First episode of The Sweeney (1975) written by Ted Childs. He also wrote Hearts and Minds (1978), Latin Lady (1978) and Jack or Knave (1978) (last episode). He was also the shows producer for the pilot, all 54 episodes and both films. He was later the executive producer for the following shows/films which had John Thaw in the starring role- Inspector Morse (1987) (all 33 episodes from 1987-2000), Kavanagh QC (1995) (26 episodes 1995-2001. He was also the co-creator), Goodnight Mr Tom (1998) and The Waiting Time (1999)
This edition was seventh in the charts with 13.65 million viewers.
Patrick Malahide (Mason) previously appeared in Sweeney 2 (1978) as Major Conway. He also later appeared with Dennis Waterman in Diamond Geezers (2006)
The following actors from this episode later appeared with Dennis Waterman in Minder (1979). Patrick Malahide (Mason) played DS Chisholm in 24 episodes from Gunfight at the O.K. Laundrette (1979) to An Officer and a Car Salesman (1988). John Rolfe (Det. Chief Supt. Brookford) appeared in Caught in the Act, Fact (1980). Dave Atkins (Marriot) appeared in Dreamhouse (1982). And John Hartley (Chief Inspector) appeared in Another Bride, Another Groom (1982) and Minder on the Orient Express (1985)
The following actors from this episode later appeared with John Thaw in Inspector Morse (1987). Albert Welling (PC Mike Seton) appeared in The Last Enemy (1989). And Patrick Malahide (Mason) appeared in Driven to Distraction (1990)