Department S "Six Days" #1.1 (1969) (TV)

A strong first episode, 27 March 2017

A routine flight from Rome to London ends up being anything but routine. The crew and passengers believe they are arriving 30 minutes early. In reality, the plane is six days late. How can this be? Where was the plane for six days? Department S is called in to investigate.

Six Days is my first experience with Department S. The episode seems to be a great way to kick-off the series. It's got a lot to offer. The whole set-up of the show with the mystery of the missing six days is interesting and intriguing. I don't know why, but it reminded me of the type of mystery found in something like Banacek. I really liked the scene at the start with the confused airport officials trying to understand how the missing plane just suddenly appeared. While the solution ends up being fairly routine, it's a treat to watch the mystery unfold. Cyril Fankel's direction is snappy with plenty of action throughout. It's very nicely paced with a few surprises sprinkled in for good measure. It's all very well done.

Department S stars Peter Wyngarde, Joel Fabiani, and Rosemary Nicols as the three main operative. Their working relationships are a bit different from what I've come to expect from this type show – owing mainly to Wyngarde's off-beat Jason King. The dynamic is so different from something like The Avengers or The Champions. I know I'm only one episode into it, but Wyngarde/King is already an interesting watch. I also enjoyed Fabiani's no nonsense style of police work. He's determined and persistent. Nicols is more than a pretty face. She adds some intelligence and reasoning to the show that I liked. They are joined by Dennis Alaba Peters as Sir Curtis Seretse – the head of Department S. It's a very unique role for a black man in 1969. I love it. In this episode, the cast is joined by a very competent group of supporting actors. While none really stood out, all were fine.

I wish the series was easier to get hold of because Department S is right up my alley. I'm rating Six Days an 8/10. Unfortunately, I'm not sure when or if I'll get the chance to watch more.

8/10