British Comedy: Outside Edge

Years: 1994-1996
Broadcaster: ITV (LWT, Central)
Genre: Sitcom
Written by: Richard Harris
Stars: Brenda Blethyn, Robert Daws
Episodes: 22 (+play)
Episode Average: 5.318*

BEST EPISODES:
Sex (1994), The Club Meeting (1995)

*including the special, but not the play

PLAY

(1982)

PLAY

OUTSIDE EDGE

Originally broadcast: 19 May 1982
Directed by: Kevin Billington
Written by: Richard Harris

A cricket captain prepares for a big game against a team of West Indians, the only decent spin bowler injures his finger while rolling the pitch, and relationship tensions threaten to overshadow the action out on the field.

"Shirley? You did that deliberately didn't ya? You willed that ball to swing through the air like that, didn't ya? I could feel it. Just so I'd have to see that stupid rotten house."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

SERIES ONE

(1994)
7 episodes
Series Score: 38
Episode Average: 5.43
Perfect 10's: 0

S1E1

THE CAPTAIN

Originally broadcast: 24 March 1994
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Roger blames Miriam when the car won't start ahead of an away fixture, Kevin introduces his wife when he agrees to give his captain a lift, and a furniture commitment sees the ladies left behind to organise a repair.

"Hello, Pat. Right, now you will get this down carefully, won't you? It's a little bit tricky... Super. Now, the first thing you have to do is to get onto the motorway."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E2

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Originally broadcast: 31 March 1994
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Miriam and Maggie use the match as a chance to get to know each other, Bob's accuses one of his teammates of running him out on purpose, and Kevin complains about the difficulties in being married to a sex maniac.

"I sort of exploded overnight, shot straight into a 36B. God, how I used to hate netball. Like having a battle with a couple of mad melons."

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 5

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E3

THE COMMITTEE MEETING

Originally broadcast: 7 April 1994
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Roger calls a committee meeting to discuss the upcoming trip to Cromer, Kevin reveals that he's not currently on speaking terms with Maggie, and Dennis picks the best vantage point when the guttering need looking at.

"We need to vote on whether we can vote without a quorum."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E4

SEX

Originally broadcast: 14 April 1994
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

A bowler takes it badly when he suddenly gets dropped from the team, Maggie tells Miriam that time is running out for her to have children, and Roger gets a surprise when he visits Barry to talk about the next match.

"She's not an 'appy woman? How do you think I feel?"

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 8

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E5

THE TEAM TEA

Originally broadcast: 21 April 1994
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Maggie turns to stripping wallpaper to take her mind off her latest test, Miriam insists on going to the doctors after sliding down a ladder, and Nigel's insistence that he was supposed to be playing falls on deaf ears.

"Well, you should've dropped anchor at the baker's then, shouldn't ya, darling?"

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E6

THE NIGHT BEFORE CROMER

Originally broadcast: 28 April 1994
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Kevin explains the significance of the bitter rivalry with Fatty Woolacott, Roger insists on no alcohol or naughties on the eve of the big match, and Ginnie's furious when she learns that she wasn't supposed to be there.

"Miriam, it is a well-known biological fact, one orgasm is the equivalent of a four-minute mile. Most of my lot couldn't brush their teeth without some form of artificial respiration."

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S1E7

THE MATCH IN CROMER

Originally broadcast: 5 May 1994
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Ginnie wants to know why people are laughing at her behind her back, Miriam's told to stick to worrying about what happened in Dorking, and Maggie makes sure that Roger's nice and loose for his turn at the wicket.

"Yes, that's something I've never really understood, Roger... Well, how you've never really improved. I mean, if you were a captain then, shouldn't you be a field marshal or something by now?"

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 5

SERIES TWO

(1995)
7 episodes
Series Score: 39
Episode Average: 5.57*
Perfect 10's: 0

S2E1

THE BLISTER

Originally broadcast: 5 January 1995
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Roger has problems when injuries threaten to destroy his perfect team, Miriam struggles to come to terms with what happened in Dorking, and Kevin blames Maggie when he finds a blister on his entire raison d'être.

