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* {{Hey It's That Voice!}}: Mark Gatiss as Gold.
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* {{Hey It's That Voice!}}: HeyItsThatVoice: Mark Gatiss as Gold.
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* {{Hey It's That Voice!}}: Mark Gatiss as Gold.
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This is not Wikipedia; we don\'t do the bold-titles thing.
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'''''Sapphire and Steel''''' (1979-1982) is a British series sitting squarely at the intersection of ScienceFantasy and {{Horror}}. It was ATV's [[DuelingShows answer]] to the classic ''Series/DoctorWho'' series. The title characters, played by Creator/JoannaLumley and David [=McCallum=], are stoic inter-dimensional agents who protect... um, something. The opening monologue above is really all the explanation we ever get. Their role seems to involve preventing [[EldritchAbomination Lovecraftian horrors]] from slipping in through weak spots in time and snatching things. Exactly what this means -- or for that matter, what Sapphire and Steel ''themselves'' really are -- never quite becomes clear.
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''Sapphire and Steel'' (1979-1982) was a British series sitting squarely at the intersection of ScienceFantasy and {{Horror}}. It was ATV's [[DuelingShows answer]] to the classic ''Series/DoctorWho'' series. The titular characters, played by JoannaLumley and [[Series/{{NCIS}} David [=McCallum=]]], are stoic inter-dimensional agents who protect... um, something. The opening monologue above is really all the explanation we ever get. Their role seems to involve preventing [[EldritchAbomination Lovecraftian horrors]] from slipping in through weak spots in time and snatching things. Exactly what this means -- or for that matter, what Sapphire and Steel ''themselves'' really are -- never quite becomes clear.
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!!The TV series provides examples of:
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* PstandardPsychicPstance: Averted with Sapphire, who has a characteristic stance -- whenever she channels information or takes time forward/backward she stands still and [[GlowingEyes her eyes glow a bright blue]] -- but not ''the'' pstandard pstance. Played straight with Rothwyn, in Assignment 3, who uses the pstance.
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* PstandardPsychicPstance: PstandardPsychicPstance:
** Rothwyn, in Assignment 3, uses the pstance.
** Averted with Sapphire, who has a characteristic stance -- whenever she channels information or takes time forward/backward she stands still and [[GlowingEyes her eyes glow a bright blue]] -- but not ''the'' pstandardpstance. Played straight with Rothwyn, in Assignment 3, who uses the pstance.
** Rothwyn, in Assignment 3, uses the pstance.
** Averted with Sapphire, who has a characteristic stance -- whenever she channels information or takes time forward/backward she stands still and [[GlowingEyes her eyes glow a bright blue]] -- but not ''the'' pstandard
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* PstandardPsychicPstance: Averted with Sapphire, who has a characteristic stance -- whenever she channels information or takes time forward/backward she stands still and [[GlowingEyes her eyes glow a bright blue]] -- but it's not ''the'' pstandard pstance. Played straight with Rothwyn, in Assignment 3, whose husband discusses (and demonstrates) the pstance.
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* PstandardPsychicPstance: Averted with Sapphire, who has a characteristic stance -- whenever she channels information or takes time forward/backward she stands still and [[GlowingEyes her eyes glow a bright blue]] -- but it's not ''the'' pstandard pstance. Played straight with Rothwyn, in Assignment 3, whose husband discusses (and demonstrates) who uses the pstance.
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* {{Retirony}}: The fighter pilot in Assignment 2, who died in a crash shortly before he was due to be demobbed.
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* {{Retirony}}: The fighter pilot in Assignment 2, who died in a crash shortly on his last flight before he was due to be demobbed.demobilized.
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* SurrealHorror
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* SurrealHorrorSurrealHorror: The series' stock in trade.
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context
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* {{Retirony}}: The pilot in Assignment 2.
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* {{Retirony}}: The fighter pilot in Assignment 2.2, who died in a crash shortly before he was due to be demobbed.
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* PstandardPsychicPstance: Averted. Sapphire has a characteristic stance -- whenever she channels information or takes time forward/backward she stands still and [[GlowingEyes her eyes glow a bright blue]] -- but it's not ''the'' pstandard pstance.
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* PstandardPsychicPstance: Averted. Sapphire Averted with Sapphire, who has a characteristic stance -- whenever she channels information or takes time forward/backward she stands still and [[GlowingEyes her eyes glow a bright blue]] -- but it's not ''the'' pstandard pstance. Played straight with Rothwyn, in Assignment 3, whose husband discusses (and demonstrates) the pstance.
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* {{Retirony}}: The pilot in Assignment 2.
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From 2005 to 2008, BigFinish released a series of ''Sapphire & Steel'' [[AudioAdaptation audio dramas]]; unusually for Big Finish's audio ranges, the original cast did ''not'' return--bar David Collins as Silver--so Susannah Harker and David Warner were cast in the title roles. ([=McCallum=] was in the US filming ''Series/{{NCIS}}'', and Lumley declined. That said, they are apparently both still fond of the series.)
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From 2005 to 2008, BigFinish released a series of ''Sapphire & Steel'' [[AudioAdaptation audio dramas]]; unusually for Big Finish's audio ranges, the original cast did ''not'' return--bar David Collins Collings as Silver--so Susannah Harker and David Warner were cast in the title roles. ([=McCallum=] was in the US filming ([=McCallum=], a series regular on ''Series/{{NCIS}}'', and was living in the [=US=]; Lumley simply declined. That said, they are apparently both are on record as still fond of the series.series and proud of their work on it.)
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* CharmPerson: As opposed to [[TheStoic Steel]], Sapphire is "the diplomat" and can quickly develop a rapport with humans. She can use this to charm information out of people. It’s even slightly [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] in Assignment 5 after the secretary discovers that Sapphire was distracting her while Steel looked for information in the computer.
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* CharmPerson: As opposed to [[TheStoic Steel]], Sapphire is "the diplomat" and can quickly develop a rapport with humans. She can use this to charm information out of people. It’s It's even slightly [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] in Assignment 5 after the secretary discovers that Sapphire was distracting her while Steel looked for information in the computer.
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* ResetButton: Used in both Assignments 1 and 5. In Assignment 1, [[spoiler: Sapphire and Steel save Rob and succeed in freezing the the evil-light. Sapphire takes time back and everything returns to normal for Rob.]] At the end of Assignment 5, [[spoiler: Sapphire and Steel walk out of the Mullrine mansion and the dinner party begins again as though they were never there.]]
