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Post by jno on Jun 1, 2015 11:41:05 GMT
Link to episode on minder.org: www.minder.org/episodeguide/S09E03_UneasyRider.htm
I've always been a fan of this one with Arthur running a courier service 'The Daley Post' around London with Morley hot on his tail for an arrest.
Arthur interviewing potential staff at the car lot is great and just shows how inept some young people can be in this sort of situation plus how Arthur is clearly full of his own ideas. We are soon into 'The Daley Post' and 'Ralphy & Keef' aka 'The Warnock Brothers' turn up and try to hand Arthur's venture a lot of dodgy business. Ray's first client 'Laura Kaye Models' are also getting aggro from an over enthusiastic nutter called Conway, desperate for a set of photos of June Grainger - given to and misplaced by Arthur's new venture. This leads to a very good scene between Arthur, Conway and the unexpected arrival of Jehovah's Witnesses with whom Arthur has no qualms about listening in order to save his own skin until Ray arrives.
According to the some production info I have on this one, this episode was originally entitled 'Close Encounters Of The Worst Kind'.
Filming dates for this one are a bit confusing based on the clues - it could be between 19 March 1992 and 20 June 1992 as there is a brief glimpse of 'Some Like It Hot' at The Prince Edward Theatre behind Gary Webster as he goes looking for clients - this production was showing there between these dates. Also, unless it is a prop, towards the end there a clear shot of a 'Daley Into Europe' calendar on the wall of the lockup which based on the dates and days shown could be August 1992, I am just not entirely sure what the week numbers 49, 50, 51, 52 mean on this - perhaps the end of Arthur's financial year? This is why I am inclined to think this is a made up calendar.
This isn't the funniest of episodes but it is a decent script and has some great characters - firstly in the form of some excellent acting from Brian Hibbard as 'Rabbit' (complete with Iron Maiden and Aerosmith t-shirts). Also, say what you like about Elaine Lordan as 'Trish' - personally I think she is absolutely brilliant in this episode as the fiery radio controller in charge of the couriers. With these characters, dodgy geezers in the form of the Warnock brothers, bent tickets, Morley and Field trying to work it all out, a nice punch from Ray, a tasty lady in the form of Sara Stewart and a visit from the taxman at the end, this is a very good effort overall!
8/10 
Some great lines from Arthur:
Don't hang about Dave, wet the glasswear!
Ours but to push on and harvest the readies!
It's not often that one gets to chew the theological fat, so to speak.
Bibles, flood damaged - I thought that was a nice authentic touch.
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Post by swainy on Jun 1, 2015 15:24:38 GMT
Yeah this is a great episode. I love Arthurs line to Rabbit.
"You might be the longest surviving dispatch rider in London but only the favoured few step foot in the inner sanctum. Got it it Rabbit? Good, now hop it!"
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Post by daz on Mar 28, 2016 19:10:31 GMT
I gave this a watch this afternoon and have to agree with the above posts, a cracking little episode. Brian Hibbard was a good actor and plays his part well in this, also the girl from Eastenders also down her part justice, plays the radio operator brilliantly and gets the lads hot under the collar down the Winxhester. Good small role for Reg from 'Goodnight Sweetheart' as one of the jehovas witnesses who come to Arthurs rescue.
I am three episodes in and have enjoyed them very much, Ray Daley is growing into the role. I just find it hard to believe it is 25 years this year since the first RD series began, frightening.
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Post by thewinchester on Mar 28, 2016 23:15:16 GMT
This is my favorite Ray years episode, I love Brian Hibbard he fits the role so well he was also great in the film twin town, he also had a part in a welsh language soap and as always played the part a 100%. This episode had a lot going on with many shady characters to make for interesting viewing. I do prefer the earlier Terry episodes like I've said before, but I do like the Ray years as well there were some really good episodes. It's a shame Brian is no longer with us such a great talent I hope George and Brian are in that Winchester in the sky having a large vat all around.
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Post by pr1 on Nov 7, 2016 1:21:31 GMT
That was a fun and entertaining episode. I'm three episodes into Series Nine and it is a vast improvement over the previous one.
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Post by jno on Nov 7, 2016 3:46:31 GMT
That was a fun and entertaining episode. I'm three episodes into Series Nine and it is a vast improvement over the previous one. Gary is settled by this point, a great episode with an early 90s vibe in epic proportions. Glad you're liking the 9th series pr1. |
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Post by pr1 on Nov 7, 2016 3:50:53 GMT
That was a fun and entertaining episode. I'm three episodes into Series Nine and it is a vast improvement over the previous one. Gary is settled by this point, a great episode with an early 90s vibe in epic proportions. Glad you're liking the 9th series pr1. I'm definitely enjoying Series Nine. The kinks associated with the introduction of Ray seemed to have all been worked out and Minder has returned to form. |
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alf
One Of Your Own
The World is your Lobster!
Posts: 161 
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Post by alf on Jul 16, 2017 9:37:04 GMT
Another strong episode. George Cole stealing everyone's thunder. Love the scene with the Jehovah's witnesses and Arthur trying to sell flood damaged bibles to them.
