ( shouting)" Carrot...don't be a fool...come back" Catweazle is in the woods next to his water tower home, Castle Saburac. He has lit a fire. C " come spirits raise me up, come hither glamour chops, harken to me demi gorgon " He is grumpy, the gods will not make him fly, his ultimate dream. C " disobedient devils may a plague rot thee, why will they not obey me. And I am fast running out of broomsticks. Well now I will try five." Carrot turns up on his bike and stays hidden behind tree and watches Catweazle going through this absurd ritual. Catweazle has 5 brooms tied together , he dips them into fire, lighting the ends of all 5, then says as he straddles them, C " five brooms I ride thee, five fold power thy spirits guide me. Leap through the fire, take me away. Salmy Dalmy Adonay " Catweazle leaps over fire, brooms between his legs and ends up face down in the mud" Ct( smiles) " what do you think you're trying to do" C ( angry) " keep away thy lump, thy itch, NOTHING WORKS!!" Ct " you're a menace Catweazle an absolute menace. You're to blame aren't you, it's your fault Sam's in trouble, this proves it"

In the water tank that is home Catweazle is puzzled. C " why does the spell not carry me away Touchwood. We must try again with five broomsticks " Touchwood the toad hiccups. C " ah... has thou the hiccups dear heart. I will cure thee . Hiccup Shniccup, rise up, rise right up. That will cure thy hiccup " Touchwood hiccups again. C (annoyed)" thy must drink from other side of thy dish" Geoffrey Bayldon is Catweazle. Carrot and Sam are in an outhouse at the farm sorting out apples, putting them in pallets ready to be sold to local outlets. Carrot looking out of window sees Sgt Bottle pull up in his police car, his father with him. Ct " look Sam" S " oh blimey , I bet he's looking for me " Ct " what for?" S " old sgt Cordon would have just reminded me, but I don't know about this new bloke " Ct " what d' you mean?" S " my car, the licence has run out, I saw him looking at it outside the market this morning " Ct " d'you think you'll get summoned " S " I expect so" Robin Davies is Carrot, Neil McCarthy is Sam. In the barn Sgt Bottle and George are talking. SB " not the sort of case I'm used to coming from the metropolis. However I'm gradually piecing it all together " G " go on" SB " it was last week they started to go, I had only been here three days" G " what started to go?" SB " brooms" G " brooms?" SB " yes Mr Bennett sir, birch brooms or besoms , 18 from the forestry, 4 or 5 from private homes and 10 from Mr Randy Lee's caravan, he makes them you know " G " surely sergeant it's some kind of hoax isn't it?" SB " ah yes Mr Bennett that's what I thought at first, a hoax. But we recovered 4 of them today and they were all burnt, and all tied together" G " well yes, that is a bit odd I must admit " SB " it's more than odd it's sinister " G " oh ?" SB " you see Mr Bennett underneath, underneath, these country people are still very primitive " G ( stiffly)" are they indeed!" SB " oh yes, the veneer is quite thin" G " what's this got to do with ...." SB " superstitions die hard, old beliefs linger " G " old beliefs?" SB " pagan rights " In the outhouse, Ct " don't worry Sam, he's probably come about something else" S " you think so" Ct " may have" S " no I reckon he's after me" Ct " you've got a guilty conscience " Back with Bottle and George, SB " who owns that car outside " G " Sam, he works for me" SB " the man who burnt that broom?" G " that's right " SB " then the net is tightening" G " what d'you mean?" SB " that car was found where we found the other burnt brooms"

S1 E11- THE FLYING BROOMSTICKS Catweazle has been foraging in the woods, for birch brooms , the ones depicted as used by witches ie besoms. He has three of them and arriving back at Castle Saburac, the water tower he lives in, climbs the ladder carrying brooms. Meanwhile near Hexwood Farm George Bennett and son Edward aka Carrot are waiting at roadside with the tractor, George calls out, G " Sam, coming " S " won't be a minute boss " Farmhand Sam is in a clearing putting out a fire they lit to burn farm waste, he is holding a birch broom. Carelessly Sam not being watchful lets the end of the broom catch fire he stamps on it to put it out, then joins the others. S " broom caught fire" Carrot " how did that happen?" S " don't know, spark must have set it off" G " fire out Sam?" S " is now" The tractor moves off , Sam driving, Carrot sitting next to Sam, George stays behind to close the gate to enclosure. A police car pulls up, the sergeant at the wheel winds down window. Sgt " Hexwood Farm?" G " yes that's right " Sgt " you might be able to help me mate, I'm looking for the owner " G " yes" Sgt " where can I find him " G " here, I'm the owner " Sgt " I do beg your pardon sir" G " my name is George Bennett " Sgt " sorry sir I didn't realise" G " can I help you sergeant " Sgt (getting out of car) " perhaps you can sir, that's something I hope to ascertain shortly sir" Sgt Bottle notices burnt broomstick propped up along fence, the one Sam burnt. SB " they've struck again. Look at that sir, examine it, notice anything peculiar about it?" G " er..well it's been burnt" SB " exactly sir, burnt, and very recently" Bud Tingwell is George Bennett and John Junkin is Sgt Bottle.

Carrot is alone in the kitchen reading a book when Sam comes up behind him. S " hello Carrot" Carrot jumps up in surprise and reaches out and gently touches Sam on the arm. C " you're real." S " of course I'm real!" C " you're not a ghost?" S " don't be daft." C " I thought you were dead!" ( points to shoes on table) S " what...oh you've been up there have you? Do you reckon your Dad will have me back?" C " yeah of course he will" S " where is he?" C " oh crumbs!" George, shotgun crooked over arm approaches caravan about to go in when the car pulling it starts up, Fitton is at the wheel. G " just a minute" Fitton winds down the car window, F " if you're another of Sam Woodyard's lunatics, tell him one was enough." G " what did you say?!" F " this whole venture was doomed, I can see that now. One of Fitton's failures, but that's how we learn. Oh well....onwards" Fitton drives off leaving George perplexed. Back at Castle Saburac Catweazle sits , turns to Touchwood, CW "oh Touchwood wouldst that he wound me back to our own time." Catweazle looks at piece of recording tape he still has, CW " but I still have thee O foolish Sam. I command thee...speak....no..what was it the sorcerer said?" Catweazle places tape on his forehead, CW " passed the head, ( moves tape across his forehead)....passed the head....nothing. (Frustrated).Nothing works!" Cast; Catweazle.....Geoffrey Bayldon Carrot....Robin Davies George....Charlie Tingwell Sam......Neil Mccarthy Fitton.....Bernard Hepton