Connect with us


TV

Minder (ITV 1979-1994, George Cole Dennis Waterman)

Published

on


Minder ran for 15 years and there were 108 episodes. It grew out of a need to replace The Sweeney (which starred John Thaw and Dennis Waterman) which was then nearing the end of its TV lifespan.

The premise of the series has ex-boxer and ex-con Terry McCann (played by Dennis Waterman) working for highly dodgy car dealer Arthur Daley (Arthur: “Daley’s the names got two meanings – Daley as in everyday” – Terry: “Yeah and Daley as in Rip-off”). Terry really wants to go straight but of course Arthur’s plans often lead him into trouble.

Season one of Minder is a fair bit darker than the later series but still has plentiful funny moments. Episode one (Gunfight at the OK Laundrette – incidentally one of the joys of Minder is the episode titles) is certainly not a typical episode with Terry and Arthur getting caught up in a siege at a Laundrette.

Series one of Minder, whilst proving in hindsight to be a healthy dose of classic TV, had been hit and miss with the general public who seemed unable to decide whether the new show was a comedy or a crime drama. Season two though saw the show gaining a wider audience with each of its 13 episodes. Show creator Leon Griffiths had been debilitated by a stroke and missed almost all of this season, script editor Linda Agran taking over the reigns.

Advertisement

Season two takes all the classic elements of the first series, the Daleyism’s, Terry’s weekly fight, the comic police always on the verge of nicking Arthur, Arthur’s well dodgy deals and refined them and in the process turned Minder into truly great television. This second season also saw a big influx in quality name guest stars and semi-regular characters (who included George Layton’s excellent conniving mechanic Des, Patrick Malahide as Sgt Chisholm and Gennie Nevison as Terry’s on again off again girlfriend Penny whilst notable guest stars included the likes of Karl Howman, Anthony Valentine, Tony Selby, Peter Jeffrey and Liza Goddard). Nephew Ray replaced Dennis as Arthur’s Minder.

From there it was a quick step to Minder becoming one of the most popular shows on TV attracting some high profile guest stars (who by now included the likes of Brian Blessed, Rula Lenska, Ray Winstone, Michael Kitchen, Don Henderson, Paul Eddington, George Baker, Michael Melia, Billy Connolly and Ian McShane).

Series 7 marked Dennis Waterman’s last appearances on the show and by now Terry was becoming very wise to Arthur’s wiles and tricks and was less willing to get involved in Arthur’s schemes. Dennis Waterman having clearly tired of the role and it looked for a time as though that was it for the show but then after a gap of three years Minder returned for an 8th series in 1991 (12 episodes) with a very important change, Terry was out, Ray was in. With Terry having conveniently got married and moved to Australia Arthur’s nephew Ray (Gary Webster) was drafted in as Arthur’s new minder.

Luckily the series easily maintained its high quality standard with funny scripts and some classic Daley shenanigans. Arthur’s business interests were becoming a little more legit by now, his main business being the importing of cars from Europe and although Ray is pretty handy with his fists there is more humour than ever, as always the police were on hand to give Arthur a hard time, this time in the shape of Nicholas Day and a young Stephen Thompkinson as his offsider.

Advertisement

Somewhat surprisingly there was an ill judged and short lived (6 episodes) reboot made by Channel 5 in 2009. Shane Richie played Arthur’s nephew Archie. This series is not included in the episode count below and neither is a not for TV 28 minute production the team made in 1982 for the Central Office of Information for the DHSS. The production was called A Little Bit Of Give And Take.

production details
UK / ITV – Thames – Euston – Central / 108 episodes 106×50 minute episodes 1×73 minute episode and 1×100 minute episode/ Broadcast 29 October 1979 – 10 March 1974

Creator: Leon Griffiths / Theme Music: Gerard Kenny sung by Dennis Waterman / Executive Producers: Verity Lambert, Lloyd Shirley,

cast
George Cole as Arthur Daley
Dennis Waterman as Terry McCann
Glynn Edwards as Dave
Gary Webster as Ray Daley
Patrick Malahide as Chisholm
Peter Childs as Rycott
Michael Povey as Jones
George Layton as Des
Mark Farmer as Justin
Nicholas Day as Morley
Stephen Tompkinson as Park

Advertisement

Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

The Talk The Talk
News2 mins ago

Gina Rodriguez and Tembi Locke, The Talk, March 29, 2024, CBS,

On Friday, March 29, The Talk presents an exciting episode filled with engaging discussions and special guests. Tune in to...

