13 episodes

The Guardians - Miniseries

First aired Jul 9, 1971Season 1

In a near-future 1980s, England is under autocratic rule by a government that uses a paramilitary force known as The Guardians to maintain control, while a fragmented resistance group tries to provoke the state into revealing its true brutality.

Episodes

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Episode 1

The State of England

NR
Jul 10, 197160 min

After a period of mass unemployment, chaos and a complete failure of the government, law and order has been restored in England. However the price of this new order is personal liberty. Dissenters soon appear, dedicated to the overthrow of the new regime.

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Episode 2

Pursuit

NR
Jul 17, 197160 min

An attempt has been made on the Prime Minister’s life, and an agent planted to root out communists within The Guardians is shot dead.

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Episode 3

Head of State

NR
Jul 24, 197160 min

The French President objects to Britain's participation in a united European defence force, and refuses to recognise the Prime Minister as head of state. Chris Hobson falls foul of the Guardians when he investigates the disappearance of one of their officers. Sir Tim decides to assert his authority over his cabinet.

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Episode 4

The Logical Approach

NR
Jul 31, 197160 min

Sir Timothy finally uses his brains and God given skills to become an effective Prime Minister.

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Episode 5

Quarmby

NR
Aug 7, 197160 min

The Prime Minister conducts an investigation into the shooting of Sam Wilson who was in custody for killing Hollis.

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Episode 6

Appearances

NR
Aug 14, 197160 min

Benedict kills a detective and then returns his attention to disrupting The Guardians.

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Episode 7

This Is Quarmby

NR
Aug 21, 197160 min

Quarmby takes a new approach to disrupting the government by taking their campaign to the general public.

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Episode 8

The Dirtiest Man in the World

NR
Aug 28, 197160 min

Tom is still being held prisoner and trying to escape. Benedict wants to use him as a pawn so decides to help him with his escape plan.

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Episode 9

I Want You to Understand Me

NR
Sep 4, 197160 min

The resistance grows as the government steps up its repressive policies.

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Episode 10

The Nature of the Beast

NR
Sep 11, 197160 min

Clare turns to Benedict for help in finding Tom. Benedict still has plans to use Tom as a scapegoat.

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Episode 11

The Roman Empire

NR
Sep 18, 197160 min

The government is continuing to battle public unrest and now must deal with plots from within the Cabinet itself.

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Episode 12

The Killing Trade

NR
Sep 24, 197160 min

Tom is now in a coma at Benedict's apartment. Quarmby wants to get rid of him before The Guardians discover his location.

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Episode 13

End in Dust

NR
Oct 1, 197160 min

The stage is set for the final showdown. Quarmby, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and The Guardians are all set for battle. Chris and Norman are now forced to choose sides as this series comes to its conclusion.