"You could say, Rog, you could say if I was to put a plaster on my finger, that would be the metabolic steroid of my Achilles heel, couldn't you?"

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E2

DISCRETION

Originally broadcast: 12 January 1995
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Miriam demands that Roger talk to the players about events in Dorking, Maggie insists that she's happy despite not having a child in her life, and the opposition captain refuses to allow an injured Nigel to use a runner.

"Don't matter about the state of play, look at the state of them trousers. Come here, you!"

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E3

ILLNESS

Originally broadcast: 19 January 1995
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Roger tries not to moan when Miriam starts to come down with the flu, Alex manages to find someone to take over the refreshment duties, and Kevin volunteers to move down the order after checking up on progress.

"Anyway, it'll all be different soon. I'm going to insertion classes, make meself more insertive."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E4

THE DEATH OF FRED

Originally broadcast: 26 January 1995
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

The team are knocked for six when Fred has a heart attack on the pitch, Roger insists that breaking the news to his wife is the captain's duty, and Kevin suggests that it might be time to look at alternatives to pregnancy.

"Oh, dear, there I go again. No manners. Would you like a cup of tea? Yes, of course you would."

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 5

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E5

THE BARBEQUE

Originally broadcast: 2 February 1995
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Roger sets his sights on a fast bowler who has just moved into the area, Maggie gets her claws into Alex after he gives Kevin the brush-off, and Bob worries about how his first wife will react to Ginnie being pregnant.

"He used to say to me, 'that man is like a rod of iron.' I didn't know what he meant. Until now, of course."

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 5

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E6

RAIN STOPPED PLAY

Originally broadcast: 9 February 1995
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Roger refuses to accept a draw when heavy rain prevents certain victory, a search for a way to stop the players leaving leads to a cricket quiz, and Miriam's furious when serious questions are asked about the captaincy.

"It's pouring with rain. The opposition's in the pub no doubt laughing their heads off. What do you expect us to do, Captain, slip on a pair of trunks and mime it?"

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S2E7

THE CLUB MEETING

Originally broadcast: 16 February 1995
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Roger and Alex try to win support from the players ahead of the EGM, Dennis tells Shirley that she's been wasting her time looking at houses, and Maggie informs Kevin that she wants them to remarry in a church.

"Point of information: Bollock!"

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 7

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

(1995)

SPECIAL

CORFU - OK? FAIR ENOUGH

Originally broadcast: 25 December 1995
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Roger insists that everyone should watch the Corfu tour video together, Alex delivers the first of several announcements before the show, and Kevin suggests that it might be best to skip the lengthy travelog section.

"No, I am, Rog, I'm really looking forward to it. Miriam says it's fantastic... better than Gandhi. Or did she say it was longer than Gandhi?"

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

SERIES THREE

(1996)
7 episodes
Series Score: 36
Episode Average: 5.14
Perfect 10's: 0

S3E1

THE NEW PITCH

Originally broadcast: 2 January 1996
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Roger practises his big speech for the opening of the new cricket ground, Kevin tells Maggie to behave while looking after a surprise special guest, and Nigel gets dragged into the unloading of an alternative convenience.

"Well, precisely my point, Dennis, with the size of this thing, we'll all become experts in the field, since that's where most of us will end up doing it."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 4
TOTAL: 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E2

THE NEW PLAYER

Originally broadcast: 9 January 1996
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Miriam's relieved when she learns that a duty roster has been drawn up, Roger's not exactly impressed when he sets eyes on the new mower, and a new batsman correctly identifies a problem with planned net practice.

"Yes, love the game, love it. In fact, you could say it's almost a religion with me."

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E3

THE FIRST MATCH

Originally broadcast: 16 January 1996
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Miriam gives Bob a place to stay when Ginnie kicks him out of the house, Roger finds that a farmer has dropped a peace offering on the pitch, and a replacement has to be found after Alex has a disagreement with a dog.

"Man to man's your department."

