Prospects (TV series)

"Prospects" was a British television drama series that was written by Alan Janes and originally shown on Channel 4 in 1986. Created by Thames Television's film unit Euston Films - the makers of "The Sweeney" and "Minder", it followed the exploits of two east end 'geezer' characters - "Jimmy 'Pincey' Pince" played by the late Gary Olsen and "Billy" played by Brian Bovell and their trials and tribulations of making a living in London's Isle of Dogs. Comprising 12 episodes Prospects - with a comic slant, dealt with many of the major issues affecting British society at the height of the "Thatcherite" '80's including unemployment, crime, poverty, regeneration, social change and racism.

Prospects gained a cult following and ratings wise it performed well above expectation for Channel 4. Rival station ITV which at the time had links to Channel 4 saw the success of Prospects and gave it a 9pm prime-time repeat slot in the Spring/Summer of 1987. This fuelled rumours ITV wanted to develop Prospects into a long-running comedy drama series. However despite seeing potential in Prospects ITV declined the opportunity to develop it beyond the original first series.

Episodes

The 12 episodes of Prospects followed Billy and Pincey's exploits as follows:

* Episode 1 The P to S Day - Billy and Pincey set up a dating agency and burglar alarm company but as ever seem to spend their time getting out of scrapes.
* Episode 2 Partners in Brine - Pincey has big dreams of setting up a marina and theme park in the Isle of Dogs - not bad when your only collateral is your weekly 'dole' cheque.
* Episode 3 Uncle Harry's System - Pincey despite Billy's cynicism believes he's discovered a guaranteed greyhound betting system. However they end up in very hot water both with 'Uncle Harry's' system and losing £500 they were minding for local villain 'Stretch'.
* Episode 4 Dirty Weekend - Billy, Pincey and their girlfriends embark on an ill-fated camping holiday which makes Billy question his mobility in society and tests his friendship with Pincey.
* Episode 5 Rodent Engineers - Billy and Pincey set up a pest control business with the ability they claim to eliminate a epidemic of 'hyper mice' that have infected the Isle of Dogs.
* Episode 6 Standing on Your Own One Foot - Billy and Pincey move to a new flat. However it proves a unhappy move after they have a run in with the area's racist local councillor and his cronies.
* Episode 7 Subterranean Pig Sick Blues - Pincey think's he can to pull off the 'perfect' bank robbery, whilst also launching a scam involving dirty magazines. However things don't quite go to plan.
* Episode 8 Frying Tonight - Billy and Pincey get a job at their local chip shop. However things sprial out of control when they give marriage guidance advice to the owner George.
* Episode 9 Four Men in a Boat - Billy and Pincey get casual work as waiters on a wedding boat.
* Episode 10 Follow the Yellow Brick Lane - Billy falls in love with Bev a headstrong singer dreaming of pop stardom. Episode features Hazel O'Connor.
* Episode 11 Running all the Way Part One - A police 'fit up' sees Billy and Pincey get sent to prison for a crime they didn't commit.
* Episode 12 Running all the Way Part Two - Billy and Pincey escape from prison. However doing their time in prison may have been better idea than choosing a life on the run.

References

* [http://www.offthetelly.co.uk/drama/euston.htm Off The Telly article by Ian Jones]
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0134259/ Prospects on the Internet Movie Database]
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0134259/usercomments Prospects on the Internet Movie Database - reviews]
* [http://www.tv.com/prospects/show/20886/summary.html Prospects on TV.com]