[pressgang] Series 1. Episode 1: Page One

[Vince Deehan]

PRESS GANG

Series 1

Episode 1 - Page One

Watched Monday 17/01/2022


Before I went to work this morning, I watched the very first episode of PG.
I don’t think I have seen it for over 20 years.


I was struck by how brilliantly the pre-credit opening sequence quickly
establishes the basics of who these characters are and what is going on.
The genius of Steven Moffat is evident from this very first sequence.


How amazing an actor is Julia Sawalha. The character of Lynda Day is such a
tricky part to play. Play it too hard and the audience will be pushed away
and won’t want to spend time with her. She somehow creates a
three-dimensional character very quickly and draws the audience in. She is
an actor that has never, in my opinion, reached her full potential. She
should have long ago had a career like that of Olivia Colman today, if you
know what I mean.


How funny is Frazz? I’d forgotten how funny he is with his scenes involving
his horoscope page.

I had also forgotten that his full name is Frazer Davis. That gets
mentioned in this episode, and is probably never mentioned again.


I do recall vaguely seeing the first episode when it was first broadcast,
or at least one of the early ones. I remember being surprised by the
opening title sequence and how it looked like an American TV show - in the
way the actors are shown one by one, turning to the camera etc. Very unlike
other children’s shows at the time. It seemed very grown up. I also noticed
back then how very different the show looked from other children’s shows. I
now know that it’s because it was shot on film, rather than video - so it
looked more like an American TV show. Perhaps it was because they had
international sales in mind, or just that they wanted a very distinct look
to differentiate it from look of traditional children’s dramas.


The banter between Lynda and Spike is very sophisticated and grown up. At
the time, it reminded me of the banter between Cybill Shepherd and Bruce
Willis in the TV show MOONLIGHTING. I would guess this was an influence on
Steven Moffat.



The actor Charlie Creed-Miles who plays the photographer Danny, describes
himself as a ‘wimp’ in a scene with Spike. This makes me laugh, as the
actor Charlie Creed-Miles has probably had the most consistent acting
career of all the cast - and almost always plays very hard, tough
characters.


I was struck by how Kenny is very bold when he is explaining to Spike how
the Junior Gazette is run. Kenny is very soft and kind and Spike is a bit
of a tough nut, but Kenny shows no fear in the way he talks to Spike. Spike
could easily have Kenny for dinner, if you know what I mean, but Kenny
stands his ground and gives as good as he gets.


Colin’s first scene is also brilliant. I think he only appears in that one
scene outside with Danny and Spike. Paul Reynolds plays him brilliantly.
I’ll bet they had trouble finding someone who could play Colin, as he has
to deliver a lot of dialogue and deliver it with great wit and style. Paul
Reynolds is another great actor, who should by rights be a national
treasure by now. I guess the acting game is all about luck and getting
offered good parts.


I thoroughly enjoyed watching the first episode and look forward to
watching episode two, next week.


Vince Deehan
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