HOLY GODIVA 4 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E4

A HAPPY EVENT

Originally broadcast: 23 January 1996
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Kevin shuts Maggie out after learning that she kept the truth from him, Roger's delighted when his unwanted house guest finally moves on, and Miriam realises that she's put herself in the middle of a heated situation.

"Mim, let me remind you that at this very minute I'd have been more than happy renovating my box."

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E5

LOST

Originally broadcast: 30 January 1996
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Roger insists that the players all travel to a new away fixture in convoy, a broken down tractor threatens to make them late for their match, and Maggie accuses Kevin of putting his macho ego before their relationship.

"I think she only does fan belts with her tights, I'm not quite sure she does clutches."

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E6

MATCH CANCELLED?

Originally broadcast: 6 February 1996
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Miriam apologises for getting emotional about the next league fixture, Roger demands that his players give him more effort and discretion, and Kevin and Maggie have to face facts when tests confirm their worst fears.

"Yes, of course you will, darling, Put your seat belt on, you don't want to spoil a lovely afternoon by breaking your neck, do you?"

HOLY GODIVA 2 - ONION JACK 2
TOTAL: 4

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

S3E7

THE BLESSING

Originally broadcast: 13 February 1996
Directed by: Nick Hurran
Written by: Richard Harris

Kevin and Maggie prepare for the big day when they renew their vows, Sophie demands a bit of understanding about Alex's nasal problem, and a situation with a cat sees the guests trying to waste time at the church.

"Hair... er, I mean here. Your here, my old mate."

HOLY GODIVA 3 - ONION JACK 3
TOTAL: 6

ROGER
DERVISH

Played by Paul Eddington
Play
(1982)

Played by Robert Daws
22 episodes (1994-1996)
in... Discretion (S2E2)

MIRIAM
DERVISH

Played by Prunella Scales
Play
(1982)

Played by Brenda Blethyn
22 episodes (1994-1996)
in... The Death of Fred (S2E4)

KEVIN
COSTELLO

Played by Jonathan Lynn
Play
(1982)

Played by Timothy Spall
22 episodes (1994-1996)
in... Sex (S1E4)

MAGGIE
COSTELLO

Played by Maureen Lipman
Play
(1982)

Played by Josie Lawrence
22 episodes (1994-1996)
in... The Club Meeting (S2E7)

DENNIS
BROADLEY

Played by Gary Waldhorn
Play
(1982)

Played by Dennis Lill
21 episodes (1994-1996)
in... Illness (S2E3)

BOB
WILLIS

Played by Michael Pennington
Play
(1982)

Played by Jeremy Nicholas
5 episodes (1994)
in... The Committee Meeting (S1E3)

Played by Michael Jayston
15 episodes (1995-1996)
in... Discretion (S2E2)

ALEX
HARRINGTON

Played by Chris Humphreys
Play
(1982)

Played by Ben Daniels
5 episodes (1994)
in... The Team Tea (S1E5)

Played by Chris Lang
14 episodes (1995-1996)
in... The Blessing (S3E7)

NIGEL

Played by Nigel Pegram
15 episodes (1994-1996)
in... Discretion (S2E2)

GINNIE
WILLIS

Played by Deborah Grant
Play
(1982)

Played by Tracy Brabin
9 episodes (1994-1996)
in... The Barbeque (S2E5)

SHIRLEY
BROADLEY

Played by Hilary Crane
9 episodes (1995-1996)
in... The Club Meeting (S3E7)

SONIA

Played by Rosemary Martin
7 episodes (1995-1996)
in... The Barbeque (S2E5)

CLIVE

Played by Duncan Knowles
6 episodes (1996)
in... The New Player (S3E2)

JOHN THE VICAR

Played by David Belcher
6 episodes (1996)
in... The New Pitch (S3E1)

FRED

Played by Roy Holder
4 episodes (1995)
in... Discretion (S2E2)

SOPHIE

Played by Amanda Waring
4 episodes (1996)
in... The First Match (S3E3)

SHARON

Played by Leslie Ash
Play
(1982)

Played by Katy Landis
2 episodes (1994-1995)
in... Illness (S2E3)