Monday 8 August 2016

Television: 'Press Gang: At Last A Dragon' (1990) (Episode 2x06)

The wheel turns, and the long-simmering bickering and tension between Spike and Lynda is resolved to great and universal success. If you had to rank love stories then these two would surely rank near the top, especially if you declare seasons three, four and five non-canonical. There's something rather magical about seeing the arch denier Lynda Day finally give in to her feelings, after Spike Thompson finally does slay that metaphorical dragon he promised back in the first episode. Yes, it is still possible to win fair maiden by act of heroism.

The development of 'Press Gang' is firmly tied to the development of Spike as a character, and that of the rest of the ensemble at a secondary level. It's really not until he puts his own importance to one side, and helps Lynda break through her social anxiety (and potentially leave him in the future), that he actually reaches his own potential in her eyes. Conversely, it's not until the big business soiree that he sees her vulnerable social side and realises that she's so much more than a martinet. Yes, there had been the guilt-ridden fallout seen in 'Shouldn't I Be Taller', but a reaction to a terrible event isn't the same as fears over talking to potential career mentors.

'At Last A Dragon' is an odd episode of 'Press Gang', featuring as it does only three of the main cast and never once visiting the office. Indeed, the Colin portion of the story could also have been excised, it being particularly daft and nasty. Shady business are one thing, but actual scams while disguised as an Arab magnate? Really, Colin? Despite that, it's a classic show, and the one where practically everyone has to fall for either Lynda or Spike. The style flows thick and fast, and in the closing moment you don't even care that Spike pulls off a Fonzz moment and turns on a busted streetlamp by clicking his fingers. Also, the terrible twosome of Sophie and Laura pull off more horrors as temporary waitresses, and an urn plays a central role, but that's for another day. The Fonzz wins out.

Oh, 'Press Gang', you do so much with what should be an absolutely dopey concept. How on Earth you all pulled it off, I have no idea. From the perplexingly paradoxical interesting blandness of Kenny and his romantic interludes, through Colin's daft schemes, and even the wonderful moments that Mr Sullivan springs at any moment, it all works.

Spike: “She is mad, isn't she?” [] Sullivan: “Oh, yes.” [] Spike: “Fine. Just as long as I know.”

O.

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