Star Cops

1 9 8 7 (UK)
9 x 55 minute episodes

Set in the not-too-distant-future (2027), this BBC series was the brainchild of Chris Boucher (writer for Blakes 7 and Doctor Who) and presented the adventures of the International Space Police Force (ISPF) – disparagingly called the ‘star cops’ – led by seasoned terrestrial detective Nathan Spring (David Calder) who had become disenchanted with the system on Earth.

His companions were Box, an electronic “intelligent listening device” – in other words, a Dictaphone that could answer back (also voiced by Calder) – and his assistant, David Theroux (Erick Ray Evans).

In the new frontier, where the laws had yet to be codified, and the interests of corporations and rival governments could be pursued without consequence, Earth-bound authorities realised the need for a dedicated police force to be stationed where the action was.

Other officers in the ISPF included Russian Alexander Krivenko (Jonathan Adams), and Japanese Anna Shoun (Sayo Inaba).

Two more important characters were soon introduced: Pal Kenzy (Linda Newton), an abrasive and, initially, corrupt Australian official who – through a devious publicity stunt – got herself tied to the Star Cops after Spring had given her the boot; and the series’ main comedy element, Colin Devis (Trevor Cooper), an overweight chauvinist whose “Fancy a quick game of Hide The Sausage?” is one of the series best-remembered lines.

Despite the premise, the star cops didn’t battle extraterrestrial invaders. They investigated thefts, sabotage, kidnappings, drug trafficking and suchlike.

Star Cops contained some marvellous visual effects by Mike Kelt and Malcolm James, and strong performances from guest actors, including Roy Holder and Geoffrey Bayldon.

The scripts were intelligent and witty (despite an unfortunate habit of stereotyping ethnic groups) and Star Cops was actually signed up for a second season. But with a TV technicians strike cutting the first series down to nine episodes and David Calder moving on to another show, there was no realistic possibility of the crew getting back together to make another 13 episodes.

Nathan Spring
David Calder
David Theroux
Erick Ray Evans
Colin Devis
Trevor Cooper
Pal Kenzy
Linda Newton
Alexander Krivenko
Jonathan Adams
Anna Shoun
Sayo Inaba
Box (voice)
David Calder

Video