001. Gunfight at the OK Laundrette - Written by Leon Griffiths #1.1
Directed by Peter Sadsy

First Broadcast in the UK: 29th October 1979

Cast: Glynn Edwards as Dave, Dave King as Alfie, Trevor Thomas as Stretch, Linda Regan as Liz, Hilary Mason as Mrs Mayhew, William Vanderpuye as Winston, Leroi Samuels as Cosmo, Donald Burton as Chief Superintendent, Tony Doyle as Irishman, Patrick Malahide as Chisholm, David Killock as D.C. Harney, Arnold Diamond as Bernie

Story: Arthur gets Terry a job with his friend Alfie and is asked to accompany Alfie while he collects the takings from his laundrette chain. When a group of blacks with a shotgun attempt to steal the takings things turn nasty and a hostage situation ensues. With Terry taken hostage, Arthur sees an opportunity to sell an inside story to the media.

Facts: The police station that features at the end of this episode (shown in the picture) can also be seen as the last picture in the black and white end credits even with the same "Lock It!" poster on display. It is an actual police station found on Fulham Road, near Fulham Broadway. There is a only a very brief scene in this episode of the original Winchester Club when Arthur discovers Liz is waiting there for Terry. This was actually the inside of "The New Eton Inn Club" at Chalk Farm Parade and was creator Leon Griffiths' local drinking club at that time.

There is mention of Terry's criminal record in this episode - at 22m53s the police state that Terry has done two years for GBH and 'a three' for attempted robbery. Despite this episode being written by Leon Griffiths and it being the first episode, there is already some inconsistency here with the details of Terry's criminal record as described in Leon Griffiths 'Minder' novel from 1979 in which Terry's criminal record is follows: age 15: 6 months detention centre for screwing a tv rental shop; age 23: 1 year for assault age 28: 2 years for GBH. This is an unusual start to the series as this first episode is very much unlike any other episode in the entire series, apart from maybe the final episode #10.10 'The Long Good Thursday', in which Arthur finds himself in a similar situation to Terry. The theme of this episode is based on the Spaghetti House Siege which was serialised in an episode of 'Play For Today' called 'A Hole In Babylon'.

Uncredited: Douglas Cameron as Radio Newsreader, Pat Gorman as Policeman.

Double Take: Trevor Thomas (Stretch) would also star in episode #7.5 'Fiddler On The Hoof'. Pat Gorman who plays a policeman (uncredited) in this episode also pops up in #2.4 'A Lot of Bull and a Pat on the Back' and #3.12 'Back in Good Old England'.

Bloopers: Watch very closely at the end of this episode where Arthur and Terry are in the taxi as the camera shows single shots of Arthur and Terry. The scenes out of the taxi's back window change erratically - a sign that this scene must have been edited together at a later stage.

Title: Gunfight at the O.K. Corral: a 1957 film starring Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas and Rhonda Fleming

002. Bury My Half at Waltham Green - Written by Paul Wheeler #1.2
Directed by Christopher King

First Broadcast in the UK: 5th November 1979

Cast: Nicky Henson as George Wilson, Kenneth Cope as Albert Stubbs, Ann Lynn as Rose Mellors, Tony Selby as Jack

Story: Terry is hired to mind a recently released convict Albert Stubbs who doesn't intend sharing his buried treasure with his old partners. It doesn't take long before Rose Mellors, the wife of one of these partners, to track Stubbs down. But who is the real Albert Stubbs? As Terry soon discovers, even being hired as Stubbs's minder doesn't mean he is told everything.

Facts: Nicky Henson has appeared in many UK TV shows over the years, one of his most notable appearances was as Mr. Johnson in the Fawlty Towers episode "The Psychiatrist". Former Randall & Hopkirk star Kenneth Cope plays the part of Albert Stubbs in this episode which marks the first of three appearances for him in Minder over a 15 year period. This is the first time we see Terry driving around in a white Ford Capri, registration JRX 782P, seen as Terry collects (who he believes to be) Stubbs from Wormwood Scrubs. This particular car is never seen again and the series had still not featured the Capri featured in the opening titles until this point. Glynn Edwards does not appear in this episode.

Uncredited: Tony Allen as Removal Man (hiding Arthur's mini in his van), Hal Galili as Terry's sauna client.