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* ResetButton: Used in both Assignments 1 and 5. In Assignment 1, [[spoiler: Sapphire and Steel save Rob and succeed in freezing the the evil-light. Sapphire takes time back and everything returns to normal for Rob.]] At the end of Assignment 5, [[spoiler: Sapphire and Steel walk out of the Mullrine mansion and the dinner party begins again as though they were never there.]]
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Second time I\'ve made this mistake! You\'d think I\'d learn.
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* TheTeaser: Sapphire and Silver, towards Steel.
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* TheTeaser: Sapphire The first episode in every assignment has a cold open teaser that introduces the setting and Silver, towards Steel. guest cast. Later episodes use recaps before the opening sequence.
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From 2005 to 2008, BigFinish released a series of ''Sapphire & Steel'' [[AudioAdaptation audio dramas]], casting Susannah Harker and David Warner in the title roles. ([=McCallum=] was in the US filming ''Series/{{NCIS}}'', and Lumley declined. That said, they are apparently both still fond of the series.)
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From 2005 to 2008, BigFinish released a series of ''Sapphire & Steel'' [[AudioAdaptation audio dramas]], casting dramas]]; unusually for Big Finish's audio ranges, the original cast did ''not'' return--bar David Collins as Silver--so Susannah Harker and David Warner were cast in the title roles. ([=McCallum=] was in the US filming ''Series/{{NCIS}}'', and Lumley declined. That said, they are apparently both still fond of the series.)
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* CharmPerson: As opposed to [[TheStoic Steel]], Sapphire has a very alluring personality which often attracts others. She can easily charm information out of people. It’s even slightly [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] in Assignment 5 after the secretary discovers that Sapphire was distracting her while Steel looked for information in the computer.
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* CharmPerson: As opposed to [[TheStoic Steel]], Sapphire has is "the diplomat" and can quickly develop a very alluring personality which often attracts others. rapport with humans. She can easily use this to charm information out of people. It’s even slightly [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] in Assignment 5 after the secretary discovers that Sapphire was distracting her while Steel looked for information in the computer.
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* EldritchAbomination
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* EldritchAbominationEldritchAbomination: The series' main antagonist(s). Maybe.
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* TheGadFly: Silver loves to pick on Steel because Steel is so serious and often says things just to get a rise or reaction out of him.
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* TheGadFly: Silver loves to pick on Steel because Steel is so serious serious, and often says things just things--or flirts with Sapphire--just to get a rise or reaction out of him.
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** The crowning example perhaps being when he [[spoiler:makes poor old Mr. Tully a sacrificial offering to the darkness in Assignment 2, without Tully's permission, so that the ghosts can be freed]], although he does inquire [[spoiler:whether Tully has any dependents]], and seems relieved that [[spoiler:Tully's cats will be looked after by the neighbors]].
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** The crowning example perhaps being when he [[spoiler:makes poor old Mr. Tully a sacrificial offering to the darkness in Assignment 2, without Tully's permission, so that the ghosts can be freed]], although he does inquire [[spoiler:whether Tully has any dependents]], and seems relieved that [[spoiler:Tully's cats cat will be looked after by the neighbors]].
* StockUnsolvedMysteries: In Assignment 1, the disappearance of the ''Mary Celeste'' is revealed to have been a past assignment. Sapphire, Steel, and Lead were apparently involved.
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* TheTeaser
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* TheTeaserTheTeaser: Sapphire and Silver, towards Steel.
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''Sapphire and Steel'' (1979-1982) was a British series sitting squarely at the intersection of ScienceFantasy and {{Horror}}. It was ATV's [[DuelingShows answer]] to the classic ''Series/DoctorWho'' series. The titular characters, played by JoannaLumley and [[Series/{{NCIS}} David [=McCallum=]]], are stoic inter-dimensional agents who protect, um, something. The opening monologue above is really all the explanation we ever get. Their role seems to involve preventing [[EldritchAbomination Lovecraftian horrors]] from slipping in through weak spots in time and snatching things. Exactly what this means -- or for that matter, what Sapphire and Steel ''themselves'' really are -- never quite becomes clear.
Sapphire and Steel were, in addition to being irascible and detached, telepathic. Sapphire also had the ability to "take back time", rewinding it a bit over a localized area, and could deduce the age and background of things and people by touching them (or perhaps the information was being transmitted to her by MissionControl; like everything else, it's not clear). This made her eyes glow blue. Steel, on the other hand, was even more detached and irascible, could sustain a temperature of absolute zero (allowing him to freeze, well, time), and was telekinetic. But mostly, they just stood very still and looked directly into the camera. Given the calibre of the actors in question, this is a ''lot'' more interesting -- and a lot more scary -- than it sounds, and [=McCallum=] and Lumley somehow manage to hold it together.
Sapphire and Steel were, in addition to being irascible and detached, telepathic. Sapphire also had the ability to "take back time", rewinding it a bit over a localized area, and could deduce the age and background of things and people by touching them (or perhaps the information was being transmitted to her by MissionControl; like everything else, it's not clear). This made her eyes glow blue. Steel, on the other hand, was even more detached and irascible, could sustain a temperature of absolute zero (allowing him to freeze, well, time), and was telekinetic. But mostly, they just stood very still and looked directly into the camera. Given the calibre of the actors in question, this is a ''lot'' more interesting -- and a lot more scary -- than it sounds, and [=McCallum=] and Lumley somehow manage to hold it together.
to:
''Sapphire and Steel'' (1979-1982) was a British series sitting squarely at the intersection of ScienceFantasy and {{Horror}}. It was ATV's [[DuelingShows answer]] to the classic ''Series/DoctorWho'' series. The titular characters, played by JoannaLumley and [[Series/{{NCIS}} David [=McCallum=]]], are stoic inter-dimensional agents who protect, protect... um, something. The opening monologue above is really all the explanation we ever get. Their role seems to involve preventing [[EldritchAbomination Lovecraftian horrors]] from slipping in through weak spots in time and snatching things. Exactly what this means -- or for that matter, what Sapphire and Steel ''themselves'' really are -- never quite becomes clear.
