The Russians have suddenly caught up in key aerospace research – and the Section needs to plug the leak…

The stories on which this series of audios are based were first printed in the Sunday Express, and for many years were lost to Callan fans who hadn’t bought and kept the pages. They were finally printed five to six years ago and were a treasure trove of character moments, not just for Callan, but for Lonely and all those around him. Elements of this particular story stuck in my mind, and it was a lovely feeling of déjà vu to hear them dramatized really effectively.

It’s a story that sees Callan display his own innate sense of justice, one that won’t be browbeaten by Hunter’s pragmatism or considerations for the security of the nation. Callan has very clear lines in his mind that cannot – or should not – be crossed, and this is one of those times where he does what has to be done. And the hell with Hunter.

Ben Miles and Nicholas Briggs are excellent in the final scene of the story – the subtext of the scene comes across loud and clear – with Emily Raymond’s performance as Diana Browne pitched at exactly the level of desperation, despair and grief required. Samuel Clemens handles the action and emotional scenes with aplomb, with Steve Foxon’s sound design once again telling the story clearly where required.

Verdict: A terrific blend of drama, emotion and spycraft. 9/10

Paul Simpson

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