The Professionals, Dossier 4
[Seasons 4 (partial) & 5] (ITV, 1980-1983)
For all its featuring of shootouts, fights and car chases, this CI5 action-drama never became formulaic, hooking its viewers instead on the intrigue of original (if sometimes nonplussing) plots, strong acting and the often witty character dynamic struck between its three principals.
Valley of Lights
by Stephen Gallagher (New English Library, 1987)
Valley of Lights is a compellingly dark supernatural crime novel (often marketed as horror). Gallagher’s first person narrative draws us into a lone sergeant’s pursuit of the archetypical serial killer: a creature who can jump between human bodies, wearing them like suits.
A Rebel in Time
by Harry Harrison (Granada, 1983)
Nominally a paradox novel, A Rebel in Time was notable for bringing Harrison’s refreshingly liberal values to the field of adventure science fiction: a black army sergeant pursues a racist colonel back through time to the outbreak of the American Civil War.
The Hermit and the Bear
by John Yeoman, ill. Quentin Blake (André Deutsch, 1984)
A hermit looking to pass on his knowledge finds his work cut out for him when he takes in an enthusiastic but galumphing bear for tuition. Although not progressing much from its starting premise, this wistfully humorous YA tale retains its charm.
The White Mountains
by John Christopher (Simon & Schuster, 1967)
Almost half a century on, John Christopher’s Tripods trilogy remains a page-turning standout in young adult SF. The White Mountains depicts a society kept in post-invasion, pre-industrial subjugation, and embarks us on Christopher’s action-light yet well-paced, never less than compelling quest narrative.
Red Dwarf VIII
by Doug Naylor (BBC, 1999)
Returning to the eponymous mining ship, Red Dwarf became unabashedly silly and yet managed also to transmogrify into a creature of ephemeral comedic brilliance. ‘Cassandra’ is a classic episode, while elsewhere, amidst the rampant caricaturing, a long-suffering Captain Hollister steals the show.
Run Lola Run
dir. Tom Tykwer (1998)
Contemporaneous cousin to the parallel-universe-exploring UK/US film Sliding Doors, this high-energy action thriller out of Germany (subtitled) was particularly effective on the big screen, its pulsating soundtrack running variations alongside flame-haired protagonist Lola as her decisions give rise to drastically different outcomes.
Tron
dir. Steven Lisberger (1982)
Structured around cutting-edge visuals and a trippy adventure inside — literally — the nascent world of computer programs, Tron nowadays comes across as the Barbarella (sans titillation) of a pre-Microsoft digital age. Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner strive valiantly to combat the jargon-heavy muddle.
Malcolm
dir. Nadia Tass (1986)
A quirky landmark in Australian cinema and independent filmmaking, bittersweet heist-cum-friendship tale Malcolm sees the apparently slow-witted, tram-obsessed titular character (Colin Friels) apply his aptitude for gadgetry to helping recent ex-con Frank (John Hargreaves) and his girlfriend (Lindy Davies) rob a bank.
Red Dwarf VII
by Doug Naylor (BBC, 1997)
Danny John-Jules’ portrayal of the Cat remains tainted by cross-pollination from buck-toothed alter-ego Duane Dibbley, but the (re)introduction of Kochanski is enough to shake up what had become a staid crew dynamic and revitalise — at least somewhat — Dave Lister’s comically vagabond existence.