Callan bows out

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33625, 29 August 1974, Page 4

Callan bows out

In an otherwise undistinguished Tuesday evening programme, Edward Woodward’s Callan stood out It was the final episode In the “Callan” series, and this will be a matter for regret among those who enjoy a wellmounted thriller. David Callan and his colleagues were never a really admirable lot, and their human frailities made them much more credible than those in most programmes of this type. Callan often confessed to fear; he hated his job; and he made mistakes. His "Hunter" chiefs have been anything but likeable; .Meares was an efficient but cold and sadistic aide; and Lonely, for all his pathetic appearance and attitude, was a convicted criminal, a craven creature, and an inspiration to copy-writers promoting deodorants. But they seemed real enough people. Moreover, there was always an element of doubt about the success of Callan’s adventures. He certainly could not win them all: one of the irritations of most such series is the inevitability of success. A play-off, with Perry Mason matched against the “Mission Impossible” team, would be a sell-out.

The final “Callan” episode had plenty of tension and excitement, and it was faithful, to the end, to the character Edward Woodward has made so famous. Callan had more than the little compassion needed to enrage his chief; but for all the

apparent finality of the fadeout scene, we are among those firmly hoping that “Callan” will be back. * # *

The rest of the evening was less than mediocre. “Nationwide” seemed to be at the bottom of its bin, there was the further disappointment of seeing the charming Diana Rigg having her talents squandered on a very poor script and the “Ghost Story” was incredibly silly. It might have chilled a few 10-year-olds, but for an adult programme, it was an insult. Its only merit was its leading ladv — Shirley Knight Hopkins? — who wore an air of innocence which was remarkable, and refreshing.—R.T.B.