Double Take: Ann Lynn (Rose) and Tony Selby (Jack) would both later reprise their characters in episode #2.10 'Diamonds Are A Girl's Worst Enemy'. Kenneth Cope would later appear as Scooter in #6.6 'Waiting For Goddard' and as Phelan #10.9 'Bring Me The Head Of Arthur Daley', the penultimate episode of the entire series.

Bloopers: Watch out for a few bloopers in this episode - firstly when Arthur first goes around to see Terry at his flat, when Arthur closes the door it actually opens up again! Also when Jack (Tony Selby) first goes around to see Rose at the Garden Centre, there is something very odd about the front number plate on his silver Capri. Also watch the scene where the two green minis are together and keep an eye on what is going on behind them, when the left mini drives off there has obviously been a cut somewhere. Also no end credit for "Mickey the barman" who does have many lines in this episode - the actor also appears as a policeman in "You Gotta Have Friends".

Title: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: a 1970 book written by American Dee Brown that documents the history of native Americans in the American West in the late nineteenth century.

003. The Smaller They Are - Written by Leon Griffiths #1.3
Directed by Roy Ward Baker

First Broadcast in the UK: 12th November 1979

Cast: Glynn Edwards as Dave, Phil McCall as Scotch Harry, Hans Meyer as Maurice Bonnet, Dave Jackson as Big Stan, Peter Childs as Rycott, Osmund Bullock as Brian, Susan Vanner as Kim, Chris Jenkinson as Eric, Hilary Ryan as Airline Receptionist, Michael Segal as Hotel Manager, George Tovey as Pub Landlord

Story: When Scotch Harry successfully steals a suitcase full of cash at an airport terminal, Rycott is hot on his tail. When Terry and Arthur are tracked down by Big Stan, Arthur offers to help to Scotch Harry return the cash to its owner minus some expenses (of course). Things turn nasty when it turns out that the suitcase was taken from a organised gang smuggling forged money across Europe.

Facts: Here we see The Winchester Club for the first time and are introduced to DC Rycott, played by the late Peter Childs. Rycott would appear in 15 episodes of Minder in total. The original script for this episode suggests that Rycott was originally known as "Ryman" and that this name has been crossed out and replaced with Rycott in the script (possibly by director Roy Ward Baker). Unlike further episodes, there is a suggestion in this episode that Rycott is corrupt. The original script for this episode also provides some background to the Winchester Club, saying that (sic)  "The Winchester is your standard after-hours drinking club and was featured briefly in the first episode of the series. It is run by Dave, an ex-boxer in his mid-fifties and his glamorous forty year old wife, Eileen." In this episode we also see Arthur passing comment about women other than 'er indoors - firstly at the Winchester Club at the start of the episode and secondly at the airport terminal with the check-in attendant. This is something that disappears as the series continues. Arthur also mentions that Terry is unfamiliar with Rycott at this point in the series.

Uncredited: Eric Kent as Man In Pub (at the 'Market Bar' at 34m31s).

Double Take: Phil McCall would reprise his role as Scotch Harry in #6.3 'The Return Of The Invincible Man'.  Dave Jackson (Big Stan) also stars in #6.1 'Give Us This Day Arthur Daley's Bread'. Hans Meyer also stars in 'Minder On The Orient Express'.

Bloopers: Many bloopers exist in this episode, mostly continuation bloopers. At 08m44s when Scotch Harry first runs out of the terminal and crosses the road, the woman waiting at the traffic lights opposite just magically appears and the traffic changes as the scene has obviously been cut. Also when Scotch Harry is out of the breath on the corner, the children playing outside the Lyons Supermarket opposite weren't there a few seconds before when he ran down the street - notice how the camera attempts to keep them out of the shot! Also, when Rycott picks up Scotch Harry at the "The Market Bar" and puts him in the car it is raining- just two seconds later it seems to have stopped. Also, when Arthur and Terry arrive at the Fontwell for the showdown with the gang and spot Rycott, an American car is parked behind them. When Terry turns around to look for Rycott's pals there is the infamous brown Ford Cortina parked behind them (see our Dodgy Motors section) with covered parking meters. Seconds later when they walk over to greet Rycott the American car is back and the parking meters have gone.

