I remember flash moments watching this show when I was around 7-10 years old. Something stuck with me so decided to watch them again. I'm glad I did.
Every episode in this 4 part series is a rip-roaring swashbuckling adventure fit for "just about" all ages, but series 3 is something special with a few major star appearances. Donald Pleasance (the biggest star) is particularly terrifying in his single appearance in the penultimate episode and...I can't spoil it for you but it's a true horror first half moment with a spectacular finale which just leaves you with chills. But it's one of the show's most memorable moments. Series 3 is different to its mostly episodic series format, and told in parts as one feature length movie.
Firstly, we learn from the pilot episode (and wiki) that Richard O'Sullivan's fictional Dick Turpin is set straight after the real life Turpin from old English folklore is hanged in 1739. This fictional version separates itself from the real highwayman. So in this show's universe it is believed that Richard O'Sullivan's version to be the genuine famous outlaw whilst our real life Turpin only falsely claims to be him. Flipping it around. He is more of a heroic Zorro character with an English accent in this, and all stories are fictional and is portrayed more as a brave outlaw with a cause. Popular amongst the locals whilst becomes the enemy of the redcoats & gentry. The real outlaw's life remains mostly unknown, so this is not created as a historical account, but to entertain.
This is by far O'Sullivan's best role and his acting completely shines through in this. He always seemed to be tied down to family comedy sitcoms before and since. He should have received far more episodes.
Michael Deeks plays Turpin's sidekick Swiftnick, nicknamed by Turpin after taking him under his wing. Swiftnick was also a famous English highwayman who had died in 1684, which is 55 years before this is set. We can assume that Turpin nicknamed him after the real outlaw. He is Britain's fictional version of Billy the Kid, and the comrade chemistry between him and Turpin makes for a really entertaining show.
The episodes are mostly episodic. The swordfighting & fistifcuff scenes are well choreographed. The location settings are realistic and the characters are always kept interesting. It really gives off a small sense of what times were like back then also, although more sanitised (except for Donald Pleasance's moment who is completely frightening). At only around 25 minutes long per episode, the great storylines moves along at incredible pace with plenty of action. The acting is first class from all the main characters, and the main villains are excellently portrayed.
It has plenty of genuinely funny moments but has plenty of interesting drama too. The storylines are excellent. The dramatic toe-tapping instrumental theme tune (hey diddly dee) fits the show wonderfully.
It is a proper swashbuckler adventure like Robin Hood & Zorro, fictionally based on two olde English legends and not to be taken too seriously. I really don't understand why this isn't more popular. It has aged brilliantly and probably beats most if not all of these dull period dramas today (as well as others). They're becoming too decadent nowadays. Dick Turpin & Swiftnick always treats their ladies with chivalry & respect. Not to say that they won't gently bring any down who mischievously crosses them.
It is a shame that they didn't go onto making anymore episodes. Fortunately it is all on a DVD boxset though. This really needs remastering and repeated on TV again.
Anyway, this gets a solid gold ten.