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Post by VAT on Aug 17, 2017 20:00:32 GMT
This is my favorite Ray years episode, I love Brian Hibbard he fits the role so well he was also great in the film twin town, he also had a part in a welsh language soap and as always played the part a 100%. This episode had a lot going on with many shady characters to make for interesting viewing. I do prefer the earlier Terry episodes like I've said before, but I do like the Ray years as well there were some really good episodes. It's a shame Brian is no longer with us such a great talent I hope George and Brian are in that Winchester in the sky having a large vat all around. Yes, BH was great in this episode. Like a smaller, rougher Fonz! Just seen he was the lead singer of The Flying Pickets group  |
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Post by thewoodster on Feb 7, 2018 10:02:53 GMT
Yes I totally agree, Brian Hibbard suited the part.
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Post by jno on Jul 19, 2020 5:21:01 GMT
Some notes about the bikers from the script:  |
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Post by joshmel on Sept 23, 2020 15:49:01 GMT
Just after watching this episode. Stand out for me is Brian Hibbard played the part of “rabbit” very well. Recognised his face straight away sadly lost his battle with prostate cancer a few years ago
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Post by jno on Sept 27, 2020 11:21:42 GMT
Front cover of GC's script for this one. Episode 5 clearly the 5th episode of this season to be filmed.  |
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Post by dcjones1 on Dec 14, 2020 21:17:03 GMT
Noticed that Ian Bartholomew was in this episode, making his second appearance in Minder nine years after the previous one in ‘Get Daley.’ as Wendell’s son. He’s the recently played a villain in Coronation Street, he seems to specialise in playing nasty characters!
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Twin2
Honourable Brethren
Posts: 383
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Post by Twin2 on Feb 22, 2021 19:22:16 GMT
Another first for me and l have to say l enjoyed this one too.
Clever plot, classic one-liners and all neatly tied up at the end. What's not to like?
Surprised to see Derek from Sun Life pop up in a previous job as a taxman too 
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Twin2
Honourable Brethren
Posts: 383
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Post by Twin2 on Feb 22, 2021 19:23:28 GMT
Noticed that Ian Bartholomew was in this episode, making his second appearance in Minder nine years after the previous one in ‘Get Daley.’ as Wendell’s son. He’s the recently played a villain in Coronation Street, he seems to specialise in playing nasty characters! I didn't recognise him at all! |
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Post by bigaitch on Apr 2, 2021 21:50:33 GMT
Fantastic episode with a great plot and some very funny moments, mainly AD being entertained by the 2 Jehovahs.
Some excellent shady characters in this and a great ending too.
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Post by ltd on Apr 3, 2021 21:36:40 GMT
Gary is settled by this point, a great episode with an early 90s vibe in epic proportions. I've always had mixed feelings about Gary Webster replacing Dennis Waterman, I'd like to have seen Mark Farmer take on the role - I think he was the better actor and Justin stepping up would have provided some continuity with the previous series. However, Webster was a perfect fit for that early 90s era, he looked the part and did bring a certain freshness to the series. I suspect any teething difficulties in the early days were down to poor quality scripts e.g. A Boquet of Barbed Wine with the endless going up and down in the lift. Uneasy Rider's a fun episode with some excellent supporting characters, I'd liked to have seen more of Rabbit and his formidable girl friend. I used to have an Iron Maiden Aces High t-shirt like the one Brian Hibbard wore - £3.00 in the Woolies sale. A bargain Arfur himself would scarcely be able to resist. |
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Twin2
Honourable Brethren
Posts: 383
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Post by Twin2 on Apr 4, 2021 15:24:55 GMT
Fantastic episode with a great plot and some very funny moments, mainly AD being entertained by the 2 Jehovah's. Some excellent shady characters in this and a great ending too.
That was very good but as a JW I thought it was a bit naughty to imply that there is a charge for the books/magazines, they are free of charge to anyone that is interested - although all online foc anyway now of course.
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Twin2
Honourable Brethren
Posts: 383
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Post by Twin2 on Apr 4, 2021 15:27:01 GMT
Gary is settled by this point, a great episode with an early 90s vibe in epic proportions. I've always had mixed feelings about Gary Webster replacing Dennis Waterman, I'd like to have seen Mark Farmer take on the role - I think he was the better actor and Justin stepping up would have provided some continuity with the previous series. However, Webster was a perfect fit for that early 90s era, he looked the part and did bring a certain freshness to the series. I suspect any teething difficulties in the early days were down to poor quality scripts e.g. A Boquet of Barbed Wine with the endless going up and down in the lift. Uneasy Rider's a fun episode with some excellent supporting characters, I'd liked to have seen more of Rabbit and his formidable girl friend. I used to have an Iron Maiden Aces High t-shirt like the one Brian Hibbard wore - £3.00 in the Woolies sale. A bargain Arfur himself would scarcely be able to resist.
Nooooo, perish the thought! Mark Farmer was an excellent actor but Justin got on my wick with all that "Numero Uno" stuff |
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Post by swainy on Apr 4, 2021 17:29:53 GMT
Justine was great but he was no Minder.