Sapphire and Steel were, in addition to being irascible and detached, telepathic. Sapphire also had the ability to "take back time", rewinding it a bit over a localized area, and could deduce the age and background of things and people by touching them (or perhaps the information was being transmitted to her by MissionControl; like everything else, it's not clear). This made her eyes glow blue. Steel, on the other hand, was evenmore ''more'' detached and irascible, could sustain a temperature of absolute zero (allowing him to freeze, well, time), and was telekinetic. But mostly, they just stood very still and looked directly into the camera. Given the calibre of the actors in question, this is a ''lot'' more interesting -- and a lot more scary -- than it sounds, and [=McCallum=] and Lumley somehow manage to hold it together.
Sapphire and Steel were, in addition to being irascible and detached, telepathic. Sapphire also had the ability to "take back time", rewinding it a bit over a localized area, and could deduce the age and background of things and people by touching them (or perhaps the information was being transmitted to her by MissionControl; like everything else, it's not clear). This made her eyes glow blue. Steel, on the other hand, was even
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From 2005 to 2008, BigFinish released a series of ''Sapphire & Steel'' [[AudioAdaptation audio dramas]], casting Susannah Harker and David Warner in the title roles.
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From 2005 to 2008, BigFinish released a series of ''Sapphire & Steel'' [[AudioAdaptation audio dramas]], casting Susannah Harker and David Warner in the title roles.
roles. ([=McCallum=] was in the US filming ''Series/{{NCIS}}'', and Lumley declined. That said, they are apparently both still fond of the series.)
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* CodeName: In Assignment 5, a human assisting Sapphire and Steel assumes that "Sapphire" and "Steel" are code names, and asks if he can have a code name too.
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* ClosedCircle: ''Every'' assignment except possibly Assignment 2. Generally this gets an explanation along the lines of "Time won't let us leave".
* CodeName: In Assignment 5, a human assisting Sapphire and Steel assumes that "Sapphire" and "Steel" are code names, and asks if he can have a code name too. (He gets dubbed "Brass" for the duration.)
* CodeName: In Assignment 5, a human assisting Sapphire and Steel assumes that "Sapphire" and "Steel" are code names, and asks if he can have a code name too. (He gets dubbed "Brass" for the duration.)
* GlowingEyes: Sapphire's eyes glow bright blue when she's using her powers.
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* ResetButton: Used in both Assignments 1 and 5. In Assignment 1, [[spoiler: Sapphire and Steel save Rob and succeed in freezing the the evil-light. Sapphire takes time back and everything returns to normal for Rob.]] At the end of Assignment 5, [[spoiler: Sapphire and Steel walk out of the Mulrine mansion and the dinner party begins again as though they were never there.]]
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* ResetButton: Used in both Assignments 1 and 5. In Assignment 1, [[spoiler: Sapphire and Steel save Rob and succeed in freezing the the evil-light. Sapphire takes time back and everything returns to normal for Rob.]] At the end of Assignment 5, [[spoiler: Sapphire and Steel walk out of the Mulrine Mullrine mansion and the dinner party begins again as though they were never there.]]
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** As does Assignment 4.
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** As does Assignment 4.4 also has sinister childhood rhymes.
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* UnresolvedSexualTension: Sapphire & Steel; Sapphire & Silver. {{Fanon}} also assumes {{UST}} between Steel & Jet.
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* UndercoverAsLovers: Sapphire and Steel pose as a married couple for Assignment 5. There's even an almost-FakeOutMakeOut when they sense someone's about to walk in on their planning session.
* UnresolvedSexualTension: Sapphire &Steel; Steel, of course; Sapphire & Silver. Silver, of whom Steel gets adorably jealous in Assignment 3. {{Fanon}} also assumes {{UST}} between Steel & Jet.Jet based on Jet "sending her love" in Assignment 1.
* UnresolvedSexualTension: Sapphire &
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The TV examples are listed further up the page.
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* IronicNurseryTune: In Assignment 1, Assignment 3, and Assignment 4, and any number of the audios.
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* IronicNurseryTune: In Assignment 1, Assignment 3, and Assignment 4, and any number of the audios.
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* IntriguedByHumanity: Silver finds humanity rather confusing, but interesting. Sapphire sometimes envies humanity and the freedoms and the PowerOfLove they have.
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* PowerTrio: When Sapphire and Steel are joined by either Lead or Silver. Is a TokenTrio when joined by Lead, and a trio of BeautyBrainsAndBrawn when joined by Silver.
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* FakingTheDead: [spoiler: In "Zero" Gold tries to kill Silver by sending him drifting off into space when Silver goes out suited up to try to fix something, but Silver had suspected Gold and fakes it and even sends out a goodbye psychic soliloquy]]
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* FakingTheDead: [spoiler: [[spoiler: In "Zero" Gold tries to kill Silver by sending him drifting off into space when Silver goes out suited up to try to fix something, but Silver had suspected Gold and fakes it and even sends out a goodbye psychic soliloquy]]
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* HumansAreMorons: A view held in varying degrees by all the Elements because of how often it is humanity through whose meddling and inventiveness that creates ways for Time to start escaping and wreaking havoc. Steel sees humans as stupid, but will fight to his last breath to save them, though if what they do threatens the stability of the rest of the universe, he would not hesitate to sacrifice them as an acceptible loss; Sapphire more thinks humanity has more a [[HumansAreFlawed charming, if troublesome, flaw]] of being very imaginative and ambitious and thinks the universe would be a much pooerer place without them; Gold thinks humans are straight up morons who should be wiped from the universe to save the Elements and the rest of the universe the trouble they cause; and Silver sees humans as morons for getting into and creating things of which they do not fully count the consequences, but he admires their ingenuity and inventiveness and does not particularly begrudge them the amout of work they cause him.
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* HumansAreMorons: A view held in varying degrees by all the Elements because of how often it is humanity through whose meddling and inventiveness that creates ways for Time to start escaping and wreaking havoc. Steel sees humans as stupid, but will fight to his last breath to save them, though if what they do threatens the stability of the rest of the universe, he would not hesitate to sacrifice them as an acceptible loss; Sapphire more thinks humanity has more a [[HumansAreFlawed charming, if troublesome, flaw]] of being very imaginative and ambitious and thinks the universe would be a much pooerer poorer place without them; Gold thinks humans are straight up morons who should be wiped from the universe to save the Elements and the rest of the universe the trouble they cause; and Silver sees humans as morons for getting into and creating things of which they do not fully count the consequences, but he admires their ingenuity and inventiveness and does not particularly begrudge them the amout of work they cause him.
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* RedemptionEqualsDeath: [[Gold. Steel practically invokes this trope by name when telling Gold how Gold can atone for his betrayal.]]
