10.3 All Things Brighton Beautiful

[McCann]

Average episode this. A crazy plot but it does have its moments.

The trip to Brighton clearly makes a lot of use of the same private test track seen in Sweeney caper episode 'hearts and minds'.

A blooper in this is Arthur is shown staring into the Volvo side mirror for a few moments as Sidney is hanging out of the side of the caravan. It looks pretty clear that Arthur is fixated by the caravan in the mirror.

Next shot Arthur acts all surprised that Sidney is there and they need to stop the car to get Sidney out of it. Thing is why did Sidney need to travel in the caravan. He could have remained in the back of that big old Volvo with the rug over his head.

For someone in such a prediciment, needing help, Sidney is such an awkward and difficult 'hostage'. He doesn't really help Arthur and Ray out very much.

Another link to old Minder episodes might be Dave's brother in law who was a copper. Doesn't Dave seek his help in tracking down a number plate in a series 2 or 3 episode? Might be 'The old school tie' or maybe 'poetic justice' can't quite pin it down off the top of my head.

[swainy]

Yeah Dave’s brother in law was another creation of Tony Hoare’s and was used a couple of times during the early years.

[joshmel]

Priceless. Very funny Arthur taking Dave’s sister uninsured caravan. 😂

[Dazza]

Always thought this was a ridiculous episode..

[swainy]

As I’ve said before, I think that this episode would have worked better with Solly Salmon from ‘The Return Of The Invincible Man’ instead of Andrew Sachs Sidney character. He was known for his dodgy insurance claims which would have made the episode a bit more believable and a nice throwback for long time Minder fans.