Press Gang - Complete Series 1 (DVD)

...appreciate the splendour that is Press Gang.

SYNOPSIS

Drama/comedy series following the lives of the teenagers behind the Junior Gazette; a juvenile version of the adult paper set up to bring together teenagers of different sorts to channel youth energy into productivity.

Despite editor Lynda, assistant editor Kenny and lead features writer Sarah being deputy-head Mr Sullivan's "star performers", ...
...even met!"

Press Gang is a show that isn't afraid to tackle serious issues. Throughout the five series, the subjects of child abuse, drug abuse and suicide, to name but a few, are dealt with. Most kids' shows dabble in these topics for the acclaim; but this is one of the few shows that actually pulls it off. The best thing about these themed episodes (and the show in general) is that it never tries to patronise the audience. This ... more

With re-released classics of yore, there's always the threat of not living up to childhood remembrance. Too often has been the case that rose-coloured glasses have come into play and I've been disappointed viewing things without them. But I'm pleased to say- not this time! This show has stood the ultimate test of time and is everything I remember it to be- and much, much more.

BACKGROUND

The BAFTA winning series was written by Steven Moffat (Coupling, Joking Apart), and ran from 1989 until 1993, making 5 seasons in total. It first aired on CiTV where it proved popular, and was then repeated on a more prime-time slot of 6pm on Channel 4. As I was only very young at the time, I didn't catch it until the series ran briefly from 1997-8 on Nickelodeon. Due to its placement on a channel where the majority of the comedy consisted of American slapstick and canned laughter, the clever mix of drama entwined with comedy was generally lost on the audience. However, I was glued to the set every episode and loved it- though it is only in the last couple of years re-watching the few episodes I had on tape (and now the DVDs) that I can fully appreciate the splendour that is Press Gang.

SYNOPSIS

Drama/comedy series following the lives of the teenagers behind the Junior Gazette; a juvenile version of the adult paper set up to bring together teenagers of different sorts to channel youth energy into productivity.

Despite editor Lynda, assistant editor Kenny and lead features writer Sarah being deputy-head Mr Sullivan's "star performers", most of the team are known trouble makers forced to join the paper on a last-chance basis. The number of K.Ds (knuckle draggers) on the paper doesn't go un-noticed by Lynda, especially when Spike Thomson enters the premises.

The story is mainly set in, but not limited to, the newsroom. The episodes usually focus around the stories written for the paper, with sub-plots tying in with or around them. But occasionally episodes are set aside for one or two lead characters.

Lynda and Spike's love/hate, on/off relationship plays a big part in the show and is the joke around the newsroom. During the first series we see Spike's untiring pursuit of the editor, much to her apparent disgust. But it's obvious to us, the news team and each other that beneath the comebacks and denial, Lynda wants Spike as much as he wants her. The on-screen chemistry between the characters makes this pairing extremely believable, and it's a great change to see the writer detailing a relationship based on romantic tension.

"Spike: Oh, well! You don't happen to be jealous of a girl that I've never even met, do you?
Lynda: Of course I'm jealous, Spike! I wish I was a girl you've never even met!"

Press Gang is a show that isn't afraid to tackle serious issues. Throughout the five series, the subjects of child abuse, drug abuse and suicide, to name but a few, are dealt with. Most kids' shows dabble in these topics for the acclaim; but this is one of the few shows that actually pulls it off. The best thing about these themed episodes (and the show in general) is that it never tries to patronise the audience. This is where most other children's shows falter.

MAIN CHARACTERS

Lynda
(aka 'Da Boss', 'Vampira')
The editor of the Junior Gazette. Known for her short-temper and tight-fist, Lynda keeps things in order, verbally destroying anything (or anyone) that steps in her way.

Said of Lynda's toughness: "They needed an industrial laser to pierce her ears".

Spike
On his last chance with the Gazette, Spike is the most colourful of all the hoodlums. American of origin, he provides the quota of one-liners for the series. Although Spike can and will be a pain around the newsroom, he proves himself able of hard work-- usually when Lynda's around.

Kenny
Kenny is often perceived as "just a nice guy", but hidden depths are found in him as episodes progress. He's been best friend of Lynda since childhood ("For twelve years, I've been walking behind her picking shrapnel out of people") and often proves a valuable ally to her, especially in tense situations.

