Keywords:
  • Surreal comedy
  • British eccentricity
  • Overlooked classic

STARRING:  
Robert Lindsay - Carter
David Threlfall - Bell
James Ellis - Sarge

Season 1 2

Transmitted: February 1990 - February 1993 Seasons: 2
Overall Rating: Last Updated: 16th May 2010

Criminally underrated sitcom from the early 90's that was - to my knowledge - broadcast once on Channel Four well out of primetime, with no promotion whatsoever, then quietly forgotten.
And that is a great shame.
Word of mouth has turned this show into the stuff of legend, as can be seen by various posts on YouTube and the like, and it is well worthy of such high acclaim.
The setup is thus - three security guards working the nightshift in a city centre office block do all in their power to prevent themselves going utterly insane. And they are only partially successful, filling their time with inane and mind-boggling tasks and activities until the sun rises and they are free to go home to their equally mundane lives.
One of those shows that is difficult to relate, as it is potentially about nothing at all, this is surreal and off the wall, without ever falling into the trap of being 'wacky' (shudder).
There are moments of comic gold, as well as some genuine oddness - the episodes where the cast suddenly launch into Shakespeare style acting and speech, the one where it seems the office is drifting at sea - but never seems forced or contrived.
The cast is first rate too, the acting excellent.
If you missed it when it was first broadcast, get hold of it by hook or by crook. It's well worth the effort.

Season 1 Season Rating:  
   
Moonlight Becomes You A new helper for the nightshift claims to be a doctor, but has an irrational fear of blood. That is, until the moon rises, at which point he turns into a blood thirty werewolf....
   
Takeaway Carter and Ding Dong are in direct competition when they find out one of them is to lose their job at the end of the week.
   
Kiss and Make Up "The tarts the third prize."
Carter wins a competition to spend a night with a Page 3 model.
He shares it with the boys.
   
Opening Night Swan the werewolf is recruited once more to help the gang raise the funds for Sarge's heart bypass.
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Scrutiny of the Bounty Their lives are turned into turmoil when a detective turns up on a surveillance mission.
   
Terence in the Midst When a new team member is due for arrival, the gang can't help but speculate. But none of them are prepared for what eventually walks through the door.
   
 
   
Season 2 Season Rating:  
   
Silent Night A woman arrives in Christmas Eve, heavily pregnant, begging for help. The team are reluctant, worried that it may be an allegory.
   
Trouble in Mind When Ding Dong is suspected of raping a horse, a medical professional is called in who soon discovers dark secrets about them all.
   
Crime and Punishment A late night criminal is apprehended by the team, but it soon turns out he may be their son. All of their son.
   
All at Sea A scary new boss arrives, prompting mutiny amongst the ranks.
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Reach for the Sky A Security Guard of the Year competition pits Ding Dong and Carter head to head.
   
King Lear II One of the team is due for promotion, but the fact none of them know who it is sees scheming ensue, of a villainous nature.
   
Someone to Watch Over Me A new CCTV system sees the teams replacements arrive: themselves, who they must fight to the death.