Title: From the English phrase 'The bigger they are, the harder they fall'.

004. A Tethered Goat - Written by Murray Smith #1.4
Directed by James Gatward

First Broadcast in the UK: 19th November 1979

Cast: Lee Montague as Bassam Sayin, Kenneth Griffith as Dai Llewellyn, Michael Sheard as Elliot, Nadim Sawalha as Sardi, Jenny Lee-Wright as Frankie, Johnny Shannon as George, Mohamed Sultan as Asif, Ian Collier as 1st Police Sergeant, David Millet as 2nd Police Sergeant, Patrick Jordan as Police Inspector

Story: Terry is asked to guard Arab banker Sayin who is deeply involved in politics. Sayin doesn't believe Terry makes a very good bodyguard as he doesn't carry a gun. With a rich banker in town, Arthur sees a money-making opportunity and it soon becomes apparent that things are not as they seem and both Arthur & Terry soon become involved in a nasty double-cross which could cost them their lives.

Facts: This is the first time we see Arthur at his original car lot location on the junction of Augustine Road and Dewhurst Road W14, in Hammersmith. Arthur also seems to be in an office for parts of the episode. An excellent performance in this episode by the late Kenneth Griffith as alcoholic man-servant Dai Llewellyn, his line "Terry, shooters! Oh my god!" has to be one of the best lines in this episode. A truly great actor. The late Michael Sheard who plays Elliot is probably best known for his role as Mr Bronson in the long running BBC children's series Grange Hill. He had very many roles in film and television over the years and it is worth checking out his IMDB record. Jenny Lee-Wright who appears in this episode as dancer 'Frankie' went on to become a successful foley artist and has provided sound effects for many films including Muppet Treasure Island and James Bond 'Die Another Day'. Glynn Edwards does not appear in this episode.

Uncredited: Joe Santos a terrorist (with bandaged arm), Harry 'Aitch' Fielder as Policeman at end (directing traffic).

Double Take: Lee Montague (Sayin) also stars in #8.11 'The Odds Couple'. Johnny Shannon (George) also stars in #5.5 'Second Hand Pose' and #7.2 'Days Of Fines & Closures'. Harry 'Aitch' Fielder (uncredited) also pops up in #2.7 'The Beer Hunter', #3.4 'Looking For Micky', #3.6 'Another Bride Another Groom' and #5.6 'The Long Ride back To Scratchwood'. Nadim Sawalha had previously starred in a famous Hamlet cigar advertisement with Georgle Cole back in 1971.

Bloopers: Watch carefully at exactly 48 minutes when they are travelling to the airport in the black Mercedes - exactly at the point when Dai says 'on the other hand we can't let our offendee get done on a false passport claim, now can we?' - out of the window behind Dai we catch a view of Addison Avenue, and as the camera switches to Arthur and Sayin we catch the exactly same view again moments later.

Title: A Tethered Goat: refers to a goat that is tied to something (for example, fence or post) in order that it remains in a restricted area and unable to roam freely.

005.  The Bounty Hunter - Written by Bernie Cooper & Francis Megahy #1.5
Directed by Peter Sadsy

First Broadcast in the UK: 26th November 1979

Cast: Derek Jacobi as Freddie Fenton, June Ritchie as Jo, George Layton as Des, James Aubrey as Graham Hurst, Tony Steedman as Ralph Hurst, Kathleen Byron as Mrs Hurst, Christopher Biggins as Harold, rian Godfrey as Young Man "Mr Booze", Keith Alexander as Andy, Peter Dean as John, Paul Satvender as Garage Attendant, Rikki Howard as Val

Story: Arthur and Terry come to the aid of Jo, a young widow and former acquaintance of Arthur's who has been swindled out of all her money by a dodgy real estate dealer called Freddie Fenton. Fenton sells Terry a line that he is too poor and unable to return the money, but when Terry investigates the activities of Fenton a little deeper, he soon discovers that he is fooling everyone. Terry plans his own revenge on Fenton using Des to steal Fenton's Rolls-Royce and uses this to bargain the return of Jo's money.

