The XYY Man

1 9 7 6 - 1 9 7 7 (UK)
13 x 60 minute episodes

William "Spider" Scott had a spare chromosome in his cell structure - an extra "Y" chromosome which made him unusually tall and instilled in him the urge to steal. 

Scott had become an accomplished cat burglar but had retired - until the mysterious Fairfax of the British secret service enticed him to commit a break-in at a foreign embassy.

After the embassy affair and its drawn-out consequences, Spider found it difficult to go straight again, especially when Fairfax reappeared asking him to spring a criminal from jail. On his trail at all times were Detective Sergeant Bulman and Detective Constable Willis of Scotland Yard (and later of Strangers). 

This early incarnation of Bulman was quite unlike the quirky later model. Here he was far from sympathetic, and was rough and unstinting in his pursuit of the ever elusive Spider.

The Granada TV series was based on the book by Scottish author Kenneth Royce and began with a three part mini-drama in 1976.