Prospects

Prospects was a fantastic series shown on Channel 4 in 1986 over 12 weeks, (filmed all through 1985) and has become a cult series in its own right. Starring the late Gary Olsen and Brian Bovell, it also featured a host of well known British character actors. It followed the fortunes of 2 young men on the dole, who are desperate to hit the big time and make money using any scams or schemes going. Made by the same people behind Minder, writer Alan Janes penned all 12 episodes - and also wrote Minder episodes as well. For some bizarre reason, only one series was ever made - probably due to the fact that the show was repeated in 1987 on ITV in a prime time TV slot, but didn't get enough viewer ratings for the team behind it to make some more. It's a perfect slice of 80s comedy/drama, made so good by the incredible talent of Olsen who was perfect as Jimmy Pince. Episodes were as follows: 1. THE P TO S DAY: Pincy and Billy set up a dating company, as well as a burglar alarm fitting company, but as ever seem to spend all their time getting out of scrapes.

2. PARTNERS IN BRINE: Pincy has big dreams of setting up a marina theme park - not bad when you only have your dole cheque each week to live on.

3. UNCLE HARRY'S SYSTEM: Pincy thinks he has found a foolproof way to make money betting on greyhounds.

4. DIRTY WEEKEND: Pincy and Billy plan a camping holiday with their girlfriends 5. RODENT ENGINEERS: Pincy and Billy decide to start their own ratcatching business 6. STANDING ON YOUR OWN ONE FOOT: Pincy and Billy move into a new flat and have a run in with the would-be local councillor who happens to be a racist 7. SUBTERRANEAN PIG SICK BLUES: Pincy thinks he has stumbled on the perfect bank robbery, whilst also launching a scam involving dirty magazines 8. FRYING TONIGHT: Pincy and Billy get a job at the local chippy, and end up giving marriage guidance to the owner George.

9. FOUR MEN IN A BOAT: Pincy and Billy get casual work as waiters on a wedding boat 10. FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK LANE: Billy falls in love with the headstrong would-be pop star Bev 11. RUNNING ALL THE WAY PART ONE: Pincy and Billy get sent to prison after being fitted up by the police 12. RUNNING ALL THE WAY PART TWO: Pincy and Billy must decide between a life on the run or doing their time in prison This series is perfect for all those who think back wishfully to the great 80s of Thatcher's Britain, the show is hilarious and by the end of it you will identify so much with the main characters.

I enjoyed the series of Prospects 86 and would love to get a copy of the series ( i have tried E bay @ Amazon @ channel 4 without any success!! When it First came out on Channel 4 you have to remember there was not a lot of choice of television!! and it was a refection of the times we was in! i have tried to get the series so i am desperate to get a copy please!i am willing to pay for this! The late Gary Olson RIP was taken from us to soon!I was never sure why no more series were ever made if some one could let me know i would be grateful to know! it would be interesting to hear Brian Bovell comments on the programme he helped to create!!

This much under-rated gritty show carried on in the tradition of other greats such as Auf Weidersien Pet and followed the mis-adventures of two young likely lads Billy and Pinch on there quest for love, money and a bit of a life.

Think there were 2 series although not 100% on that, always remember the camping episode, the prison episode(they make alcohol out of potato skins and poison half the inmates) and the robbery episode where they tunnel through to what is supposed to be a flush underground storage area but all they find is butchers meat so they take that instead.

Great show would love to see it on DVD release think it was the same people as made Minder.

Having painfully waited and waited for this memorable series to be repeated on uk gold or elsewhere. I finally located the full 12 episodes on ebay (HUGE thankyou to my new best friend in the southwest!). As anyone visiting these pages will fondly remember, Olsen and Bovell left quite a mark playing these lovable rogues mildly flaunting the law with such an innocent lovable demeanour. Whilst all the time searching for the "Big One" an idea or enterprise that would see them set for life and handed the freedom of the city!!!. Although i recall at the time being totally gutted that no second series was ever filmed, it probably adds something to the nostalgic memories it all conjures up, that only the 12 episodes were ever delivered. The excellent writing and raw performances given by these pair will long continue to be amongst my fondest TV thoughts. With the first two episodes down i can't wait to get home for No.3 "Uncle Harry's system" tonight......or of course i could go home ill at lunchtime hehe.

I remember this series well, I watched it for the fabulous Hazel O'Connor (Breaking Glass fame) She had a guest part in the series and also wrote and sang 2 songs ('Today could be so good' and 'We tried' Released on red bus records. There were a lot of people i recognised in the series who were then unknown!

I remember being glued to the set at the time as I'm sure many others were!! There was an album to accompany the series too. The theme tune was OK too, I'm sure this was a 12 part series. I would love to see this series released on DVD. It was produced by the same people who did Minder.