Facts: This is the first episode to introduce the character of Des the mechanic, played by George Layton, who appears in six episodes of Minder in total. The location of Terry's flat has mysteriously changed in this episode and is different to that in #1.2 - see our Locations section for more information. Fenton's driver and minder is played by Peter Dean, more recognisable to some as Pete Beale in the BBC's 'Eastenders'. Another small Eastenders connection in this episode - one of Fenton's heavies who jumps out of the back of the "Sheer Rover" Range Rover, if you look very closely it is the actor Derek Martin in an ncredited role here. This is the first time we see the Capri featured in the opening titles. Glynn Edwards as Dave does not appear in this episode.

Uncredited: Hilda Fenemore as Passer-by, Steve Plytas as George, Neil Stacy as Simpson (Rolls Royce salesman), Derek Martin as Fenton's Heavy jumping from Range Rover.

Double Take: Tony Steedman (Ralph Hurst) also stars in #10.1 'A Fridge Too Far'. Derek Martin also stars in #5.6 'The Long Ride Back To Scratchwood'

Bloopers: Two minor bloopers in this episode - keep an eye open on Terry's white Capri, it is the same car as in the opening titles. Notice the condition it is in when he visits Fenton at his house and then examine it in the next scene when he visits Des. In the second scene it is covered in dirt and the front number plate is being held on with a piece of string! No clear explanation is ever given as to why Terry goes to visit Des at this point or whether Terry went stock-car racing in-between! The second minor blooper is when Terry hands back the connector for the ignition, Fenton's hand is seen one moment and in the next scene his arms are held tightly against his body so there is no way physically he could have taken the part back.

Name That Tune: When Terry goes to meet Fenton for one last time, the music playing is 'Night Moves' by Frank McDonald.

Title: Based on the fact that Terry goes after Freddie Fenton in this episode.

006. Aces High and Sometimes Very Low - Written by Leon Griffiths #1.6
Directed by Roy Ward Baker

First Broadcast in the UK: 3rd December 1979

Cast: Glynn Edwards as Dave, Anthony Valentine as Maurice Michaelson, Dmitri Andreas as Zardinidis, Kevork Malikyan as Chris, Marc Zuber as Nick, Antony Scott as Ari, Marina Sirtis as Stella, Andy Pantelidou as Andy, Harry Tardios as Doxiadis, Andreas Markos as George, David Baron as Casino Manager

Story: Professional gambler Maurice Michaelson comes to Arthur and Terry asking them for help as he needs a minder for an underground Greek card club. With the odds against him, Maurice is defeated. Terry soon discovers that Maurice is skint and accompanies him to the club for a second time as Maurice is convinced he now has the upper hand. Meanwhile Arthur is trying to offload the Lotus that Maurice has given him as a retainer for the money lent to Maurice to gamble with.

Facts: Watch out for a brief appearance by Marina Sirtis in this episode, better known to Star Trek fans as Counselor Deanna Troi in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'. Originally from London, she moved to the United States in 1986. This episode also features the first of two appearances in Minder by the late Clive Hornby, probably best known for his role as Jack Sugden in the long-running British soap 'Emmerdale'. His character Norman Gibbons is uncredited in this episode despite him having one speaking line. Terry and (particularly) Arthur are given very little screen time as the majority of time is spent focusing on Maurice's card games. Twice in the episode we hear the drink 'Light Ale' mentioned, firstly by Dave at the start in the Winchester and secondly by Terry at the first card game.

Uncredited: Clive Hornby as Norman Gibbons.

Double Take: Anthony Valentine would reprise his role as Maurice Michaelson in #2.3 'You Lose Some You Win Some'. Clive Hornby also appears briefly as Norman Gibbons in the following episode #1.7 'The Bengal Tiger'. Dmitri Andreas (Zardinidis) also stars in #6.6 'Waiting For Goddard' and #8.2 'A Bouquet of Barbed Wine'. Kevork Malikyan (Chris) also stars in #10.5 'The Immaculate Contraption'. Marc Zuber (Nick) also stars in #10.6 'All Quiet on the West End Front'.

