'Head of State' directed by Robert Tronson, written by John Bowen, ITV, tx. 24/7/1971

England, the near future. Prime Minister Tim Hobson faces a diplomatic crisis. France objects to Britain's participation in a united European defence force, because of its abandonment of democracy. The French President also refuses to attend a forthcoming meeting of European Heads of State on the grounds that Britain's Head of State - the Queen - is in self-imposed exile in protest at the suspension of Parliament. Unwilling to recognise Hobson as Head of State, the President is willing to meet only the real ruler - the General. However, the General prefers a back seat role, sustaining the illusion that the prime minister governs Britain.

After a somewhat tetchy evening with his father, the Prime Minister's son, Chris, takes a late night walk. By the Thames, he meets Clare Weston, an unhappy young woman. He offers her a sympathetic ear and, eventually, she invites him home, where she explains that she has had a miscarriage and that her husband, a Guardian officer, is missing, probably dead. He was also, she says, a Communist. Chris is initially sceptical, but finally promises to investigate.

After a meeting with France's foreign secretary, which resolves the issue of the defence force but not of the President's attendance at the summit, the prime minister asks Norman, Cabinet Secretary and the General's representative, about Captain Weston. Norman is evasive, then says that Weston is missing, probably dead.

In an effort to reinforce his authority, Hobson sacks his home secretary, and lectures his cabinet on their accountability to him. Norman is initially shocked but ultimately unimpressed, and afterwards implies that if he becomes a problem, Hobson may be killed or 'disappear'.

Chris and Claire are interrupted by two Guardian officers, who arrest Chris for possession of cannabis they planted in his flat. Despite his co-operation, Chris is beaten for 'resisting arrest'.

Later, Hobson discusses with his defence secretary and friend, Geoffrey Hollis, the disbandment of the Guardians. Hollis proposes reintegrating its members into the police and armed forces. Norman arrives to inform Hobson of Chris's arrest.

After seeing Chris, Hobson visits the General, ostensibly to 'surrender'. At the next cabinet meeting, however, he announces that a solution to the diplomatic crisis has been found, and introduces the new defence secretary - the General. He appoints Hollis as home secretary and announces plans to dismantle the Guardians.

Satisfied that he has regained control, Hobson magnanimously refuses the crestfallen Norman's offer of resignation.