2.18 Rockliffe's Babies

Rock-a-bye baby in the tower block Your Mum’s on the social Your
Dad’s in the dock Your Mum’s in arrears So, the Council’s gonna
call Down will come mother, baby and all… Yes this month it's none
other than that late 80s police drama Rockliffe's Babies in which
we met the seven young and untested members of Victor Tango crime
squad and their formidable skipper Det Sgt Alan Rockliffe played by
Ian Hogg. A ratings winner that lasted for 2 series and 18 episodes
Rockliffe's Babies was the BBC's answer to ITV's The Bill which at
that time was also putting out shorter series of 50-minute
episodes. The series introduced us to Joe McGann and Alphonsia
Emmanuel and the lesser remembered, but just as talented, Susanna
Shelling, Martyn Ellis and Brett Fancy. Producer Leonard Lewis also
cast some of his favourite regulars from When The Boat Comes In
including Malcom Terris and Edward Wilson. All this and Brian
Croucher too and a whole host of familiar guest actors. Andy &
Martin chart the course of the series choosing 8 episodes that
hopefully showcase and represent the drama, including the very
first episode which barely features Rockliffe and the last in which
one of the 'Babies' learns that they will be leaving the squad to
train as a detective. As well as discussion of its memorable theme
tune, the pair celebrate its peaks and troughs and consider why
after two successful series it produced a sleepier countryside
sequel: Rockliffe's Folly. 'Georgiou! You burke!!! What have you
done now?' Next Time: Survivors