The Sweeney - 1975 - 6/10

Hard-hitting, in-your-face series of London’s Flying Squad (Sweeney Todd).
Followup to Regan (1974) and a huge influence on Life On Mars.
Coppers try to nab petty crooks, get stymied by procedures, watch efforts come to naught.
Gritty, brutal at times, with John Thaw and Dennis Waterman an effective team.
Likely on a par with Starsky & Hutch as far a mayhem, except the odds more balanced here.
The team, the squad, the department, they lose their fair share of rounds.
These are also men who smoke, booze, swear, shirt chase.
Hardly a slick series, either. A bitter, melancholy vibe pervades their world.