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* RedemptionEqualsDeath: [[Gold.[[spoiler: Gold. Steel practically invokes this trope by name when telling Gold how Gold can atone for his betrayal.]]
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* HumansAreMorons: A view held in varying degrees by all the Elements because of how often it is humanity through whose meddling and inventiveness that creates ways for Time to start escaping and wreaking havoc. Steel sees humans as stupid, but will fight to his last breath to save them, though if what they do threatens the stability of the rest of the universe, he would not hesitate to sacrifice them as an acceptible loss; Sapphire more thinks humanity has more a [[HumansAreFlawed charming, if troublesome, flaw]] of being very imaginative and ambitious and thinks the universe would be a much pooerer place without them; Gold thinks humans are straight up morons who should be wiped from the universe to save the Elements and the rest of the universe the trouble they cause; and Silver sees humans as morons for getting into and creating things of which they do not fully count the consequences, but he admires their ingenuity and inventiveness and does not particularly begrudge them the amout of work they cause him.
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* FakingTheDead: [spoiler: In "Zero" Gold tries to kill Silver by sending him drifting off into space when Silver goes out suited up to try to fix something, but Silver had suspected Gold and fakes it and even sends out a goodbye psychic soliloquy]]
* InsufferableGenius: Gold
* InsufferableGenius: Gold
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* SmugSnake: Gold
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* DidYouJustScamCthulhu: Silver uses his reputation for being the most practical one when it comes to knowing when he's up against something he can't handle and suggesting or undertaking a tactical retreat (aka a coward) and the fact that he is physically one of the weakest Elements, to stall the Transient Beings (to whom even Steel is a weakling in comparison) into listening to him bargain for his own safety with a copy of an artifact they were after to give Steel time to get it away from them.
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* [[spoiler: DeceptiveDisciple: Gold, who was apprenticed to Silver but got swayed by the Transients]]
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* TheMole: [[spoiler: Gold]]
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* RedemptionEqualsDeath: [[Gold. Steel practically invokes this trope by name when telling Gold how Gold can atone for his betrayal.]]
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* TheGadFly: Silver loves to pick on Steel because Steel is so serious and often says things just to get a rise or reaction out of him.
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* TheStoic: Steel.
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* NoSenseOfHumor: Steel. Silver loves to crack jokes with Sapphire or at Steel just to see them fly over Steel's head or just simply annoy him.
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* SharpDressedMan: Silver.
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* TenLittleMurderVictims: Assignment 5 is a homage to the classic version of this plot.
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* CosmicHorrorStory: The universe as humans perceive it is a small patch of light surrounded by dark and nameless horrors that always trying to break in. Sapphire and Steel and their colleagues fight them, but battles are not always won, and there's no prospect of an end to the war.
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* CosmicHorrorStory: The universe as humans perceive it is a small patch of light surrounded by dark and nameless horrors that are always trying to break in. Sapphire and Steel and their colleagues fight them, but battles are not always won, and there's no prospect of an end to the war.
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from trope pages
* CodeName: In Assignment 5, a human assisting Sapphire and Steel assumes that "Sapphire" and "Steel" are code names, and asks if he can have a code name too.
* CosmicHorrorStory: The universe as humans perceive it is a small patch of light surrounded by dark and nameless horrors that always trying to break in. Sapphire and Steel and their colleagues fight them, but battles are not always won, and there's no prospect of an end to the war.
* GentleGiant: Lead.
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* IronicNurseryTune: In Assignment 1, Assignment 3, and Assignment 4.
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* IronicNurseryTune: IronicNurseryTune:
** Assignment 1 has the malevolent Time using a nursery rhyme from a child's storybook to enter this universe.
** As does Assignment 4.
** In Assignment1, 3, the {{leitmotif}} for the changeling is a creepified version of the lullaby his mother sang him when he was a baby.
** Though not technically a nursery rhyme, Assignment3, and Assignment 4.2 uses the usually upbeat "Pack up your Troubles in your Old Kit Bag" to much the same effect, with a vengeful soldier's ghost whistling it constantly.
** Assignment 1 has the malevolent Time using a nursery rhyme from a child's storybook to enter this universe.
** As does Assignment 4.
** In Assignment
** Though not technically a nursery rhyme, Assignment
* MetallicMotifs: Steel, Lead, and Silver all have symbolic connections to the metals they're named for.
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* PhantomZonePicture: Somewhat in Assignment 1, and much more in Assignment 4.
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* PhantomZonePicture: Somewhat in PhantomZonePicture:
** Assignment1, and much more 1 features Sapphire almost being killed by Roundhead soldiers while stuck in a painting.
** Assignment4.4 is mostly about people who belong in photographs being taken out of them and people who don't belong in photographs being taken into them.
** Assignment
** Assignment
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* RealityBleed: A common problem, particularly in the form of different time zones bleeding into the present.
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* {{Veganopia}}: Subverted in the story featuring human time travelers from the distant future. In the future, all humans are vegan, not because of any sense of immorality about eating meat, but because they find animals disgusting and unclean and have exterminated all of them.
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namespace move
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[[quoteright:227:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Sapphire_and_Steel_915.jpg]]
->''"All irregularities will be handled by the forces controlling each dimension. Transuranic heavy elements may not be used where there is life. Medium atomic weights are available: Gold, Lead, Copper, Jet, Diamond, Radium, Sapphire, Silver and Steel.''
->''Sapphire and Steel have been assigned."''
''Sapphire and Steel'' (1979-1982) was a British series sitting squarely at the intersection of ScienceFantasy and {{Horror}}. It was ATV's [[DuelingShows answer]] to the classic ''Series/DoctorWho'' series. The titular characters, played by JoannaLumley and [[Series/{{NCIS}} David [=McCallum=]]], are stoic inter-dimensional agents who protect, um, something. The opening monologue above is really all the explanation we ever get. Their role seems to involve preventing [[EldritchAbomination Lovecraftian horrors]] from slipping in through weak spots in time and snatching things. Exactly what this means -- or for that matter, what Sapphire and Steel ''themselves'' really are -- never quite becomes clear.
Sapphire and Steel were, in addition to being irascible and detached, telepathic. Sapphire also had the ability to "take back time", rewinding it a bit over a localized area, and could deduce the age and background of things and people by touching them (or perhaps the information was being transmitted to her by MissionControl; like everything else, it's not clear). This made her eyes glow blue. Steel, on the other hand, was even more detached and irascible, could sustain a temperature of absolute zero (allowing him to freeze, well, time), and was telekinetic. But mostly, they just stood very still and looked directly into the camera. Given the calibre of the actors in question, this is a ''lot'' more interesting -- and a lot more scary -- than it sounds, and [=McCallum=] and Lumley somehow manage to hold it together.
