To Hell With Justice
‘Good-bye, Neil.’

Edward Tyler is behaving strangely in Malta. He’s married, but on leave alone in the company of a very lovely lady. She’s apparently West German, and also traveling alone.

Tyler’s erratic behaviour causes a scramble at SIS. He’s been working hard, and may just be sewing some middle-aged oats. If he were defecting, though, it would be the biggest intelligence coup ever scored by the KGB and could damage the UK-US intelligence relationship badly.

The die is cast. Wellingham insists that if Tyler is doubling, he must be killed. Peele gets spooked and Gibbs opposes the order. Neil searches for some explanation of his old friend’s behaviour.

Burnside confronts Tyler in sunny Malta. The scene is a study in contrasting tones. The bright daylight fails to warm, as secrets, buried and cold, are revealed. Tyler’s casual dress and small stature standing in sharp contrast to the towering figure of Burnside, dressed to the hilt in a black, funereal suit.

Tyler’s last scene is quiet, well written and acted. His quiet dignity while revealing the tension of forces within him is heart-wrenching. Although far less violent than Laura Dickens’s offing, Edward Tyler’s departure is just as shocking, and perhaps even sadder.

Comedy moment
‘Badger, this is Bunny,’ says Mike via radio to Willie. He explains to Burnside, ‘I think he reads nursery rhymes in bed.’

Personnel file
Final appearance of D-Int Edward Tyler. First of two appearances by Len Shepherd, the station Number Two in Malta.