Simply Media, out now (and as part of the Complete 1990)

Jim Kyle’s problems continue…

There’s various cast changes between series 1 and 2 that alter the delicate balance of Wilfrid Greatorex’s near-future dystopia (set 12 years after the time of broadcast), both within the context of the show and in real life. Barbara Kellerman’s departure robs the show of some of Edward Woodward’s Kyle’s humanity; the producers try to recreate the tension with Lisa Harrow’s character Lynn Blake but the pair don’t have the same on screen chemistry, and you’re constantly expecting her to have even more of an agenda.

But Robert Lang is still there as Kyle’s bete noire, Skardon, and there are some truly terrifying moments – with the latter’s use of bureaucracy as a weapon one that anyone who’s tried to register changes of address after a move or dealt with any sort of government department will understand all too well.

Woodward is at the heart of the show once more, and he’s never less than engaging, his righteous anger a truly terrible sight to behold. I’m a great fan of his time as David Callan in the ITV spy series, but for my money, some of Edward Woodward’s greatest work comes in the sixteen episodes that form 1990 – and unlike some drama from that time, it still holds up well today.

Verdict: Highly recommended continuation of a much overlooked piece of genre television. 9/10

Paul Simpson