Callan is often described as "bleak" and "dark", but in fact is satisfyingly authentic, superbly written and acted and bears multiple re-watching. The Cold War aspects seem incredibly authentic, and in one episode (early seventies) a character prophetically predicts the "beginning off the end" of the Soviet Empire. In the late sixties/early seventies the series quickly became a popular cultural phenomenon. As with early Special Branch, the restricted filming format involves plenty of great dialogue which only strengthens the timeless appeal. There is an obvious class theme running through the series, with Callan (probably Grammar school), Hunter/Meres (Public school) and Lonely (state/secondary). Some of the very best scenes are the Callan/Lonely dialogues, full of dry humour but never artificially sentimental.
There are similarities between Clint Eastwood's "Dirty Harry" and Callan - living alone, determinedly old fashioned dress code and persistently insubordinate attitude to superiors. Given Callan's popularity and Eastwood filming in Britain during 1968, it seems possible he might have been influenced by the show.
Review of Callan
