Storyboard - The Complete Series

This Thames anthology from the 1980s presented a diverse range of single dramas that would serve as pilots for possible future series, such as The Bill, Lytton’s Diary or King & Castle.

The 4-Disc set contains various dramas (each roughly 50 min long) which should make for an entertaining afternoon or evening of family viewing.
On DISC-1, it’s ‚Judgement Day’ which is partcularly interesting. The story of an aspring female lawyer, who has a rough awakening when she realiseses that the firm and the system are just as corrupt as some clients, is simply engaging.
On DISC-2 it’s ‚The Traitor’ which is the standout episode. Cleverly constructed, the story of a double-agent keeps the suspense going thanks to its verbal cat- and mouse game, and a twist-ending. This would work equally work as a stage play, as it has a very theatrical quality to it.

‚Thank You, Miss Jones’ on DISC-3 is as funny as it is thrilling – here, it’s the secretary of an insurance company who decides to play private detective, and by doing so manages to put her life in danger.
Save the best for last, and the best is on DISC-4. First, it’s ‚Making News’ – a drama about a satellite news channel. Plenty of action here, and a young Bill Nighy as a reporter is a revelation.
The odd one out is ‚Hunted Down’ – a Victorian mystery after a story by Charles Dickens. Eerily atmospheric, it boasts everything that one might expect, including a murder most foul!

Storyboard – The Complete Series doesn’t contain any bonus material.