About the Series
Genre: UK Sitcom
Series: 3
Episodes: 20
First Transmission: 1974-1977
Channel: BBC
Dedicated Fansite: Porridge.org.uk
Porridge is a British sitcom written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.
The sitcom revolves around two prison inmates, Norman Fletcher and Lennie Godber, who are serving time at the fictional Slade prison. The show’s title is a slang for serving a prison sentence – “Doing porridge,” named after the traditional British breakfast.
The series was followed by a sequel in 1978, Going Straight, which followed Norman Fletcher after being released from prison.
Porridge was critically acclaimed and is widely considered to be one of the greatest British sitcoms of all time.
Ronnie Barker: Norman Stanley Fletcher
Richard Beckinsale: Lennie Godber
Brian Wilde: Mr. Barrowclough
Fulton Mackay: Mr. Mackay
Best Episode [ S2 Ep4 ]
Happy Release – Fletch is in the prison hospital, where an unpleasant con called Norris, shortly to be released, has won the possessions of an elderly prisoner, Blanco. Fletch comes to Blanco’s rescue by hatching a plan involving a supposed treasure map which is handed over to Norris in exchange for Blanco’s things. Some days later Fletch and Blanco hear on the radio how Norris, now released, has been arrested for trying to dig up the buried treasure – on a football pitch!
Imdb Score [8.7]
Worst Episode [ S1 Ep5 ]
Ways and Means – As a punishment, Fletch has to sew fishing nets with an aggressive prisoner. Fletch has a plan to talk down the prisoner from a roof-top protest after attempts by others fail. The plan works, but not quite in the way Fletch hoped.
Imdb Score – [7.6]
Full Episode Guide
Key:-
Blue episodes rated above par.
Brown episodes rated below par.
Series One
New Faces, Old Hands (1974) –
It is Lennie Godber’s first time in prison, so Fletcher shows him the ropes.
The Hustler (1974) –
Fletch starts an illegal gambling enterprise that soon runs into trouble.
A Night In (1974) –
Fletcher is told that Lennie Godber is his new cellmate, much to his annoyance.
A Day Out (1974) –
Fletch and some other prisoners go out on a work party, and Fletch’s day ends up at the pub.
Ways And Means (1974) –
Fletch has to work with a violent prisoner.
Men Without Women (1974) –
Fletch becomes a bit of an agony aunt.
Series Two
Just Desserts (1975) –
Someone steals Fletcher’s pineapple chunks, and he is determined to catch the culprit.
Heartbreak Hotel (1975) –
Godber’s girlfriend breaks up with him via a letter.
Disturbing The Peace (1975) –
Mackay’s temporary replacement is even worse than he is.
Happy Release (1975) –
Fletch ends up in the prison hospital.
The Harder They Fall (1975) –
Fletch, under Harry Grout’s orders, tries to rig a boxing match.
No Peace For The Wicked (1975) –
Fletch becomes increasingly annoyed by all the interruptions in his cell.
No Way Out (1975) –
A planned escape causes all kinds of trouble just before Christmas, and Fletch attempts to spend some valuable time in the infirmary.
The Desperate Hours (1976) –
Fletcher, Godber, Barrowclough and the governor’s secretary are held hostage by a prisoner with a homemade gun.
Series Three
A Storm In A Teacup (1977) –
After a capsule containing pills that Harris stole goes missing, Grouty attempts to locate them and Fletch is recruited to help.
Poetic Justice (1977) –
Fletcher’s new cell-mate turns out to be the judge who sentenced him.
Rough Justice (1977) –
The judge’s watch is stolen.
Pardon Me (1977) –
Blanco refuses parole for murder as he claims he never committed the crime.
A Test Of Character (1977) –
Fletch is determined to help Godber pass his History O-level.
Final Stretch (1977) –
With his parole meeting less than a week away, Godber has a fight with Jarvis.