Lame Ducks (BBC-2 1984-1985, John Duttine, Lorraine Chase)

Sitcom Lame Ducks focuses on Brian Drake (hence the somewhat punning title) who has to start his life over when he is injured in a collision with a lorry and then faced with the prospect of his wife leaving him.

Drake decides to sell up and move to the country. He is very quickly joined by a somewhat ragtag group of friends. These include one time arsonist Tommy who met Drake in hospital, the flirtatious Angie, private detective Ansell who had actually been hired by Drake’s wife to track him down but ended up staying. There is also the slightly unhinged Maurice who is planning a round the world trip on a six foot ball (and yes that does mean Tony Millan who played Maurice had to spend most of his time balancing on a six foot ball).

Season one was set in a cottage called Scars Edge whilst the second and final season moved the action to an old railway station located at Stutterton Stop.

production details
UK / BBC-2 / 12×30 minute episodes / Broadcast 22 October 1984 – 22 October 1985

Writer: P.J. Hammond / Producer and Director: John B. Hobbs

cast
John Duttine as Brian Drake
Patric Turner as Tommy
Primi Townsend as Mrs Drake
Lorraine Chase as Angie
Brian Murphy as Ansell
Tony Millan as Maurice
Cyd Hayman as Mrs Kelly