It is difficult to see why 'Spooner's Patch' was granted a second season. The ratings could not have been all that great, particularly as the first series got interrupted by the ITV strike of 1979. Nevertheless, someone at ATV must have have liked it because back it came with a few noticeable cast changes. Dermot Kelly had sadly passed on, and Norman Rossington crossed over to the BBC to make the infinitely funnier 'Big Jim And The Figaro Club'. The biggest change though came with the role of 'Inspector Clarence Spooner'. Ronald Fraser was fired ( his alcoholism was getting out of control ) and in his place came Donald Churchill, known primarily as a writer ( he'd co-written the script for the 1971 war movie 'Zeppelin', starring Michael York and Elke Sommer ). Also in 1980, he'd starred in David Nobbs' underrated 'The Sun Trap' about British expats living in Spain. While he did not splutter quite so repulsively as his predecessor, he turned in a performance that won him few fans. 'Det. Con Bolsover' ( Peter Cleall ) was still around, but his enthusiasm for 'Starsky & Hutch' seems to have vanished. John Lyons' P. C. Killick' also remained at his desk. A new addition to the cast was Patricia Hayes as traffic warden 'Mrs. Cantaford'. She'd appeared in the first series but as a different character. Cantaford is not at all that far removed from 'Min', her role in 'Till Death Us Do Part' ( both have a husband by the name of Bert ). She delivers several Alf Garnett-style monologues that are out of step with the slapstick tone of the show.
This episode has Spooner panicking because a man he helped put behind bars - 'Webster' - has been released and wants revenge, particularly as the Inspector has also been dating his wife ( Lynn Farleigh, who played 'Marcia' in the 'Steptoe & Son' classic 'And So To Bed' ), With his friends deserting him, Spooner must deal with Webster all on his own. It is, of course, a parody of the famous Western 'High Noon'. Robin Tripp found himself in a similar predicament in the 'Man About The House' episode 'Colour Me Yellow'.
Despite the cast changes, no real improvement occurred.
Funniest moment - Webster arriving at Woodley police station to find Spooner heavily disguised. Then Mrs Cantaford walks in and addresses Spooner by name.
This episode has Spooner panicking because a man he helped put behind bars - 'Webster' - has been released and wants revenge, particularly as the Inspector has also been dating his wife ( Lynn Farleigh, who played 'Marcia' in the 'Steptoe & Son' classic 'And So To Bed' ), With his friends deserting him, Spooner must deal with Webster all on his own. It is, of course, a parody of the famous Western 'High Noon'. Robin Tripp found himself in a similar predicament in the 'Man About The House' episode 'Colour Me Yellow'.
Despite the cast changes, no real improvement occurred.
Funniest moment - Webster arriving at Woodley police station to find Spooner heavily disguised. Then Mrs Cantaford walks in and addresses Spooner by name.