Flying Squad (TV series)

Did You Know?

• The opening sequence features a blue and black monochromatic animation of the wings of a bird of prey superimposed over real programme footage.
• The series is as much known for the haunting melody of its theme tune during the opening and closing credits as for its programme content.
• The episode "Operation Dachshund" was delayed for legal reasons and broadcast on 16 January 1990.

Episodes

The eight-part series aired thirty-minute episodes in February and March 1989, though one episode was held back for legal reasons and finally broadcast in January 1990. Each installment uses a fly-on-the-wall approach, tracking a specific Flying Squad operation from its initial planning through to its conclusion. Many episodes show suspects under surveillance as they plot and execute armed robberies, ending with armed officers ambushing them on the pavement mid-crime. Others simply depict the squad’s routine daily work. The episodes are "Operation Boxer," "Operation Pelican," "Operation Jackdaw," "Operation Turkey," "Operation Night-Hawk," "Operation Admiral," "The Team at Tower Bridge," and "Operation Dachshund."

Production team

Robert Fleming, a director born in London, handled both production and direction for this series, with Alexander John providing narration. FremantleMedia’s archives now hold the series’ archive footage. That footage, including the 1987 Operation Turkey shooting, later appeared in the 2010 National Geographic Channel series Flying Squad: The Real Sweeney. The same production team behind the television series Murder Squad also created this one.