Sapphire and Steel combat these breaks in time primarily [[MySignificanceSenseIsTingling by glowering at them.]] The show used minimal staging and special effects, with cinematography reminiscent of Creator/IngmarBergman. For example, Steel emptying a refrigerator is the closest thing to an action sequence in the third episode. This lent to the surreal and detached air about the characters, and also kept production costs in the single digits, but often gave the show the pacing of ''Film/StarTrekTheMotionPicture'' [[ThisIsYourPremiseOnDrugs on thorazine]].
Other "elements" (there were allegedly 127, but the 12 transuranics were "unstable" and could not be used) occasionally assisted them: Lead and Silver both guest-starred, and others, such as Jet, are mentioned.
While most other notable British Science Fiction shows were over-ambitious in their special effects, with results ranging from the troubling (''Series/DoctorWho'') to the disastrous (''Series/TheTomorrowPeople''), ''S&S'' simply did not ''try'' to do anything the budget wouldn't allow. The result called for milking SurrealHorror for all its worth, creating a show that is, while definitely not for everyone, quite capable of reducing so-inclined viewers to quivering little heaps behind the sofa.
''Sapphire and Steel'' probably influenced ''Series/TheXFiles'' and ''Series/BabylonFive''. Its creator, Peter J. Hammond, would go on to write for ''MidsomerMurders'', and also stand responsible for two of the most bizarre episodes of ''Series/{{Torchwood}}'', "[[Recap/TorchwoodS1E5SmallWorlds Small Worlds]]" and "[[Recap/TorchwoodS2E10FromOutOfTheRain From Out of the Rain]]". He also wrote the unproduced ''Series/DoctorWho'' story "Paradise 5".
From 2005 to 2008, BigFinish released a series of ''Sapphire & Steel'' [[AudioAdaptation audio dramas]], casting Susannah Harker and David Warner in the title roles.
Along with ''Series/BlakesSeven'' and ''Series/DoctorWho'', ''Sapphire and Steel'' forms the Holy Trinity of British Science Fiction television.
----
!!The TV series provides examples of:
* AnchoredShip: Sapphire and Steel clearly care for each other and occasionally make affectionate gestures, but the dynamics of their relationship are complex and never fully explained. The fact that they're not human complicates the issue quite a bit too.
* ArtisticLicenseChemistry: Of the "elements" mentioned by name in the opening titles, two are non-elemental gemstones and one is an alloy. It would be easier to overlook or {{handwave}} if two of them weren't also ''the main characters''. Hammond did the research, but he didn't particularly care as long as [[RuleOfCool the title (and opening narration) had a cool ring to it]].
* TheBadGuyWins / DownerEnding: Assignment [[spoiler:6]].
* BigNo:
** Rothwyn, in Assignment 3.
** The ghost of the soldier in Assignment 2.
* BittersweetEnding: Assignments [[spoiler:2 and 5]].
* TheBlank: Mr Shape in Assignment 4.
* BlackEyesOfEvil: Happens to Sapphire when channeling the darkness in Assignment 2.
* BottleEpisode: All of them.
** The only location footage in the entire series was filmed on the roof of ATV's own offices, masquerading as an apartment block.
* BritishBrevity: On for 6 "assignments" with a total of 34 episodes. Each assignment has 4-6 episodes, the longest one (Assignment 2) has 8.
* CharmPerson: As opposed to [[TheStoic Steel]], Sapphire has a very alluring personality which often attracts others. She can easily charm information out of people. It’s even slightly [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] in Assignment 5 after the secretary discovers that Sapphire was distracting her while Steel looked for information in the computer.
-->'''Anne Shaw''': That ''bitch!''
* CoolOldGuy: George Tully might be mystified about how to handle the ghosts at the railway station, but he proves to be pretty useful anyway.
* CreepyChild / CreepyChildrenSinging: The children in Assignment 4 repeatedly sing nursery rhymes and disappear at will.
* EldritchAbomination
* EvilCounterpart: The Transient Beings to the protagonists and their ilk.
* TheFaceless: Whatever the "higher power" in the opening credits is supposed to be.
* FancyDinner: In Assignment 5, Sapphire and Steel attend a 1930s theme party thrown by a rich businessman. Steel's near-complete ignorance of human etiquette gets a good airing, but Sapphire manages splendidly.
* FaintingSeer: Sapphire spends a good deal of time unconscious after a seance goes wrong in Assignment 2.
* FutureImperfect: The time travelers in Assignment 3 have ''nearly'' every detail correct -- but they're about a thousand years out in the matter of common English names.
* GainaxEnding: Although with a series like this, the ending actually seems fitting.
* {{God}}: [[KingOfAllCosmos Extremely creepy]] yet [[GodIsEvil still good]] example.
* GoodIsNotNice: Steel. He cares about saving human lives, but usually talks as though he couldn't care less.
** The crowning example perhaps being when he [[spoiler:makes poor old Mr. Tully a sacrificial offering to the darkness in Assignment 2, without Tully's permission, so that the ghosts can be freed]], although he does inquire [[spoiler:whether Tully has any dependents]], and seems relieved that [[spoiler:Tully's cats will be looked after by the neighbors]].
* IDoNotDrinkWine: When offered a cocktail at a fancy dinner party in Assignment 5, Steel says he doesn't drink. Sapphire, however, has a glass of champagne.
* IronicNurseryTune: In Assignment 1, Assignment 3, and Assignment 4.
* LateArrivalSpoiler: The unofficial but widely-used episode titles, having been created by fans more concerned with having unambiguous referents to episodes they'd all seen already. For example, if you've seen it, you know exactly which Assignment matches the title "[[spoiler:Doctor [=McDee=] Must Die]]", but if you haven't, the title gives away something major that's not revealed until over halfway through the story.
* LivingShadow: The Darkness in Assignment 2.
* MagicalSecurityCam: ''Almost'' averted in Assignment 3, where the capsules' surveillance cameras produce fixed-angle images with no zooms or other dramatic trickery -- except in one sequence, which cuts between Sapphire in Capsule 3 and Sapphire's image on a monitor screen; the monitor screen image is clearly the same footage with a video effect on it, and includes a dramatic zoom.
