Due to an ITV technicians' strike which took the network completely off the air for three months, the first two episodes were broadcast in 1979 and the remaining episodes were not aired until a full repeat of the series began on 26 April 1980 on almost all ITV regions, except Southern Television (which started it on 1 May 1980) and Westward Television (which never broadcast the series).

The show starts with Charlie Endell returning to his native Glasgow after serving seven years (with three off for good behaviour).

He plans to re-establish himself in Glasgow after his former business empire in London was broken up by the vice squad.

Back in Glasgow, he visits his solicitor, Archibald Telfer, to acquire his "rainy day" cash.

Archibald Telfer apparently dies and the money disappears, but Charlie is convinced that the death has been faked.