Bloopers: It is very difficult to spot the first blooper but when Terry & Maurice leave the card game for the second time with the winnings and get into the taxi - the first shot when they get into the car is at the Greek club's actual location in Pratt Street. However, before the driver has even started the car you can clearly see "The Crown" pub out of the rear window of the car - which is actually two streets away in Delancey Street. Watch closely also when the white Ford Cortina hits the shed, the workman jumps with his cup of tea, yet moments later he is still drinking it. Unintentional coincidence blooper: the taxi that drives Terry and Maurice to reclaim Maurice's car at the end of the episode is exactly the same cab that features at the end of the #1.1 'Gunfight at the OK Laundrette', registration SYR 180N.

Title: Aces High: a 1976 film starring Malcolm McDowell and Christopher Plummer.

007. The Bengal Tiger - Written by Leon Griffiths #1.7
Directed by Peter Sadsy

First Broadcast in the UK: 10th December 1979

Cast: Saeed Jaffrey as Mukerjee, Graham Stark as The Car Owner, Shireen Anwar as Indira, Ahmed Khalil as Aslam, Stanley Lebor as Wilson, Roy Evans as Elderly Man, Edwin Brown as Harry, Christopher Scoular as Young Diner, Mike Grady as Kev, Michael Fleming as Immigration Officer, Eamonn Boyce as Barman, Clive Hornby as Norman Gibbons, Spencer Banks as Keith, Tony London as Drunken Youth

Story: Indian newsagent Mr Mukerjee is persuaded by Arthur that he needs protection when his shop is damaged. Terry is called in to take care of the newsagent, but as usual, not everything goes smoothly and the problem seems to stem from Mr Mukerjee himself, who has promised his daughter to more than one family in order to raise cash for his failing shop. One of these included local hardnut Aslam. When Indira's true love Kev tries to sort the problem out himself, Indira and Mukerjee ask for Terry's help just one more time.

Facts: The opening scenes of this episode are filmed in the surrounding streets of Arthur's original car lot in Blythe Road. This episode shows Terry's despair at working for Arthur and at several times he considers what else he could be doing. This comes to a head at the end of the episode when the vacuum cleaner assembler, who is out of work at the start of the episode, mocks Terry and what he does for a living. The issue of double standards for Arthur and Terry runs very much throughout this episode. This is the second and last time we see Clive Hornby as Norman Gibbons. Glynn Edwards as Dave does not appear in this episode.

Double Take: Clive Hornby also appears briefly as Norman Gibbons in the previous episode #1.6 'Aces High And Sometimes Very Low'.

Bloopers: None found.

Title: Aside from this story's Asian connection, it is likely to be based on the fact that in real life, Bengal tigers do not live as 'family units' and that the male of the species will fiercely protect his territory from other such tigers.

008. Come in T-64, Your Time is Ticking Away - Written by Tony Hoare #1.8
Directed by Francis Megahy

First Broadcast in the UK: 17th December 1979

Cast: Diana Malin as Debbie, Alfred Burke as Kevin, George Layton as Des, Michael Bruce as Barry, Charlie Hawkins as Greg, Darryl Read as Billy, Oscar James as Dave, Morgan Sheppard as John, Eric Mason, Michael Hughes, Daphne Anderson as Katie, Eric Mason as Paddy, Michael Hughes as Mini-cab Driver, Vicki Woolf as Woman in Flat

Story: Terry is asked by Arthur to look into why the mini cab firm that Arthur has half ownership of, is being subjected to violent attacks. What Arthur fails to tell Terry is that to do this he has to put up with the worst car in the firm. Arthur soon discovers that there is more to the attacks than meets the eye and he is being done over by one of his own.

Facts: This is also the second time that Des appears in the series and it becomes apparent throughout this episode that even Des is from the same breed as Arthur when it comes to telling the truth (particularly when Terry is on the receivong end of the information). Arthur's partner Kevin, played by Alfred Burke was a familiar face on TV at the time, known for his role as Frank Marker in 'Public Eye'. Director Francis Megahy also co-wrote #1.5 "The Bounty Hunter". Glynn Edwards does not appear in this episode.

Double Take: This is the first of five episodes to feature Diana Malin as Debbie Mitchell. She would next appear twice in series 2: #2.4 'A Lot Of Bull And A Pat On The Back' and #2.11 'The Old School Tie', and twice in series 3: #3.4 'Looking For Micky' and #3.11 Poetic Justice, Innit? - with the exception of 'The Old School Tie', all of these stores written by Tony Hoare.

