Mike and Angelo S6E3 (1994) - FULL EPISODE

Like Father, Like Son. Rita's bad ankle has left her practically bed-bound, and she's determined that Mike and Angelo should wait on her hand and (dodgy) foot. But then there's a visitor from through the attic wardrobe which complicates matters greatly. This episode was first broadcast on Tuesday, 8th March, 1994. Conventional knowledge states that the first couple of series of this show had their emotional story arc, but then along came Tim Whitnall and it was all zany shenanigans for the remainder. Well, that's partly true, but this episode is a very strong argument to the contrary. Without spoiling anything, the dilemma felt by Angelo is phenomenally deep, the issue of not being listened to (a recurring theme) profound, and the concept of flying the nest while trying to remain loyal borderline upsetting. The resolution isn't the sort of thing you expect in a Children's ITV sitcom. Strangely powerful stuff. Meanwhile, I feel really stupid admitting this, but I never gave the phrase "Home is where the heart is" a second thought until now. It's not 'Everyone loves their home'; it's 'You feel most at home with those whom you love'. One thing defines the other, not the other way around. I had it upside-down all these years. Something else I'm not sure whether I've got or not is if the first line of the guest star as he enters is a Romeo and Juliet balcony scene reference... What do you reckon? Either way, said guest star in this one is, of course, Ron Moody - Fagin to you and me. He's sadly no longer with us, but he plays the part with its range of emotions brilliantly and believably. Besides the films and proper Shakespeare and all that, regular television credits of Ron's include Into the Labyrinth, Hideaway, numerous voices in The Animals of Farthing Wood, and the lead in Hart of the Yard. Now, Ron was excellent, but here's a real treat as you've bothered to read this far, with thanks to the excellent Glad You Remember website: http://gladyouremember.webs.com/ma-wisdom.JPG It turns out that enquiries were made to enlist none other than Norman Wisdom for the role! That would have been a coup and a half, and it's a pity it never came to pass. Too smutty, though? I think I must have missed something. (My mind is also conjuring up images of Derek Hatton as Angelo's dad - the Scouser from across the universe...) No continuity, but listen until the end for that weird extra burst tacked on to the theme tune. Many thanks to Grant 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.)