Scorpion Tales is a British anthology that aired on ITV in 1978, featuring one-off, hour-long plays with twist endings. Produced by ATV, the programme was similar in format to other thriller anthologies like Thriller and Sapphire & Steel. Each episode presented a self-contained story, often with a sinister or surprising conclusion, and starred actors such as Trevor Howard, David Robb, and Anthony Bate.
Scorpion Tales (Season 1)
Easterman (Episode 1)
Writer: Ian Kennedy Martin
Air date: 1978-04-29
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Soon to retire DI Mavor becomes embroiled in a case involving a series of murders, carried out by the unknown 'Easterman'. On investigation, Mavor discovers that Easterman was the homosexual lover of a man he killed some time before and now he is out for revenge.
Killing (Episode 2)
Writer: Bob Baker
Air date: 1978-05-06
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Working on a computer project, Martha Fredricks finds herself impeded by colleague Mark Hawkins, who is in secret communication with the computer, taking money from the bank to invest in the currency market. Collecting the interest and replacing the original money, he goes unnoticed, until Fredricks discovers his scheme.
The Great Albert (Episode 3)
Writer: John Peacock
Air date: 1978-05-13
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Matthew Ward, a boy whose parents are on the verge of divorcing, discovers a 16th-century book of spells. With this, he attempts to bring about events to his own wishes. However, his plans go wrong when his mother brings home her lover, who then murders his father.
The Ghost in the Pale Blue Dress (Episode 4)
Writer: Jeremy Burnham
Air date: 1978-05-20
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Seemingly estranged father and son Sir Wilfred and Toby Grafton are at loggerheads over the latter's inheritance. Toby's fiancée Karen steps in and beguiles Wilfred due to her similarity to his deceased wife.
Crimes of Persuasion (Episode 5)
Writer: Nicholas Palmer
Air date: 1978-05-27
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: MP Sir Robert Haines is in the process of making secret deals with an ex-Arab PM. Meanwhile, at home, his mistress has hatched a plan to avenge his philandering. However, both of them later come unstuck when terrorist enemies of the Arab come calling.
Truth or Consequence (Episode 6)
Writer: Brian Phelan
Air date: 1978-08-12
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: Lt James White enrols in a training course to build his resistance to interrogation. As he proceeds, however, he discovers that the training is more intense than expected, and people on the outside cannot be trusted.
Seasons
Episodes 6