Callan: Season 2, Episodes 9 and 13

Callan (played by Edward Woodward) - far from the traditional suave "James Bond" secret agent is a reluctant employee of the government's dirty tricks Department, assigned to sort out 'problems'... by sanctioned murder if necessary.

Note that many early episodes have been wiped and are lost forever so I'm not skipping any, just watching those ones that still exist.

Episode 2.9 Death of a Friend - A French counter intelligence officer (and old friend of Callan's) dies on UK soil, but what was he up to and who is responsible? Intricately plotted with each clever twist and turn revealed as the assignment progresses this is a standout episode even within the normal high standard of the show. Edward Woodward is excellent as always, Myers (Anthony Valentine) as his co-worker revels in being unpleasant, Lonely (Callan’s petty thief sidekick) is played to perfection by Russell Hunter as he tries to carry out Callan’s wishes and the plot simply holds the whole thing together with real style. Given its time (1969) it is refreshing to see the gay issue acknowledged (and simply accepted by the straightforward acting Callan for one) and also the fact that some of the 'wrapping up' details are simply left for the viewer to accept or work out rather than them all being spoon-fed to the audience which shows what an intelligent show this is, as well as being 'realistically unpleasant' and thrilling. Superb.

Episode 2.13 The Worst Soldier I Ever Saw - The officer who got Callan thrown out of the army has no idea when he takes him on as his new batman that Callan has orders to ensure he doesn't take up a position in charge of a Middle East army. Re-edited from an unedited recording block (which was the only copy that survived) this episode had not been seen for some 40 years until this DVD release.
This is a more straightforward episode as Callan searches for a way to stop the officer 'defecting' without resorting to the final sanction of murder. However, though the mission and episode is more straightforward there are still complex elements only this time to do with the characters more than plot as the bullish officer, who sees himself as an honourable man finds himself at odds with his 'volunteer social worker' daughter (Tessa Wyatt) and also being manipulated into using underhand methods himself by his new employers... and though Callan stays cool and professional how much of a grudge is he holding inside? Great character piece and well portrayed by all resulting in a good, if not great, episode.