oxfam1uk

I have a very clear memory of a thriller serial starring Martin Jarvis. The story began with the parents of his character being murdered, as their car is caused to crash on a motorway.
It was quite a spectacular stunt, and was followed by a gruesome shot of their dead bodies inside the vehicle - it stuck in my mind as being unecessarily graphic (for the late 70s). The serial continued with his investigation into who wanted his parents dead.
I might be wrong, but I associate the name of writer Francis Durbridge with this serial. Could anyone tell me its title?

Thanks a lot !

batman

Martin Jarvis was in a 70s Durbridge thriller called Breakaway. I can't remember much about the plot but IIRC he played a policeman who also wrote books.

Bats.

bertie

Could it be the 1980 Francis Durbridge called Breakaway where Martin J was the Detective. This is one I've been searching for. I remember seeing it at the time but can remember little or nothing of the plot.

oxfam1uk

Thanks, I think this must be it. I'm surprised there is so little information about it on IMDB, as I remember it being quite a high-profile series for the BBC at the time.

Martin Jarvis was good in it, surprisingly serious, not his usual comedy persona.