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Which 1997 British crime drama mini-series, starring Eamonn Walker and Ade Sapara, focuses on a special police unit tackling serious organized crime?

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Supply and Demand - television illustration
Supply and Demand — television

The 1997 British crime drama mini-series described is indeed Supply and Demand (Review). This gripping production first aired with a feature-length pilot on ITV in February 1997, introducing viewers to a specialized police unit dedicated to combating serious organized crime. The series starred Eamonn Walker as the streetwise DS Jake Brown and Ade Sapara as the Cambridge-educated DI Carl Harrington, two detectives with contrasting styles who are thrown together in dangerous undercover operations.

Supply and Demand centers on the Elite Specialist Undercover Squad (ESUS), an experimental team of Britain's best undercover police officers. Their mission involves high-risk operations targeting major criminal importers and smugglers, often delving into the seedy underbelly of organized crime. The series was created and devised by Lynda La Plante, a renowned writer known for her gritty police procedurals, most notably "Prime Suspect." Her signature style brought a realistic and intense portrayal of the psychological and physical perils faced by those working deep undercover.

Following its successful pilot, a full series of six episodes was broadcast in 1998, continuing the intense narratives and character development. The show explored the complexities of policing major criminal enterprises, showcasing the intricate planning and personal sacrifices involved in bringing down powerful crime syndicates.