Mike and Angelo S5E2 (1993) - FULL EPISODE

Robot Rita. Starting a new job is always stressful, especially when you're running late, and then your new boss brings forward that all-important first presentation you have to give. And then you find your car on a roof and yourself in hospital. Thankfully, Angelo may be able to put his latest project to good use to cover for Rita's absence. This episode was originally broadcast on Thursday, 14th January, 1993. If the previous instalment was basically one giant setup for the new Mike to be introduced, this one is where the series gets back on track to where it wants to be: Rita's doing her best to make ends meet, Angelo is doing daft things, and his young friend does his best to dig him out of any difficulties they find themselves in. Building a robot is a very Angelo sort of thing to do, and the way it becomes useful to the plot is all woven together very nicely. I don't know whether the piano-playing arm owes anything to the Addams Family or anything like that, but it's a good joke that stops the concept from ever crossing the line into being disturbing. The super strength is a nice touch, and top marks to Shelley Thompson in what I suppose is technically a dual-role. Brilliant episode, and let's not deconstruct the special effects shots we end on too deeply. We really do take CGI for granted these days. We've previously mentioned John Savident - playing the part of Howard Fogle, Rita's boss - but this is actually the first of his appearances on the show, and as he would always prove, he's excellent value. The other guest is John Grillo, who returned to Mike and Angelo as a Victorian character in series 10, and was also in Spatz and B&B (all from the same writers), plus the likes of Chocky, Watt on Earth, and Blackadder, amongst far too many more to mention. He's good in this, and provides many hair-curling laughs. (Take that how you want.) Look out at the beginning for a brief snippet of CITV continuity presented by Glenn Kinsey. 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.)