Colin
Colin Matthews manages the paper's advertising and finances-- frequently investing Gazette profit into moneymaking schemes, which usually end in turmoil. These ridiculous situations provide a lot of laughs in the series- half-ping pong balls sold at a profit, sucker-darts as stress extractors.

Sarah
The epitome of sensibility, Sarah studies hard and provides her best work for the features column. She's a known worrier, which sometimes leads to obstructing Lynda's ideals; such as threatening to quit the paper due to exam stress, and quitting in favour of a writing class.

Frazz
Similar to Spike, Frazz takes an easy-going attitude to the paper. Although that's hardly surprising considering he's in charge of the horoscopes. He's not exactly the sharpest pencil in the box, but he fits his job adequately once he figures out that "purple" isn't a star sign! He often ends up a sidekick in Colin's scams.

Tiddler
Tiddler is the youngest of the team. She invited herself to join the paper after deciding there wasn't enough material focused on younger teens, and persuaded Lynda to let her have her own column; The Junior Junior Gazette. She's often in dispute with Sarah over who should get which stories.

Julie
In the first series Julie is head of the graphics department and later moves on to become assistant editor in later series, despite her initial comic spelling problems. Julie's known as a bit of an air-head.

EPISODES

1. Page One

The first issue's deadline is looming and the team are struggling to find a lead. Is Lynda's new lead good enough, or will she have to give the first front page to the disco story-- and more importantly, Spike?

The opening dialogue from this episode I feel is the best way to start a show:

Lynda: What was today's lead in the Gazette? Anyone see?
Kenny: Local couple nearly killed on their honeymoon.
Lynda: Anything in it for us?
Kenny: Well, we could do a cartoon--like a hearse and on the back "Just married".
Frazz: How do you spell "bubonic plague"?
Lynda: What story is that?
Frazz: It's for the horoscopes.

2. Photo Finish

Following up on Spike's idea that the local disco is to be turned into a supermarket, the gang print their first lead story. Their celebrations are soon cut short when complaints are issues about them not properly checked their facts. The future of the paper is already in question, but a bigger authority finds their story useful.

This episode pretty much is a continuation from the first, mainly setting the scene and the characters of the series. Already there are signs of competition, as well as romance, between Spike and Lynda. The near uproar over the printed issue also shows a sign of things to come- people that want the paper to fail, and the determination of the team to keep it going.

3. One Easy Lesson

New teacher, Mr Knowles, is finding it hard to control the pupils. Sarah wants to help him, but why is she so bothered? Sarah and Lynda try to solve the problem-- instead they make it worse. Can they make amends before it's too late? Colin spends Gazette money on a hundred thousand defective half ping-pong balls, and manages to turn them into the latest craze.

My favourite part of this episode is seeing Colin's first of many scams. The "pings" that appear in the unlikeliest places during the episode. And, on close observation, the pings appear occasionally throughout the series.

4. Deadline

A Gazette printer strike means no issue for the Gazette - unless they can make next week's paper in just 3 hours. But how can they predict next week's news before it happens?

This episode gives the first real impression of how far Lynda is willing to take herself and the team to not make the paper a failure, as well as keeping the main characters all in one episode to properly establish them while the show is still young.

5. A Night In

It's Saturday afternoon and Lynda and her little yellow slips are on the look-out for the unfortunate late-duty candidates of this Saturday night. Lynda has been dumped and is in a foul mood. Spike proves his culinary skills with a wok, and Colin is stuck in a pink rabbit suit.

This is one of the simplest yet effective episodes from the series. In this episode we learn the depths of Spike and Lynda, beyond their stubborn barriers. Spike has a torrid past which Lynda sympathises with, and Lynda has been dumped by her boyfriend and for the first time displays emotion (although she denies crying) and is comforted by Spike. The episode is broken up by the comedy of Colin and his rabbit suit.

6. Interface

Colin enters and wins a local competition for a computer. But why was it so easy? Why has there been no publicity or follow-up from the competition makers, and who is sending the anonymous TV reviews via the new computer? Spike and Lynda try to uncover the mystery, whilst Colin uses it to his advantage.

This episode features the debut of Billy to the cast. Billy's a wheelchair-bound tetraplegic, played by real-life tetraplegic Andy Crowe. The dealing of the character and his condition is done in a tastefully humorous way, unlike the too-often seen mediocre method of writing the disabled into the series as the pity character seeking audience sympathy.

