A sandbagger mission behind the Iron Curtain goes badly wrong. Sandbagger #2 Jake Landly is killed at the border with the West. In an emotional scene, it was Sandbagger #3 Alan Denson that shot him, to prevent capture and interrogation by the Russians.
Denson is deeply affected and wants to quit the S.I.S. to get married. Burnside in his office warmly congratulates Denson, but when he leaves, Burnside turns to Sandbagger #1 Willie Caine, " I'm not letting him go Willie, I can't cover the globe with one sandbagger"
C " you haven't spoken to him I have boss."
B " so"
C " well the marriage could all be an excuse. He now knows the cavalry doesn't always come over the hill. He didn't expect the mission could end up with him shooting his pal"
B " exactly, get rid of the girl get rid of the excuse. Find out all you can about this Sally "
C " oh boss, do you really want a digging job on Sally Graham"
B " I want you to follow orders. Follow her, I'll do her flat"
Burnside breaks into her flat and going through her diary finds the name Mick Manley mentioned.
Willie follows her, she goes to a restaurant and meets a guy called Mick. Later she goes back to his place and stays the night. Next morning Willie reports to Burnside.
B " sounds promising"
C " it's probably all innocent. We can't prove anything"
B " I'm not interested in proof, suspicion will do me"
C " oh boss boss, let him go"
Willie Caine realises Burnside is going too far.
Burnside intercepts Sally in Hyde park.
B " Miss Graham I'm Neil Burnside, Alan's boss. I've something to show you"
He hands her an envelope with photos of her from her night out with Manley.
S " why are you spying on me?"
B " you're Alan's excuse for quitting his job. You know Alan's work is governmental"
S " yes of course"
B " I want you to give him up. If not I'll tell him about Mick Manley. That you stayed overnight at his place"
S " I got drunk that's all, I couldn't drive back to my place"
B " Alan doesn't like Manley does he?"
S " no he doesn't. He doesn't get that we're just friends"
B " he won't understand when we tell him you had an overnight bag packed"
S " I didn't"
B " the way we tell it you did"
S " leave me alone"
B " or I can have you arrested for soliciting, stripped and drugged in bed with a number of guys"
S " you may have to Mr Burnside, I'm not giving him up, for you or your service"
B " I'm sorry, but you really won't know what'll hit you"
If that wasn't enough there's also a side plot about a government minister's gay brother being indiscreet in Paris and Wellingham, the Foreign Secretary aide and ex father in law of Burnside, wanting SIS to stop it.
Back to previous episode
https://www.imdforums.com/threads/the-sandbaggers-s01e02-a-proper-function-of-government.4798/
On to the next episode,
https://www.imdforums.com/threads/the-sandbaggers-s01e04-the-most-suitable-person.4813/
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