The Jewel in the Crown (1984) (Episode 10)

Part 10 of 14 of the period drama. Sarah travels to Bombay to meet her father, Colonel John Layton, who has been freed from his prisoner of war camp. Colonel Layton is concerned as to the well-being of a Havildar from his Regiment who apparently joined the Frei Hind, the Nazi version of the Indian National Army who fought with the Japanese. And he may have good cause, as the officer in charge of the case is none other than Major Ronald Merrick. Meanwhile Sgt. Guy Peron from Field Security is in Bombay to attend a party where it has been reported there has been much discussion of planned military operation. Drafted as a witness to Merrick's interview of the Havildar, the Major takes a liking to him and decides to have Peron transferred to his staff. What proves even more crucial is that Peron happens to of been a former private student at Chillingborough university, and knew Hari Kumar... Starring Geraldine James, Tim Pigott-Smith, Charles Dance, Frederick Treves, Rosemary Leach, Eric Porter, Derrick Branche, James Bree, Hebe Chitnis, Alpha Gupta, Mohammed Hassan, Talib Johnny, David Leland, William MacBaine, Jamilla Massey and Paul Satvendar. This is from old video tapes I found in a charity shop a few years back. A huge success both in viewing figures and in awards showered on it, it was broadcast at the start of 1984 and ran through until March, making stars of many of the cast. Charles Dance was one of them and makes his first appearance at last, but he reminds you of another absence from the series - just where is Art Malik as Hari Kumar? Will he ever be seen again, let alone freed? Keep watching and you'll find out...