Based in the backwaters of the Interpol organization in Paris, Department S specializes in solving the apparently insoluble and the downright strange case. It features iconic 1960s phrases, brands and images in abundance. All the episodes are in colour. If you appreciate series like The Saint, The Champions et al, then you're almost bound to enjoy this box set.
Following the typical ITC formulaic trend of 2 male and 1 female member, this series was the first to feature the debonair novelist, Jason King (played by Peter Wyngarde) whose own fertile imagination and 'droll wit' combine to extricate and disentangle even the most intricate and sublime cases.
Far more than simply being King's sidekick, American Stewart Sullivan (played by Joel Fabiani) is a down to earth problem solver who likes to 'cut to the quick'. He and King are assisted by the attractive and incisive Annabelle Hurst (played by Rosemary Nicols), an expert in computer statistics. Both of these actors are among… more »

Based in the backwaters of the Interpol organization in Paris, Department S specializes in solving the apparently insoluble and the downright strange case. It features iconic 1960s phrases, brands and images in abundance. All the episodes are in colour. If you appreciate series like The Saint, The Champions et al, then you're almost bound to enjoy this box set.
Following the typical ITC formulaic trend of 2 male and 1 female member, this series was the first to feature the debonair novelist, Jason King (played by Peter Wyngarde) whose own fertile imagination and 'droll wit' combine to extricate and disentangle even the most intricate and sublime cases.
Far more than simply being King's sidekick, American Stewart Sullivan (played by Joel Fabiani) is a down to earth problem solver who likes to 'cut to the quick'. He and King are assisted by the attractive and incisive Annabelle Hurst (played by Rosemary Nicols), an expert in computer statistics. Both of these actors are among those interviewed in the plethora of 'Extras' listed below.
Department S was created in 1968 by Monty Berman and Dennis Spooner in sound ITC tradition, It proved to be the catalyst for Peter Wyngarde's subsequent stardom. In each of the 28 episodes the team members are confronted by the most baffling and inscrutable of problems; empty planes, dead 'dummies' et al. They deal with these difficulties with a characteristic cocktail of panache, verve, wit and charm!
The box set is very well presented and although the integrity of the originals vary - especially the quality of the soundtrack - the overall product bears up rather well. The extensive list of extras can be found below. By the way, in this case, these extras really are worth investigating, especially the commentary by Peter Bowles, the music, and the comments of the actors and crew!
DVD SET EXTRAS INCLUDE:

Wanna Watch a Televison Series? - Chapter One: Variations on a Theme: A recently released documentary on the making of Department S, narrated by Peter Bowles and featuring contributions from, amongst others, Joel Fabiani, Rosemary Nicols, Cyril Frankel and Kate O'Mara.
Commentary on 'Six Days' with Cyril Frankel and Ken Baker.
Commentary on 'The Double Death of Charlie Crippen' with writer Leslie Darbon.
Extensive image gallery (including many behind the scenes and coverage of the inaugural press party) accompanied by a suite of incidental music from the series.
'The Mysterious Man in the Flying Machine' is a 25 minute long international version
Extensive episodic image gallery (mute).
Commercial break bumper !
Extensive PDF materials, including original press pack information, UK and US brochures, quick facts, press information - these are interesting and well worth viewing!
Man in a Suitcase - 'Day of Execution' starring Rosemary Nicols, who also contributes a short introduction
Enjoy!

Michael Calum Jacques (aka Mike MacKinnon, former radio presenter)