Remembering Dennis

Sadly, actor Dennis Waterman has died aged

74.

An actor of many parts, I remember him best for his role as Detective Constable George Carter in The Sweeney.

Focusing on Scotland Yard's Flying Squad, it was a proper old-fashioned cops and robbers drama. A typical episode might go something like this:

..Detective sergeant George Carter enters the squad room at 7am Monday morning. First task of the day is preparing ‘breakfast’ for his boss Detective inspector Mr Reagan.

Slipping a bottle of blended scotch whisky from the filing cabinet, George tips the bottle and pours a measure for Mr Reagan and himself.

Here comes Detective Chief Inspector Mr Haskins and out comes the bottle again and Mr Haskins is poured a liberal serving. George’s and Mr Reagan’s cups are recharged, vessels are clinked in accordance with the toast and homage is paid to the Flying Squad.

Fortified, George and Mr Reagan are ready to begin their workday.

The job is perilous and might involve a thrilling car chase, or facing down desperados armed with illegally foreshortened shotguns.

Today they are meeting their snout in a local pub. A snout is usually a minor felon who volunteers information on upcoming armed robberies or ‘blags’ colloquially. He offers this service in exchange for cash or in lieu of the policemen turning a blind eye to his own crimes.