Minder – The Cruel Canal – 1991
Arthur had returned for an eighth series with a new minder in the form of his nephew Ray Daley. Through the original series Christmas specials had not been used until the later part of the Dennis Waterman years, it seemed fitting therefore to have a Christmas episode with the new look series.
Despite the continuing popularity of the show this would be the only Christmas episode featuring Ray.
Whilst it was broadcast at Christmas there was no Christmas links in the story and unlike the previous Christmas episodes it was only standard episode length.
Summary
Classic Minder. Ray is tasked with delivering two hundred video recorders to a client in Limehouse. However when the van breaks down Arthur needs alternative transport.
When Arthur learns they are stolen property he needs to shift them fast, especially as he believes them to have been stolen from psychotic Big Dai, a former boxer and local hard man who wants them back.
With traffic across London at a standstill Arthur decides the answer is transport them by barge. Inevitably this ends in disaster and some very wet video recorders. The only saving grace is that the videos stolen from Big Dai have been returned to him and they were not video recorders but tapes of his fights.
Clips
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Cast
George Cole … Arthur
Gary Webster … Ray
Glynn Edwards … Dave
Anthony O’Donnell … Big Dai
Emma Cunningham … Gloria
Neil Phillips … Two-Tone
Cathy Murphy … Vicky
Trevor Cooper … Derek
Michael Goldie … Freddie
Metin Marlow … Canal Policeman
Richard Heap … Traffic Policeman
Details
Channel: ITV
Written By: Kevin Sperring and Bernard Dempsey
Produced By: Euston Films for Thames Television
Original Transmission Date: 25th December 1991