Mike and Angelo S4E3 (1991) - FULL EPISODE

The Hovel. Rita has a bit of a cash flow problem, and somehow finds herself persuaded that there's nothing to lose from asking her boss for a raise. Mrs Roper isn't immediately convinced, so Angelo and Ellie team up to help tip the balance in their favour. This episode was originally broadcast on Thursday, 31st October, 1991. Just in case you're wondering: yes, Ellie. Series four of the show is the one in which Matt Wright was seen to leave early on, lumbering us all without a Mike for the time being. Instead of re-casting the part, other sidekicks for Angelo were found for this series, predominantly young actress Jade Magri. (The following year saw Michael Benz join, of course, and never again were we Mike-less.) I love just how thickly they lay it all on when putting their plan into action, not content with looking a little short of the necessities, but going full-on Victorian urchin instead. The biscuit bit particularly made me laugh. Top marks to the set dressers and costume department, too. From a technical standpoint, the shot of the airship in the window reflection is handled very elegantly indeed - but then unfortunately the effect is lost straight away by the next shot showing it directly in all its 'glory'. All adds to the charm, though. Maggie Ollerenshaw puts in a excellent guest turn in this episode, proving her versatility beyond all doubt when you compare this hard-nosed businesswoman to her character Mavis in Open All Hours. This seems to have been her Theresa May years (unless it's just me who sees the passing resemblance). Maggie's done loads of TV down the years, including recurring parts in Lovejoy, Coronation Street, First of the Summer Wine, The House of Eliott, and a whole heap of other stuff. More interesting round these parts, though, would be her one-off Grange Hill role, playing Wilma Wishbone in T-Bag, and being the voice of Henrietta in Thomas and Friends. And if that isn't versatility, I don't know what is. Look out for some complete Children's ITV continuity presented by Tommy Boyd at both the beginning and end, plus a few adverts which I just had to leave in - including the chance to win a Sega Master System, Hale and Pace demanding we adhere to the firework code, a dreadful Fruit Gums joke, plus one that just doesn't fit at all. Feel the retro goodness! Many thanks to Lee for providing this recording. (To the best of my knowledge, the contents of this video have never been available commercially anywhere in the world. Please also note that I don't monetise any of my uploads. Nevertheless, if you are a copyright holder and have an objection, please don't hesitate to contact me.)