Bloopers: One minor blooper in this episode, watch closely as Terry walks towards Des saying that he recognises the wheels Des is replacing. In the close up shot of Terry you see the infamous orange VW transporter behind him (see our 'Dodgy Motors' section) - as he walks towards and later away from the car it is now a red VW transporter.

Title: "Come in, your time is up" is quite a common phrase in English normally used for boats that have been hired on a river. The "ticking away" probably refers to the fact each taxi might at some point in the future be damaged in some way (probably by a bomb) as it is only a matter of time in this episode before each one is attacked.

009. Monday Night Fever - Written by Leon Griffiths #1.9
Directed by Mike Vardy

First Broadcast in the UK: 7th January 1980

Cast: Glynn Edwards as Dave, Sheila White as Sharon Dobbs, Eric Deacon as Chris Lambert, Brian Croucher as Big John, Anthony Heaton as Vic Piner, Patrick Malahide as Chisholm, Gennie Nevinson as Penny, Peter Blake as Barry, Aaron Shirley as Sammy, Tommy Wright as Henry Piner, Richard Hunter as Alan, Michael Melia as Freddie, Flint as Disco Group

Story: Arthur falls for a young, attractive, but not so talented singer called Sharon Dobbs. Telling her that he has contacts in the business and that he can make her a star, Arthur organises a gig for her at "The Music Room", a dodgy club that Terry had been working at the night before. When club owner Chris Lambert rips Arthur off, Arthur asks Terry to get his money back. Fearing he could end up back in prison, Terry refuses to help Arthur resulting in Arthur sacking Terry. Out of desperation, Arthur turns to local psychopath Vic Piner for help. When Dave hears of what Arthur is up to with Piner, he tells Terry whose only option is to help Arthur out before he ends up going down as an accessory to murder.

Facts: In this episode we learn that Arthur has children when he asks Terry to wake him up in the morning so that he can take them to school the next day. This episode also features a very unusual scene where Arthur kisses Sharon in his car after an evening out. We are also introduced to the Terry's semi-regular girlfriend, Penny (played by the lovely Gennie Nevinson) who works as an air-hostess on the London to Manchester Shuttle Service. Penny appears a further three times in series two. From what the viewer sees, Terry is very fond of Penny, though scared of settling down with her. This is a very gritty Leon Griffiths episode and it shows Terry's fondness for Arthur despite disliking what Arthur gets involved in.

A great line in this episode when Sharon asks Arthur "Are you in the business then?" only for him to reply "I'm Arthur Daley". If you look closely the name of the band "Flint" is shown many times around the club.

Double Take: This is the first of four appearances by Gennie Nevinson as Penny - she would appear again in #2.3 'You Lose Some You Win Some', #2.4 'A Lot Of Bull And A Pat On The Back' and #2.6 'Not A Bad Lad, Dad'. Michael Melia (Freddie) also stars in #7.2 'Days Of Fines & Closures".

Bloopers: At 17m14s Arthur and Sharon stop suddenly in Arthur's Jag with a dark green MG behind them. Look carefully out the back window when it pans to the shot of the two of them in the car. A red car can be seen approaching from behind. In the next shot there is a green MG there.

Name That Tune: The group Flint playing at the start of this episode was indeed a real group at the time and the song featured in the episode is called 'Dirty Last Night', composed by John Dickenson & Elfed Hayes. The drummer in Flint was Matt Letley, who has played with many popular artists over the years, in 2000 he was the regular drummer in Status Quo.

Title: Saturday Night Fever: a 1977 film starring John Travolta.

010. The Dessert Song - Written by Andrew Payne #1.10
Directed by Roy Ward Baker

First Broadcast in the UK: 14th January 1980

Cast: Glynn Edwards as Dave, Diane Keen as Christina, Peter Bland as Charlie, Daniel Hill as Johnny, Godfrey James as Omar, Michael Angelis as Nick, Ian Barritt as Hildritch, Bruno Barnabe as Mario, David Sinclair as Harry, Jonathan Hackett as Drunk in Pub

Story: Following the purchase of pickled walnuts from shop owner Mario, Terry and Arthur rescue Charlie, a Greek Cypriot as he is being attacked on the street. They accompany him back to Charlie's cousin's restaurant upon which Arthur and Terry become involved in a dispute over the restaurant's ownership - restaurant owner Christina had a Turkish Cypriot father, whose relatives believe it is not suitable for her to be running the restaurant. Christina's late husband's brother Omar believes he should be able to take over the restaurant and Christina with it. Christina tracks Arthur down to the Winchester Club and asks Arthur for Terry's help minding the restaurant.

