Bird of Prey

One of the best things the BBC ever produced and still fondly remembered by thirtysomethings, this classic TV thriller pits mild-mannered computer programmer Henry Jay (the superb Richard Griffiths) against a malevolent conspiracy. The strengths in plot and characterisation remind one of Hitchcock's adage about ordinary people (Jay's hobby is stamp-collecting) in extraordinary circumstances. Music by Dave Greenslade of the eponymous Seventies Prog-Rockers (he went on to create the Pentateuch with fantasy artist Patrick Woodruffe). Michael Wearing went on to produce Edge of Darkness.

What a great mixture of conspiracy plot and geekyness. Superbly acted by Richard Griffiths who brings an understated, tolerant competence to the role. A hero for every ordinary person sitting in an unglamourous job if ever there was one.

Everyone around him puts him down for being too caught in detail...but that comes to his rescue and Mr. Average/Boring lights the story in a way that will have you cheering.

If ever you wanted to understand how the internet works and some of the risks it opens up for organised crime you could do a lot worse that watch this one. When it came out I took the phone off the hook and concentrated. It's a four parter that brings everything together in the most unexpected way...leaving the door open for series two.