We’re The Sweeney, Son: Revisiting Ringer

Welcome to the first episode of The Unofficial Sweeney Podcast — a fan-based podcast celebrating one of British television’s greatest crime dramas.

Hosts Shane Whaley, Lee Tyers and John Allam kick things off with “Ringer”, the first episode of The Sweeney, originally broadcast in January 1975.

The trio share how they first discovered the show and what has kept them coming back to it over the years — from the gritty realism, unforgettable characters and razor-sharp dialogue to the cars, music, villains and the streets of 1970s London.

Then it’s time to get stuck into “Ringer”. They discuss Brian Blessed’s memorable performance as Frank Kemble, Ian Hendry and Alan Lake as Brooker and Merrick, the relationship between Regan and Haskins, the episode’s locations, music, action sequences and some of its standout dialogue.

There’s also the first Unofficial Sweeney Podcast villain draft, as Shane, Lee and John begin assembling their own fantasy criminal firms from the villains they encounter throughout the series.

Made by fans, for fans, this is an affectionate celebration of The Sweeney and the people, places and stories that made it such an enduring part of British television.

Join the conversation on our Facebook Group and at thesweeneypodcast.com and let us know: who from “Ringer” would make it into your firm and what score you would give Ringer.

We will of course cover the pilot episode in due course.