This is one of the best shows ever made and certainly the best show ever made by a showrunner who was later to die in a mysterious plane crash in the Bering Strait. Best of all, the whole thing is free on YouTube.
Could not be more thrilled to see this. I have touted The Sandbaggers for a long time.
It's a master class in script writing: how to make people root for an unlikeable protagonist (Burnside is a right bastard), how to generate drama from the simple need to make decisions in the face of uncertainty, and how to make a virtue of a low budget - the real "action" is arguing in drab offices (and one fancy office for Wellingham, reflecting where the real power is).
In fact, I love it so much I can't resist a correction:
"In the first episode of series two, Burnside sends Sandbagger One to comfort the grieving parents of a dead Sandbagger."
I'm only going from memory, but I would bet the ranch Willie went out of a sense of obligation as head of section, despite Burnside having told him he would do it - Burnside reminds him of this after the fact.
This is one of the best shows ever made and certainly the best show ever made by a showrunner who was later to die in a mysterious plane crash in the Bering Strait. Best of all, the whole thing is free on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKI0HRnDc2Y&list=PLqY0KgzqHL5r4KIUeUOi5eVbgLH8Glwa_
God, I loved this show when it played on this side of the pond in the late 80s. <sigh> PBS used to do such good in the world.
A great TV series thanks for highlighting it.
Could not be more thrilled to see this. I have touted The Sandbaggers for a long time.
It's a master class in script writing: how to make people root for an unlikeable protagonist (Burnside is a right bastard), how to generate drama from the simple need to make decisions in the face of uncertainty, and how to make a virtue of a low budget - the real "action" is arguing in drab offices (and one fancy office for Wellingham, reflecting where the real power is).
In fact, I love it so much I can't resist a correction:
"In the first episode of series two, Burnside sends Sandbagger One to comfort the grieving parents of a dead Sandbagger."
I'm only going from memory, but I would bet the ranch Willie went out of a sense of obligation as head of section, despite Burnside having told him he would do it - Burnside reminds him of this after the fact.
It is good. Watching it now. The Sandbaggers…
Agree 100%
Agreed!
In my mind, and without question, the best. Thank you fir drawing attention to it.
Love that show!