Doomwatch: Winter Angel

My review is based on my recollection of this TV pilot when it was originally broadcast on Channel 5 in the UK, back in 1999. The details of characters and plot points are now pretty vague in my memory (12+ years having now passed) but I can still remember that I enjoyed this programme in much the same way I enjoyed The Quatermass Conclusion (i.e. Nice to see a favourite back on TV but disappointed that it wasn't like the "original"). I should also point out that I am familiar with the "original" Doomwatch TV series of the 70's and the Ian Bannen film version of 1972, owning VHS & DVD copies of each.

This type of film needs to be carried by a lead actor up to the task and in that respect Trevor Eve handles the heroic starring roll with aplomb, giving his character the gravitas required to fulfill that position. No!!!, that sounds poncy. What I meant to say was Trevor Eve is good in it. I don't remember thinking anything more about the acting in this film. I remember that the plot intrigued me. I also remember that the ending was good, setting the scene for a series that unfortunately never transpired.

I see that this film is now available on DVD. I personally wont bother buying the DVD. Although Doomwatch: Winter Angel had it's moments, had an interesting storyline, and great potential as a new TV series, the bottom line is that unsatisfactory feeling of watching another failed TV pilot, and I've seen so many of them over the years. However, if they ever repeat it on TV and I'm not doing anything that day I'll probably record it.

Though not outstanding, this was a decent thriller to get involved with. I suppose it would have been easier for me to understand if I had watched the original series, "Doomwatch". The gist I got, was that the Doomwatch team was a watchdog group watching governments and private industries for illegal and immoral practices.

The leader of the group, though retired is Spencer Quist(Philip Stone) who is the mentor of Neil Tannahill(Trevor Eve) and Toby Ross(Miles Anderson). The story begins in 1999. Quist is retired and Tannahill teaches post-graduate Physics at the local university. As he was drawn into the Doomwatch project, he draws his students into it as well asking for help to decipher cryptic notes from Quist. In another part of England, Ross is working with the Pandora Corporation to develop clean energy. They develop a Black Hole, which goes out of control. Ross is prevented from asking for help by the government and the corporation. He is out of his league and the hole is losing stability. Because the project is so secret, the security forces seek out and kill those who have knowledge of any part of the project. The only ones standing in the way are the members of Doomwatch and a local police officer(John Vine).

When Quist is killed under suspicious circumstances, Tannahill seeks out Ross to find out about the project and forces Ross to accept his help. Between the two Physicists, the hole is brought under control, but will remain in it's current position for the rest of time.

I have discovered that this was supposed to be the pilot of a new series of "Doomwatch" episodes called "Winter Angel". It was a shame it didn't sell, because as I finished watching it, I decided to check to see if there were any other episodes made. I found only the series from 1970, of which several episodes are missing. I then looked to see if anyone had written any books or if the series itself was based on a novel, like so many are. There weren't any novels or novelettes.

This is a disappointment because with the quality of actors involved in the project, it would have been an enjoyable series to watch.