Assigned! (Guide to “Sapphire & Steel”) Third Edition pb

Sapphire & Steel charted the efforts of two mysterious ‘agents’, named Sapphire (Joanna Lumley) and Steel (David McCallum), as they were given a number of ‘assignments’. featuring everything from a faceless man and a vengeful soldier, to living nursery rhymes and a time-trapped motorway cafe.

The series was innovative, intelligent and terrifying, and it has stayed in the memories of all who saw it.

In this guide, Richard Callaghan delves into the six televised ‘assignments’ and finds out what made them tick. He explores the continuity and background to the show, and gives all the facts and figures as well as a critical commentary. The show’s spin-off books and audio adventures are also discussed and reviewed.

This 2024 third edition of the book has been fully revised and updated including new interviews with key cast and crew, and new and updated facts and figures relating to the show.

‘This is a must buy for anyone who enjoyed the TV series, there is an astonishing amount of detail which is clearly a result of very significant research. It is written in an excellent style and covers details of production in an amusing and educational way. If you are interested in how TV production happened in the past this is also for you. The book also delves into the details of some of the stories and what inspired them, having the benefit of the author’s thorough knowledge is educational in itself. You won’t regret it.‘ Amazon Reviewer

‘I was really impressed by the passion, and dedication to detail that the author shows in relation to the programme, not only looking at the storylines, but also putting his own knowledge and opinions into the mix, a great read.‘ J Adams, Amazon

‘Especially satisfying if you enjoy analyzing and learning being-the-scenes info. I just watched all the episodes, so I appreciated having this book to dive deeper into the Assignments, extended my enjoyment and learn about the audio dramas and other books.‘ Amazon Reviewer

‘As an analysis of the television series, Assigned! cannot be faulted. I usually dip in and out of episode guides, but this one compelled me to read it from cover to cover. It has left me with an urge to dig out my DVDs and CDs, and experience the episodes all over again, which is surely no bad thing. Reading this book, I was truly in my element!’ Richard McGinlay, Review Graveyard

‘An excellently written book that’s in-depth whilst still accessible. A great example of the genre.‘ Gareth, Goodreads

213pp. 6×9 paperback book.
ISBN 978-1-84583-233-9
Published 28 August 2024

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richard Callaghan was terrified of Sapphire & Steel as a child and set out to write a book hopefully to reflect what he regarded as an outstanding television programme. Based around the West Midlands area, he can occasionally be seen studying Media.