Deriving from the 'Quiller' series of novels by the pseudonymous Adam Hall this series doesn't capture the flavour of the books. Set in the large space between John Le Carre on one side and Ian Fleming on the other the books are written in the first person, so in the books we know Quiller on the inside but in the series we see him from the outside. The series pales against the fascinating narrative of Quiller's own continuous thought processes in the books. Michael Jayston is a fine actor but the scripts and the filming let the series down. Quiller was used to exotic locales in the books, not poodling around the Home Counties. (Budget constraints I presume) Where episodes are set abroad this is mainly conveyed by stock footage. What is good to see is the good acting talent scattered throughout the series, some making an impression even if only on the screen briefly, who always enhanced 1970's television series.
Needless to say all the 'Quiller' novels are well worth reading.
Needless to say all the 'Quiller' novels are well worth reading.