In this episode of Very British Futures, Gareth is joined by writer Stephen Hatcher to explore The Guardians (ITV, 1971), the gripping 13-part dystopian drama that imagined a Britain under authoritarian rule. Together, they revisit the series’ chilling vision of a one parry state, controlled media, violent political resistance, and a society kept in line by the brutal paramilitary force and secret police known as the Guardians, or ‘the G’s’. Gareth and Stephen examine its themes, production history, and the ways this drama resonates with contemporary anxieties about power and democracy. It stars a remarkable cast of actors, many before they became household names. They also consider a lost style of mainstream television, with long erudite scenes between characters. Join us as we shine a light on one of British television’s most thoughtful and rarely discussed sci-fi political thrillers. Very British Futures is a Phantom Frame production, hosted and produced by Gareth Preston. Music by Chatri Art.You can follow the podcast on X @futuresveryFind out more about Obverse Books Silver Archive https://obversebooks.co.uk/product-category/silver-archive/Book now for The Quatermass Event at the Quad in Derby https://www.derbyquad.co.uk/events/thequatermassevent/The Guardians on IMDB https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066666/reference/?ref_=nm_knf_t_2

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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