12. London's Burning (Jack Rosenthal's TV film)

An A to Z of UK Television Drama

No, not the soapy drama series that went on forever that neither Andy or Martin watched but the Jack Rosenthal-penned TV film which served as a sort of pilot and aired back in 1986. It's a tough watch given its race-based plot especially as this episode was recorded in the same week that George Floyd was murdered by police in the USA. However, there are some lighter moments including excerpts from Rosenthal's 'Sadie, It's Cold Outside', 'The Knowledge' and one of his Coronation Street episodes from 1961. There's even a bit of Nick Berry's Every Loser Wins and David Tennant atop Alexandra Palace thrown in for good measure. As well as examining the rampant racism and sexism of the time, and the greater public awareness of fire safety in the 80s, Andy and Martin consider what makes an ITV drama and whether this is one of Rosenthal's better works. All this and Oscar Botcherby and a curtain ring. Yes a curtain ring Martin, not any other sort of ring! Yep, Martin makes a glorious faux pas! If you want to go straight to the 'ring' moment skip to 1 hr 04 mins. You'll be pleased you did. Next Time: Miss Marple