Sapphire & Steel, Assignment 6
by P. J. Hammond (ITV, 1982)
The series’ much-vaunted 4-part conclusion. Hammond takes his characters out in style, concocting an eerie, unsettling scenario for Sapphire and Steel (and Silver) to unravel. Unfortunately, the trap’s convoluted outer layer proves unconnected to the springing of the more deadly trap within.
Sapphire & Steel, Assignment 5
by Don Houghton & Anthony Read (ITV, 1981)
Different writers but the usual mix of otherworldliness and off-kilter intrigue as Sapphire & Steel investigate a 50-year timeslip with built-in murder mystery. The interdimensional operatives again prove remarkably ineffectual in employing their special powers, thereby stretching the story to six episodes.
Sapphire & Steel, Assignment 4
by P. J. Hammond (ITV, 1981)
The shortest and most coherent assignment to date, albeit still one that relies more on character and otherworldliness than conventional storytelling. Sapphire and Steel encounter a powerful disruptive force that can move in and out of photographs. The visual effects remain impressive.
Sapphire & Steel, Assignment 3
by P. J. Hammond (ITV, 1981)
Joanna Lumley (Sapphire) and David McCallum (Steel) return for six more episodes of atmospheric, paranormal mystery and suspense. Much rests on the close but edgy dynamic between the two, as the evil force turns out on this occasion to be… somewhat unbelievable.
Sapphire & Steel, Assignment 2
by P. J. Hammond (ITV, 1979)
A murky, abandoned railway station provides the setting for this cagey, at times creepy foray into the supernatural. Sapphire and Steel’s second assignment has more coherence; more progression. The dénouement—though not foreshadowed—remains grimly in keeping, not a deus ex machina.
Sapphire & Steel, Assignment 1
by P. J. Hammond (ITV, 1979)
A darkly lit, suitably disconcerting introduction to time agents Sapphire (Joanna Lumley) and Steel (David McCallum), spoiled somewhat by the performances of two child actors in support and a haunted house plot that furthers its otherworldly atmosphere at the expense of coherence.