With reported crime on the increase in the 1980's, a number of people banded together to form neighbourhood watch groups. Writer Miles Tredinnick ( a huge fan of old school comedies ) penned a sitcom about one such group, led by Major John Wyatt. It was a perfect role for Brian Wilde, who'd just left 'Last Of The Summer Wine' after many years in which he played old soldier 'Foggy Dewhurst'. Wyatt was not a million miles removed from that character. When Wyatt's sister 'Edwina' ( Anne Ridler ) is burgled, he takes action. His raw recruits include 'Peter Pitt' ( Trevor Bannister ), who sees the group as a golden opportunity to promote his business interests ( he sells burglar alarms ) and the sexy 'Virginia Lovell' ( April Walker, from the 'Fawlty Towers' episode 'The Permissive Society'. Added to the mix are David Jackson ( of 'Blake's 7' fame ) as a vicar, and James Warrior as a police sergeant. 'Dad's Army' appears to have been a major influence - pompous man in charge of useless recruits. Also the final season of 'The Fall & Rise Of Reginald Perrin' in which Reggie was head of his own community. All the ingredients for a decent sitcom were put in place and yet, something went wrong. The scripts mainly. Had Roy Clarke written the show, I'm sure it would have been a hit. But the actors were not given strong material to work with, and that's a shame. After only six episodes, Wyatt got his marching orders. Wilde returned ( briefly ) to Holmfirth. He was later quoted as saying "The show ( Wyatt's Watchdogs ) did not work. It was a good idea though!". Indeed.
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