Sapphire and Steel: The Complete Series

“Possibly the most mystifying and least coherent SF series ever to appear on TV,” noted The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction in regards to this 1979–1982 U.K. show from P.J. Hammond, better known for cop dramas. This cult classic has a Rod Serling-esque vibe but serial-type structure reminiscent of Doctor Who. Sapphire (Joanna Lumley) and Steel (David McCallum) are “operators” belonging to an unseen association—separate from the human race—who fix temporal anomalies on present-day Earth. The duo are long lived (the derelict ship Mary Celeste, discovered in 1872 unmanned and abandoned, was one of their jobs), and they possess telepathic and other powers (although the special effects here are low-key). The adventures, which take place on close-quarter sets, center on an abandoned railway station haunted by resentful war dead, an invisible high-rise suite concealing stranded time-explorers and their rebellious technology, and a financier whose 1930-themed party triggers time warps and murder (offering an amusing riff on Agatha Christie–style “cozy” whodunits). The finale (spoiler alert!) finds the pair outwitted and cast into a permanent limbo by an equally enigmatic nemesis. Compiling all 34 episodes of the series—which aired on Britain's ITV—this will most likely to appeal to sci-fi fans who lean toward Soviet talk-fests such as Solaris and Stalker. A strong optional purchase. (C. Cassady)