Tamron Hall Tamron Hall
News3 mins ago

Scotley Innis, Samah Dada, Tamron Hall, March 29, 2024, ABC

On Friday, March 29th, Tamron Hall welcomes a stellar lineup of culinary experts to the ‘Tasting Table‘ segment, just in...

The Today Show The Today Show
News5 mins ago

Dev Patel, Jim Parsons, Jessica Lange, The Today Show, March 29, 2024, NBC

On Friday, March 29th, The Today Show presents a jam-packed episode featuring a stellar lineup of guests and informative segments...

Today with Hoda & Jenna Today with Hoda & Jenna
News6 mins ago

Sheryl Crow, Justin Willman, Today with Hoda & Jenna, March 29, 2024,

On Friday, March 29th, Today with Hoda & Jenna embarks on an exciting journey filled with interviews and insightful segments,...

American Masters American Masters
News1 hour ago

Daniel Patrick Moynihan, American Masters, March 29th, 202, PBS

PBS’s American Masters explores the lives and artistic legacies of notable figures in the history of American culture. The series...

RuPaul's Drag Race RuPaul's Drag Race
News1 hour ago

RuPaul’s Drag Race, March 29, 2024, MTV, “Drag Race Vegas LIVE! Makeovers”

Get ready for a dazzling display of drag queen magic as RuPaul’s Drag Race presents the thirteenth episode of its...

Triple D Nation Triple D Nation
News1 hour ago

Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, March 29, 2024, Food Network, “From Spicy to Sticky”

Get ready for a sensory journey through the diverse culinary landscape of the United States with Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins,...

House Hunters International House Hunters International
News1 hour ago

House Hunters, March 29, 2024, HGTV, “A Permanent Home in Atlanta”

This episode of House Hunters, “A Permanent Home in Atlanta”, airing on HGTV on March 29, 2024 at 10.00pm examines...

ITV1 Title Card ITV1 Title Card
News4 hours ago

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen, 30 March 2024, ITV1

Set in her beautiful Cotswolds home, Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen sees the legendary cook share her favourite recipes, as well...

Bargain Hunt Bargain Hunt
News5 hours ago

Bargain Hunt, 1 April 2024, BBC One, “Asian Special”

In a special Asian-focused episode of Bargain Hunt, presenter Roo Irvine delves into some of the program’s most remarkable finds...

Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics
News1 day ago

Nissan Figaro & Ferrari 250 GT, Bangers & Cash, March 28, 2024, Yesterday

On Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 8:00 PM., Yesterday presents a brand new episode of Bangers & Cash. This reality...

Big Mood Big Mood
News1 day ago

Big Mood Episode 2, 28 March 2024, Channel 4, “Down”

Continue the laughter and heartfelt moments with the second episode of Big Mood on Thursday, 28 March 2024 at 10:30...

Rob Beckett's Smart TV Rob Beckett's Smart TV
News1 day ago

Natasia Demetriou, Anna Maxwell-Martin, Cush Jumbo, Romesh Ranganathan, Rob Beckett’s Smart TV, 28 March 2024, Sky Max,

Rob Beckett’s Smart TV is back with another entertaining episode on Thursday 28 March 2024 at 9:00 PM on Sky...

Trucking Hell Trucking Hell
News1 day ago

Trucking Hell, 28 March 2024, 5Action

On Thursday 28 March 2024 at 9:00 PM., Trucking Hell returns with an action-packed episode that takes viewers into the...

A&E After Dark A&E After Dark
News1 day ago

A&E After Dark, 28 March 2024, 5STAR,

Its another intense and gripping night at Tunbridge Wells A&E as A&E After Dark returns with a new episode on...

Big Mood Big Mood
News1 day ago

Series Premiere, Big Mood, 28 March 2024, Channel 4, “Up”

Gear up for a hilarious and heartfelt comedy as Big Mood makes its debut on Channel 4 on Thursday, 28...

Popular