* MeanwhileInTheFuture: A variation; since time is in a state of disarray, multiple time frames often coexist.
* MindScrew
* MySignificanceSenseIsTingling: The primary way Sapphire and Steel determine how time operates in any given assignment. They are able to sense time breaks and villainous presences using their otherworldly talents.
* NameAndName
* NoOntologicalInertia: In Assignment 3, when Steel restores the Changeling to his proper form, everything the Changeling had touched is also restored.
* NoSenseOfPersonalSpace: Even in mundane conversation, Sapphire and Steel have a habit of getting extremely close to one another when talking.
* NoSocialSkills: Steel knows little of human social conventions and doesn't particularly care to learn.
* NothingIsScarier: This series loves this trope.
* OccultBlueEyes: Sapphire has mesmerizingly blue eyes that glow whenever she uses her PsychicPowers.
* OntologicalMystery: The series has these both on a story-by-story basis and as a whole. The audience never understands the real nature of TheVerse presented here.
* OpeningNarration: Quoted above.
* OpenSaysMe:
-->'''Steel:''' It's locked.\\
''[Lead thumps the door, which falls off its hinges.]''\\
'''Lead:''' It isn't now.
* PhantomZonePicture: Somewhat in Assignment 1, and much more in Assignment 4.
* ThePowerOfRock: Sometimes it works, sometimes...not so much. Also, it's usually traditional songs.
* PragmaticHero
* PstandardPsychicPstance: Averted. Sapphire has a characteristic stance -- whenever she channels information or takes time forward/backward she stands still and [[GlowingEyes her eyes glow a bright blue]] -- but it's not ''the'' pstandard pstance.
* PsychicLink: Sapphire and Steel can communicate telepathically and are very in tune to each others thoughts and feelings. Presumably, all agents can communicate this way because Silver and Lead also have this ability.
* PunctuatedForEmphasis: ''Private.'' '''Ess.''' '''''PEARCE!'''''
* ResetButton: Used in both Assignments 1 and 5. In Assignment 1, [[spoiler: Sapphire and Steel save Rob and succeed in freezing the the evil-light. Sapphire takes time back and everything returns to normal for Rob.]] At the end of Assignment 5, [[spoiler: Sapphire and Steel walk out of the Mulrine mansion and the dinner party begins again as though they were never there.]]
* SacrificialLamb: [[spoiler:Mr. Tully is sacrificed, without his consent, by Steel to the darkness at the end of Assignment 2 to save the ghosts from a FateWorseThanDeath]].
* ScaryBlackMan: Lead on his first appearance, though he soon turns out to be the GentleGiant variety.
* SealedEvilInACan: How Sapphire and Steel contain [[spoiler:Mr. Shape]] at the end of Assignment 4.
* SealedRoomInTheMiddleOfNowhere: [[spoiler: Sapphire and Steel's fate at the end of Assignment 6. The café was a trap all along and everyone in the diner except Silver was in on it. The last scene of the show has [[DownerEnding Sapphire and Steel trapped in the café]], [[TheBadGuyWins destined to drift out in space for eternity]].]]
* ShootTheDog: In Assignment 2, Steel makes a deal with Time [[spoiler: by giving it a perfectly innocent man (who he does not bother to consult first on the matter) in exchange for releasing its hold on an abandoned railway station.]]
* SoulBrotha: Lead
* SoundOnlyDeath:
** [[spoiler: The last we hear of Tully is an awful scream before the Darkness devours him.]]
** [[spoiler: In Assignment 4, Ruth is burned alive while trapped inside a photograph. We hear her screams but never see her.]]
* SpecialEffectsEvolution: If you know much about 1980s post-production effects, it's obvious that the effects people got a new toy to play with for Assignment 6, resulting in some effects that actually impress. And then the series was cancelled.
* TheSpock: Both of them, but Sapphire has a fair share of [[TheMcCoy McCoy]] moments.
* SpookySeance: Sapphire and Steel agree to give Tully's methods a chance by holding a seance. With Sapphire as a medium, Steel and Tully communicate with several ghosts that have gathered at the railway station.
* SurrealHorror
* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: Averted. In the last episodes, Mercury takes the place of Lead in the opening narration, though the series was cancelled before he appeared in person.
* TeacherStudentRomance: The dead soldier in Assignment 2 had a relationship with a woman who used to be his teacher, after he was out of school.
* TheTeaser
* {{Telepathy}}: Sapphire and Steel communicate with each other using their minds. Other agents, like Silver, also have this ability. Sapphire can also read human minds when the conditions are right.
* TelevisionSerial
* ThemeNaming: The "elements" in general; and more specifically, it's worth noting that of the ones whose gender is known, the female ones are gemstones and the male ones are metals.
* TimeIsDangerous: And ''how''. All of Sapphire and Steel's assignments involve time doing something nefarious.
* TimeyWimeyBall
* UnresolvedSexualTension: Sapphire & Steel; Sapphire & Silver. {{Fanon}} also assumes {{UST}} between Steel & Jet.
* VideoInsideFilmOutside: In Assignment 3, the establishing shots of the apartment building and the scene on the roof are filmed. Every other story was studio-bound and video-only, even for scenes set outdoors.
* WhisperingGhosts: When the Darkness moves around the railway station, creepy whispering voices always follow it.
* WomanInBlack:
** The woman at the end of Assignment 6.
** Subverted when Sapphire wears a lovely black gown in Assignment 5.
!!The Big Finish audios provide examples of:
* IronicNurseryTune: In Assignment 1, Assignment 3, and Assignment 4, and any number of the audios.
* TheNthDoctor: Sapphire, Steel.
* ShootTheDog: In the audio "Daisy Chain", [[spoiler:Sapphire talks a teenage girl into ''committing suicide'' while Steel keeps her family distracted]].
----
->''"All irregularities will be handled by the forces controlling each dimension. Transuranic heavy elements may not be used where there is life. Medium atomic weights are available: Gold, Lead, Copper, Jet, Diamond, Radium, Sapphire, Silver and Steel.''
->''Sapphire and Steel have been assigned."''
''Sapphire and Steel'' (1979-1982) was a British series sitting squarely at the intersection of ScienceFantasy and {{Horror}}. It was ATV's [[DuelingShows answer]] to the classic ''Series/DoctorWho'' series. The titular characters, played by JoannaLumley and [[Series/{{NCIS}} David [=McCallum=]]], are stoic inter-dimensional agents who protect, um, something. The opening monologue above is really all the explanation we ever get. Their role seems to involve preventing [[EldritchAbomination Lovecraftian horrors]] from slipping in through weak spots in time and snatching things. Exactly what this means -- or for that matter, what Sapphire and Steel ''themselves'' really are -- never quite becomes clear.