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Post by jjmolloy on Apr 4, 2021 23:03:05 GMT
I've always had mixed feelings about Gary Webster replacing Dennis Waterman, I'd like to have seen Mark Farmer take on the role - I think he was the better actor and Justin stepping up would have provided some continuity with the previous series. However, Webster was a perfect fit for that early 90s era, he looked the part and did bring a certain freshness to the series. I suspect any teething difficulties in the early days were down to poor quality scripts e.g. A Boquet of Barbed Wine with the endless going up and down in the lift. Uneasy Rider's a fun episode with some excellent supporting characters, I'd liked to have seen more of Rabbit and his formidable girl friend. I used to have an Iron Maiden Aces High t-shirt like the one Brian Hibbard wore - £3.00 in the Woolies sale. A bargain Arfur himself would scarcely be able to resist.
Nooooo, perish the thought! Mark Farmer was an excellent actor but Justin got on my wick with all that "Numero Uno" stuff Arthur always needed a sidekick who would keep him from his own worst excesses, a voice of reason. With Justin the pair of them would've been slopping out in the Scrubbs in no time. |
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Post by ltd on Apr 5, 2021 8:22:41 GMT
Justine was great but he was no Minder. True, as Roly Poly found to his cost, and I take JJ's point as well. Would have been good if he'd have been kept on as a guest star though - I think he'd have fitted quite well into the 90s era. I can imagine him trying to persuade an uncomprehending Arthur to dip his toes in the murky waters of rave promotion. |
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Post by swainy on Apr 5, 2021 11:17:01 GMT
Oh I totally agree that he should have been in the later series.
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Post by pr1 on May 24, 2021 23:00:06 GMT
Arthur and the Jehovah’s Witnesses is a series highlight. 😀
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logie
One Of Your Own
Posts: 249
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Post by logie on Jun 27, 2021 21:36:12 GMT
Brilliant episode, one of the very best from either era. Superb guest stars, and a nice ending as Morley and Field try to figure out what’s gone on while Arthur and Ray spy from afar. 5/5 for me.
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Barrel
One Of Your Own
Posts: 130
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Post by Barrel on Dec 21, 2021 22:03:05 GMT
I'm definitely in the minority here but I thought this was imho the worst Ray Daley episode yet and along with" second time round" the worst Minder episode ever. The whole bikers thing doesn't work, and the Ray & the nutter side story just has nothing interesting about it.Just my opinion
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Post by jno on Jan 5, 2022 6:50:03 GMT
I'm definitely in the minority here but I thought this was imho the worst Ray Daley episode yet and along with" second time round" the worst Minder episode ever. The whole bikers thing doesn't work, and the Ray & the nutter side story just has nothing interesting about it.Just my opinion I can't agree with that Barrel, but hey ho, we're all allowed our opinions. The Jehovah's witness is great. The worst Ray episode is undoubtedly 'The Great Depression of 1994'. |
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Barrel
One Of Your Own
Posts: 130
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Post by Barrel on Jan 5, 2022 23:09:31 GMT
I shall have to look out for that one in s10...am reaching the end of s9...am also planning to watch s6 which ive had to skip as ITV4 made it unavailable...than ill be doing one final trawl through seasons 1 to 5 to see what I"ve missed as a kid..I reckon its 50/50 but we shall see!
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Post by steve99 on Oct 21, 2022 19:16:23 GMT
Hadn't seen this one in a while and watched it today. One thing I recalled was the bikers being very cool and efficient, with Arthur splashing out on state of the art radio kit.  It would've been a brave man who'd have argued with Elaine Lordan's no-nonsense character Trish ("This equipment's cr@p!") and Rabbit looks like the oldest despatch rider in the world, never mind London. Arthur should've known the brothers grim wouldn't have done him a favour for no reason although he and Ray ensured they got theirs. As mentioned previously on the thread, a few well known faces feature - Get Daley's Ian Bartholomew, who was in an early Bergerac episode playing the son of Prunella Scales in another toerag role, Roger Martin from the insurance advert and Terry and June, and Brian Hibbard from The Flying Pickets, who was a natural for the type of character he played in this episode, which reminded me of his role in late 80s comedy drama series Making Out. Another guest, Jeff Rawle, must have enjoyed playing daydreamer Billy Liar in the 70s TV version, with the perfectly cast George A Cooper as his belligerent dad. Many years ago in my local city centre on a winter's morning I saw a group of bike couriers having a break and I remember thinking I don't envy them their job. Whilst office workers were tucking into their lunch all nice and cosy these guys were having a plastic cup of tea and a roll sitting on their bikes in the freezing cold, prior to dodging the usual head the balls in busy traffic. A company I worked for used couriers a lot and one day a biker lost a package, which was part of a prestigious contract, on his way to the client. When the manager in our firm was informed of the mishap he shouted something like oh for duck's sake whilst raising his arms in frustration, however the biker backtracked and thankfully for him found the package undamaged. |
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It would've been a brave man who'd have argued with Elaine Lordan's no-nonsense character Trish ("This equipment's cr@p!") and Rabbit looks like the oldest despatch rider in the world, never mind London. Arthur should've known the brothers grim wouldn't have done him a favour for no reason although he and Ray ensured they got theirs.