User Reviews

Minder was on a roll by now with great episode after great episode, and this one is near my top 10. I like the way it starts with the main character, Willie Reynolds on a tv chat show, and the scene is lent authenticity by a guest appearance from Jackie Collins. It also contains two fine monologues about the darker side of boxing delivered by Terry McCann and Reynolds (Paul Barber, who gives a terrific performance), and it's scenes like these which sets Minder apart from other sitcoms; in fact Terry and Reynolds start out disliking each other, but gradually form a really close bond, and the final scene at the aftermath of the fight is genuinely heartwarming. Alfred Marks is excellent as a crooked promoter, but there are also some nice comedy touches, especially when Terry is attempting to chaperone Reynolds through the various parties and fleshpots of London. A really top episode that still looks fresh after four decades; the only thing that's dated about it are the seat belt laws!

One of many superb Minder episodes from series 2 however this one is top of the pile by far. Paul Barber Is a mouthy, arrogant , beer swilling , womanising Liverpudlian boxer clearly on the slide and involved with a very dodgy boxing bout clearly set up so the shifty promoter well played by Alfred Marks looking to make a killing at the bookies on the outcome rather than actually look after his boxer. All the promoter needs is a minder to look after his boxer cue Terry and Arthur. Some good lines in this one and some very good boxing scenes as well as a very good storyline which also delivers a very good morality message about honesty and integrity in sport. Dennis Waterman and Paul Barber bounce off each other very well indeed and this produces many fine scenes. Best episode of series 2 in my opinion and that's some title as the show had really got into the groove by this point.

Terry goes all Rocky when he minds boxer Willie Reynolds (Paul Barber.) An ex world champion who retired to spend time with his family abroad. He has had to return to the UK for a comeback as he needs the money.

Willie has the gift of the gab, he is obviously based on Muhammad Ali.

However Willie's manager Barney Mather (Alfred Marks) is making sure that Willie does not train enough and is kept distracted with glamorous ladies and media appearances.

Terry knows the fight business is dirty and suspects that Willie's manager might have bet against his own man. Willie is over the hill and his opponent is reputed to be very good.

Terry makes sure that Willie steps up his training and hopefully finds his punch on the night of the fight.

Author Jackie Collins makes a guest appearance in a chat show with Willie. Both Terry and Willie get to have training montages. Even Arthur realises that the boxing game has people who are more bent than him.

Some good knockabout fun between Paul Barber and Dennis Waterman. It has a really sinister appearance by Alfred Marks who was better known as a comedian.