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Sapphire and Steel is a British science fiction television series that was originally broadcasted on ITV from 1979 to 1982. Created by Peter J. Hammond, the show stars Joanna Lumley as Sapphire and David McCallum as Steel, two mysterious interdimensional operatives tasked with protecting time and space from malevolent forces.

The show revolves around Sapphire and Steel, two agents who are assigned to investigate and solve supernatural occurrences that threaten to destabilize the fabric of time and space. Sapphire, the enigmatic and elegant protagonist, possesses powers of telepathy, mind reading, and time manipulation while Steel, the sturdy and no-nonsense counterpart, is a man of science and logic who investigates the supernatural with a rational and analytical mind.

Together, they are sent on missions that take them to different time periods and dimensions, from the distant past to the far future. Each episode is standalone, with Sapphire and Steel being given a new challenge to overcome in each one. The series is a collection of science fiction, horror, and supernatural stories that often involve time travel, ghosts, alternate realities, and other mysterious phenomena.

One of the show's most distinctive aspects is its use of surreal and atmospheric visuals, eerie sound effects, and minimalistic sets that create an otherworldly atmosphere. The showrunners made the most of its limited budget by creating an atmosphere of dread and unease through the use of lighting and sound effects.

Joanna Lumley and David McCallum's performances are essential to the success of the show. Their on-screen chemistry, banter, and rapport make for a compelling partnership. Their opposite personalities complement each other and their differences are used for optimum effect in their Sherlock and Watson-esque dynamic. Sapphire's emotive and empathic abilities make up for Steel's somewhat brusque nature, and the two together make a well-rounded team.

Despite its popularity, Sapphire and Steel only ran for four seasons, with each season being comprised of a few episodes that were broadcasted sporadically. The show was canceled due to disagreements between Peter Hammond, the series creator, and the network over the direction of the show.

In conclusion, Sapphire and Steel is a haunting and atmospheric sci-fi series that showcases the talents of the leading duo, along with its visible but decent budget. The show's otherworldly aesthetics and compelling storylines make it a classic in the genre, while its air of mystery and ambiguity make it unique. Despite its brief run, it is beloved by fans and has left a lasting impact on British television.

Sapphire and Steel is a series that ran for 4 seasons (54 episodes) between July 10, 1979 and on ITV