Spatz S1E2 (1990) - FULL EPISODE

Sound of Muzak. Orders from on high mean that TJ must play the new Spatz jingle through the restaurant PA system on a perpetual loop - no matter how irritating all and sundry find it. Meanwhile, heavy metal fan Vince falls for a musician of the rather more refined variety, but finds himself in hot water with Karen when a customer's wallet goes missing. This episode was originally broadcast on Wednesday, 28th February, 1990. There's a lot packed into this one, as in the grand scheme of things we're still trying to get to know the characters. With the opening episode more of a set-up, this is the first time we see the restaurant fully open for business and properly in the swing of things. It's very much a Vince episode, and being early in the run, there remains a certain amount of ambiguity as to whether he's a wrong 'un or not. The dangers of accusations and workplace gossip are played out well, along with the guilty-until-proven-innocent nature of the story. (Also ambiguous, while we're on the subject, are the ages of the main cast, who seem to be either teenagers or adults well into their 20s, depending on what the story dictates.) Anyway, the quirks and roles of each of the regulars are defined well, in particular ruthless dictator Karen and nice guy who does dad-like jokes TJ. (And I love the funny letter the episode unnecessarily opens with - another reminder of why I could never be a writer.) We also find out the type of music each individual is into, and I have to confess Dexter's is unexpected. What a joyous scene, though! As far as guest stars go, it's difficult to get more classy than Julia Sawalha and Sam Womack (credited as Samantha Janus, of course). Julia was a regular on Press Gang at the time, as referenced in the end continuity, and this is roughly a couple of years before really hitting the big time on Absolutely Fabulous. Samantha, meanwhile, only has a credit as "Young Maid" on Jekyll and Hyde before Spatz, but a year later was busy representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest. She's done loads on stage and screen down the years, and is probably best known as Ronnie in EastEnders. We should also applaud the late John Rapley, who provides excellent comic relief as the hapless customer who's lost his wallet. Most of John's IMDB is a list of bit-parts such as "Publican", "Janitor", "Vicar" and "Old Codger", but he's a very recognisable face and worth looking up. Look out for the Children's ITV continuity at beginning and end featuring Jeanne Downes, Scally, Clive Warren, and special guest Gian Sammarco - best remembered as Adrian Mole - plus a full ad break just to get you in the retro mood. Many thanks to Joe for lending me this tape. (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.)