Sapphire and Steel were, in addition to being irascible and detached, telepathic. Sapphire also had the ability to "take back time", rewinding it a bit over a localized area, and could deduce the age and background of things and people by touching them (or perhaps the information was being transmitted to her by MissionControl; like everything else, it's not clear). This made her eyes glow blue. Steel, on the other hand, was even more detached and irascible, could sustain a temperature of absolute zero (allowing him to freeze, well, time), and was telekinetic. But mostly, they just stood very still and looked directly into the camera. Given the calibre of the actors in question, this is a ''lot'' more interesting -- and a lot more scary -- than it sounds, and [=McCallum=] and Lumley somehow manage to hold it together.
Sapphire and Steel combat these breaks in time primarily [[MySignificanceSenseIsTingling by glowering at them.]] The show used minimal staging and special effects, with cinematography reminiscent of Creator/IngmarBergman. For example, Steel emptying a refrigerator is the closest thing to an action sequence in the third episode. This lent to the surreal and detached air about the characters, and also kept production costs in the single digits, but often gave the show the pacing of ''Film/StarTrekTheMotionPicture'' [[ThisIsYourPremiseOnDrugs on thorazine]].
Other "elements" (there were allegedly 127, but the 12 transuranics were "unstable" and could not be used) occasionally assisted them: Lead and Silver both guest-starred, and others, such as Jet, are mentioned.
While most other notable British Science Fiction shows were over-ambitious in their special effects, with results ranging from the troubling (''Series/DoctorWho'') to the disastrous (''Series/TheTomorrowPeople''), ''S&S'' simply did not ''try'' to do anything the budget wouldn't allow. The result called for milking SurrealHorror for all its worth, creating a show that is, while definitely not for everyone, quite capable of reducing so-inclined viewers to quivering little heaps behind the sofa.
''Sapphire and Steel'' probably influenced ''Series/TheXFiles'' and ''Series/BabylonFive''. Its creator, Peter J. Hammond, would go on to write for ''MidsomerMurders'', and also stand responsible for two of the most bizarre episodes of ''Series/{{Torchwood}}'', "[[Recap/TorchwoodS1E5SmallWorlds Small Worlds]]" and "[[Recap/TorchwoodS2E10FromOutOfTheRain From Out of the Rain]]". He also wrote the unproduced ''Series/DoctorWho'' story "Paradise 5".
From 2005 to 2008, BigFinish released a series of ''Sapphire & Steel'' [[AudioAdaptation audio dramas]], casting Susannah Harker and David Warner in the title roles.
Along with ''Series/BlakesSeven'' and ''Series/DoctorWho'', ''Sapphire and Steel'' forms the Holy Trinity of British Science Fiction television.
----
!!The TV series provides examples of:
* AnchoredShip: Sapphire and Steel clearly care for each other and occasionally make affectionate gestures, but the dynamics of their relationship are complex and never fully explained. The fact that they're not human complicates the issue quite a bit too.
* ArtisticLicenseChemistry: Of the "elements" mentioned by name in the opening titles, two are non-elemental gemstones and one is an alloy. It would be easier to overlook or {{handwave}} if two of them weren't also ''the main characters''. Hammond did the research, but he didn't particularly care as long as [[RuleOfCool the title (and opening narration) had a cool ring to it]].
* TheBadGuyWins / DownerEnding: Assignment [[spoiler:6]].
* BigNo:
** Rothwyn, in Assignment 3.
** The ghost of the soldier in Assignment 2.
* BittersweetEnding: Assignments [[spoiler:2 and 5]].
* TheBlank: Mr Shape in Assignment 4.
* BlackEyesOfEvil: Happens to Sapphire when channeling the darkness in Assignment 2.
* BottleEpisode: All of them.
** The only location footage in the entire series was filmed on the roof of ATV's own offices, masquerading as an apartment block.
* BritishBrevity: On for 6 "assignments" with a total of 34 episodes. Each assignment has 4-6 episodes, the longest one (Assignment 2) has 8.
* CharmPerson: As opposed to [[TheStoic Steel]], Sapphire has a very alluring personality which often attracts others. She can easily charm information out of people. It’s even slightly [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] in Assignment 5 after the secretary discovers that Sapphire was distracting her while Steel looked for information in the computer.
-->'''Anne Shaw''': That ''bitch!''
* CoolOldGuy: George Tully might be mystified about how to handle the ghosts at the railway station, but he proves to be pretty useful anyway.
* CreepyChild / CreepyChildrenSinging: The children in Assignment 4 repeatedly sing nursery rhymes and disappear at will.
* EldritchAbomination
* EvilCounterpart: The Transient Beings to the protagonists and their ilk.
* TheFaceless: Whatever the "higher power" in the opening credits is supposed to be.
* FancyDinner: In Assignment 5, Sapphire and Steel attend a 1930s theme party thrown by a rich businessman. Steel's near-complete ignorance of human etiquette gets a good airing, but Sapphire manages splendidly.
* FaintingSeer: Sapphire spends a good deal of time unconscious after a seance goes wrong in Assignment 2.
* FutureImperfect: The time travelers in Assignment 3 have ''nearly'' every detail correct -- but they're about a thousand years out in the matter of common English names.
* GainaxEnding: Although with a series like this, the ending actually seems fitting.
* {{God}}: [[KingOfAllCosmos Extremely creepy]] yet [[GodIsEvil still good]] example.
* GoodIsNotNice: Steel. He cares about saving human lives, but usually talks as though he couldn't care less.
** The crowning example perhaps being when he [[spoiler:makes poor old Mr. Tully a sacrificial offering to the darkness in Assignment 2, without Tully's permission, so that the ghosts can be freed]], although he does inquire [[spoiler:whether Tully has any dependents]], and seems relieved that [[spoiler:Tully's cats will be looked after by the neighbors]].
* IDoNotDrinkWine: When offered a cocktail at a fancy dinner party in Assignment 5, Steel says he doesn't drink. Sapphire, however, has a glass of champagne.
* IronicNurseryTune: In Assignment 1, Assignment 3, and Assignment 4.
