In Return of the Seven two years after working together for months on a building in Germany, the gang are re-united to help Barry finish off his house as he prepares for his upcoming wedding to Hazel. Dennis though has other things on his mind, he is drinking heavily and is working for Newcastle businessman/gangster Ally Fraser however things take a turn for the better when Fraser earmarks the gang to renovate a mansion in Derbyshire.
Opens with a quick recap of the events of the season one finale then over the opening titles we have a catch up with some of the activities of the boys, Neville’s wife giving birth, Moxy escaping from prison, Bomber going back to wrestling etc. It’s a great opener, none of the boys bar Barry who at least is running his own building business are doing very well and definitely look on the reunion as a chance to make something of a fresh start. The addition of Bill Paterson as the slick Ally Fraser is a major plus too.
This double episode is one of the few to feature Gary Holton’s Wayne all the way through. Holton of course died mid-way through the filming of the series.
production details
UK / ITV Network – Central / 2×60 minute episodes / Broadcast 21-28 February 1986
Writers: Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais / Production Design: Michael Perry / Director: Roger Bamford
Series: Auf Wiedersehen Pet Season 2 Episodes 1 and 2
guest cast
BILL PATERSON as Ally Fraser
JULIA TOBIN as Brenda Hope
VAL McLANE as Norma
LESLEY SAINT-JOHN as Vicki
SIMON SMITH as Trevor
SAMANTHA DAVIS as Pippa
JULIE FETHERINGTON as Linda
PEGGY ANN WOOD as Mrs Bainbridge
BILLY GERAGHTY as Paddy
ROBERT BLEVINS as Russell
STEPHEN CRANE as Syd
BOB BERLIN as Mr Galloway
DICK IRWIN as Billy
LEON NIGHTINGALE as Barman
CHRIS SANDERS as Customs Officer
CATHERINE WHATELY as Debbie Hope
JAMES BATE as Malcolm Hallwood
BRIAN FAIRMAN as Sales Manager
MAGGIE TARVER as Stewardess
KAREN KARLSEN as Receptionist
YING TONG JOHN as Big Baz
FIONA COOPER as Pamela
NATALIE BLAKE as Motel Receptionist
LYNN HENDER as Pauline
HUBERT REES as Welsh Rep
BRIAN POYSER as East Anglian Rep
