As with most dystopian fiction, '1990' looks at the world of the then-present (1977-78) and takes it to its logical conclusion.It makes an interesting contrast to an earlier series, 'The Guardians' (1971), which imagined a fascist Britain after the forces of 'order' step in to 'prevent collapse' - there were many dark rumours floating around in the 70s that this would happen, one of them involving Lord Mountbatten.
I just about remember this as a child, In was at 11-12 too young to really get it, though the limited understanding I had, was enough to stay in the memory as sinister.It was a product of the time in that it took what some saw as the post war advance of 'big government' to one possible conclusion.
I really enjoyed this. So much that I found the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this series when it first graced our screens in the late 1970's. However, it seems that it is not well known, as many people I talk to who were around in those days, claim not to have heard of it.
"1990", along with "The Guardians", represents great British "political" sci fi from the 1970s. I heartily agree with the previous commentator who looked forward to a "1990" DVD reissue.
I remember this one as a kid as well.It was very creepy ..
This series about an authoritarian Britain very much in the model of 1984 was timely in 1978 but even more so today.With the overwhelming presence of CCTV, attempts to control the internet and the reluctance of the UK government to abide rulings that it destroy DNA samples of innocent persons picked up by the police but never charged or found not guilty in court cases and numerous reductions in civil rights because of "terrorism" etc.
I was 16 when this was shown on the BBC,Woodward was a star after Callan but this series is not well known. I hardly saw it when it was on.
This series scared the crap out of me at the time and was the most real portrayal of what could happen here in Britain under a despotic government.And guess what?