* LateArrivalSpoiler: The unofficial but widely-used episode titles, having been created by fans more concerned with having unambiguous referents to episodes they'd all seen already. For example, if you've seen it, you know exactly which Assignment matches the title "[[spoiler:Doctor [=McDee=] Must Die]]", but if you haven't, the title gives away something major that's not revealed until over halfway through the story.
* LivingShadow: The Darkness in Assignment 2.
* MagicalSecurityCam: ''Almost'' averted in Assignment 3, where the capsules' surveillance cameras produce fixed-angle images with no zooms or other dramatic trickery -- except in one sequence, which cuts between Sapphire in Capsule 3 and Sapphire's image on a monitor screen; the monitor screen image is clearly the same footage with a video effect on it, and includes a dramatic zoom.
* MeanwhileInTheFuture: A variation; since time is in a state of disarray, multiple time frames often coexist.
* MindScrew
* MySignificanceSenseIsTingling: The primary way Sapphire and Steel determine how time operates in any given assignment. They are able to sense time breaks and villainous presences using their otherworldly talents.
* NameAndName
* NoOntologicalInertia: In Assignment 3, when Steel restores the Changeling to his proper form, everything the Changeling had touched is also restored.
* NoSenseOfPersonalSpace: Even in mundane conversation, Sapphire and Steel have a habit of getting extremely close to one another when talking.
* NoSocialSkills: Steel knows little of human social conventions and doesn't particularly care to learn.
* NothingIsScarier: This series loves this trope.
* OccultBlueEyes: Sapphire has mesmerizingly blue eyes that glow whenever she uses her PsychicPowers.
* OntologicalMystery: The series has these both on a story-by-story basis and as a whole. The audience never understands the real nature of TheVerse presented here.
* OpeningNarration: Quoted above.
* OpenSaysMe:
-->'''Steel:''' It's locked.\\
''[Lead thumps the door, which falls off its hinges.]''\\
'''Lead:''' It isn't now.
* PhantomZonePicture: Somewhat in Assignment 1, and much more in Assignment 4.
* ThePowerOfRock: Sometimes it works, sometimes...not so much. Also, it's usually traditional songs.
* PragmaticHero
* PstandardPsychicPstance: Averted. Sapphire has a characteristic stance -- whenever she channels information or takes time forward/backward she stands still and [[GlowingEyes her eyes glow a bright blue]] -- but it's not ''the'' pstandard pstance.
* PsychicLink: Sapphire and Steel can communicate telepathically and are very in tune to each others thoughts and feelings. Presumably, all agents can communicate this way because Silver and Lead also have this ability.
* PunctuatedForEmphasis: ''Private.'' '''Ess.''' '''''PEARCE!'''''
* ResetButton: Used in both Assignments 1 and 5. In Assignment 1, [[spoiler: Sapphire and Steel save Rob and succeed in freezing the the evil-light. Sapphire takes time back and everything returns to normal for Rob.]] At the end of Assignment 5, [[spoiler: Sapphire and Steel walk out of the Mulrine mansion and the dinner party begins again as though they were never there.]]
* SacrificialLamb: [[spoiler:Mr. Tully is sacrificed, without his consent, by Steel to the darkness at the end of Assignment 2 to save the ghosts from a FateWorseThanDeath]].
* ScaryBlackMan: Lead on his first appearance, though he soon turns out to be the GentleGiant variety.
* SealedEvilInACan: How Sapphire and Steel contain [[spoiler:Mr. Shape]] at the end of Assignment 4.
* SealedRoomInTheMiddleOfNowhere: [[spoiler: Sapphire and Steel's fate at the end of Assignment 6. The café was a trap all along and everyone in the diner except Silver was in on it. The last scene of the show has [[DownerEnding Sapphire and Steel trapped in the café]], [[TheBadGuyWins destined to drift out in space for eternity]].]]
* ShootTheDog: In Assignment 2, Steel makes a deal with Time [[spoiler: by giving it a perfectly innocent man (who he does not bother to consult first on the matter) in exchange for releasing its hold on an abandoned railway station.]]
* SoulBrotha: Lead
* SoundOnlyDeath:
** [[spoiler: The last we hear of Tully is an awful scream before the Darkness devours him.]]
** [[spoiler: In Assignment 4, Ruth is burned alive while trapped inside a photograph. We hear her screams but never see her.]]
* SpecialEffectsEvolution: If you know much about 1980s post-production effects, it's obvious that the effects people got a new toy to play with for Assignment 6, resulting in some effects that actually impress. And then the series was cancelled.
* TheSpock: Both of them, but Sapphire has a fair share of [[TheMcCoy McCoy]] moments.
* SpookySeance: Sapphire and Steel agree to give Tully's methods a chance by holding a seance. With Sapphire as a medium, Steel and Tully communicate with several ghosts that have gathered at the railway station.
* SurrealHorror
* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: Averted. In the last episodes, Mercury takes the place of Lead in the opening narration, though the series was cancelled before he appeared in person.
* TeacherStudentRomance: The dead soldier in Assignment 2 had a relationship with a woman who used to be his teacher, after he was out of school.
* TheTeaser
* {{Telepathy}}: Sapphire and Steel communicate with each other using their minds. Other agents, like Silver, also have this ability. Sapphire can also read human minds when the conditions are right.
* TelevisionSerial
* ThemeNaming: The "elements" in general; and more specifically, it's worth noting that of the ones whose gender is known, the female ones are gemstones and the male ones are metals.
* TimeIsDangerous: And ''how''. All of Sapphire and Steel's assignments involve time doing something nefarious.
* TimeyWimeyBall
* UnresolvedSexualTension: Sapphire & Steel; Sapphire & Silver. {{Fanon}} also assumes {{UST}} between Steel & Jet.
* VideoInsideFilmOutside: In Assignment 3, the establishing shots of the apartment building and the scene on the roof are filmed. Every other story was studio-bound and video-only, even for scenes set outdoors.
* WhisperingGhosts: When the Darkness moves around the railway station, creepy whispering voices always follow it.
* WomanInBlack:
** The woman at the end of Assignment 6.
** Subverted when Sapphire wears a lovely black gown in Assignment 5.
!!The Big Finish audios provide examples of:
* IronicNurseryTune: In Assignment 1, Assignment 3, and Assignment 4, and any number of the audios.
* TheNthDoctor: Sapphire, Steel.
* ShootTheDog: In the audio "Daisy Chain", [[spoiler:Sapphire talks a teenage girl into ''committing suicide'' while Steel keeps her family distracted]].
----
