D.S. Freddie Spender is an undercover Geordie cop but has been in London for the last 15 years. He and his partner D.S. Colin Driver are on an undercover operation which goes horribly wrong and Spender is transferred back to his native Newcastle, much to his disgust. Upon his return, he must confront an ex-wife and kids, a murky past and some local villains. His boss, Supt. Yelland also dislikes Spender, and thinks he's a pain in the arse. Yelland assigns Spender to a case involving Raymond Price.
After Yelland tells Spender that he wants him to stick around for a while, he goes undercover on the oil-rigs following the suspicious death of Mr. Patel, an oil-rig worker.
Following a tip-off, Spender and Stick tail the glamorous Lorraine Hope. She's up to something, but what? Then Dan asks Spender to assist another undercover detective (Terry Knowle), who doesn't want his help.
Spender is assigned to look after a female Conservative politician named Bobby Montgomery. However, he is angered when Yelland teams up with him. However, Spender is injured when he is run down by a lorry whilst saving Bobby from being run over herself. After his spell in the hospital, Yelland has Spender put on the sick list and his car taken away. However, determined to do his job, he gets a job working for Iain Rutherford, the owner of the lorry which ran him over. Whilst driving for Rutherford he ends up being involved in a robbery!
Spender's god-daughter's boyfriend is killed in a motorbike accident and he poses as an ex army buddy of a drug courier.
Spender poses as an ex-shipyard worker with a load of redundancy money wanting to open a nightclub with local villain, Palmer. Spender also investigates a number of disappearances.
Stick is in court and Spender goes with him as support. After the hearing, Spender befriends Mal Balmer, an ex-boxer. As he gets to know Balmer, he realises that Mal is now a fist fighter.
Spender travels to London after he is summoned back by Inspector Greaves. And when he returns he's faced with the task of clearing Stick's name after he is arrested on suspicion of murder.
Stick and Spud get into trouble.
Spender is working undercover at a glass factory.
A friend of Keith's is in trouble with a drug dealer Mick McDonna.
Spender visits his Aunt Mabel.
Spender tries to track down a Newcastle United footballer, Kenny Cooper.
Spender starts to become disillusioned.
Spender is dating a new girlfriend, called Sandy. Whilst in the park with Laura and Kate, Spender comes across a dangerous rapist; he gives chase but loses him. Keith reveals to Spender that he is being bootlegged by a guy at the train station. Spender promises to investigate for him. Later, whilst in the same place that the rapes have been taking place, an undercover officer is about to be attacked, but Spender intervenes and gives chase. He ends up chasing a train down the track! Meanwhile, Frances tells Spender that she's going to marry Eric and they both agree to sign the divorce papers. Stick takes Eileen to dinner to celebrate his deal. He also invites Spender and Sandy and Keith and Emily. Sandy's husband turns up and informs Spender that he's dating his wife!
Dan isn't getting much sleep as he is wanting to win first prize for his flowers, so he and his friend are doing shifts keeping guard. Spender takes Laura and Kate out for the day. Whilst out on the hills Kate witnesses an attempted murder. A young boy called Jason Bamford is pushed off a cliff. Spender sends Stick out looking for the boy's attackers. He comes across a doss-house where free meals are being handed out. However, nobody will reveal anything about Jason Bamford, who has run away from home.
Spender digs up some dirt on Tommy Thornton.
Spender's affair with Janet Thornton deepens.
Spender is assigned to investigate a series of car thefts.
A local businessman and property developer is in Spender's sights.
Spender is sent to France to escort Tommy Thornton back to the UK.