Softly Softly Task Force

Season 3

Softly, Softly: Task Force is a police based drama series which ran on BBC 1 from 1969 to 1976. It was a revamp of Softly, Softly, itself a spin-off from Z-Cars. The change was made partly to coincide with the coming of colour broadcasting to the BBC's main channel BBC1. The programme was due to be called simply Task Force, but reluctant to sacrifice a much-loved brand the BBC compromised this so it became Softly, Softly: Task Force.

Where to Watch Season 3

26 Episodes

Once Bitten
E1
Once BittenA cloth warehouse, with previous problems with thieves, employs some vicious dogs to guard the premises. They meet their match with a dog whisperer, who nearly pulls off a daring robbery.
Hostage
E2
HostageA gang of bank robbers are using information on the timing of collections from local banks. Task Force track them down, and a siege ensues. They demand a car, but they are thwarted in their attempts to get away by a procedural quirk.
The Floater
E3
The FloaterA river deadbeat sees the chance to make money when he teams up with a female drug dealer, but finds that association with her could lead him to prison. It ends where it began, on the river.
Aberration
E4
AberrationWhen Barlow and Watt unwittingly aid a robbery on a doctor's surgery, they expect to follow a trail of stolen drugs. But the thief has other plans too - PW Det. Constable Forest plays a key role in bringing him into the open.
Moving On
E5
Moving OnWatt's pursuit of a dangerous criminal is put in jeopardy by Evan's night patrol and raid on a student dosshouse.
An Inside Job
E6
An Inside JobWhen a supermarket is robbed, Barlow suspects an inside job. But is he blinded to the truth in his determination to convict? Family tensions create a costly outcome for one suspect.
The Bounty Hunter
E7
The Bounty HunterA gang of bank robbers are disturbed, when some heavies call on them demanding their cut of the loot. If they don't cooperate, their imprisoned mate and his wife are at risk.
Marksman
E8
MarksmanAn astute witness provides a lead on a trio of bank robbers. Harry Hawkins's shooting practice at the police range comes in useful, but at a cost.
Copper Wire
E9
Copper WireTiger Mulholland is a seasoned thief, but his latest job with an inexperienced novice leads him into the path of his old adversary from Newtown, Inspector Barlow. Will Barlow be able to get his old sparring partner to talk?
Man of Peace
E10
Man of PeaceA face from the past reappears in Thamesford, and appears to have guns to sell. Why has he gone to the police? And how will the Irish Republican connection resolve the crime?
Good Touches
E11
Good TouchesPC Drake is worried about people who are repeatedly burgled, and he and Hawkins concoct a scheme to monitor houses at high risk - 'good touches'. For one middle aged woman, their help cannot come soon enough.
Better Than Doing Porridge
E12
Better Than Doing PorridgeAs a trial begins, Inspector Barlow is keen to get a conviction. Luckily, he has Ernie Johnson, hardened career criminal, as the weakest link in the gang. And Barlow has a trump card to play to finally make him go straight.
The Removal
E13
The RemovalWatt receives a tip off about a big domestic robbery. Will his scant information be enough, and can Evans and Snow find the right house in time? It's a New Year that one family will never forget.
Priorities
E14
PrioritiesIllegal dumping of chemicals in a river leads to a dilemma - protect public safety or move in fast on a gang of forgers.
Resolution
E15
ResolutionWhen PC Snow accidentally interrupts a police stake-out of a raid on a silverware shop, it looks like the policeman on the job may be an accessory to the raid. However, Barlow eventually finds that family is the key factor in this crime.
The Amateur
E16
The AmateurHawkins suspects the involvement of a local car hire firm in a spate of high class robberies. Information from the criminal underworld proves decisive in catching the ring leader.
Anywhere in the Wide World
E17
Anywhere in the Wide WorldA privileged girl goes missing, and there appears to be a sexual motive. But is the apparent indifference of her parents a clue which will lead to a resolution?
Flight
E18
FlightA riot is threatened at Kingley Airport when the holiday firm Jason Travel collapses, and Barlow's undercover operation into thefts at the airport is jeopardised. PC Snow goes undercover to resolve the case.
The Big Tip-Off
E19
The Big Tip-OffA barmaid at an aerodrome has some inside information on an upcoming raid. But can her own personal feelings be put aside as the police get closer, and will an inexperienced but ruthless female get away driver help or hinder?
Woman's World
E20
Woman's WorldA female cub reporter crosses swords with Barlow, as he investigates a child murder. Barlow has a hunch about the murderer, but whether he can get a conviction rests upon breaking into the secrets of a sad and lonely family.
A Policeman's Lot: Part 1: The Row on the Stairs
E21
A Policeman's Lot: Part 1: The Row on the StairsA private detective's office, situated above an adult shop, is turned over, and an employee from the detective's office goes missing. Tracking down the man is only the beginning, as the name of the detective rings a bell with Barlow.
A Policeman's Lot: Part 2: You Pays Your Money
E22
A Policeman's Lot: Part 2: You Pays Your MoneyThe net closes in on Jarman, the private investigator, and his activities importing goods from Europe. The old lady in the newsagents/adult shop provides a link. Watt decides to tackle Jarman personally, with unforeseen consequences.
A Policeman's Lot: Part 3: It Depends Where You're Standing
E23
A Policeman's Lot: Part 3: It Depends Where You're StandingThe investigation into Jarman continues, but Task Force are warned off by higher authorities. What is the significance of a blackmailer, a trashed coffee bar and the intelligence services?
Set Us Alight
E24
Set Us AlightWhen a fire breaks out at the headquarters of a radical political group, the organiser of the group is suspected. But Barlow finds that jealousy is at the heart of the case, and a privileged dropout is the key.
The Easy Job
E25
The Easy JobJohnny Hicks appears to have gone straight, but Hawkins is unconvinced. Johnny decides to come out of retirement, but what should be an easy wages raid turns into a nightmare for one of the gang, and the safe cracker.
Conclusion
E26
ConclusionEvans is intrigued by Drake's seeming affluence, and reports his suspicions to Hawkins. Drake is put into plain clothes to track his movements, and uncover his secrets. PC Snow uncovers some evidence in an unlikely place.