Both a critical and ratings success on its original ITV transmission, The Sandbaggers was lauded in 2003 by the New York Times as being "The best spy series in TV history".

'The Sandbaggers' is a nickname for the Special Section of the British Secret Service - a team of special agents who were deployed during the Cold War. Run by the dour, single-minded Neil Burnside (Roy Marsden), the 'Sandbaggers' are headed by the brash but conscientious Willie Caine (Ray Lonnen). In a game of cat-and-mouse between foreign powers, the stakes are high and the chances of a Sandbagger being killed in action is not small. An ex-Sandbagger himself, Burnside must try to keep his operatives alive while contending with the political machinations and dictates of the government.

The series was written and created by Ian MacKintosh, himself an ex-military man with alleged ties to British security. His death during the making of the series has always been viewed with suspicion by conspiracy theorists - did life imitate art?

Episodes comprise:

1. First Principles
2. A Proper Function of Government
3. Is Your Journey Really Necessary?
4. The Most Suitable Person
5. Always Glad to Help
6. A Feasible Solution
7. Special Relationship