Bergerac: Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie (BBC-1 23 Jan 1983, with Gareth Thomas)

In Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie, Hungerford has decided to get into politics, he is also trying to sell one of his boats to a group who are supposed to be interested in survey work but are, in reality,  a gang of mercenaries.

Money man for the group is Eugene Field, his involvement also leads to Jim meeting up once again with financial expert Marianne Bellshade the pair quickly overcome their initial antagonism and end up going out for dinner.

Meanwhile journalist Donald Early has arrived on the island, he grew up on Jersey before moving to Fleet Street, these days he is down on his luck somewhat but tells former girlfriend Lil that he has a major story to break. It soon becomes obvious that his story involves Charlie and his new political career. (It turns out Charlie was responsible for Early having to leave Jersey under something of a cloud and Early would like revenge.) Early is then found murdered and Charlie looks to be chief suspect.

An excellent script from Dennis Spooner see several different tangled plotlines come together nicely. More excellent guest star work from Gareth Thomas who gets to use his Welsh accent for a rare change.

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast Sunday 23 January 1983 at 9.10pm

Writer: Dennis Spooner / Production Design: Phil Roberson / Director: Michael Rolfe

Series: Bergerac Season 2 Episode 3

cast
John Nettles as Jim Bergerac
Terence Alexander as Charles Hungerford
Sean Arnold as Crozier
Annette Badland as Charlotte
Mela White as Diamante Lil
Celia Imrie as Marianne
Deborah Grant as Deborah
William Hootkins as Eugene Field
Jack Carr as Donald Early
Gareth Thomas as Towers
Peter Blake as Fontaine
Victor Lucas as Protheroe
Raymond Adamson as Senator
Peter Pacey as Mulder
Roger Leach as Tyler
Glyn Baker as Barrett
Ling Tai as Su-Li
Liz Lauste as Janet
Ray Dunbobbin as Photographer
Haydn Jones as News editor
John Conway as Reporter
Chris Hambrow as Radio interviewer
Phil Mottram-Brown as Returning Officer