11.2 In Vino Veritas

[jno]

Link to episode on minder.org: www.minder.org/episodeguide/S11E02_InVinoVeritas.htm



When I first saw Rik Mayall in this one I thought out was going to be good. However, this for me is probably the worst of the six with very little going and a lot of time going down the Thames on a boat - which I didn't find particularly funny. It was a shame this one was broadcast second and not later on as it is such a weak story. The wine theme is ok and Lex Shrapnel is pretty good in this, but the story is just a very poor use of some of the very good acting talent on offer here.

The funniest part of this one are the depressing songs the entertainer is playing on the boat. This one was too eccentric too early on and was not good for the way the series was received by the media I feel. The whole Rik Mayall (Maurice) breakdown thing at the end is just nonsense to me and not even great actors can really save this poor story I feel - 3/10. 

From TV TIMES on 11th February 2009:

[swainy]

I totally agree and I reckon that this was the episode that killed off the series to be honest. It's rating never recovered after this one.

[pr1]

If the script for this episode was considered acceptable it makes you wonder what they rejected! This is a bad episode and not just because it's Minder. It's just plain bad. At times it felt like they were just making it up as they floated on the Thames. To be fair there are brief bits throughout the episode that are ok. The so-called wedding singer was mildly amusing.

The final scene celebrating Petra's reopening was the best part of the episode. Archie tells Petra, Dave would be proud. Was there suppose to be a connection between Petra and Dave?

[swainy]

Petra is supposed to be Dave's daughter.

[jno]

I honestly think broadcasting this second sealed the killing off of this 'brand new' series - it's a real shame this episode was such a stinker so early on.

[pr1]

Apr 30, 2017 17:06:38 GMT jno said:

I honestly think broadcasting this second sealed the killing off of this 'brand new' series - it's a real shame this episode was such a stinker so early on.

With only six episodes it would have stood out regardless of when it was shown but making it the second episode was idiotic!

[westldner]

Agreed with the first post, I did also find the story rather predictable half-way and knew what was going to happen towards the end. Great acting but story-wise could have been better. Also Tower Bridge as the backdrop made the filming rather amateur in my opinion.

[mybodyguard]

This started out like it could have been good, with a classic Minder like plot. Jamie having to mind an obnoxious lad about to be married, and making sure he gets to his wedding on time. The script could have taken this episode in a nice direction. It all quickly fell apart when the show completely shifted to the wedding boat, and things turned into an absolute mess. Not even the new Winchester opening could save this one.