This spin-off from The Odd Man (1962) starred William Mervyn as the acerbic Inspector Rose, who, alongside the soft-hearted pensive Det. Sgt. Swift (Keith Barron), are joined by Anthony (John Carson) and Alice Brand (June Toblin), a barrister and his journalist wife, though not for long. By the second season, the Brands and Swift departed, leaving the calm, cold Rose in prime position, supported by newcomers DS Hunter (Anthony Ainley), his girlfriend Claire (Veronica Strong), and her boozy reporter friend Fred Blaine (John Stratton).
It's Dark Outside (Season 1)
The Grim World of the Brothers Tulk (Episode 1)
Writer: James Andrew Hall
Air date: 1964-01-03
Runtime: 55 min
Overview: Harold and Arthur Tulk are a washed up musical hall comedy duo. Harold is picked up carrying a notebook of murdered child Doreen Bates. Swift is convinced of his guilt but when Harold is found dead in his cell, he becomes a suspect.
One Man's Right (Episode 2)
Writer: H.V. Kershaw
Air date: 1964-01-10
Runtime: 55 min
Overview: Raoul Brissac is guest of honour of the Third Annual Conference of Human Rights International. However, Rose arrives to arrest Brissac for bringing uncut heroin and possible murder; and a hitman has entered the building to kill Brissac.
Speak Ill of the Living (Episode 3)
Writer: Marc Brandel
Air date: 1964-01-17
Runtime: 55 min
Overview: Prostitute Juliette White is hanged for murder. Barrister Anthony Brand is contacted by dancer Dolores Dacosta, who wants to confess. She claims that she took the victim to White's flat and shot him when found out she stole his wallet.
More Ways of Killing a Cat (Episode 4)
Writer: Dennis Woolf
Air date: 1964-01-24
Runtime: 55 min
Overview: Swift opens a parcel fitted with a small detonating device, followed by a second containing a live detonator. Swift recounts his old friend Hammond, who was instituted but is now threatening his life.
Wake the Dead (Episode 5)
Writer: Marc Brandel
Air date: 1964-01-31
Runtime: 55 min
Overview: An old Irish habitual criminal is released from prison and starts work for a conman who lures victims with a spiritualism scheme. But one has led to suicide, and the ex-con has unwittingly stolen valuable evidence.
A Room with No View (Episode 6)
Writer: Paul Erickson
Air date: 1964-02-07
Runtime: 55 min
Overview: Swift is called to investigate an attack by dogs on a Black musician. Despite living under a slum conditions, he stays silent but asks Alice Brand to write an article to highlight the racket and discover who the real owner is.
A Case for Identification (Episode 7)
Writer: Louis Marks
Air date: 1964-02-14
Runtime: 55 min
Overview: A racist is using Swift's identity and rank to gain the confidence of young foreign girls in order to terrorise them. Swift needs to clear his name but has quietly gone missing with a female acquaintance.
You Play the Red and the Black Comes Up (Episode 8)
Writer: Marc Brandel
Air date: 1964-02-21
Runtime: 55 min
Overview: Rose sends Swift to investigate a casino where it appears Brand has been bouncing cheques, but the trail leads back to Miller.
Seasons
Episodes 8
Episodes 8