Facts: Diane Keen, who plays Christina in this episode has appeared in many other TV and film roles over the years, including the first Sweeney film, The Cuckoo Waltz, Brookside and more recently the BBC soap Doctors. In this episode you see many good shots of the location of the first Winchester Club in Chalk Farm.

Double Take: Godfrey James (Omar) also stars in #8.10 'Too Many Crooks'. Ian Barritt (Hildritch) also stars in #9.11 'The Great Trilby'.

Bloopers: Watch carefully at the start of this episode after Charlie is rescued by Terry - the car the attackers drive off in is the same blue mark II Ford Cortina (even with the same registration plate!) that Freddie Fenton drives in #1.5 'The Bounty Hunter'.

Title: The Desert Song: a film with several renditions released during the 1940s and 1950s.

011. You Gotta Have Friends - Written by Leon Griffiths #1.11
Directed by Ian Toynton

First Broadcast in the UK: 21st January 1980

Cast: George Baker as Altman, Deborah Grant as Lady Ingrave, David Buck as Billy Gilpin, Brian Hall as Alan, Allan Surtees as D.I. Barnett, Prentis Hancock as Stuart, Gary Whelan as George, Terence Budd as 1st Detective, Denise Distel as Valerie, Roy Kinnear as Whaley

Story: When Arthur arrives home late from a night on the town, an old friend called Billy asks Arthur for a lift. As Arthur is drunk, he manages to get Terry to do it instead. All seems fine until the next day when both Arthur and Terry soon realise Billy was into a very dodgy deal to which they have become accessories. Local gangster Bobby Altman believes it is Arthur and Terry who have cost him a packet and he is out to settle a score.

Facts: Director Ian Toynton directed eight episodes of Minder in total, was associate producer on 35 episodes during The Terry McCann Years and was producer on 36 episodes during The Ray Daley Years. In this, the final episode of series 1, the theme tune is played out as Terry rescues Arthur from Altman, with the series finishing off highlighting the friendship between the two main characters. This story has very little humour in it and is possibly the bleakest storyline in the entire series.

Actor Prentis Hancock who appeared as Altman's bodyguard Stuart in this episode is more recognisable to some as from the 70s sci-fi series 'Space 1999'. Altman's other bodyguard played by Brian Hall, featured alongside Dennis Waterman in the 'Sweeney 2' film and is possibly most recognisable as Terry the chef from 'Fawlty Towers'. Deborah Grant who plays Lady Ingrave was also a semi-regular in the British show 'Bergerac'. Glynn Edwards does not appear in this episode.

Uncredited: Gyearbuor Asante as Taxi Driver at start (in Blue Cortina), Shirley English as barmaid at The Winchester Club.

Double Take: George Baker (Bobby Altman) also stars in #7.2 'Days Of Fines & Closures', Roy Kinnear also stars in #7.1 'It's A Sorry Lorry, Morrie'.

Bloopers: There are many bloopers in this episode - firstly, at 12m55s as Terry leaves the police station, you can see many on-lookers in the street as Arthur and Terry walk along talking together. Also watch carefully at 23m20s, as Arthur and Terry go to visit Lady Ingrave - a neighbour is watching them through a window as Arthur checks his hair in the back of the car. Seconds later as Lady Ingrave's dog barks, there also seems to be an extra walking behind Arthur and Terry on the other side of the road who cannot make up his mind if he should stop or start walking. Also, a major continuation crisis in this episode - keep an eye on the number plate of the Capri as Terry first goes looking for Arthur, it is RLW17R. When Terry eventually finds him, the plate is now SLE71R, possibly the car that features in the opening titles. Also watch out at around 51m19s when Terry's Capri first appears chasing the Ford Granada, the driver is clearly not Dennis Waterman. More details on the capris on Terry's Capri Page here.

Last updated : 29th January 2013 by jno

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