7. How to Make a Killing (Part 1)

Kenny is on a mission to uncover the mystery behind the girl who draws chalk body outlines at the foot of a block of flats on the 12th of every month. Kenny pursues the girl to get information and learns a boy fell from the flats two years ago, but why wasn't the story followed up in the newspapers? After taking too much interest in Jenny, things take a twist as Kenny's guilt gets the better of him.

8. How to Make a Killing (Part 2)

Kenny comes back to the Gazette with the answer to the mystery. This new information prompts him to take a new angle on the story, and the whole team get involved with the paper's first undercover piece of investigation with dramatic results.

One of my favourite episodes. I like the way the mystery pans out and concludes on a different note. The subject matter it touches on (drug abuse) is handled in a non-cliché manner, making the message, in my opinion, more effective.

9. Both Sides of the Paper

The Phone Ranger is interviewing the team at a time of crisis; the paper is under threat- again! Exams loom and the headmaster is determined to halt the issue until they are over - but if the paper stops, it would be financially impossible to start again. With the news team dropping like flies, it would seem that Lynda has no choice but to comply with Mr Harvey's wishes - or does she? Inspired by Colin's latest rip-off scheme, Lynda has an idea.

Another episode demonstrating the pitfalls of running a newspaper. It's also a fine example of the answer being right in front of noses all along.

10. Money, Love and Birdseed

Billy and Sarah are working together to solve the disagreement in the case of Bobby Tweed, a student protesting his innocence from accusations that he stole £30 from the judo club. Meanwhile, the newsroom is full of pigeons, and Tiddler has a plan to get Spike and Lynda together.

Another of my favourites. The mixture of plots in this episode strengthen it and make it universally entertaining. This episode is also wonderfully written and once again uses the mystery technique to keep the audience guessing throughout.

11. Monday-Tuesday

The team gather in a meeting to discuss the events of the previous day; starting with the ignored newcomer with big ideas leading to blackmail and ending in tragedy.

A fantastic episode. The flashback technique works the story back from the beginning as the sombre newsroom re-tell their perception of it. The writing is extremely tight, my favourite bits including the constant references to Tuesday being cancelled for the team, finalising in the chillingly uttered comment by the newcomer; "Yeah, of course. There isn't going to be a Tuesday".

12. Shouldn't I Be Taller?

Following Lynda's resignation from the Junior Gazette, the team must now elect a new editor; Kenny or Colin? Unless Spike can convince a broken Lynda to come back and return the paper to its former glory, it looks like the paper is destined to be subjected to big changes.

A follow on from the previous episode, the episode focuses on the damage Lynda's resignation has caused. This episode makes a dramatic finale as we wonder if Colin is going to be allowed to get away with calling the over-the-top new-look paper 'The Gaz' much longer.

EXTRAS

There's not much to say in this section, as there quite simply aren't any extras. I never considered there would be when I first ordered this DVD- I was excited enough at the prospect of finally seeing this show again. It doesn't bother me that there aren't any on this DVD as extras to me are as their name suggests-- just an extra bonus. This doesn't impair the value of this set. But if it's extras you're after, buy series 2!

WHERE TO BUY

I ordered mine from amazon.co.uk at £9.97 (not inc. P&P), but you can get it delivered for £14.99 at play.com. You can also find it in the major video retailer stores- I've seen it in HMV and Virgin for about the same price that the Play.com offer.

CONCLUSION

It's safe to say this is one of my favourite programmes ever written, and is undoubtedly the best children's programme ever. This show achieved what others failed to deliver; a balance of drama, action, comedy and chemistry, tied together by a superbly tight script. There's not been a show like it since, and judging on more recent television, shows of today could learn a lot from this little piece of TV history.

CREDITS

Lynda Day - Julia Sawalha
Spike Thomson - Dexter Fletcher
Colin Mathews - Paul Reynolds
Kenny Phillips - Lee Ross
Sarah Jackson - Kelda Holmes
Julie Craig - Lucy Benjamin
Frazz Davis - Mmoloki Chrystie
Toni "Tiddler" Tildesley - Joanna Dukes
Danny McColl - Charlie Creed-miles
Billy Homer - Andy Crowe
Matt Kerr - Clive Wood
Mr Sullivan - Nick Stringer 

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