Original title
Softly Softly: Task Force
Released
11/20/1969
Origin country
GB
Status
Ended
Number of seasons
8
Number of episodes
149
Softly, Softly: Task Force is a police based drama series which ran on BBC 1 from 1969 to 1976. It was a revamp of Softly, Softly, itself a spin-off from Z-Cars. The change was made partly to coincide with the coming of colour broadcasting to the BBC's main channel BBC1. The programme was due to be called simply Task Force, but reluctant to sacrifice a much-loved brand the BBC compromised this so it became Softly, Softly: Task Force.
Things are about to change at Thamesford Constabulary when Detective Chief Superintendent Charles Barlow arrives to take over as new head of CID. Barlow's orders are to whip Thamesford Constabulary into shape and to ensure that operations run smoothly. He soon finds that it's going to be a major job to get the constabulary into shape as duties have been neglected. Things are getting tough for everybody that very first night when a young boy is reported missing. Before the night is over, Chief Superintendent Barlow will know who he can rely on at Thamesford ...
Detective Chief Superitendent Barlow is in for a surprise as Chief Constable Cullen has some considerable staff changes in mind for Thamesford CID. Cullen wants to provide Charlie Barlow with the best team to assist him in setting up a highly efficient task force. However, soon the stabbing of a woman takes priority over personnel matters at Thamesford CID.
While the task force officers are busy investigating a series of break-ins, an armed hold-up at a timber warehouse requires immediate attention and quick action. Will Thamesford CID be able to catch the robbers and still have time to deal with the burglaries? It's up to Detective Inspector Harry Hawkins and his fellow officers to prove to their superiors how efficient the task force team can work.
A rumor causes Thamesford task force to investigate at Eastcote docks where someone allegedly brings illegal immigrants into the country. WP/DC Betty Donald goes undercover, posing as a juvenile delinquent, while Sergeant Jackson receives an undercover assignment at a nearby camping site. Soon the investigation turns into a run against time when a bunch of abandoned illegal immigrants need to be located before they end up dead.
PC Felly is badly beaten after discovering a robbery in progress. Unfortunately for him it takes several hours for police to discover something is wrong.
Harry Hawkins' jobbing gardener Stanton seems to have vanished. PC Pearson takes him to Stanton's caravan, near Ashford. Inside, it looks like a violent fight has taken place. An investigation begins, but it appears Stanton has no history.
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